Video & Transcript : 'cistern program' :
Page 493 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The goal of these programs is to identify defendants who have mental illness and ensure they receive
- The program is intended for nonviolent offenders.
- The bill also expands the types of programs the criminal justice, mental health, and substance abuse
- reinvestment grant program may be used for.
- This pilot program helps to restore competency and provide more comprehensive treatment.
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee met and took up several criminal justice, public safety, and boating measures. It first heard SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which would create mental health diversion options for eligible misdemeanor and felony defendants, expand mental health and substance abuse grant uses, require evaluations and treatment recommendations in certain cases, add Hillsborough County to a forensic diversion pilot list, and create a behavioral health data repository. After adopting a technical amendment, the bill received strong support from NAMI Florida, family advocates, sheriffs, and the Murphy family, and was reported favorably on a unanimous vote.
The committee also approved SB 86, expanding peer support programs for certain law enforcement support personnel, and SB 472, allowing inmates who complete approved education in correctional facilities to receive credit toward professional licensure requirements. Both bills were amended and then reported favorably without opposition. SB 276, which increases penalties for unlawfully sheltering or aiding an unmarried minor and creates a defense for actions taken to protect a minor from danger, drew questions about runaway youth, LGBTQ youth, and the scope of the defense; the sponsor said he was open to further amendment, and the bill passed favorably.
Members then approved SB 402, updating the unlawful use of uniforms, medals, or insignia statute to reference the armed forces by definition rather than by branch. SB 490, as amended, would let law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers carry concealed off duty and exempt law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and active military service members from the three-day waiting period for rifle and shotgun purchases; it passed 8-1 after debate over the waiting period and equal treatment concerns. Finally, the committee passed SB 628, Lucy’s Law, to strengthen boating safety and penalties, after adopting an amendment that removed proposed changes to warrantless blood draws and boating education requirements; the bill was supported by the family of Lucy Fernandez and passed unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (2-25-25) - Upon Adjournment of both Chambers
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, under our fund-a program, the City of Scottsville fund-a loan is in the amount of $6,387,000.
- </c> meeting next under our fund a program meeting next under our fund a program the<00:15:49.120><c>
- Next, under our Fund A program, the City of Springfield's Fund A loan is in the amount of $4,522,000.
- Moving to our Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program Fund F, the City of Springfield's Fund F loan
- </c> emergency component of that new program emergency component of that new program it's<00:18:56.840
Keywords:
00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:30 Approval of Minutes
00:59 Information Items
03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet
12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority
21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt
23:27 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions.
The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line.
Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%.
Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Move the two program as described.
- </c> Maryland Medical Assistance Program Maryland Medical Assistance Program coverage<00:20:54.560><c
- </c> uh Higher Education Academic Program uh Higher Education Academic Program Approval<02:50:38.240>
- on extending the academic program approval objection process to new undergraduate programs proposed
- </c> unnecessary programs duplication. unnecessary programs duplication.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> flexibility in federal highway programs. flexibility in federal highway programs.
- </c> bill to prohibit VA's fiduciary program bill to prohibit VA's fiduciary program from<02:23:48.560
- They canceled the program. They cheerleaded for the secretary to cancel the program.
- They canled the program. after VASP. They canled the program.
- </c><04:37:41.680><c> to</c> to buy a home and also the program to to buy a home and also the program
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- .<00:55:07.119><c> CASA</c><00:55:07.599><c> programs</c><00:55:07.920><c> cultivate</c> programs.
- CASA programs cultivate programs.
- But let's be and history programs.
- </c> programs to address these very issues. programs to address these very issues.
- </c> programs if market conditions change. programs if market conditions change.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We know what the cost-ineffective programs are. A lot of this work has already been done.
- AB 2146 creates no new program and appropriates no new funds.
- , No Place Like Home, Homekey, and the tax credit programs.
- We see that there's about a $10 million cost just to set up the database and the program.
- But because the state also purchases food for nutrition programs, for prisoners, and for schools, that
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 13, 2026, and began by taking up a large consent calendar, moving a first group of bills to the floor consent calendar and a second group by due pass. The committee then heard and advanced a series of measures covering housing, public safety, health care, education, and local government issues. Among the bills discussed were AB 2641 on a sales tax exemption for pawnbroker redemptions, AB 2525 on a narrow Surplus Lands Act exemption for Mission Bay Park, AB 1732 and AB 2433 on student housing and the Affordable Homes Bonus Law, AB 2055 on boating safety and enforcement, AB 1579 on children’s crisis residential services, AB 2139 on a Surplus Lands Act amendment for an Inland Empire soccer project, AB 2041 on EMS reporting, AB 1973 on reproductive health scope for advanced practice clinicians, AB 1929 on health plan investment disclosures, AB 2700 on utility rates and wildfire victim compensation, AB 1809 on school job order contracting, SB 73 on election security, AB 2418 on commercial building permit timelines, AB 1970 on step therapy limits for serious mental illness and substance use treatment, AB 2361 on peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing liability, AB 1976 on bike and pedestrian project approvals, AB 2110 on tax increment financing for workforce housing, and AB 2146 on supportive housing documentation and vacancy rules.
Testimony was generally supportive for the measures heard. Authors and sponsors emphasized consumer fairness, housing production, public safety, access to care, and administrative streamlining. Supporters included local governments, housing advocates, school districts, law enforcement groups, health care organizations, and affected individuals. AB 2700 drew especially extensive public testimony from wildfire survivors and local officials who urged stronger compensation for victims of PG&E-caused fires and relief from high utility costs. AB 2034 and AB 1790 were raised during public comment on bills not heard in committee, with several industry groups opposing AB 2034 and both supporters and opponents speaking on AB 1790’s Waters Edge issue.
Most bills were reported out of committee on due pass motions, with several noted as amended or with members not voting on particular roll calls. The committee also read and approved a lengthy suspense calendar, then opened public comment on bills not presented that day before adjourning.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, as the Senator mentioned, under the Modessa program, in addition to Ballpark Village and
- But for this program, they will not be redeveloped.
- A couple of the major programs that had added to the fiscal note of the bill will now be reduced.
- But for this program, they will not be redeveloped.
- And we believe the enhancements that this program will offer will be a benefit for not only St.
Committee:
House Rules - Legislative
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- These are also offset by a decrease in the minimum foundation program as a result of the February 1 student
- Okay, so about double the program that we're presently running.
- It's 143, but those original contracts had additional items in for, like, the startup of the program,
- I'd like to get an RFP going, because if we're going to continue the program in some form or fashion,
- And so come July, we would not have an administrator for the program.
Summary:
The committee first adopted the fiscal status statement and five-year baseline summary after a brief discussion about how the baseline percentages are calculated and why projected expenditures exceed revenues in later years, with staff explaining that inflation assumptions drive much of the increase. The Office of Facility Planning and Control then received approval for several items: adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects, approving a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, reporting four smaller change orders for information, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into one expanded water plant/well and distribution plan. The committee also approved a two-year extension for UL Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting contract and approved additional Water Sector Commission funding of $5.5 million for the Tensas Water District Association, with a $100,000 local commitment noted.
The most extensive discussion centered on a proposed tax increment financing package for a new 1,000-room Omni headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Project representatives said the hotel would require about $550 million in private investment, with the authority contributing land and $80 million, and that the package would dedicate state and local tax increments for 45 years after opening. Senators and representatives questioned the structure, the length of the incentive, the expected return to the state, possible cannibalization of existing hotel tax revenue, and why the convention center would receive a 1% stream for so long. Several members said they wanted more information on projected annual revenues and the overall return before voting, and the committee deferred the item to the next month.
Later, Louisiana Economic Development requested one-year extensions for two marketing-related contracts with Zender Communications and Graham Group, and the Department of Education sought an amendment to the Odyssey contract for the Louisiana Gator program. The education discussion focused on the per-student cost of $143.50, the use of current enrollment and appropriation levels to set the contract ceiling, the fact that startup costs were no longer included, and the need for continuity before the current contract expires June 30. Members asked for an RFP to be considered for future years and for more information on student outcomes and actual spending. The committee took no vote on the education item during the discussion, and the meeting adjourned after the final exchanges.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
9-1-1 Management Authority Apr 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In that case, I’ll entertain a motion to approve the training program. I have a motion from Aaron.
- Please visit our website under the Programs tab, OK.gov/4-9-1.
- So it's a really great program.
- So it's a really a great program.
- So it's a really a great program.
Summary:
The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the February 5 regular meeting and the March 9 special meeting, along with the January 2026 financial report. The authority also recognized the Emergency Telecommunicator of the Quarter, Claire Gutierrez of the Pott County Sheriff’s Office, for her work during a fast-moving wildfire incident, and the Emergency Technologist of the Quarter, Jason White of the City of Shawnee, for his support of the 911 center’s technology needs.
Members approved the City of Norman’s in-person 40-hour telecommunicator training program as a vetted training option. They also approved Washington County 911’s request to submit an amended hardship application for a radio console grant match waiver, rather than granting the waiver outright. In addition, the authority approved the annual land area and population percentages used to determine 911 telephone fee distributions for fiscal year 2027, and approved a new PSAP call-taking boundary change form for future boundary adjustments.
The authority approved three grant requests: Creek County for APCO/Telecom training, the City of El Reno for ADA and facility improvements to its dispatch center, and the City of Moore for ADA furniture and a larger dispatch setup. Committee and staff reports covered audit completion, boundary verification and population model work, recruitment website updates, upcoming 911 Day at the Capitol, NG9-1-1 and GIS progress, cybersecurity training planning, 988 integration efforts, and ongoing concerns about TCPR policy and liability. The legislative report noted House Bill 2710 passed the House after amendments removing 911-related language and was sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The meeting ended with public comments, a brief new business item wishing member Brent Hawkinson well after surgery, and adjournment.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Rural Issues Apr 1st, 2026
Special Committee on Rural Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- What that will do is expand the pilot program that DESE ran.
- We think this is a great program. Happy to answer questions.
- We think this is a great program. Happy to answer questions.
- It's hard to follow up with that, but we like this program.
- We like this program. We'd like to shape the minds of the next generation of farmers.
Committee:
House Special Committee on Rural Issues
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Half of that dollar stays in Arizona for Arizona-specific programs. of Arizona and the statutes related
- Half of that dollar stays in Arizona for Arizona-specific programs. Every bovine in Arizona.
- Half of that dollar stays in Arizona for Arizona-specific programs.
- We do work closely with the national programs, and the most notable program is the Beef.
- Beef safety information for consumers available, extending our national programs here in Arizona.
Summary:
The Committee on Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs heard four measures and advanced each on a do pass recommendation. SB 1199 was amended to require the Arizona Department of Agriculture to post the Salt River horse herd agreement on its website. Supporters said the change would improve public transparency and access to the agreement governing the Salt River wild horse herd; the department said it was neutral and noted the agreement is already on the state procurement website. The bill passed 6-3 after members debated whether the requirement should be in statute or handled administratively.
SB 1761 appropriates General Fund money to the University of Arizona for the Yuma Center for Excellence for Desert Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and the Arizona Experiment Station over multiple fiscal years. Senator Tim Dunn and supporters from the Arizona Farm Bureau said the funding would strengthen agricultural research, extension services, rural counties, and water and crop-related innovation. Several members said the bill was important to Arizona agriculture even though the amounts would still be subject to budget negotiations; it passed 6-1 with one present vote.
SB 1198, as amended, continued the Arizona Beef Council and the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board for eight years. Testimony from the Beef Council and veterinary board emphasized that both entities are industry-funded or self-funded and provide ongoing services without taxpayer dollars. Some members objected to combining the two continuations and to the eight-year term, but the bill passed 4-3 with one present vote.
SB 1683 expanded restrictions on land ownership and related transactions involving foreign adversary nations and agents, especially near critical infrastructure and military installations. Supporters, including representatives tied to Luke Air Force Base and the bill sponsor, argued it would address national security risks and protect training and mission security. Opponents said the bill broadened the scope of prior law too far without enough justification. It passed 5-3 and the meeting adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires UH to establish an NIL program, as well as criteria and a formula for the distribution of
- <00:14:34.200><c> establish</c><00:14:34.839><c> an</c><00:14:35.000><c> NIL</c><00:14:35.360><c> program
- ,</c> Requires UH to establish an NIL program, Requires UH to establish an NIL program, as<00:14:36.640
- example of this being successful in terms of NIL being applied to a team with our men's basketball program
- Uh, I'm just upset how the NCAA, when released this program, they should have set standards for linemen
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee heard SB 3263 SD2, which would create a University of Hawaii NIL (name, image, and likeness) endowment trust fund, require UH to establish an NIL program and distribution criteria, allow student athletes to be compensated through registered athlete agents, permit parents or guardians to assist in some areas by agreement, require annual reporting to the legislature, and appropriate funds. UH Athletics Director Matt Helliot testified in strong support, saying NIL funding is critical to recruit and retain athletes and keep UH competitive, especially as the program moves into the Mountain West Conference. He cited the men’s basketball team’s success and said UH had already raised private NIL money for that team.
The Iron Workers Stabilization Fund also supported the bill, calling it a modest but important investment in UH athletics and a way to help keep local talent in Hawaii. One supporter said the bill would help UH compete with larger schools and retain athletes amid rising costs and large NIL deals elsewhere. Another supporter, Cliff LaBoy, said the current NIL environment makes funding essential and argued UH needs more money than the bill’s structure provides. A testifier noted the Senate version’s corpus may be insufficient and said they preferred the House version.
During questioning, Helliot said UH’s private fundraising target for the current year was $3 million and that the department was already more than two-thirds of the way there. In decision-making, the chair said the committee would move the bill forward as an HD1 replacing the contents with the House version, remove the blank appropriation section because $5 million had already been inserted into the UH budget through HB 1800, and focus the bill on the framework rather than the funding amount. The committee then voted to pass SB 3263 SD2 with amendments, with all voting members present voting in favor and one member excused.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Assisted living dementia programs.
- HB 21, program language acquisition, grain. HB 2239, child kill great, crampton fund.
- HB 2960, Veterans Court Fund program. HB 2968, family court administrative evidence.
- H. 3.2960 Veterans Court Fund program. H. 3.2968, family court administrative evidence.
- I am so, so disappointed to see SB 1275 get completely changed to this diversion program, not because
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation declaring March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month. Guests recognized included ACLU of Arizona volunteers for Lobby Day, a student intern, a doctor of the day specializing in dementia care, and members of the Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Architects for Architecture Advocacy Day. The chamber also received several appointments to committees and a series of House messages and bills for introduction and first reading.
The main floor action was third reading votes on multiple measures. The Senate passed SB 1011, SB 1017, SB 1170, SB 1173, SB 1234, SB 1275, SB 1332, SB 1544, SB 1557, SB 1585 on reconsideration, SCR 1022, SB 1273, and SB 1274, with most votes falling along a 17-9 or 16-10 split. Several senators explained their no votes, raising concerns about mandatory minimum drug penalties, juvenile court changes, diversion policy, and the light rail feasibility study; supporters argued for public safety, judicial discretion, or the need for updated studies and voter review. On SCR 1022, which would refer a constitutional amendment on legislative member districts, supporters argued Arizona’s House is too small for its population and should be expanded, while opponents said the idea needed more study before going to voters.
The Senate also heard committee announcements for the next day, including meetings for Health and Human Services, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, Education, Judiciary and Elections, and Public Safety. The body then adjourned until Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Finance Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 03:25 pm
Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- for an approved industrial development site as defined for the West Virginia Business Ready Sites Program
- My employer has current grants under the Industrial Access Road program and could apply for more under
- This bill creates the Airport Hangar Grant Program and the Airport Hangar Development Fund, which is
- This bill creates the Airport Hanger Grant Program and the Airport Hanger Development Fund, which is
- The bill authorizes the division to set up a pilot program, subject to the availability of funds, and
Committee:
Senate Finance
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We went out to bid three times. ...program, which we had not had prior to that.
- So rather than being now our block grant being based on an entire school transportation program, we are
- As you heard earlier, Answer launched this full first transportation program in 2022-2023 to improve
- Today, we are simply asking to be treated the same as other schools operating transportation programs
- Please let me As other schools operating transportation programs.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee first disposed of Senate Bill 1291 with a due-pass recommendation to the floor. It then took up House Bill 816, which would adjust Idaho’s career ladder rules for career technical education and pupil service staff so prior relevant experience can count toward movement on the ladder, rather than leaving many employees stuck for years at the same level. The bill’s sponsors and LSO staff explained that the career ladder is an apportionment model, not a salary schedule, and that the change is intended to help recruit and retain educators who come from industry or clinical settings. Testimony in support came from a school psychologist, a school nurse, school administrators, and a CTE representative, all emphasizing shortages, recruitment problems, and the cost of contracting for these services. Despite support, a motion was made and approved to hold HB 816 in committee.
The committee then considered House Bill 815, a narrow fix for Answer Charter School’s transportation block grant funding. Sponsor Sonia Galavis and Answer representatives explained that the school began full busing only in 2022-23, but its transportation funding was still being calculated from a small 2010 pilot program, leaving it far below comparable schools despite running multiple buses and transporting students daily. Testifiers, including a parent and the school’s executive director, said the current formula creates an unfair funding gap and limits access for families. The committee heard that the bill would correct an unintended anomaly without affecting newer charter schools, and it voted to send HB 815 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.
The committee also adopted an RS for House Bill 816, with a technical correction to the language, and sent it to the second reading calendar. Representatives Diger and Galavis were named to carry that measure on the floor. The meeting then adjourned after completing its work for the day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Mar 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And as recollection serves, that's a voluntary program. Yes, it is. Employees don't have to do it.
- and whether there are similar programs available.
- Also, if they’re continuing in them, we try to delay their transfer if they can complete that program
- Absent state funding, counties are unable to deliver the necessary programs, services, and treatment,
- offering rehabilitative programming through the right grant.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- These are programs that you set up and you fund. So, my office is a very valuable resource for you.
- We provide analysis<00:22:28.960><c> of</c><00:22:29.120><c> how</c><00:22:29.360><c> programs</c><00
- of how programs are performing, whether<00:22:30.720><c> they're</c><00:22:30.960><c> performing</c>
- </c><00:22:32.559><c> These</c><00:22:32.720><c> are</c><00:22:32.880><c> programs</c><00:22:33.120><
- These are programs that you you intend.
Committee:
House Finance
Keywords:
appropriations, legislative expenses, auditor, legislative reference bureau, state ethics commission, ombudsman, government transparency, HB2272, Act 026, public employment cost items, emergency appropriations, collective bargaining, bargaining unit 11, BU-11, state employees, excluded employees, salary increases, cost adjustments, health premium payments, benefits
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a contract for the used tire program for District 4 of Arkansas.
- This is an amended federal grant for the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
- It is for payment for children in foster care and in a community reintegration program.
- waiver program.
- waiver program.
Committee:
All ALC-REVIEW
Summary:
The subcommittee first considered a used tire program contract for Arkansas District 4, an $88,000 one-year contract with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could leave the district unable to pay. Questions also focused on solicitation language that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. On motion, the committee held the contract until next month and encouraged the tire board to appear.
Members then reviewed and, without objection, moved forward a series of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included multiple university and college projects such as renovations, roof replacements, a new UCA multipurpose arena, and a revised financing package for UA Fayetteville’s Maple Hill residence hall. The committee also reviewed DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition outreach, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, maternal health, and rural hospital quality improvement.
The committee next handled contract items, including a UAMS ratification for FMLA Source after an amendment was not submitted for review and payments continued past expiration; UAMS said it had retrained staff and would review for other missed contracts. Members also reviewed numerous construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts across state agencies and universities. Questions were raised about an out-of-state aeronautics study, a U of A Fayetteville parking guidance system, and a Veterans Affairs nursing contract. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after informational reports on contract amendments and minor contracts.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We get a program going. It lasts four or five years. It's time to just say no.
- Before I talk about programs and funding, I briefly want to talk to you about why this matters to me
- We support early learning and after-school programs.
- If funding collapses, the program collapses.
- If we do that, we could not offer the programs we currently do.
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee began by approving a change to the agenda and then approved the minutes from a prior meeting. It then took up House Joint Memorial 11, which urges Idaho’s congressional delegation to fully fund the federal IDEA commitment for special education. Senator Burtenshaw argued that Congress promised up to 40% of national average per-pupil spending but has never met that threshold, leaving Idaho districts to cover large shortfalls through local funds and levies. A representative from Fruitland School District testified in support, describing a nearly $790,000 local gap and saying the memorial would send a unified message to federal lawmakers. Senator Zito opposed the memorial, saying the federal government has failed to meet its commitment for decades and that Idaho should stop relying on federal promises, though he emphasized his support for special-needs students. The committee voted to send H.J.M. 11 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senator Zito requesting to be recorded as voting no.
The committee next considered RS 33-392, a proposal to create regional service centers so school districts and charter schools can share specialized services that are difficult or costly to provide independently, especially in rural areas. Burtenshaw said the measure would help districts share staff such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, and business managers, with no new ongoing funding required beyond a one-time $1 million startup amount already reflected in the governor’s budget. The committee voted to send the proposal forward for a full hearing.
The remainder of the meeting was devoted to informational presentations. Jason Sevy, president of the Idaho School Board Association and chair of the Marsing School Board, described Marsing’s community schools model, which partners with nonprofits and service providers to address food insecurity, health needs, mental health, and attendance barriers. He said the model improved student engagement and attendance and asked policymakers to remove funding barriers so districts can use resources more flexibly. The committee then heard from Meridian Technical Charter High School leaders and students, who described the school’s career-and-technical education model, internships, high graduation rates, industry credentials, and student leadership opportunities. Students said the school helped them find career direction and build confidence, and the school leader discussed possible expansion through hybrid models and the need for continued advocacy for school programs.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We get a program going. It lasts four or five years. It's time to just say no.
- Before I talk about programs and funding, I briefly want to talk to you about why this matters to me
- We support early learning and after-school programs.
- If funding collapses, the program collapses.
- If we do that, we could not offer the programs we currently do.
Committee:
Senate Education