Transcript Highlights:

• , in the system, and decide to pursue both the mental health and addiction licensing.
• And I don't know if what I'm getting to is that... ...fully licensed.
• I think it's a little... ...or more of supervisory hours for the license.
• That's allowing us to modernize and upgrade some spaces across campus.
• So how does the path to modernization look?

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system. Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education. Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• costs this is an software and Licensing costs this is an extremely<00:15:50.079> important<00
• 2028 and 2029 to implement the Justice Partner Access User Group's recommendations and develop a modern
• The ongoing funding would be used to maintain the hardware and software licensing and deliver training
• The ongoing funding would be used to maintain the hardware and software licensing and deliver training
• recommendations and develop a modern access<00:17:27.439> system<00:17:28.199> with<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee heard a presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on the Minnesota judicial branch’s 2026-27 budget request. He outlined the courts’ structure and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court cases annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. Shorba emphasized the courts’ constitutional role, the fact that court fines and fees are deposited into the general fund rather than retained by the branch, and recent legislative investments that helped reduce pandemic-era backlogs, improve technology, sustain treatment courts, and raise interpreter and examiner pay. The budget request focused on several areas: a 6% judicial salary increase to address recruitment and retention problems, including a 15% rise in turnover and a 27% drop in applicants since 2020; funding for health care and office lease cost increases; digital accessibility compliance work required by new federal ADA rules; a modernized justice partner access system for court records; higher pay for forensic psychological examiners, whose workload has risen sharply; increased juror compensation from $20 to $100 per day and mileage adjustments; and ongoing funding for interpreters, jury services, and cybersecurity. Shorba said the total request would be a 12% increase over the FY 2026-27 base budget. Members asked follow-up questions about funding for newly launched treatment courts and how those courts are financed after federal grants expire. Shorba said he would provide more detail later and noted the branch generally starts treatment courts with federal funding before seeking state support. Representative Ric also asked about labor negotiations, and Shorba explained that the judicial branch negotiates its own contracts rather than using the executive branch, with three unions involved and many unrepresented employees. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, there are some licenses that get rejected prior to them getting it, but once you issue that license
• License too much.
• What do we do for that doctor, that license?
• I think we sometimes puzzle over, Madam Chair, why a provider loses their license with the license and
• ...Representatives, if that new location is licensed and obtains a gaming license from us, they can operate

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kalaeloa has taught modern history of Hawaii and Hawaiian language for over 30 years, including

Bills: HB1800, HB2095, HB1158, HB1518, HB1752, SCR23, SCR24, SCR25, SCR26, SCR27, SCR28, SCR29, SCR30, SCR31, SCR32, SCR33, SCR34, SCR35, SCR36, SCR37, SCR38, SCR39, SCR40, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR56, SCR57, SCR58, SCR59, SCR60, SCR61, SCR62, SCR63, SCR64, SCR65, SCR66, SCR67, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, SCR74, SCR75, SCR76, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SCR80, SCR81, SCR82, SCR83, SCR84, SCR85, SCR86, SCR87, SCR88, SCR89, SCR90, SCR91, SCR92, SCR93, SCR94, SCR95, SCR96, SCR97, SCR98, SCR99, SCR100, SCR101, SCR102, SCR103, SCR104, SCR105, SCR106, SCR107, SCR108, SCR109, SCR110, SCR111, SCR112, SCR113, SCR114, SCR115, SCR116, SCR117, SCR118, SCR119, SCR120, SCR121, SCR122

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS BILL SEEKS TO MODERNIZE TELE-COMMUNICATIONS ACCESS SYSTEM OF 1991.
• ONE OF THE WAYS IS, FOLLOW THE 29 OTHER STATES THAT HAS TWO-WAY LICENSE PLATES.
• IF THEY DON'T, THEY ARE POTENTIALLY GOING TO GET THEIR LICENSE REVOKED BY DAX.
• IT'S LICENSE. WE THINK IT'S PRETTY HEAVY-HANDED. THEY WILL POTENTIALLY LOSE THEIR LICENSE.
• I THINK THE PERMITTING AND LICENSING SHOULD EXIST.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, these systems are being modernized.
• We only used our funds for the modernization.
• Those parts will be paid from part of a modernization request.
• It says continuous modernization efforts are ongoing.
• we're undertaking under continuous modernization.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 320 provides a necessary modernization of our scope of practice.
• While this legislation creates a framework to modernize and increase DSAM's authority, it leaves the
• Senate Bill 249 modernizes Delaware's approach on this effort.
• This bill designates DSAM as the licensing and regulatory authority for harm reduction programs.
• I am coming to you from a licensed clinical social work standpoint.

Bills: SB274, SB301, SB249

Keywords: healthcare, life-sustaining treatment, patient preferences, POLST, advance directive, medical orders, hospital discharge, pregnancy, patient care, discharge planning, healthcare policy, substance use, harm reduction, syringe services, needle exchange, overdose prevention, naloxone, opioid antagonist, drug paraphernalia, syringe

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks. The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released. Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that child then becomes a pathway to more fishing licenses and hunting licenses.
• more uh fishing licenses and hunting licenses.<00:15:14.079> And<00:15:14.800> what<00
• And what I come to find out licenses.
• if I remember correctly, those license if I remember correctly, those license are<00:16:19.600><
• modernize your is it for that project? modernize your is it for that project?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill brings important changes to hemp farming, research, licensing, and enforcement in Texas.
• It clears up licensing procedures and makes testing more consistent.
• It would also enforce more licensing and penalties.
• License holders are limited to one negligent violation.
• It's about security and modernization.

Bills: HB147

Keywords: government contracting, business program, discrimination, state procurement, equity, underutilized businesses

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard several bills, all of which were left pending. HB 1113, by Rep. Cain, would update Texas hemp law to keep state rules aligned with federal changes, require timely rule amendments by the Department of Agriculture, and create hemp research permits for universities and nonprofits. Supporters from the Texas Hemp Coalition said it would improve research, licensing, testing, and enforcement while helping the industry stay compliant and competitive; the author said the bill was intended to reward good actors and deter bad ones. HB 1203, by Rep. Gonzalez, would create an Office of Food System Security and Resiliency within the Department of Agriculture to address food insecurity and coordinate local food access efforts. Gonzalez said the office would build on a prior Department of Agriculture study and help connect farmers, agencies, schools, and local governments; members asked about the fiscal note, consumer costs, and whether the office would overlap with existing programs. HB 1269, HB 1276, and HB 1277 focused on plant disease and pest prevention, including a grant program and studies to identify gaps and track outbreaks. Gonzalez emphasized the need for a more intentional state response, citing crop losses from pests and a recent cotton disease outbreak in his district. HB 1437 would create a pollinator task force to address threats to Texas honeybees and related pollination industries. A Texas Beekeepers Association witness described major recent colony losses, emerging threats such as mites and hornets, and the need to bring agencies and researchers together; Gonzalez noted prior work adding a bee specialist at AgriLife Extension. Finally, HB 147, by Chairman Guillen, would modernize cattle brand registration by moving it to an electronic system at the Texas Animal Health Commission while keeping county clerks involved. Supporters said it would improve efficiency, accuracy, and access for ranchers and law enforcement, while an opponent warned about possible electronic tracking implications and costs for small producers. The committee took no final votes and adjourned after leaving HB 147 pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think what I separate, uh, license.
• So, but it would be the same license and not cost any more. It's just a bow license, probably.
• <00:30:42.640> uh motans uh I should say the license uh motans uh I should say the license
• > Minnesota<00:30:44.399> that licensed vehicles here in Minnesota that licensed vehicles
• <00:56:22.000> to<00:56:22.240> make license buyers the opportunity to make license

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• modernization modernization has<01:04:44.640> been<01:04:44.799> passed.
• . modernization. modernization.
• educated nor licensed in social work. educated nor licensed in social work.
• It costs money to get licensed.
• It costs money to get licensed.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• infrastructure of running a business, serving customers, protecting data, and participating in the modern
• only custom software developed for use by a particular user and software governed by a negotiable license
• businesses do not have custom-built software systems or teams of lawyers negotiating specialized license
• For years, the state has said it wants innovation, entrepreneurship, and modernized operations.
• While supporters describe this as a modernization of the tax code, the practical effect is clear.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or handgun licensing, right?
• I had some licensing employees doing just business licenses, some were doing employee licenses, and they
• We have a variety of licenses. I'm not sure how many - 70, 80 different licenses...
• What we found is we did a survey of our licensing personnel, and of all those licenses, they only knew
• License to process.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• voluntary portable benefit plans, and modifications to the process for Chapter 30 boards to issue licenses
• the House announced that the House amended and passed Senate Bill 553, providing for transfer of license
• The House amendment authorizes contractors to transfer licenses to qualified family members for one year
• before the family member must complete the license exam offered by the contractor licensing board.
• Senate Bill 686, Coal Tenancy Modernization and Miners' Protection Act. Message will be received.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first considered confirmations from Senate Executive Message No. 4. On a 33-0 vote, it confirmed all nominees except number 54, then separately confirmed nominee 54 on a 30-3 vote. The special order of business was then closed. The chamber then took up a series of House-amended bills and generally concurred in the amendments before passing each bill. These included SB 723 on law enforcement cooperation with bordering states; SB 947 on birth certificate copies for homeless minors; SB 392 on personal income tax reduction; SB 54 on criminal penalties for abuse or neglect of incapacitated adults; SB 228 on technology in child abuse and neglect investigations, including a three-county caseworker aid pilot; SB 231 on value-based payment requirements; SB 402, the Workforce Readiness Opportunity Act, with House removal of tax credits and other provisions while retaining micro-credential programs; SB 553 on transfer of contractor licenses to qualifying immediate family members; SB 575 on refusal review hearings; SB 686, the Coal Tenancy Modernization and Miners' Protection Act; SB 906 on lawful prescription of crystalline polymorph psilocybin under FDA recommendations; and SB 1226 on penalties for disturbing religious worship. Most final passage votes were unanimous or near-unanimous, and several bills were made effective from passage or given a specific effective date. Later, the Senate concurred in House amendments to SB 63, the Creating Sustaining Opportunities for Academics and Rural Schools Act, after discussion noting the House removed county charter school language and changed the effective date. The bill passed 32-2 and was made effective from passage. The Senate also concurred in amendments to SB 502, the Women's Collegiate Sports Protection Act, and SB 153, creating the Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund; SB 502 was set to take effect July 1, 2026, and SB 153 was also made effective July 1, 2026. Finally, the Senate reconsidered and again passed SB 392 by a 32-2 vote. The session ended with several introductions, announcements, and a recess until 5:30.

Transcript Highlights:

• a $701,000 project using plant funds for the replacement of external doors with more standardized modern
• This increases an existing MOF to modernize this procedure room to accommodate advanced procedures.
• This will support business process improvement through their future technology modernization plans.
• They are qualified residential treatment, licensed placement agencies, and therapeutic foster care.
• Contract 128 is with The Answer, a foster care private licensed placement agency.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, Senator Mary Kunesh wants to modernize the funding formula, but she can't do it without your help
• You have a bipartisan bill, Senate File 3593, which would amend the state's constitution to modernize
• And so, they were able to create a fund that would generate dollars from mining and timber licenses,
• <00:20:25.480> school state's constitution to modernize school state's constitution to modernize
• ,<00:21:29.120> you from mining and timber license, you from mining and timber license, you

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The government didn't build either of those, but we license them.
• The government didn't build either of those, but we license them.
• The government didn't build either of those, but we license them.
• The government didn't build either of those, but we license them.
• that come from dog licensing that come from dog licensing registration<01:52:08.760> fees

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It keeps TDCJ in place while addressing staffing and modernization issues.
• I am a very strong supporter of polygraph licensing and accreditation.
• Failure to do so can cause you to lose your license, so.
• The three of us can lose our licenses if that occurs.
• Yeah, the D.A. for Williamson County at that time lost his license.

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, and I stand for questions. the bill modernizes outdated vehicle tax the bill modernizes outdated
• <00:26:42.640> requirements the new tax and licensing requirements the new tax and licensing
• So these would be installed by licensed electricians generally and inspected by inspectors.
• /c><01:09:42.319> and licensed electricians generally and licensed electricians generally and
• c> systems,<01:21:57.200> monitor In modern power control systems, monitor In modern power

Bills: SF0095, SF0107, SF0112

Keywords: driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, motor vehicle, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers, vehicle fees, public records, license plates, replacement cycle, vehicle registration, motor vehicles, state fees, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• generation armor radios that lack modern generation armor radios that lack modern features<00:51
• communities have access to Modern communities have access to Modern communication communication
• Is it anyone who's ever been licensed in the state of Minnesota, ever been licensed anywhere? Mr.
• Minnesota ever been licensed Minnesota ever been licensed anywhere<01:26:03.080> Mr of<01
• 62697 peace officer means was licensed 62697 peace officer means was licensed under<01:26:29.960

Keywords: 1183, house