Transcript Highlights:

• How is the outreach to them?
• My dad was an educator. Went to UNM. After I graduated. I didn't want to go back to the oil field.
• So when you talk about public education Talk about Lasunas.
• The education and technology notes are for fiscal year 24, 25, and 26.
• , higher ed, K-12, and Early childhood education.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Using this information, we conducted outreach to these likely eligible clients via text message to let
• data from entities that are not as explicitly running federal or state safety net programs, such as education
• still, you know, we know There's some opportunity for us in terms of looking at how we could better outreach
• ecosystem that securely and appropriately develops and uses innovative IT and data solutions for outreach
• Communication pathways, strategies, outreach methods that may be completely new technology tools that

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Director of Content and Curriculum at the Department of Education.
• Passing on such a heritage is the imperative of civics education.
• and outreach with Idaho’s workforce development strategies.
• and outreach with Idaho’s workforce development strategies.
• , they had a STEM education fund and established a foundation.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee first approved the March 4, 2026 minutes without objection. It then heard House Bill 712, which would create a civics seal or endorsement on high school diplomas for students who meet specified academic and civics requirements, including coursework in U.S. history and government, a civics test score, and a civics project or related activities. The sponsors described it as a voluntary recognition to encourage civic knowledge and engagement, and testimony from the Idaho Family Policy Center and Dr. Samuel Lair supported the bill as a way to promote citizenship and public service. Committee members asked about how the coursework requirement is defined and whether the seal could be earned alongside other diploma endorsements; the Department of Education clarified that the required coursework is two credits each in U.S. history and American government. The committee voted to send HB 712 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 761, which would consolidate the Idaho STEM Action Center into the Workforce Development Council. Senator Lent and Workforce Development Council/STEM Action Center Director Wendy Seacrest explained that the merger is intended to streamline operations, reduce administrative overlap, and better connect STEM education with workforce development. Seacrest said the combined structure would continue most STEM programs, including teacher professional development, community partnerships, and career awareness efforts, while tying them more closely to careers and workforce needs. She also said the consolidation would save more than $300,000 annually and eliminate two staff positions, and that private donations and foundation support would still be available, including direct support to local districts or organizations and a 50% match requirement for new programs. With no public testimony against the bill, the committee voted to send HB 761 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• which requests the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to collaborate with relevant agencies for outreach
• And so having this collaboration with other agencies that would promote more initiatives and outreach
• to educate and prepare our kupuna would be definitely important for future preparation.

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Human Services and Homelessness met on April 16 in Conference Room 430 and considered a single measure, SCR 22, which asks the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to work with relevant agencies on outreach programs to help kupuna prepare for emergencies. The committee noted it had previously heard a similar HCR on the same topic. AARP Hawaii testified in strong support, saying older adults are often disproportionately affected in major disasters and that coordinated outreach and education for kupuna is important. Written testimony in support was also received from the Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, B. Redi Manoa, the Kanioha Kaaulu Community Emergency Response Team, and one individual. There was no opposition or questions from members. The chair recommended passage of the resolution as is, and the committee voted to adopt it, with members present voting aye and several members excused. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• protection of the public occurs through the licensure of qualified nurses, setting standards for nursing education
• programs, setting standards for maintaining competence, Setting standards for nursing education programs
• I also notice it says you don't really do any kind of training program or outreach.
• Arkansas Center for Nursing, which is our workforce center, we do give them a grant to do some of that outreach
• we can do with that $20,000 to make sure we’re in compliance and be productive, whether it’s for educational

Committee: All ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Occupational Licensing Review Subcommittee met to review two occupational licensing reports: the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers. For nursing, board officials described the board’s history, scope, and licensure categories, saying it regulates about 72,000 nurses across RN, LPN, advanced practice, medication assistant, and dialysis technician-related roles. Members asked about workforce shortages, complaint volume, and the board’s finances. The board said Arkansas has enough licensed nurses overall but faces vacancy and distribution issues, receives about 2,200 complaints annually, and most serious complaints involve criminal backgrounds, fraud or misrepresentation, misappropriation, drug abuse, and criminal investigations. Officials also said they are looking at ways to improve efficiency in case handling, including better documentation and added help positions, and noted outreach efforts through nursing associations and the Arkansas Center for Nursing. For professional soil classifiers, Agriculture Department officials explained that the occupation was created in 1975 and now is administered by the Natural Resources Commission after the former board was abolished in 2023. They said the profession is small and specialized, with about 29 registered soil classifiers in Arkansas, and requires a four-year degree plus coursework in biological, earth, and soil sciences. Members asked whether the current number is sufficient, what the work involves, and how the licensing fund is used. Officials said the current number appears adequate, though demand could change with more nutrient management or related work, and that soil classifiers commonly assist with septic system design, perk testing, wetland determinations, and other soil-related projects. They also noted the program has a small reserve and may look at training, curriculum, testing, and administrative budget adjustments. Both reports were reviewed without objection, and no votes were taken. The next meeting was announced for February 19 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Food programs are spread across at least five departments: social services, public health, education,
• I'm the Chief Operations and Education Officer at the Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles and a
• And I think it just really speaks to that there's a role for all of us, and if we can be educated and
• Advertising, marketing, and outreach funds.
• SB 1358 will strengthen California's outreach to underserved communities by an...

Committee: Senate Governmental Organization

Summary: The Senate Government Organization Committee met without a quorum at first, then later established one and took up a series of bills, many focused on regulatory oversight, state symbols, food insecurity, immigration enforcement, and ethnic media funding. SB 885 by Senator Strickland proposed requiring legislative approval for major regulations with an estimated economic impact over $50 million; supporters argued it would restore accountability and help address affordability, while labor and environmental opponents warned it would delay important health and safety rules. After discussion of committee amendments and concerns about timing, the bill was moved out on a due-pass motion, with the roll held open for absent members. The committee also heard SB 986, a similar regulatory oversight bill by Senator Saryato, which accepted committee amendments and advanced after supporters emphasized separation of powers and opponents raised delay concerns. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado created an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate food programs across departments; members generally supported the goal but urged stronger reporting and oversight guardrails, and the bill was moved forward with the roll held open. The committee then heard several symbolic designation bills. SB 1214 by Senator Ochoa Bogh would designate the Western monarch as California’s state butterfly; supporters highlighted the species’ ecological importance and conservation value, and the bill advanced as amended. SB 1178 by Senator Reyes would designate the California yellow jacket as the state wasp; testimony emphasized its role in pest control and agriculture, and it also moved forward as amended. SB 1286 by Senator Richardson would designate the California sea lion as the official state pinniped; the author and Marine Mammal Care Center described sea lions as a conservation success story and a sentinel species, and the bill passed out of committee as amended. The committee also considered SB 1171 by Senator Caballero, which would make private entities that contract with ICE ineligible for state-funded loans or grants. Supporters framed it as a response to harmful ICE enforcement practices, while opponents warned it could sweep in providers of essential services such as food, medical care, and legal research for detainees and could invite retaliation against California funding. The bill was approved on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open. Finally, SB 1358 by Senator Rubio, the Ethnic and Community Media Equity Act, would create a database and contracting framework to direct more state advertising and outreach funds to ethnic and community media; supporters said it would improve reach, trust, and effectiveness in underserved communities, and the bill advanced on a strong vote with the roll held open. The committee also took up the consent calendar after quorum was established, and several items were held open for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:55.559><c> higher</c><00:24:55.919><c> education</c><00:24:56.440><c> the</c> safety education
• higher education the safety education higher education the inter<00:24:56.760><c> agency</c><00:24:57.159
• </c> distribution including Street Outreach distribution including Street Outreach helping<00:33:31.240
• We think about outreach programs.
• </c><00:48:35.960><c> and</c> mean that to me is clearly education and mean that to me is clearly education

Bills: HF696 , HF1429 , HF1379

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF696, rural EMS, ambulance, emergency medical services, uncompensated care, payment pool, rural health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, public safety answering point, PSAP, nontransport, unpaid ambulance calls, EMS reimbursement, rural ambulance provider, general fund appropriation, Minnesota health finance, specialized life support, metropolitan counties, emergency response funding, HF1429

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the education and outreach lead.
• Lark Park, I'm the director of the California Education Learning Lab.
• As a final note, the state created a new education workforce entity last year, the California Education
• California Department of Education Uniform Complaint process.
• , administrators, and educators.

Summary: The hearing began with a vote-only agenda and then focused first on San Mateo County’s request to restore in-lieu vehicle license fee (VLF) funding. County officials, city leaders, labor representatives, nonprofits, and public safety advocates argued that the loss of roughly $157 million would force major cuts to homelessness services, housing assistance, mental health programs, libraries, parks, fire and police staffing, and other local services. They described the current formula as outdated and unfair, tied to school funding and basic-aid dynamics that no longer work for San Mateo County, and urged both an immediate budget restoration and a permanent legislative fix. The Department of Finance said the payments are discretionary, not statutorily required, and noted the administration does not view the expenditure as sustainable in the current fiscal climate. Committee members expressed sympathy, questioned the formula, and said they would keep the issue under consideration; the committee later voted to move the two vote-only items on the agenda. The committee then received an update from the Department of General Services on state property redevelopment, including the Hillcrest DMV site in San Diego, the Fell Street DMV site in San Francisco, and other state-owned properties. DGS explained that Hillcrest is not currently an active project, while the Fell Street project shifted from an integrated DMV-housing plan to a more feasible relocation of the DMV into leased commercial space, with a budget change proposal pending. Members pressed DGS on the slow pace of redevelopment, the potential for housing on state sites, and the costs and feasibility of adaptive reuse. DGS said many state buildings are aging and that adaptive reuse depends heavily on building design, floorplate depth, light, and risk from unknown conditions behind walls. The Government Operations portion then turned to the California Education Learning Lab, which supports intersegmental higher education innovation grants. The Lab asked for permanent restoration of $4 million in ongoing funding and a move of its home agency from the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to GovOps, along with technical trailer bill changes. Supporters said the program has funded more than 120 projects reaching thousands of faculty and hundreds of thousands of students, including work on generative AI in higher education. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the restoration and continuing the wind-down, citing the state’s projected deficit and suggesting the California Education Interagency Council could pursue non-state-funded grant opportunities instead. The committee held the item open. Finally, GovOps presented the new California Education Interagency Council staffing request, seeking four ongoing positions to support the council, with funding already included in last year’s budget. The department said the governor has appointed Debbie Cochran as executive officer and that the remaining positions are being recruited. Finance and LAO had no objections, and the committee began questions about how the council will be staffed and organized.

Transcript Highlights:

• , excuse me, three categories, and higher education.
• Since the Cal housing, education, tourism, and taxes.
• Finally, pay is already unsustainably low for early educators, and many of our educators depended on
• Finally, pay is already unsustainably low for early educators, and many of our educators depended on.
• is already unsustainably low for early educators and many of our educators depended on SNAP and Medicaid

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held its fifth hearing of the year to examine the newly enacted federal H.R. 1 and its effects on California. Members and the chair described the law as a major threat to state health, food, education, and climate programs, and emphasized that California would not be able to fully backfill the federal cuts. Several members also highlighted the bill’s tax provisions, including temporary deductions for tips, overtime, seniors, and auto loan interest, while warning that the largest benefits flow to higher-income taxpayers and that major cuts to Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and clean-energy incentives are delayed or phased in over time. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance presented detailed overviews of the bill’s likely impacts and implementation timelines. They identified the main affected areas as health care coverage and financing, food assistance, higher education, personal income taxes, and clean-energy/electric-vehicle credits. They explained that H.R. 1 limits provider taxes used to finance Medi-Cal, adds work and redetermination requirements, restricts CalFresh eligibility and increases state costs, changes student loan and Pell Grant rules, extends and modifies federal tax provisions, and phases out many clean-energy credits. Finance also noted major rescissions of Inflation Reduction Act funds, new border and immigration enforcement spending, and the possibility of PAYGO sequestration if Congress does not act to offset the deficit increase. During member questions, the committee focused on likely enrollment losses, administrative burdens, and fiscal exposure for the state and counties. Witnesses said many details still depend on federal guidance, but they estimated significant impacts on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and graduate/professional student borrowing, and noted that California’s high CalFresh error rate could increase state costs. UC testified that the elimination of Graduate PLUS loans would affect thousands of professional students, especially in health, law, and other high-cost programs. Members asked for follow-up data on county, health, and tax impacts, and staff agreed to provide additional tables and estimates as implementation guidance becomes clearer. Public commenters from counties, early childhood advocates, health coalitions, disability rights groups, immigrant-rights organizations, and other stakeholders urged the Legislature to mitigate the law’s effects. They warned of higher county costs, reduced access to health care and food assistance, increased administrative burdens, and harm to children, immigrants, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Several urged new state revenue solutions and stronger protections for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, child care, and home- and community-based services. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with a commitment to continue monitoring federal guidance and to work on state responses in the budget process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Three years ago, the House passed House Bill 299, which established education about Alzheimer's disease
• and education.
• It will promote care provider education in partnership with the Department of Health to improve care
• and digital advertising, social media and public events, and include statewide mobile in-person outreach
• Specifically, it brings in the disciplines of education, healthcare, employment, and housing services

Bills: HR208 , HR50 , HCR54 , HR102 , HCR110 , HR103 , HCR111 , HR114 , HCR122 , HR152 , HCR162 , HR20 , HCR19 , HR98 , HCR106 , HR49 , HCR53 , HR53 , HCR57 , HR93 , HCR101 , SB3225

Keywords: Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi, Youth of the Year, Military Youth of the Year, House Resolution, HR 208, keiki, youth recognition, student achievement, leadership award, community service, youth development, after-school programs, teen center, military families, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Legislature, commendation, congratulation, positive youth development, Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Transcript Highlights:

• You alluded to education and training.
• So why the emphasis on educators' paychecks?
• So why the emphasis on educators' paychecks?
• Educators have been...
• These are from the advocates of public education, the practitioners of public education themselves, saying

Bills: HB2015 , HB2060 , HB2062 , HB2100 , HB2118 , HB2165 , HB2258 , HB2327 , HB2397 , HB2445 , HB2460 , HB2641 , HB2745 , HB2876 , HB2917 , HB4011 , HB4049 , HB4056 , HB4087 , HCR2013 , HCR2016 , HCR2040 , HCR2044 , HCR2048 , HCR2056

Committee: Senate Government

Keywords: budget procedures, late filing penalty, accounting standards, financial reporting, state appropriations, abortion, educational institutions, health education, state aid, public schools, Buffalo Soldiers, monument, commemoration, Arizona, public funding, Wesley Bolin Plaza, military history, historical memorial, small land subdivision, land use

Transcript Highlights:

• Schools are meant to be secular buildings of education. I'm Spike.
• Schools are meant to be secular buildings of education. I'm... Religious overreach.
• Schools are meant to be secular buildings of education.
• Focus on actual education, and keep religion out of school to hold all students equal.
• of school and education?

Bills: S0212 , S0218 , S0442 , S0460 , S0532 , S0554 , S0644 , S0686 , S0692 , S1054 , S1106 , S1128 , S1134 , S1138 , S1338 , S1434 , S1506 , S1620 , S1748

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee first considered SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility criteria, including environmental and adjacency requirements, density and intensity limits, and exclusions for certain lands and military areas. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill then passed favorably on an 8-0 vote, with testimony both for and against from advocacy groups. Members then heard several bills related to criminal justice, land use, and local government operations. SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators was amended to add public swimming pools and related restricted-location provisions; the committee heard extensive opposition testimony arguing the bill lacked empirical support and could worsen homelessness and burden families, while supporters said it would reduce temptation and improve safety. The amended bill passed 8-1. SB 686 on agricultural enclaves also received a strike-all amendment clarifying development allowances near interstates and protected-area non-preemption; after opposition from a county Republican committee and support from housing and business groups, it passed 10-0. SB 554 updating nonprofit corporation law, SB 1338 on charitable giving and endowment restrictions, SB 532 on court fee retention by clerks, and SB 218 on land use regulations after hurricanes all passed favorably, each with little or no opposition. The committee also approved SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability after debate over whether the bill created enough compliance incentives and whether its liability presumption should apply retroactively; supporters said it would encourage adoption of cybersecurity frameworks, while opponents warned it could weaken local standards and create litigation issues. The bill passed 9-2. SB 1138 on qualified contractors was amended to preserve local government authority while allowing licensed professionals to conduct limited pre-application reviews, and it passed 11-0. Finally, SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools passed 8-3 after extensive public testimony and debate, with supporters saying it would enshrine existing protections in the Constitution and opponents warning it would favor majority religions and increase bullying and litigation. The committee then took up SB 1106 on requiring state agencies and instructional materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” with the sponsor arguing it reflected historical truth and opponents saying it erased Palestinian identity and inserted the state into an international naming dispute; the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill before any vote is shown.

Bills: HB4139 , HB4143 , HB4144 , HB3974 , HB3303 , HB3790 , HB3697 , HB3262 , HB4226 , HB2936 , HB3322 , HB4296 , HB3278 , HB4202 , HB3648 , HB3500 , HB3037 , HB3428 , HB3257 , HB3432 , HB3043 , HB3044 , HB3078 , HB3940

Keywords: home warranty, service contracts, transparency, insurance regulation, consumer protection, motor vehicles, traffic collisions, car accident, auto accident, crash report, collision report, property damage threshold, Department of Public Safety, DPS, law enforcement reports, insurance claims, financial responsibility, uninsured motorist, private property accidents, public roadway

Bills: HB4139 , HB4143 , HB4144 , HB3974 , HB3303 , HB3790 , HB3697 , HB3262 , HB4226 , HB2936 , HB3322 , HB4296 , HB3278 , HB4202 , HB3648 , HB3500 , HB3037 , HB3428 , HB3257 , HB3432 , HB3043 , HB3044 , HB3078 , HB3940

Keywords: home warranty, service contracts, transparency, insurance regulation, consumer protection, motor vehicles, traffic collisions, car accident, auto accident, crash report, collision report, property damage threshold, Department of Public Safety, DPS, law enforcement reports, insurance claims, financial responsibility, uninsured motorist, private property accidents, public roadway

Summary: The House convened, the roll was called, and the chamber proceeded with opening formalities including an invocation by Chaplain Ronnie Wilson and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chaplain’s message focused on valuing each person’s unique contribution, making the most of each opportunity, and remembering members and families who have experienced loss, including a tribute to Harvey. The House also briefly stood at ease for announcements and administrative matters, including reassignment of measures and scheduling notices. A special floor presentation honored law enforcement officers and first responders involved in a dangerous May 30 pursuit in Atoka County. Representative Eves described how officers from the Atoka Police Department, Stringtown Police Department, and the county sheriff’s office responded to a theft, pursued an armed suspect, and risked their lives to protect a trapped family of five and other citizens. Members gave the officers a standing ovation in recognition of their courage and service. Additional announcements included a reminder about the Civil Judicial Area Committee meeting, introductions of guests in the gallery, birthday wishes for Representative Hasenbeck’s daughter, and notice of a Veterans Military Caucus/committee. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on in the portion provided. The House then adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Bills: SB8 , SB4 , SB43 , SB1 , SB2 , SB13 , SB6 , SB10 , SB16 , SB8 , SB4 , SB43 , SB1 , SB2 , SB13 , SB6 , SB10 , SB16

Keywords: education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts, congressional map, redistricting, gerrymandering, 2020 Census, census tracts, block groups, voting districts, election law, Texas House of Representatives districts, federal congressional districts, 2026 elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Their children's education is addressed in numerous chapters of the Texas Education Code, Health and
• The National Sex Education Standards are the common core of sex education.
• I was raised in private Christian education from K-12 and never received education in school.
• In 2019, the district approved an expansive sex education curriculum that mirrors the NSA's sex education
• The Future of Sex Education Initiative, the driving force behind these National Sex Education Standards

Bills: SB204 , SB570 , SB735 , SB784 , SB1207 , SB1396 , SB1447 , SB2392 , SB2540 , SB747 , SB875

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: parental rights, education, school trustees, training, handbook, truancy, attendance policy, chronic absenteeism, school attendance, student absence notifications, parent notification, home visit, attendance officer, truancy court, school district, open-enrollment charter school, student support services, school counselor, principal, administrator

Transcript Highlights:

• Money to explain. the motion. that receive public funds for public education and higher education from
• . education.
• Education in our high school house bill 20 hb 20 is designed to enhance educational opportunities for
• I believe in public education. I think if we're going to advocate public education.
• We're going to make education, public education, something that earns the support of every taxpayer.

Bills: HB 120 , HB20 , HB150 , HB6 , HB 100 , HB 124 , HB210 , HB215 , HB1393 , HB1587 , HB 1151 , HB 1268 , HB142 , HB451 , HB39 , HB 102 , HB 126 , HB290 , HB300 , HB2143 , HJR2 , HB147 , HJR6 , HB 120 , HB20 , HB150 , HB6 , HB 100 , HB 124 , HB210 , HB215 , HB1393 , HB1587 , HB 1151 , HB 1268 , HB142 , HB451 , SB1

Keywords: career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, mental health, telehealth

Transcript Highlights:

• operates as a residential high school for at-risk youth, and STARBASE, a Department of Defense educational
• We educate them, we train them, and then they want to raise their families here.
• It also provides various financial support and educational assistance to veterans.
• It's the very reason we established our Veteran Outreach and Community Support section.
• That's $58 million worth of educational benefits that were brought in this year.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard budget presentations for the Idaho Military Division, the Division of Veterans Services, and the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI). For the Military Division, analysts and Major General Tim Donnellan reviewed the division’s structure, recent transfer of emergency medical services into the division, and the fiscal year 2027 request. The request included a small general fund amount for hazardous materials response, a pay-parity adjustment for state employees tied to federal military pay scales, and a dedicated-fund enhancement for overhead recovery, offset by rescissions including vacant positions and reduced tuition assistance. Members asked about the 3% rescission, EMS transition costs, and why certain CEC-related positions appeared in and out of the budget; the general said the division had absorbed the cut but that further reductions could affect education assistance for Guardsmen. He also described the EMS transition as smooth and said the division was modernizing its Army and Air components. The committee then reviewed the Division of Veterans Services budget and heard from Administrator Mark Champal. The analyst outlined the division’s homes, cemeteries, veteran assistance programs, and fiscal year 2027 requests, including one-time equipment and replacement items, an ongoing reduction for expiring software fees, and reductions for long-vacant positions. Questions focused on nursing shortages, contract labor, the miscellaneous revenue fund, and memory-care capacity. Champal said the division is using a temporary nursing pool to reduce reliance on contract nurses and expects to save nearly half a million dollars, while continuing to struggle with staffing. He said the Boise home currently meets memory-care needs and that the new Boise facility could expand if needed. He also highlighted outreach efforts, claims assistance, cemetery services, and the division’s efforts to connect veterans with outside support. Finally, PERSI’s budget was presented and discussed with Director Mike Hampton. The analyst described the retirement system’s defined benefit and defined contribution plans, the ongoing pension software upgrade, and one-time requests for the final software phase, disaster recovery planning, and IT replacements. Committee members asked about administrative growth, who participates in PERSI, software maintenance costs, and why there was no general fund rescission. Hampton explained that PERSI is fully funded by employer and employee contributions, that the software project is nearing completion, and that the annual maintenance increase reflects licensing costs. He also discussed post-retirement allowance adjustments, saying the board recommended a retroactive catch-up through 2022 and that future increases depend on fund performance and legislative action. The committee also discussed the merits and risks of defined benefit versus defined contribution plans, and Hampton said PERSI remains well funded, with strong investment returns and broad participation across Idaho public employers. The meeting ended with adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Although regulation and outreach and management administration are very important for ensuring compliance
• and educating the public, Although regulation and outreach and management administration are very important
• for ensuring compliance and educating the public, I'm going to spend the rest of my presentation talking
• The remaining 6.6% is for mission support, outreach, and administration.
• So there's the percent of regulation, percent of admin, outreach, and that's more engagement and outreach

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Keywords: 999, senate, all