Transcript Highlights:

• So let's take, for example, a third-degree felony. Somebody commits a third-degree felony.
• That for a third-degree felony, there's a two-year period of parole.
• He committed two first-degree murders.
• of felony up to first-degree felonies.
• I think half of them are first degree in my county alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• For Texas, that market structure has effectively made SACS, or the Southern Association of Colleges and
• Specific measures would include the percent of students returning after the first year of study, degree
• Senator Hagenbuch, what's the fiscal note associated with your bill?
• from the status quo, where accreditors may emphasize process over results, leaving students with degrees
• From the status quo, where accreditors may emphasize process over results, leaving students with degrees

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 heard several bills and took no final votes, leaving each measure pending. The first major item, SB 1322 by Senator Hagenbuch, would create a Texas Higher Education Accrediting Commission to evaluate and approve accrediting agencies for public colleges and universities using outcome-based metrics such as retention, graduation, employment, debt, and repayment. Supporters, including Kate Byerley of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, argued the bill would add competition and align accreditation with Texas workforce needs; Senator Menendez questioned the need for a new bureaucracy and noted the $3.6 million fiscal note, suggesting existing reporting and oversight structures could serve the same purpose. The committee then heard SB 1998, which would establish a pediatric subspecialty preceptorship program to encourage medical students to enter pediatric subspecialties. Dr. Lauren Gamble testified in strong support, saying the program would help address shortages and improve access for children, especially in rural and underserved areas. SB 2788, authored by Senator Menendez, would add the PSAT as an accepted assessment for dual credit and Texas Success Initiative purposes; Priscilla Camacho of Alamo Colleges supported the bill, citing strong student outcomes and widespread use of the PSAT as a readiness indicator. Senator Creighton laid out SB 2076, which would remove or modify certain Capitol view corridor restrictions affecting the UT Austin Academic Medical Center project, including the planned specialty hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center expansion. He said the existing corridors are outdated and limit development. The committee also heard SB 1418, a cleanup bill replacing outdated references to ACT Plan with Pre-ACT and removing obsolete SAT subject test language. After brief testimony and no opposition on the later bills, the committee closed public testimony and left SB 1322, SB 1998, SB 2788, SB 2076, and SB 1418 pending before recessing for the floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Hawaii Government Employees Association in opposition.
• would be required for it. had a college degree in had a college degree in accounting<01:08:44.560>
• <01:20:46.199> of you we have the Hawaii Association of you we have the Hawaii Association
• the National Association of Social Workers, the Hawaiian Islands Association for Marriage and Family
• Therapy, and Hawaii Counselors Association.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• retired person who has a master's degree retired person who has a master's degree in<00:15:56.680
• Association here to register our Association here to register our opposition<01:49:54.960> for
• They have higher degrees in...
• They have higher degrees in...
• <04:51:35.360> in master's degree in education a degree in master's degree in education a

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• , I mean... ...at Bryce Canyon with the school association, I mean the board association.
• I have an admin degree. I had to pay to go to school to get that admin degree. They self-select.
• I have an admin degree. I had to pay to go to school to get that admin degree.
• So with that, we'll turn the time to Associate General Counsel Jeff Van Holt.
• Lexi Cunningham, and I represent the Utah School Superintendents Association.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the dashboard does include information on wage earnings by degree type.
• So instead, they're coming out with advanced degrees in the timeline.
• DeWara Maltisa Savala, on behalf of the California Association of Survevern School Districts.
• They drive real degree acceleration, not just credits.
• Michelle Warshaw, on behalf of the California Teachers Association.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee began with public comment and then heard an informational update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the California Education Interagency Council. State agencies described efforts to better align workforce, higher education, and TK-12 systems through data sharing, dual enrollment, e-transcripts, career passports, and regional partnerships. Members asked about the council’s timeline, strategic plan, reporting requirements, and whether it would have authority to act; administration staff said the council is being stood up, its first meeting is due by the end of June, and a strategic plan is due by the end of November. Members also raised broader questions about the relationship of this work to the Master Plan for Higher Education and common course numbering. The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants. Finance said the proposal would extend grants for middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add eligibility for regional occupational centers, provide extra support for justice-involved youth, prioritize high-need LEAs, and allow funds for teacher professional development. The proposal would also reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to better align schedules and remove barriers. The LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing that dual enrollment is already growing and that the proposal does not address major fiscal barriers. The Chancellor’s Office and CDE supported the investment, emphasizing access, equity, and technical assistance, especially for rural and small districts. Members questioned instructional-minute changes, reporting on outcomes, adult learner access, and whether the funds would support ongoing or one-time costs. Next, the committee considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by using a seven-year definition for LTELs and a six-year definition for students at risk of becoming LTELs, matching the dashboard and research on the typical time needed to reach English proficiency. Some members expressed concern that the proposal could delay intervention for students who have been English learners for four or five years and questioned why the issue was being handled through budget trailer bill language rather than policy legislation. After discussion, the committee voted on a motion to reject the proposal and refer it to the policy committee; the motion received two aye votes and the item was held open. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices Project by one year, from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Finance said the extension would continue the existing project, while CDE raised concerns about the project’s contract structure, fiscal management, and scalability. A Marysville Joint Unified School District representative testified that SIP had helped the district bring preschool services back into district schools, expand inclusive practices, and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the project was best positioned to support statewide preschool inclusion goals, with CDE suggesting that existing infrastructure may already be better suited for that work.

Transcript Highlights:

• So instead, they're coming out with advanced degrees in the timeline.
• I am the associate director over data monitoring and LEA support at the Special Education Division.
• DeWara Maltisa Savala, on behalf of the California Association of Survevern School Districts.
• Michelle Warshaw, on behalf of the California Teachers Association.
• Good morning, Michelle Warshaw on behalf of the California Teachers Association.

Summary: The committee heard an update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the new California Education Interagency Council. Administration and agency staff described efforts to better connect K-12, higher education, workforce, and data systems, including the California Cradle to Career Data System, e-Transcript California, and a proposed career passport. They emphasized regional coordination with workforce boards and community colleges, and said the new council’s immediate tasks are to hold its first meeting by the end of June, enter into a data-sharing MOU, and complete a strategic plan by the end of November. Members asked about the council’s authority, reporting requirements, and how it would relate to the broader Master Plan for Higher Education; staff said the council will make recommendations but does not have implementation authority. The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants and related changes to instructional minute requirements. Finance and the Department of Education said the proposal would support middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add technical assistance, prioritize high-need LEAs, and reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to ease scheduling barriers. The Chancellor’s Office strongly supported the investment, citing access, acceleration, and equity benefits, while the LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing the state already provides ongoing support and that the proposal does not address major barriers. Members raised questions about adult learners, A-G alignment, reporting on outcomes and expenditures, rural access, transportation, staffing, and whether the funding would create lasting program capacity. The item was left open after discussion. The committee also considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by defining LTELs as students who have not attained English proficiency within seven years and RTELs as students not proficient within six years, matching the dashboard and research-based timelines. CDE said the current mismatch between dashboard and assessment definitions creates confusion and delays, while some members and advocates worried the change could reduce earlier intervention or should be handled through policy committees rather than the budget process. The committee voted to reject the proposal and refer it to policy, though the administration said it still supports the budget language. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices project by one year, through June 30, 2027. CDE said the project is promising but raised concerns about the contract structure and fiscal management, while Marysville Joint Unified School District testified that SIP had helped expand inclusive preschool and district-wide practices and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the remaining money should be redirected to areas with greater implementation need. The item was discussed but no final action was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a retired police chief and the executive director of Missouri Police Chiefs Association.
• I'm here... retired police chief and the executive director of Missouri Police Chiefs Association.
• I'm here today representing the Missouri Police Chiefs Association and the law enforcement legislation
• murder, and every state has some form of second-degree murder, and knowledge isn't necessary for second-degree
• And knowledge isn't necessary for second-degree murder.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the degree they want to take this store of value.
• Same for unincorporated nonprofit associations. They enacted in '93, Texas did in '95.
• So how does someone join the association? The DUNA? Yes. How does someone join?
• You are testifying on behalf of the Texas Licensed Child Care Association.
• However, that same teacher who is without a Childhood Development Associates degree credential... ...

Bills: HB2226, HB2269, HB2343, HB2760, HB3621, HB4079, HB4204, HB4518, HB4531, HB4555, HB4850, HB4876, HB4903, HB4996, HB5122

Keywords: construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• For years, scientists warned of the perils of exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial
• Of these 1,200 scenarios, all the ones that led to safety depended on limiting warming to 1.5 degrees
• The more we overshoot 1.5 degrees, the more of this looming economic pain and dislocation.
• Of premium markets associated with the biofuel industry.
• Direct air capture shares many of the similar challenges associated with point source capture.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:45.400> in community in earning advanced degrees in community in earning advanced degrees
• degree, being in this role. degree, being in this role. >> Certainly.
• testifying on behalf of the Association testifying on behalf of the Association of<00:39:36.120>
• ,<00:39:39.360> School Boards Association, School Boards Association, School Administrators
• Association of School Administrators, and the Minnesota School Boards Association.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um with failure to meet Associated um with failure to meet required<00:21:27.960> deadlines<00
• My name is Danny Aert with the Minnesota Hospital Association.
• I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs.
• <00:56:22.799> throughout<00:56:23.280> the to a certain degree throughout the to a
• certain degree throughout the facility<00:56:24.039> to<00:56:24.160> be<00:56:24.319>

Bills: HF2196, HF2586, HF2187, HF2037

Keywords: mental health, emotional disturbance, terminology update, statutory cleanup, conforming amendments, children's mental health, serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, case management, residential treatment, outpatient services, crisis services, health plan coverage, antipsychotic drugs, medical assistance, Medicaid, foster care, juvenile court, school discipline, county board

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:37.840> completions<00:03:38.640> as<00:03:38.840> their rates of degree
• completions as their rates of degree completions as their white<00:03:39.760> peers<00:03:40.760
• <00:10:16.320> by obtaining a certificate or degree by obtaining a certificate or degree by
• path to earning a degree recognizing the diverse<00:18:06.360> needs<00:18:06.600> of<
• I'm also the associate vice president for rural health.

Bills: HF2090, HF982, HF2229

Keywords: higher education, scholarship, financial aid, state grant, tuition assistance, Pell grants, student retention, education equity, disabled veterans, veterans' dependents, dependent children, college affordability, books and fees, University of Minnesota, public colleges, Office of Higher Education, veterans benefits, military families, permanent disability, 100 percent disability

Transcript Highlights:

• Could we hear from some more folks from the Retail Energy Supply Association?
• I'm the national spokesperson for the Retail Energy Supply Association.
• association made up of more than 12,000 energy professionals.
• And it's also payments to trade associations or industry business groups like the American Gas Association
• And it's also payments to trade associations or industry business groups like the American Gas Association

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several energy-related bills, with the main focus on H. 3534/S. 2255, which would ban or sharply restrict residential third-party electric suppliers, and on related reform proposals. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, municipal and regional planning officials, environmental justice groups, consumer advocates, and city officials from Boston and Chelsea. They argued that the residential competitive supply market has produced higher bills, deceptive sales tactics, auto-renewals into higher rates, and disproportionate harm to low-income residents, seniors, communities of color, and people with limited English. Witnesses cited AG reports estimating hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges over time, described door-to-door and storefront marketing abuses, and said municipal aggregation programs have saved residents money while offering more stable rates. Several supporters said the Legislature should either ban residential competitive supply or adopt strong guardrails such as ending automatic renewals, banning incentive-based commissions, and capping rates relative to basic service. Opponents or industry representatives from the Retail Energy Advancement League, Vistra, and Constellation argued that the market can provide savings, longer-term price stability, and value-added products such as renewable options and time-of-use offerings. They said Massachusetts has already improved consumer protections through DPU proceedings, that complaints are relatively few compared with the size of the market, and that a ban would eliminate consumer choice. They also defended direct sales and commissions as normal features of a retail market, while saying they would support additional protections, licensing, bonding, and stronger oversight of bad actors. Committee members pressed both sides on whether the market truly saves money, whether automatic renewals should be banned, and whether the AG’s proposed reforms would be enough. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3972, a bill to extend utility shutoff protections during extreme heat, with Rep. Mindy Domb arguing that Massachusetts should treat extreme heat like extreme cold and protect customers facing financial hardship. Rep. Barrett also testified for H. 3450, a municipal broadband/right-of-way bill, arguing that communities need easier and cheaper access to utility poles and public rights of way to build municipal broadband. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Creem testified for S. 2239, which would bar utilities from recovering ratepayer funds for lobbying, promotions, trade association dues, and similar expenses. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not a degree-granting entity, rather says certificate granting entity.
• You get a good four-year degree in computer science in a year or 2.
• Well, he was not going to be able to get a bachelor's degree.
• I'm an associate today. My name is Morgan Cooley.
• I'm an associate professor in social work at Florida Atlantic University.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tyler Jefferson with the Alzheimer's Association, waiving in support. Thank you.
• Tyler Jefferson with the Alzheimer's Association, waving in support.
• Thank you, Tyler Jefferson with the Alzheimer's Association, waving in support.
• We have Jennifer Pritt, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, waving in support.
• We have Tyler Jefferson waiving in support from the Alzheimer's Association.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and considered a large agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, limited public testimony, and roll-call votes. Early actions included CSSB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative with a recurring $2.4 million appropriation, and CS for SB 196 establishing the Uterine Fibroid Research Database. The committee also approved the companion public-records bill, CS for SB 864, to keep sensitive fibroid database information confidential. Other health and public-safety measures reported favorably included CS for SB 432, which was amended to address xylazine and restrict recreational nitrous oxide sales by tobacco-permit retailers; CS for SB 646, narrowing drug-paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, its analogs, and xylazine; and CS for SB 1684 and CS for SB 1686, creating and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry at the University of South Florida. The committee also advanced several workforce, regulatory, and local-governance bills. SB 1112 on the Florida Labor Pool Act passed with testimony emphasizing removal of placement fees, annual labor-pool registration, and stronger enforcement to help workers, including returning citizens. CS for SB 524 updated Department of Law Enforcement duties and medical examiner procedures; CS for SB 530 revised lottery operations and security rules; CS for SB 676 expanded animal-cruelty penalties and the public abuser database; CS for SB 1180 created a recall framework for community development district supervisors and updated CDD rules; and CS for SB 800 increased penalties for unlicensed engineering practice after removing a student-loan assistance provision to align with the House version. CS for SB 1404 created a memory-care specialty license for assisted living facilities, with amendments extending rulemaking deadlines and clarifying advertising and resident-choice provisions. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s office, and CS for SB 1630 modernized aging and disability services, guardianship oversight, and dementia-related policy. Two memorialization bills generated the most extended debate and public comment. SB 194 would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, and SB 174 would name a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue. Both drew strong support from some speakers who framed them as recognition of civic engagement and free expression, and strong opposition from others who criticized Kirk’s rhetoric and argued the state should instead honor broader civic values or other figures. A late-file amendment to SB 194 that would have converted it into a general day of remembrance for victims of political violence was withdrawn. Despite the controversy, both bills were reported favorably. The committee adjourned after members requested to be recorded on various bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hold a doctorate degree in nursing.
• In addition, associate degree RNs were required to complete at least six semester hours in nursing, school
• and Karen Kemp with the Louisiana School Nurses Association.
• I have a degree, a Bachelor's of Science degree from ULM, and have been a registered nurse in Louisiana
• or associated with, and HHS and CDC is tracking those numbers.

Bills: SB57, SB405, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB222, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB815, HB949, HB1092, HB1214

Keywords: SB 57, Act 735, Act 463, nutrition, public health, food additives, artificial colors, banned chemicals, ingredient labeling, food labeling, FDA, food and beverage regulation, consumer disclosure, school nutrition, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 40, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 17, food manufacturers, food retailers, compliance, effective date delay

Transcript Highlights:

• I also have a doctorate degree in ambiguous grief, if you wanted credentials.
• So I decided to go for my psychology degree.
• So I decided to go for my uh uh uh psychology<00:14:39.800> degree.
• So ambiguous grief is psychology degree.
• <00:34:17.000> have and psychological associations have and psychological associations have

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have three people here, and it's always two degrees of separation in some case or another.
• This is, you know, the two degrees of separation. This is Denise Ohanaga.
• President, at UNM, both as part-time faculty and as a teaching associate. Mr.
• As a teaching associate, Mr.
• and her master's degree, and went on to become the vice president of New Mexico Farm Credit.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :30.959> reported Fire Protection Association reported Fire Protection Association reported that
• My amendment covers murder in the first degree only. Yeah, murder in the first degree only.
• Murder in the first degree. Okay. Does not include second-degree murder.
• murder in the first degree, right? murder in the first degree, right?
• I'll reach out to the bar association. I'll reach out to the bar association.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 141, which would create a narrow exception to New Hampshire’s three-year deadline for motions for a new trial when a petitioner has newly discovered evidence, new forensic testing, or new scientific understanding. The prime sponsor’s representative and advocates from the Innocence Project and New England Innocence Project argued the bill is needed to help wrongfully convicted people access the courts, noting that exonerations often take many years and that outdated forensic science has contributed to wrongful convictions. The chair also said he had drafted a proposed amendment for committee review, but it had not yet been formally submitted. Witnesses supporting the bill emphasized that the measure would not guarantee relief, only allow a petition to be filed and reviewed under existing standards. They discussed examples such as arson science, explaining that some convictions were based on forensic methods later shown to be unreliable. Committee members asked about the scope of habeas corpus, whether the bill would create a new cause of action, and whether additional screening or pleading requirements should be added. The supporters said they would be open to requiring a petitioner to plead innocence, but opposed adding more burdensome preliminary procedures or counsel requirements at the filing stage. Thomas Farardi, from the Attorney General’s Office, testified in opposition or with caution, saying the bill was a “solution looking for a problem” because existing habeas corpus and coram nobis procedures already provide avenues for relief, and prosecutors can act when credible new evidence arises. He argued the current draft could invite additional litigation and create a new cause of action, and said he favored more screening before cases proceed. The discussion also touched on whether the statute applies in criminal cases, the current three-year limitation in RSA 526:4, and questions about posthumous petitions and petitions by deported individuals. No vote or executive action was taken during the hearing.