Video & Transcript Research : 'subsidy program'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Simply, if there are no vacancies in formal sector programs, there is no space.
- or training programs for jobs that happen at non-standard hours.
- Some caregivers are not even aware that the program exists.
- Working alongside our current partner programs, we can move forward to universal preschool.
- They need a full-day program, a school day, 30 hours.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held its sixth public hearing and took testimony on a large slate of bills, with the chair moving H. 542/S. 341 on family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care to the top of the agenda so young constituents would not have to wait. Witnesses from labor, community organizations, and FFN providers strongly supported the bill, saying FFN care fills critical gaps for families working nonstandard hours, especially in low-income, immigrant, and BIPOC communities. Testimony emphasized that FFN providers are currently underpaid, often receive only about $24 per child per day, and should be guaranteed at least the state minimum wage. Witnesses also backed changes to the voucher system to allow families to combine formal and FFN care more flexibly, and they supported creating an FFN advisory council. Committee members asked about the difference between FFN and center-based care, registration requirements, fingerprinting/background checks, EEC’s ongoing study group, and the fiscal impact; witnesses said the current annual cost is about $1.8 million and could rise to about $6 million if all current FFN providers were paid minimum wage, still under 1% of the EEC budget. The committee then closed testimony on that bill.
The committee next heard testimony on several preschool and universal pre-K bills, including H. 707 on public preschool facilities, H. 687/S. 339 on universal pre-K and mixed delivery, and related bills such as H. 606, H. 523, H. 618, H. 522, H. 510, and H. 615, many of which were later closed without additional witnesses. A Lowell school official testified that space and facilities funding are major barriers to expanding preschool and that the city has hundreds of children on voucher waitlists. Other witnesses and organizations, including the Early Care and Education Consortium and AFT Massachusetts, supported mixed-delivery universal pre-K and warned that public-school expansion should not undermine community-based providers, whose preschool tuition helps subsidize infant and toddler care. Several witnesses also urged stronger standards for preschool teachers, better staffing ratios, and more integrated special education and support services. The committee accepted written testimony on some bills and closed testimony on the others when no one else came forward.
A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 541/S. 373, which would ban school exclusion in pre-K through third grade. Advocates from Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Mass Appleseed, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, AFT Massachusetts, and the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee argued that suspensions and expulsions at young ages harm learning, worsen inequities, and contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. They cited data showing disproportionate impacts on Black and Latinx students, students with disabilities, and low-income children, and described personal stories of children whose behavior improved when schools kept them in class and addressed underlying needs. Committee members asked for updated data on the number of students and districts affected, and witnesses said they would provide more detailed written information. After testimony on this and a few other bills, including S. 372, S. 357, and H. 275/S. 133, the committee closed testimony and adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- First, why is a state program important?
- Some of the things that we have suggested, as I mentioned, are converting the program into a loan program
- So a session ago, we were looking to pass a low-to-no-interest loan program just to encourage new programs
- Our state does not need to add subsidies on top of the federal subsidies the industry already enjoys.
- I believe the current number is 203, over 38 different programs. 38 different programs, 203 license types
Keywords:
nuclear energy, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, energy policy, regulation repeal, state energy strategy, licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism
Summary:
The committee first took up pending business and quickly reported several measures favorably, including HB 12, SB 1361, SB 1705, SB 1749, SB 1897, SB 2344, SB 2566, HB 3809, and HB 4215, with most sent to the Local and Uncontested Calendar. HB 12’s substitute clarified a limited midterm review of regulatory agencies tied to Sunset Commission recommendations. SB 2696’s substitute changed med spa regulation from a license to a certificate, with training instead of an exam, plus background checks, continuing education, and two-year renewals. HB 3809 dealt with battery energy storage decommissioning and recycling, and HB 4215 was reported without a substitute. SB 1978, concerning interconnection of electric facilities in ERCOT and federal jurisdiction concerns, was reported out on a 5-3 vote after debate, but then the chair later announced the bill was withdrawn and left pending subject to the call of the chair. HB 1899 was also reported favorably, with one nay.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 14, the advanced nuclear energy bill. Senator Schwertner described it as creating a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, a nuclear permitting coordinator, a development fund, a completion grant program, and a workforce development program. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from Fermi America, Dow/X-energy, CPS Energy, Paragon Energy Solutions, Bridge to Nuclear, Aalo Atomics, and the Texas Association of Business, argued that Texas should lead in advanced nuclear, citing future baseload demand, data centers, industrial power needs, supply-chain development, and long-term energy diversification. Opponents, including Public Citizen, Texas Nuclear Watchdogs, Sierra Club, and individual citizens, argued the bill would subsidize unproven, expensive technology, create grants rather than loans, and expose taxpayers to major risk while doing little to meet near-term energy needs. Several members questioned whether the state should fund projects that may not produce grid power for years, and whether the bill’s grant structure and new office were justified.
The committee also heard HB 5061, which Senator Schwertner said would prohibit unethical surveillance and misuse of confidential information by state contractors, create a confidential reporting system through the State Auditor’s Office, authorize Texas Rangers investigations, protect whistleblowers, and impose penalties including contract termination, fines, and contracting bans. No public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. HB 132, sponsored by Senator Hughes, would extend confidentiality protections for sensitive information to hostile acts by foreign adversaries; it was also left pending after no testimony. HB 1584 was then laid out, with Senator Schwertner explaining it would require utilities to maintain and update priority restoration lists for critical facilities after Hurricane Beryl exposed communication failures, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Taxes Committee debates bill to modify tax breaks for MN data centers, HF1277 2/27/25
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:21:54.960>
is to make us think that our subsidy is to make us think that our subsidy is - <00:54:41.960>
for operated my own Childhood Program for operated my own Childhood Program - will provide that care if our program will provide that care if our program are<00:57:42.839>
- families and the child care programs families and the child care programs have<00:58:04.440>
- the these centers are not just subsidy the these centers are not just subsidy Hogs<01:15:56.600>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/11/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- 19.880>
we underlying uh premise of the program we underlying uh premise of the program we all - as just the Challenge Program.
- This program also offers voluntary case management and a children's program for the residents.
- This program also offers voluntary case management and a children's program for the residents.
- <01:05:22.799>
for <01:05:22.960>the children's program for the children's program
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The second proposed program is a certificate program through the Division of Extended Studies, and UC
- This includes the very important programs we do with HBCUs, all of these transfer programs.
- This includes the very important programs we do with HBCUs, all of these transfer programs.
- I'm proud to say that one went on to a master's program and two went on to PhD programs.
- So the support for CalBridge has helped to strengthen our program at UC Merced as the newest PhD program
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an extended hearing focused primarily on University of California budget issues, enrollment, housing, and Title IX. Chair David Alvarez opened by noting the governor’s proposed 8% ongoing General Fund reduction to UC, the deferral of compact funding, and the College of the Law budget item, while emphasizing that no votes would be taken that day. Public commenters, including UC Davis employees and lecturers, urged restoration of UC funding and opposed the hiring freeze, saying cuts would worsen staffing shortages, reduce research capacity, and harm students and patients.
On UC core operations, the Department of Finance said the governor’s budget maintains the compact but defers $240.8 million in ongoing support and continues a planned 7.95% reduction, while the LAO recommended rejecting the deferrals and instead making any changes in the budget year. UC San Diego’s chancellor and UC Office of the President argued the cuts and deferrals would create major campus shortfalls, force hiring freezes, larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, delayed projects, and possible layoffs. Committee members questioned whether cuts could be shifted away from students and toward administration, discussed UCOP reserves and bond debt, and noted that UC’s budget structure makes the campus-level impact larger than the headline reduction.
The committee also reviewed enrollment trends and nonresident replacement. The LAO said UC resident enrollment has grown and recommended revisiting 2026-27 targets and pausing the nonresident replacement plan if state funding does not improve. UC said it has exceeded California undergraduate enrollment and nonresident replacement goals, but warned that continued growth without funding would force enrollment reductions and harm quality. Members discussed the role of nonresident and international students, tuition rates, and the value of UC as a pathway for California students and a source of talent for the state.
A separate housing item covered the state’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program. UC reported that recent bond savings could support additional affordable beds at UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara, but the LAO and Finance noted the Legislature would need to decide how to use the $6.2 million in savings from the original projects. The committee also heard a Title IX update from UC’s systemwide civil rights office, which described campus Title IX structures, training, and policy enforcement, and said the system has been working to improve confidentiality guidance and streamline complaint processes after survey feedback showed confusion and lengthy procedures.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Health Insurance Affordability Task Force, June 18, 2026
Health Insurance Affordability Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- The question is what would the net be after receiving subsidies?
- So Medicare, the fully federal program that ensures generally people over 65...
- program and our witchie program, and they're doing a great job.
- either the witch or whammy program for, like, PAs and nurse practitioners.
- Montana, and Idaho's reinsurance program.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- should be able to look down the program should be able to look down the program line<00:03:27.959
- <01:01:46.680>
so support Head Start uh uh programs so support Head Start uh uh programs so - close just similar to other programs close just similar to other programs it's<01:03:31.319>
- I don’t know if there are other programs like that as well. To Mr.
- 17 we are attacking that cross subsidy 17 we are attacking that cross subsidy finally<01:44:59.760
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um those programs in your area.
- Tricare program that we passed. Tricare program that we passed.
- equipment, and subsidies. equipment, and subsidies.
- . program. program.
- <01:11:38.920>
to <01:11:39.560>have established a program to have established a program
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery.
The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference.
The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I'm going to first talk about subsidies, which is what I originally thought this program was.
- It's a subsidy subsidy, a state- worse.
- What little media reporting was done in regard to this program simply assumes that the program is a subsidy
- <00:21:12.159>
and the program and get the subsidy and the program and get the subsidy and - program? program?
Summary:
The Housing Committee opened with a public hearing on HB 196, which would repeal the Housing Champion program. Representative Matt Drew, the prime sponsor, argued the program is an unnecessary and poorly targeted subsidy, saying it rewards municipalities after projects are completed and may not be limited to new housing production. He questioned the transparency of the program, cited difficulty finding required annual reports, and noted a fiscal note suggesting the state could recover up to $3 million if obligations are terminated. Committee members and witnesses debated whether the program’s criteria amount to political favoritism or a standard grant process; supporters said the rubric is specific and that municipalities are evaluated against objective requirements. Representative Priest, Nick Taylor of Housing Action New Hampshire, and Karen Benfield of Stay Work Play New Hampshire all opposed repeal, saying the program encourages local zoning and regulatory changes, helps smaller communities participate, and supports housing supply and young people’s ability to stay in the state. The hearing on HB 196 was then closed.
The committee then opened a hearing on HB 1405, a bill establishing an affordable housing guarantee program within the Housing Finance Authority. Prime sponsor Representative Chris Muns said the bill would reduce lender risk by guaranteeing up to 80% of principal on qualifying loans for affordable housing, with a cap of $30 million per lender per year and $300 million outstanding at any time. He described the measure as a low-cost public-private partnership backed by the full faith and credit of the state, and said it was identical to a prior Senate bill that had received unanimous bipartisan committee support before dying later in the process. He framed the bill as one part of a broader housing package aimed at financing, infrastructure, workforce, zoning reform, and other housing-related issues.
No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal actions were opening and closing the public hearing on HB 196 and opening the public hearing on HB 1405, with testimony continuing on HB 1405 at the end of the transcript.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Transportation and Energy Committee Apr 2nd, 2026
Transportation and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- The most likely immediate place to be reduced would be the ATRIP 2 program, the program created under
- areas<00:12:54.680>
of <00:12:54.800>the <00:12:54.920>ALDOT <00:12:55.280>program - areas of the ALDOT program. areas of the ALDOT program.
- /c><00:15:05.839>
just <00:15:06.200>one <00:15:06.400>more <00:15:06.640>subsidy - and this would be just one more subsidy and this would be just one more subsidy to<00:15:07.680>
Bills:
HB542
Keywords:
HB542, district attorney, prosecutor, supernumerary district attorney, Employees' Retirement System, ERS, Alabama retirement, public employee retirement, pension, retirement benefits, post-retirement employment, salary cap, dual participation, double dipping, District Attorneys' Plan, assistant district attorney, deputy district attorney, state pension, survivor benefits, Office of Prosecution Services
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 51 May 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He later founded the Oklahoma Lawyers for America's heroes program through which he and several other
- The program has really done a good job, but this will also make it available to pay for non-graduates
- Is that not a similar to a voucher program where they are reimbursed with taxpayer dollars?
- So with the grow your own program, are these students that will be eligible for these funds?
- I mean, I know that there are some I can't remember what the grow your own program. Do you have to?
Bills:
SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100
Keywords:
driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 51 May 4th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He later founded the Oklahoma Lawyers for America's Heroes Program, through which he and several other
- We have our Grow Your Own education program, which has really done a good job, but this will also make
- Is that not similar to a voucher program where they are reimbursed taxpayer dollars?
- That's the way the program is working presently.
- So with the Grow Your Own program, are these students that will be eligible for these funds?
Bills:
SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100
Keywords:
driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Colonel Stanley L. Evans, Oklahoma City Young Professionals, state contest winners for America’s 250th anniversary, and a long series of page introductions. The chamber then moved into floor action on a large number of measures, many of them Senate bills and House joint resolutions dealing with administrative rules and agency oversight, public safety, education, health, agriculture, business, and tax policy.
Among the major bills discussed were SB 1543 on aggregating multiple DUI charges within one year into a single felony case, HB 1933 on nitrous oxide violations, SB 1859 creating an OSBI Cybercrimes and Fraud Unit, SB 237 on ad valorem tax NAICS code changes, SB 2065 designating pollinator-related state symbols, SB 44 extending nonprofit sales tax exemptions to contractors, SB 2030 updating automated expungement procedures, SB 2045 expanding the Grow Your Own education program, and several water and agriculture measures including SB 1509, SB 1314, and SB 2071. Members also considered multiple joint resolutions approving permanent administrative rules for education, energy and agriculture, business and commerce, health agencies, and building code rules, with Kendricks explaining that some major rules were separated out for transparency and, in one case, a cost mitigation agreement had been reached.
Testimony and debate were generally brief and focused on clarifying amendments. Several authors explained that amendments were added to address constitutionality, remove outdated or incorrect language, or reflect negotiated changes with agencies and stakeholders. Notable discussion included concerns about forum shopping in SB 1543, questions about the scope of the Grow Your Own program in SB 2045, and clarification that SB 1618’s pretrial report language had been changed to a public safety report agreed to by sheriffs and district attorneys. The House adopted numerous amendments without objection and passed the bills by wide margins, including some unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while a few measures drew more opposition, such as SB 1403, SB 1509, SB 2071, and SB 1618. The House also adopted HCR 1027 setting sine die adjournment for Thursday, May 14, and adjourned until the next day, May 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Morning Session Apr 9th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Such programs shall be offered at the department through the education institution.
- It is a bill for an act relating to an intergenerational care facility and center grant program.
- A bill for an intergenerational care facility and center grant program.
- It also references subsidies and the 50% income threshold for very low-income households.
- A program shall be provided for a law enforcement officer.
Bills:
LB737, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB1216, LB1256, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787, LB365A, LB823, LB900, LB903, LB940, LB954, LB1127, LB1127A, LB1205, LB1240, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR505, LR507
Keywords:
LB737, Olmstead, developmental disabilities, disability services, community-based services, integrated settings, DHHS, Department of Health and Human Services, stakeholder advisory committee, independent consultant, public hearing, legislative oversight, disability rights, community integration, housing, employment, education, transportation, community supports, self-advocacy
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Afternoon Session Apr 9th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Colleagues, you may have noticed that in the original programming of what was going to happen this week
- Colleagues, you may have noticed that in the original programming of what was going to happen this week
- The Department shall establish the Small Business Investment Program to provide grants for microloan
- It also references Medicaid assistance and a spouse or husband on the medical assistance program.
- The program is currently underfunded, leaving states with a larger bill The program is currently underfunded
Bills:
LB737, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB1216, LB1256, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787, LB365A, LB823, LB900, LB903, LB940, LB954, LB1127, LB1127A, LB1205, LB1240, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR505, LR507
Keywords:
LB737, Olmstead, developmental disabilities, disability services, community-based services, integrated settings, DHHS, Department of Health and Human Services, stakeholder advisory committee, independent consultant, public hearing, legislative oversight, disability rights, community integration, housing, employment, education, transportation, community supports, self-advocacy
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- dollars or a pre-K program that receives state dollars or a kindergarten >> Exactly.
- dollars or a pre-K program that receives state dollars or a kindergarten >> Exactly.
- program and high quality.<00:10:10.080>
A <00:10:10.240>lot <00:10:10.320>of <00 - <00:10:49.600>
that <00:10:50.240>u subsidy dollars or a prek program that u subsidy - programs are using in in this state? programs are using in in this state?
Keywords:
military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, tobacco regulation, vaping, sales restrictions, youth protection, tobacco compliance, public health, education programs, electronic nicotine delivery systems, judicial compensation, salary adjustments, district attorneys, Judges, local officials, computer science, education reform
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- under our programming.
- benefits, and so we're refilling that program.
- And so it's $162 million that we're going to place in this program.
- This is an entitlement program that the executive branch and the U.S.
- Program; it is rural infrastructure.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The public subsidy program, um, we administered the public subsidy program in 2024.
- The public subsidy program, um, we administered the public subsidy program in 2024.
- You may recall that there was a one-time increase to the money available for the public subsidy program
- Also part of the public subsidy program is the political contribution refund program.
- Also part of the public subsidy program is the political contribution refund program.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a great program on so many levels. And while there...
- It's a great program on so many levels.
- I hear subsidies all the time. I hear all these things.
- Programs like this help bridge that gap.
- Program, with a full tuition scholarship.
Summary:
The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them.
SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending.
SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- program.
- The second proposed program is a certificate program through our Division of Extended Studies, and UC
- This includes the very important programs we do with HBCUs and all of these transfer programs, so just
- I'm proud to say that one went on to a master's program and two went on to PhD programs.
- So the support for CalBridge has helped to strengthen our program at UC Merced as the newest PhD program
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:09:12.680>
known Educator Group Insurance Program, known Educator Group Insurance Program, - employees group insurance program.
- <00:29:59.360>
cost pay off as the statewide program cost pay off as the statewide program - program just ended. program just ended.
- <01:17:05.560>
and with future amendments to program and with future amendments to program
Bills:
HF3119