Transcript Highlights:

• So here in Leon County, for example, Lively Technical College, right, is the technical facility training
• Our overarching mission is to provide quality education and technical training that allows students to
• hands-on training.
• But if we train our internal talent pipeline from the grassroots through our technical colleges, through
• We have corporate training.

Summary: The Education Postsecondary Committee met to hear an overview of Florida career and technical education (CTE) from Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell and presentations from Big Bend Technical College and Santa Fe College. O’Farrell described Florida’s CTE structure, including career clusters, postsecondary program types, enrollment and completion growth, apprenticeship expansion, and the state’s credentials review process. He said postsecondary CTE enrollment is near 480,000 students and completions reached a record 76,806, with strong growth in nursing, law enforcement, EMT, and other public-safety credentials. He also discussed the CTE audit, which uses retention/success, employment or continued education, and labor-market demand metrics; programs not meeting thresholds would eventually require phase-out plans beginning in 2026. He highlighted the workforce development capitalization grant as a major driver of program expansion and facility renovation, and answered questions about business outreach, construction trades, apprenticeships, and space-industry training. Shelby McCall of Big Bend Technical College described how the college responded to hurricanes, mill closures, and regional economic disruption by expanding rural workforce training. She highlighted aluminum welding, millwright, welding technology, health sciences, and a new advanced manufacturing facility funded by state grants and local partnerships, along with a new LPN-to-RN bridge program. She said the college has strong placement and certification results and is working with employers such as Lippert, NAMO, and others to align training with local demand. Senator Simon praised the college’s role in Taylor County’s recovery and workforce development. Dr. Paul Brody of Santa Fe College said state workforce grants have helped the college expand nursing, skilled trades, apprenticeship, automotive, diesel, and manufacturing programs, including partnerships with Bradford County Technical College, UF Health, Habitat for Humanity, and local employers. He reported growth in CTE enrollment, nursing credentials, apprenticeship enrollment, and job placement rates, and described new efforts in semiconductor training, CDL training, and a charter school model that combines high school, an AS degree, and industry credentials. The committee took no formal action beyond hearing the presentations and adjourned after Senator Berman moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask for unanimous consent that staff are authorized to make technical and conforming changes without

Bills: SB161, SB195, SB216, SB245, SB246, SB257, SB258, SB260, SB278, SB281, SB283, SB93, SB98, SB99, SB306, SB314, SB315

Keywords: vehicle safety, crash test, crashworthiness, NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New Car Assessment Program, NCAP, motor vehicle safety standards, 49 CFR parts 571 and 572, THOR dummy, THOR-50M, THOR-05F, WorldSID, female crash test dummy, male crash test dummy, occupant protection, frontal impact, side impact, vehicle ratings, automotive safety

Transcript Highlights:

• at Datar Health Care System at Texas A&M University program and her geriatric medicine fellowship training
• especially for students pursuing workforce-oriented bachelor's programs which prioritize applied technical
• or specialized training.
• For these specialized training areas, this also puts the state at a competitive disadvantage in meeting
• It's about prioritizing real misconduct over technical infractions and ending the weaponization of the

Bills: SB128, SB203, SB205, SB317, SB393, SB397, SB510, SB582, SB731, SB801, SB867, SB913, SB1071, SB1073, SB1086, SB1087, SB1163, SB1250, SB1285, SB1310, SB1444, SB1483, SB1553, SB1556, SB1723, SB1782, SB1835, SB1861, SB1897, SB1903, SB1950, SB2043, SB2063, SB2082, SB2133, SB2137, SB2260, SB2297, SB2298, SB2334, SB2344, SB2403, SB2446, SB2522, SB2532, SB2549, SB2566, SB2600, SB2619, SB2637, SB2655, SB2688, SB2717, SB2785, SB2790, SB2794, SB2841, SB2847, SB2857, SB2891, SB2919, SB2943, SB2972, SB3047, SB3052, SB3053, SB3057, SB3059, HJR1, HB9, HB26, HB37, HB116, HB334, HB554, HB913, HB1109, HB1151, HB1899, HB2081, HB2809, HB2890, HB2970, HB3012, HB3307, HB3809, HB5092, SB17, SB314, SB455, SB509, SB761, SB963, SB1023, SB1968, SB2122, SB2371, SB2420, SB2544, SB1, SB260, SB1506, SB1637, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB2943, SB510, SB1835, SB1950, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB511, SB2309, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1359, SB1234, SB2926, SB2972, SB2841, SB1528, SB2891, SB1854, SB317, SB2532, SB1250, SB2082, SB1285, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB2460, SB2785, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB2994, SB2747, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1861, SB2043, SB1367, SB2857, SB128, SB3058, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SB3036, SB3057, SB3056, SB3043, SB3050, SB3063, SB3047, SB3035, SB2446, SB1790, SB1778, SB2847, SB2619, SB203, SB3061, SB2600, SB2799, SB2790, SB2688, SB2515, SB1230, SB2522, SB2639, SB2403, SB2459, SB3051, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB582, SB2617, SB2751, SB2928, SB1310, SB2566, SB2344, SB1897, SB1749, SB1361, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1782, SB1705, SB2696, SB1944, SB2215, SB644, SB1232, SB2850, HJR1, HB1109, HB1130, HB1689, HB2884, HB1393, HB2559, HB26, HB3012, HB1327, HB109, HB1238, HB2890, HB9, HB2081, HB4215, HB2970, HB37, HB1899, HB3809, HB334, HB554, HB1593, HB2607, HB3526, HB3810, HB5092, HB388, HB2809, HB1151, HB913, HB3307, HB879, HB116, HB12, HB2703, HB1610, HB1615, HB1620, HB30, HB21, HB2712, HB2692, HB1633, HB1318, HB685, HB630, HB4753, HB2742, HB303, HB198, HB1535, HB762, HB148, HB1520, HB5061, HB2286, HB1606, HB1041, HB132, HB11, HCR7, HCR75, HCR86, HCR92, HCR93, HCR126, SB582, SB1163, SB2344, SB2403, SB2446, SB2600, SB2785, SB3047, HB334, HB554, HB1109, HB2081, HB3809, SB510, SB1835, SB1950, SB2943, SB1073, SB1310, SB2532, SB2619, SB2847, SB2972, SR509, SR512, SJR87, SB3072, SB3073, HB49, HB229, HB361, HB700, HB796, HB1128, HB1534, HB1661, HB1803, HB1837, HB1866, HB2149, HB2282, HB2294, HB2434, HB2440, HB2761, HB2785, HB2867, HB3057, HB3062, HB3134, HB3185, HB3225, HB3233, HB3358, HB3388, HB3421, HB3619, HB3658, HB3675, HB3687, HB3697, HB3743, HB3745, HB3787, HB3848, HB3866, HB3940, HB3984, HB4176, HB4205, HB4226, HB4429, HB4437, HB4463, HB4506, HB4730, HB4735, HB4752, HB4813, HB4903, HB4904, HB5033, HB5057, HB5129, HB5137, HB5138, HB5149, HB5153, HB5155, HB5195, HB5196, HB5200, HB5224, HB5294, HB5339, HB5394, HCR108, SJR87, SB3072, SB3073, HB49, HB229, HB361, HB700, HB796, HB1128, HB1534, HB1661, HB1803, HB1837, HB1866, HB2149, HB2282, HB2294, HB2434, HB2440, HB2761, HB2785, HB2867, HB3057, HB3062, HB3134, HB3185, HB3225, HB3233, HB3358, HB3388, HB3421, HB3619, HB3658, HB3675, HB3687, HB3697, HB3743, HB3745, HB3787, HB3848, HB3866, HB3940, HB3984, HB4176, HB4205, HB4226, HB4429, HB4437, HB4463, HB4506, HB4730, HB4735, HB4752, HB4813, HB4903, HB4904, HB5033, HB5057, HB5129, HB5137, HB5138, HB5149, HB5153, HB5155, HB5195, HB5196, HB5200, HB5224, HB5294, HB5339, HB5394, HCR108

Keywords: hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, student privacy, numerical class rank, education policy, academic programs, high school, fetal development, health curriculum, public schools, middle school health education, grade 7, grade 8, State Board of Education, school health advisory council, Texas Education Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to give an example, Springfield Technical Community College is training individuals for positions
• And when training is available, can you talk a little... ...for meeting with our team about training.
• And when training is available, can you talk a little bit about whether the majority or all of the training
• So after nine to five, the Career Technical Initiative, or CTI, specifically focuses on providing training
• Our members are deeply rooted in the communities they serve and for years have provided training, technical

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization. State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake. Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Keith Segalah, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education.
• Jill Bernado, Department Chair, Career and Technical Education, Quincy High School.
• Quincy fellow school CD staff are trained, experienced, and state-certified.
• training.
• Program advisory committees focus on career and technical education programs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held an informational hearing at Quincy Public Schools focused on career and technical education (CTE). Committee members said the visit was intended to gather input for statewide CTE legislation, including efforts to expand awareness and access, improve middle school exposure, invest in equipment and facilities, and strengthen ties to workforce boards and labor pathways. Quincy officials described their CTE system as integrated with academics and highlighted support from district, city, and state partners. School leaders outlined Quincy’s CTE offerings, including 15 Chapter 74 programs at Quincy High School and four at North Quincy High School, with about 1,360 students enrolled. Presenters emphasized curriculum aligned to DESE frameworks, work-based learning, industry-recognized credentials, safety training, business electives, dual enrollment and articulation with Quincy College, and grant funding such as Skills Capital and Perkins. They also discussed support liaisons for nontraditional careers and military pathways, advisory committees, and plans to seek Chapter 74 approval for an engineering program at North Quincy, along with new computer science and business offerings. Testimony from MassHire South Shore described workforce partnerships, YouthWorks, job fairs, resume workshops, and the Credit for Life Fair, while the assistant superintendent explained Quincy’s MyCAP planning grant and efforts to build a student-driven college and career readiness system. Three students testified about their pathways in welding, early education and care, and healthcare technology, describing hands-on learning, certifications, clinical or co-op experiences, and future plans for college and careers. Committee members praised Quincy as a model for combining CTE with general education, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn and unanimous adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• of calling it non-credit training, we now call it professional skills training because that is what
• The training needs to be substantial.
• They can also complete a technical certificate in a technical area.
• that require some general education type training in addition to the specific workforce training.
• that require some general education type training in addition to the specific workforce training.

Summary: The committee approved the November 3 minutes and then received an extensive presentation from Arkansas education and workforce officials on how the LEARNS and ACCESS Acts are affecting career and technical education, concurrent enrollment, and postsecondary readiness. Officials said the state’s goal is for students to leave high school employed, enrolled, or enlisted, and reported increases in K-12 CTE enrollment from about 161,000 to 171,000 students and concurrent CTE enrollment from about 12,000 to 16,000. They also described the new success-ready pathways, merit and distinction designations, and how those measures tie into school accountability and graduation outcomes. The discussion then turned to scholarships and grants. Officials explained that ACCESS expanded concurrent credit support, increased funding per credit hour, and broadened eligibility for the Arkansas Academic Challenge and Governor’s Scholar programs by adding diploma-of-merit and diploma-of-distinction pathways. They said the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship itself did not change, but the non-distinguished Governor’s Scholar award now includes diploma of distinction as an additional eligibility route. Members raised concerns about how these requirements apply to private school and homeschool students, and officials said the intent is to ensure those students can qualify if they meet the same standards, though some implementation details are still being worked out. Questions also focused on whether students who explore multiple pathways could be penalized in school letter grades; officials said the system allows multiple ways to earn credit, including AP, IB, concurrent credit, technical certificates, and apprenticeships. Officials also reviewed workforce scholarships and short-term training funding. They said the state is developing policy for the Workforce Challenge and related professional skills training to set an 80-hour minimum and tiered funding, and they discussed the new federal Workforce Pell rules, which they said are very narrow and will likely apply to only a small number of Arkansas programs unless providers repackage training into stackable, credit-bearing pathways. Members asked for lists of eliminated programs, apprenticeships, and data on scholarship recipients, and staff said they could provide those. The committee also heard from Cody Waites on a $35.8 million U.S. Department of Labor cooperative agreement for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, which Arkansas will administer nationally. He said the grant will support advanced manufacturing apprenticeships, use a pay-for-performance model, and be distributed to sponsors after apprentices are employed for 90 days, with applications opening January 28 and the state expecting to keep administrative costs under 8-9%.

Transcript Highlights:

• , cybersecurity trained graduates, ...able to leverage the production of cyber-trained, cybersecurity-trained
• So not only do we provide the training, but we train the trainer.
• this training.
• We are Okaloosa Technical College, but underneath Okaloosa Technical College is our program, Okaloosa
• These leads ensure that the training teams are well prepared to host train-the-trainer events and provide

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session and received an overview of the Higher Education Appropriations budget from staff director Tim Elwell. He explained the committee’s broad jurisdiction over universities, state colleges, district workforce programs, vocational rehabilitation, blind services, student financial aid, private colleges, and the Board of Governors, and reviewed key budget concepts such as local funds, funds per FTE, performance funding, and the distinction between the total appropriation and the recurring base budget. He noted that higher education is funded largely through state and local sources, with substantial flexibility compared with other state budgets, and that the base budget is heavily weighted toward lump-sum allocations to the public systems. The committee then heard a presentation from the University of South Florida’s Florida Center for Cybersecurity (Cyber Florida), led by retired Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie and USF representative Mark Walsh. They described Cyber Florida as a statewide cybersecurity platform created by the Legislature in 2014 to support education, research, workforce development, public policy, and community engagement. McKenzie emphasized the growing cyber threat environment, Florida’s leadership role, and several funded initiatives, including K-12 outreach, workforce training, a cyber range for county governments, critical infrastructure assessments, grant development, and public conferences and outreach. Members asked about public cyber awareness, the lack of a national cyber defense strategy, school district participation in Cyber Launch, and which counties are most at risk; McKenzie said smaller counties with limited cybersecurity staffing are generally more vulnerable and offered to provide follow-up information. Finally, the committee heard from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida, led by Dr. Drew Andrews, along with program and parent representatives from participating institutions. Andrews explained the center’s role in coordinating Florida’s postsecondary comprehensive transition programs for students with intellectual disabilities, supporting program development, distributing grants and scholarships, and monitoring outcomes. He reported that the state now has 33 approved programs at 35 institutions, including universities, state colleges, and technical colleges, and that scholarship and grant funding has grown significantly. He said student retention is about 88 percent, many graduates are employed, and median hourly earnings have increased over time. A representative from Southeastern University described how the center’s support helped build and sustain SEU Link, including a new third-year employment-focused option for students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead of calling it non-credit training, we now call it professional skills training because that is
• Instead of calling it non-credit training, we now call it professional skills training because that is
• They can also complete a technical certificate in a technical area.
• Or they can also achieve a— ...complete a technical certificate in a technical area, or they can also
• that require some general education-type training in addition to the specific workforce training.

Summary: The committee first approved the November 3 minutes, then received an extensive update from Arkansas Division of Higher Education and Division of Career and Technical Education officials on LEARNS and ACCESS implementation. Witnesses said the state’s goal is for students to graduate employed, enrolled, or enlisted, and described expanded career pathways, student success plans, merit and distinction diplomas, and school accountability measures tied to pathway completion and tangible credentials. They reported increases in K-12 CTE enrollment and concurrent enrollment, and explained that some secondary career center programs were reduced or eliminated because they no longer aligned with state workforce demand. Members asked detailed questions about how merit/distinction affects school letter grades, how AP, concurrent credit, CTE completers, apprenticeships, and work-based learning fit into the system, and whether homeschool and private school students can access the same opportunities. Officials said multiple pathways can satisfy the requirements, including AP Scholar, concurrent credit, technical certificates, and apprenticeships, and that counselors are being trained to advise students. They also discussed scholarship changes: ACCESS broadened eligibility for the Arkansas Academic Challenge and Governor’s Scholar awards, with diploma of merit or distinction now qualifying students for additional aid, while the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship itself remained unchanged. Questions were raised about whether homeschool and private school students can meet the new diploma-of-distinction criteria; officials said the intent is to make them eligible if they meet the same standards, and that guidance is being finalized. The discussion also covered workforce scholarships and grants. Officials said the Workforce Challenge was expanded to include vocational-technical schools and increased funding, and that the Division is reworking policy around “professional skills training” to support shorter-term, stackable programs. They reviewed the new federal Workforce Pell Grant, noting its narrow hour and duration limits and the need for programs to meet completion, placement, and earnings thresholds. Members also asked about the state lottery scholarship fund balance and whether more aid should be directed to students; officials said the fund remains healthy and that ACCESS has already increased awards and expanded eligibility, with more implementation data still to come. The final presentation came from the Director of Workforce Connections on a $35.8 million U.S. Department of Labor cooperative agreement for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund. Arkansas will administer the national fund, which is aimed at expanding advanced manufacturing registered apprenticeships across the country through a pay-for-performance model. Officials said the program will support occupations in aerospace, automotive, biotech, maritime, nuclear, semiconductors, supply chain, and automation, and that applications will open soon. Members asked who can apply and how the money will be distributed; the answer was that registered apprenticeship sponsors—sometimes companies, sometimes colleges, sometimes intermediaries—will apply, with Arkansas setting eligibility criteria, vendor requirements, and outreach efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• We provide technical assistance and advice on providing workforce accommodations, on-the-job training
• First is in career and technical education. First is in career and technical education.
• centers and technical college.
• I will say on the workforce technical center, technical college side, we've had 22 out of 36 technical
• I will say on the workforce technical center, technical college side, we've had 22 out of 36 technical

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the higher education programs under its jurisdiction. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Busatta outlined that the subcommittee oversees programs in the Department of Education and the State University System, including vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private postsecondary licensure, student financial aid, career and adult education, the Florida College System, and the Board of Governors. The chair and staff also noted that these areas represent roughly $9 billion in current-year funding. Officials from the Department of Education presented on several programs. Vocational Rehabilitation Director Kelly Rogers described services for adults and youth with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services, job coaching, assistive technology, and employer support; she said the program served more than 55,000 people last year, has no wait list, and reported a return of $7.61 to the economy for every $1 invested. Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle explained services from birth through older adulthood, including early intervention, school-age support, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, and the Braille and Talking Book Library; he said the division serves about 12,000 people annually and also has no wait list, though some community rehab providers may have one. Tiffany Hurst of the Commission for Independent Education described licensure and consumer protection for independent postsecondary institutions, reporting oversight of about 1,100 institutions and 721 non-degree schools, along with enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. Sean Haskin of Student Financial Assistance reviewed 22 scholarship and grant programs totaling about $1 billion for more than 200,000 students, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, need-based grants, EASE, EASE Plus, veterans’ scholarships, dual enrollment reimbursement, first responder scholarships, and the Ocoee and Rosewood scholarships. Members asked about surplus funds, marketing, Bright Futures eligibility requirements, and whether EASE awards had changed; Haskin said any unused funds are reverted to the Legislature, that the department markets through schools and the Florida Lottery, and that EASE remained at $3,500 per FTE for the last two fiscal years. Several members raised concerns that students and parents may not learn about aid programs early enough, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell then presented on Career and Adult Education, highlighting record participation in career and technical education, adult education, and apprenticeship. He said about 800,000 secondary students and 480,000 postsecondary students are in CTE, adult education serves about 183,000 learners, and apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs include more than 22,000 participants. He also described the workforce development fund, Perkins, WIOA Title II, the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, workforce capitalization grants, CAPE performance funding, and the Pipeline nursing initiative, noting strong NCLEX outcomes and expanded outreach through the Get There, Your Way, Future of Work Florida, and Zello platforms. Kathy Hebda began the Florida College System presentation by emphasizing open access, workforce preparation, statewide reach, and strong enrollment and completion growth, including more than 672,000 students, over 131,000 degrees and certificates, and significant dual enrollment savings for students and families.

Transcript Highlights:

• But adopt the technical adjustments.
• Oh, both, all of the technical adjustments.
• Item one is a cost out adjustment, increasing amounts to the judicial training and court personnel. training
• employee support and training. 2F, 6.8 million to enhance. agency's training program.
• Number four, firefighter training. 400,000 in funding to train firefighters in structural protection

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is cybersecurity training.
• NG911 cybersecurity-specific training. Next. Cybersecurity specific training. Next is recruitment.
• in-person training curriculum and training simulator that meets the minimum telecommunicator training
• a private technical school?
• And again, providing training, minimum training within a work environment is different than providing

Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the April 2 minutes and the February, March, and April 2026 financial reports. Members then adopted the FY 2027 budget, which included a 5% staff increase, a reclassification for the 911-988 liaison/training coordinator role, a new GIS specialist position, increased funding for training, travel, cybersecurity training, recruitment, GIS repository work, and technology roadmap items. The budget also set aside funds for NG911 deployment, grant closeouts, and a $3 million reserve for a one-time PSAP distribution program. The authority approved the $3 million one-time distribution to the 123 primary PSAPs and separately approved the distribution guidelines and priority list. The program will use the statutory population-and-land-area formula, with eligible uses focused on GIS Version 3 work, technology and equipment, and grant matching; salaries, construction, radio systems, OLETS, and mobile apps were excluded. The board also denied a hardship request from Washington County 911 to waive a 20% match for a radio console grant, finding the county had sufficient carryover and other funding sources. Members approved an Oklahoma technical school in-person telecommunicator training curriculum and simulator that meets minimum training standards, and authorized a statewide 911 telecommunicator recruitment campaign with ICG Advertising for $249,820. The authority also approved a compliance action plan for PSAPs that had not completed GIS remediation and repository uploads, setting a June 19 deadline before notice and possible escrow proceedings. Several grant requests were approved, including projects for Adair, Grady, Harper, INCOG, McCurtain, Roger Mills, Pauls Valley, and Washington County, covering NG911 fiber, ADA furniture, equipment, feasibility work, recorder upgrades, and radio console improvements. In committee and staff reports, members heard updates on 911 Day at the Capitol, the POP grant timeline, legislative activity, NG911 and GIS tools, cybersecurity training, operations committee work, 988 integration outreach, and statewide project progress. The coordinator also noted work on standards, NASNA leadership, and the need for PSAPs to obtain EM Grants logins ahead of the upcoming grant cycle. The meeting adjourned after no public comments or new business were offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Primarily, it circles around training and technical assistance, being the primary service provider of
• training and technical assistance to centers that receive FVPSA funding.
• training and technical assistance to centers that receive FVPSA funding.
• training and technical assistance to centers that receive FIPSA funding.
• Both entities provide what's called core competency training as well as technical assistance.

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on Florida’s domestic violence system, focusing on how state and federally funded services are coordinated, the role of the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence (FPEDV), the Florida Domestic Violence Collaborative, DCF, and certified domestic violence centers. Members reviewed the post-2020 restructuring after the dissolution of FCADV, the current hotline, legal services, training, and technical assistance contracts, and the Legislature’s recent work on lethality assessments under SB 1224. Panelists also described prevention, shelter, counseling, child advocacy, and legal support services, along with the statewide network of 41 certified centers serving all 67 counties. Testimony highlighted both collaboration and tension. FPEDV and Women in Distress described overlapping training and technical assistance roles, but FPEDV said its relationship with DCF has been difficult and at times obstructive, while DCF said communication and coordination are ongoing. Women in Distress and other providers emphasized the importance of direct services, the statewide hotline, injunction assistance, child welfare co-located advocates, and prevention programs. Several members asked about funding flows, certification, and whether the current structure is sufficient for rural counties; witnesses said federal FVPSA funds are formula-based, DCF contracts directly with centers, and rural programs face staffing and fundraising challenges that limit beds and services. A major portion of the discussion centered on the lethality assessment work group and implementation of the new statewide tool. FDLE explained that the work group concluded the Maryland model was copyrighted and costly to replicate exactly, so Florida adopted a statutory assessment that is not evidence-based in the same way, with training available online and 46 of about 400 law enforcement agencies having completed it so far. Senators raised concerns about multiple assessments, redacted police reports, and whether the tool will be useful without better coordination and data collection. Witnesses also discussed rising domestic violence, teen dating violence, and strangulation cases, with providers reporting increased demand, full shelters, and greater use of hotels and mobile crisis responses. No formal votes or actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Primarily, it circles around training and technical assistance, To every state.
• Primarily, it circles around training and technical assistance, being the primary service provider of
• training and technical assistance to centers that receive FIPSA funding.
• Both entities provide what's called core competency training as well as technical assistance.
• We are placed throughout the state, and we provide training and technical assistance and have really

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on Florida’s domestic violence system, focusing on the roles of the state, the federally designated coalition, direct-service providers, and law enforcement. Members reviewed the history of the system after the dissolution of the former coalition in 2020, the creation of the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence, DCF’s Office of Domestic Violence, and the current contract structure involving Women in Distress and its subcontractors for hotline and legal services. Panelists also discussed the 2024 lethality assessment law, the workgroup’s conclusion that the evidence-based Maryland tool could not be used because of copyright and cost issues, and the state’s current use of statutory questions instead. DCF and FDLE described the statewide certification and funding framework, including more than $60 million in domestic violence funding for fiscal year 2025-26 and the requirement that law enforcement complete lethality-assessment training by October 1, 2026. Testimony highlighted both collaboration and conflict. Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence and Women in Distress described overlapping training and technical-assistance roles, but disagreed sharply about the quality of their relationship with DCF and whether the current structure is duplicative. DCF said it maintains communication with both the coalition and the centers and emphasized that the coalition is federally required, while the coalition argued that the department has obstructed its work. Women in Distress and Hope Villages stressed direct services, prevention, and the need for more housing, staffing, and funding, especially in rural areas. They also described programs in schools, hospitals, and child welfare settings, and noted that children exposed to domestic violence often need specialized services. Members asked about funding flows, certification, rural coverage, the number of centers, and the lethality assessment rollout. DCF said the 41 certified centers serve all 67 counties and that no new applications have been received in about 15 years. FDLE reported that 46 of roughly 400 law enforcement agencies had completed the lethality-assessment training and attestation, with the statutory deadline still ahead. Panelists said domestic violence appears to be increasing, citing higher hotline demand, shelter occupancy, and local case numbers, while also noting that statewide crime data remains outdated. The discussion ended with calls for better coordination, clearer implementation of statutes, more funding, and possible legislative fixes to improve data collection, training, and service delivery.

Transcript Highlights:

• They need a lot of technical workers.
• This partnership unites state and technical colleges, creating an unprecedented training resource that
• This partnership unites state and technical colleges, creating an unprecedented training resource that
• Most are situated on state and college and state and technical school campuses, offering extensive training
• So we’ve trained both some K-12 educators, but also a lot of focus on the career technical educators.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met for its first meeting of the year, took roll, and heard member introductions centered on the importance of workforce pathways beyond the traditional four-year college route. Members repeatedly emphasized manufacturing, trades, rural workforce needs, apprenticeships, and helping students and adults find multiple paths to good jobs. The chair outlined the subcommittee’s focus on policies that build a skilled workforce and announced the day’s theme would be manufacturing, with presentations from the Florida Department of Commerce, the Florida Semiconductor Institute, and Fleet Force CDL training. Secretary Alex Kelly presented Florida’s manufacturing report, saying manufacturing is a major economic driver and that Florida has become the 10th largest state in manufacturing employment. He highlighted strong job multipliers, rapid growth in manufacturing GDP and establishments, the importance of logistics and ports, and the state’s small-business-heavy manufacturing base. He also stressed the aging manufacturing workforce, the need for modern skills such as robotics, cybersecurity, and data analytics, and the role of public-private partnerships, apprenticeships, and workforce education investments in supporting reshoring and industry growth. Dr. David Arnold described Florida’s semiconductor sector and the Florida Semiconductor Institute’s mission to grow research, workforce, and ecosystem development. He said semiconductors are strategically important, Florida ranks fifth nationally in semiconductor workforce, and the main bottleneck is mid-level technician talent rather than engineers or entry-level workers. He pointed to NeoCity, Valencia College, and other regional partnerships as models, and said the state needs more proactive planning, better instructor capacity, and stronger pathways from K-12 through postsecondary. Evan Agiloff of Fleet Force discussed Florida’s CDL shortage, saying trucking is essential to the supply chain, Florida has about 18,000 open CDL positions, and Fleet Force’s college-based model can quickly move students into middle-class jobs. Members asked about apprenticeships, CTE pathways, semiconductor training, infrastructure needs, and how to expand and better fund workforce programs; no votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 412 does not say whether or how models can be trained.
• AB 412 does not say whether or how models can be trained.
• AI training and to exercise legal claims based on that information.
• We possibly catalog every single thing that the AI models have been trained on.
• We possibly catalog every single thing that the AI models have been trained on.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection heard three Assembly bills. AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, would require developers to let copyright holders query whether their works were used to train generative AI systems. Supporters, including voice actors, artists, labor groups, and Professor Ben Zhao, argued the bill is a narrow transparency measure that helps creators protect their rights and that the underlying technology is feasible. Opponents, including business and tech groups, argued the bill goes ahead of unsettled copyright law, is technically difficult to implement at scale, and could burden startups. The author accepted committee amendments narrowing the bill, and the committee voted 6-2 to pass it as amended to the Judiciary Committee. AB 2448 by Assembly Member Berman would require electronic health record vendors to implement technical safeguards that help providers protect sensitive reproductive and gender-affirming care information. Planned Parenthood affiliates, the Attorney General’s office, and other supporters said the bill clarifies existing law and strengthens patient privacy amid threats to reproductive care access. There was no opposition testimony. The committee voted 7-1 to pass the bill to the Health Committee. AB 2561 by Assembly Member Valencia would prohibit changes to consumers’ privacy settings without their consent, aiming to prevent apps and software updates from resetting user preferences. CalChamber and TechNet representatives said they now supported the bill after the author accepted their amendments. The committee voted 8-0 to pass AB 2561. The hearing included multiple roll calls as quorum was established and bills were held on call before final votes were taken, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND ON-THE-JOB TRAINING.
• OR THINGS LIKE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AND CUSTOMIZED TRAINING WHICH HELP THEM UPSCALE THEIR EMPLOYEES FOR
• TRAINING TO MAKE SURE THERE'S A TRAINING PIPELINE FOR THEM.
• , WHEN THEY TRAIN AND HOW THEY TRAIN THEIR EMPLOYEES.
• TRAINING?

Transcript Highlights:

• So not only to we provide the training, but we train the trainer chart budget for that is about $400,000
• And we are Okaloosa technical college.
• and into in-service training.
• We've also been able to put on train, train the trainers so that folks know how to use the headsets and
• These leads ensure that the training teams are well prepared to host train the trainer events and provide

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our training and travel continues to go up.
• Next is cybersecurity training.
• in-person training curriculum and training simulator that meets the minimum telecommunicator training
• a private technical school?
• dispatcher training. ...for any school that wants to provide 911 dispatcher training that's accepted

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the April 2 regular meeting minutes and financial reports for February through April 2026. The board then adopted the FY 2027 budget, which included a 5% staff increase, reclassifying the 911-98 liaison into a training coordinator role, adding a GIS specialist position, higher funding for training, travel, NG911 deployment, cybersecurity training, recruitment, and the 911 coordinator workshop, along with increased GIS repository funding and a new technology roadmap allocation. The budget also set aside $3 million for a one-time PSAP distribution and maintained grant closeout and reserve funding levels. The board approved the $3 million PSAP one-time distribution and its guidelines, using the statutory population-and-land-area formula, with funds restricted to GIS, eligible technology items, or grant matching rather than salaries or construction. Members also denied Washington County 911’s request to waive the 20% match for a radio console grant after staff found the county had sufficient carryover and other funding sources. The board approved an in-person 911 telecommunicator training curriculum and simulator for technical schools, with a requirement for a full simulator and NENA-approved certification, and approved a $249,820 statewide recruitment campaign with ICG Advertising to promote 911 careers. On GIS compliance, the board authorized staff, with legal counsel, to begin enforcement steps against PSAPs that do not complete required GIS data remediation and repository uploads by the June deadline, including notice and possible escrow action by the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The board also approved several individual grants, including projects for fiber/NextGen 911 transition, ADA furniture, NextGen 911 equipment, a consolidation feasibility study, recorder upgrades, and radio console upgrades for multiple counties and PSAPs. Committee and staff reports highlighted 911 Day at the Capitol, upcoming POP grant availability, new grant categories for FY 2027, cybersecurity training planning, NG911/GIS tool development, 988 outreach, and ongoing project and standards work.

Transcript Highlights:

• It trains to occupation and the core components: paid on-the-job training, the classroom instruction,
• Those are the training agents.
• All of them pay into that training program to sustain the training for current and future apprentices
• Training agents and employers that have committed to overseeing the on-the-job training portion of our
• We need training agents.

Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• At that point, we can do the training and then get them the badge that says that they were trained and
• Um, and in Alzheimer's and training.
• At that point, we can do the training and then get them the badge that says that they were trained and
• Chair notes that DBED's request for $90,000 for training would be offset by training support from EOA
• provide dementia training for employees. provide dementia training for employees.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on economic development, tourism, business climate, and related policy areas. On HB 1943, which would support a DBEDT office in Korea, DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a market for investment, trade, and tourism and the value of helping small and midsize Hawaii businesses access Asian markets. A later witness also tied the proposal to broader free-trade and APEC-related goals. The committees heard no opposition on that measure. The committees then heard HB 1612 and HB 1614, both supported by multiple organizations and agencies. Testimony for HB 1612 stressed Hawaii’s weak business climate and the need for policies that improve economic growth and competitiveness; the Hulamua Collaborative cited survey results showing only 19% of respondents viewed Hawaii as a good place to do business. HB 1614 also drew support, with HTC saying its focus is on economic growth. For HB 1968 and HB 1967, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the University of Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hulamua Collaborative largely stood on written testimony in support; the hearing notes reported nine supporters and one opponent on HB 1968, and seven supporters with one comment on HB 1967. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 1589, a bill to create dementia training and recognition for businesses. Testifiers included a private citizen sharing a personal family story, the Alzheimer’s Association, and DBEDT. Supporters said the measure would help families affected by dementia, reduce stigma, and make businesses more dementia-friendly. DBEDT said the issue would be better handled by an agency with dementia expertise, while the Alzheimer’s Association said it could provide training at no cost and suggested amendments to shift implementation toward the Executive Office on Aging and to use the term “dementia business champion.” The final major topic was HB 1608, involving a space-related project and financing. Phoenix Space testified that the bill would help launch responsive space access operations at Hilo International Airport, create local jobs, and support partnerships with Hawaii institutions, while another supporter said the project could diversify the economy. A committee member raised a timing concern, noting bond cap capacity was already allocated through 2028, and the witness said they were willing to work on a solution. The hearing also included HB 1850 on capital gains taxation, where supporters argued the bill would make the tax system fairer by increasing taxes on investment income, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed it. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.