Transcript Highlights:

• I have worked in the pipeline construction industry myself.
• the LIONA National Pipeline Agreement.
• My name is Joe Gaines, I'm the business agent for the state of Texas with Pipeliners Local 798.
• I'm here today to speak in strong support of Senate Bill 324, which will require pipeline contractors
• I spent 34 years working in the pipeline industry.

Bills: SB324, SB1978, SB2139, SB2401, SB2587, SB2610, SB2858, SB3016

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, state contracts, immigration, labor compliance, ERCOT, Texas electric grid, interconnection, Public Utility Commission, PUC, Public convenience and necessity, electric cooperative, municipally owned utility, electric utility, transmission, generation facilities, grid reliability, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, SERC

Transcript Highlights:

• NIH cuts could choke off the flow of the early-stage discoveries and severely damage the workforce pipeline
• NAH cuts could choke off the flow of the early stage discoveries and severely damage the workforce pipeline
• , which I mentioned, due to the reduction of the training. severely damaged the workforce pipeline, which
• We have these four sectors, and I'm also thinking about the supply chain and the pipeline for supplies
• Federal support is important for faculty development, for student learning, and for the pipeline for

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology met on August 19, 2025 to examine the effects of federal grant cuts, tariff uncertainty, and related policy changes on California’s biotech, medtech, and academic research ecosystem. The chair and panelists emphasized California’s outsized role in the industry, describing major clusters in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and explaining how research, startup formation, manufacturing, and clinical trials are interconnected across the state. Speakers from Biocom California, California Life Sciences, Farma, UC, Stanford, CSU Biotech, and UCLA all argued that NIH and NSF funding are foundational to discovery, workforce training, and commercialization, and that disruptions are already chilling venture capital, startup formation, and hiring. Witnesses described several concrete impacts: suspended or terminated grants, reduced doctoral admissions, fewer training opportunities, canceled retreats and internships, and anxiety among graduate students and early-career researchers. UC reported hundreds of millions of dollars in suspended or terminated NIH and NSF funding, while Stanford said more than a thousand training and career-development grants nationwide have been frozen or ended, affecting multiple trainees per grant. CSU Biotech said 133 federal grants had been terminated, scaled back, or canceled, totaling about $140 million, including nearly $30 million from NIH and NSF. Industry representatives also warned that proposed antitrust limits on mergers and acquisitions could undermine the standard biotech exit path and further deter investment. Committee members asked about the duration of the disruption, the possibility of state action to offset federal losses, and whether California could better support workforce development, manufacturing, and R&D tax credits. Panelists urged the Legislature to preserve and expand state support for STEM education, internships, apprenticeship pathways, manufacturing incentives, and the R&D tax credit, and to consider infrastructure and housing as part of competitiveness. They also noted that tariffs are already raising costs for medtech components and building materials, and that China is increasingly competing for R&D, talent, and licensing deals. No formal votes or bill actions were taken at the hearing; the meeting was informational and focused on testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• How many built homes do you think you have in the pipelines in the next 5 years?
• pipelines in the next 5 years? pipelines in the next 5 years?
• Um, and so in the pipeline, for example, we have a lot of things coming up in our Kapolei.
• Um, and so in the pipeline, for example, we have a lot of things coming up in our Kapolei.
• housing developments in the pipeline. housing developments in the pipeline.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Senate Committee on Education, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing heard House Bill 1088 HD1, which would exempt housing developed by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) from school impact fees. The Department of Education said it was open to working with DHHL and the Legislature, including possibly eliminating the construction-cost portion of the fee for DHHL and other government affordable housing projects, but it wanted to retain the land-dedication requirement for future school sites where growth would exceed existing school capacity. The School Facilities Authority supported the bill, and DHHL strongly supported it, noting that its testimony referenced an earlier emergency proclamation but that the exemption remains in the current proclamation. DHHL also said it had no objection to a proposed amendment from the Wahiawa Hawaiian Homestead Association. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii testified in opposition to the broader school impact fee program, arguing that the fund has accumulated about $29 million that has not been spent and citing concerns raised in State Auditor Report 19-13, including administrative and constitutional issues. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the fee system is being applied fairly, especially to smaller projects and homeowners, and whether the districts and calculations used to assess fees have been updated. Members questioned the DOE and SFA about the distinction between land and construction costs, the use of fees in areas like Kīhei, Kalihi, Ala Moana, and Ewa, and whether the department had revisited district calculations as recommended in the audit. DOE said it had collected about $500,000 in construction money and $2.8 million in land contributions for Kalihi-related areas, and said it would follow up on questions about land conveyances and district updates. After discussion, the chair called for a vote. The Education committee recommended passing HB 1088 HD1 as is, with Senator San Buenaventura voting with reservation and Senators Ihara and Kole voting aye. The recommendation was adopted. The Housing committee then also deferred the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this has really been, pipeline for short, all right, pipeline for short.
• I pulled a little bit of data points on pipeline so we can see on that.
• Going back to pipeline, okay, so we made the investment as a letter. Going back to pipeline, okay?
• Representative Rizzo asked my exact question about Pipeline.
• Great presentation, and keep doing what you're doing with Pipeline.

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:

• On the Southwest Pipeline Project, we wanted to show you similar information here to date.
• And right now this summer, we are not putting any pipeline in.
• We are in close discussions with OMB, with Justin Kringstad, and the Pipeline Authority.
• You know, we have the Southwest Pipeline Project, the Red River Project, NOAAs, and WAAS.
• I'll show you a little bit more on the pipeline in a second.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, no federal or state agency oversees pipeline siting in the state, and there are gaps in safety
• FSEX and the UTC's jurisdictions over pipeline siting and safety.
• And then we transport the CO2, and you can transport CO2 just like any fluid via pipeline or ship or
• But pipeline is the safest and the least expensive method.
• But pipeline is the safest and the least expensive method.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The committee’s interim work session focused first on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), with presenters from industry, nonprofits, and state agencies describing Washington’s geologic potential, the role of basalt formations, and the difference between point-source capture, direct air capture, utilization, and permanent storage. Industry and project developers emphasized that Washington has major opportunities to reduce industrial emissions, create jobs, and support hard-to-electrify sectors, while state agencies explained current policy touchpoints in the Cap and Invest Program, emissions exemptions for permanently stored CO2, and the Clean Energy Transformation Act. Several presenters urged clearer statutory and regulatory pathways, including rules for pore space, subsurface rights, pipeline siting, and long-term liability; others cautioned that CCUS should be limited to real emissions reductions and not treated as a substitute for broader clean energy measures. Committee members asked about public comment opportunities, whether mineralized carbon would qualify for exemption under the Climate Commitment Act, the energy intensity of capture systems, aquifer protection, and liability if storage later proves problematic. Ecology said it is developing guidance through a public engagement process running through late June and that mineralized or otherwise permanently stored CO2 would likely qualify if it meets the 1,000-year permanence standard. DNR and outside experts also discussed trust lands, water rights, and the need for additional geophysical surveys and test wells. The panel did not take any votes or formal actions. The second half of the meeting turned to hazardous waste and extended producer responsibility. Ecology reviewed existing product stewardship programs for electronics, paint, batteries, and mercury lights, and described how moderate risk waste and household hazardous waste are currently collected through county facilities and events. Ecology said the electronics program is its best model, while the mercury lamp program is currently in transition after the prior stewardship organization exited and a new organization is seeking approval. Ecology recommended that future EPR programs have clear producer and product definitions, full producer funding, convenience standards, annual reporting, and strong enforcement authority. Local government witnesses from King County and Douglas County described rising costs, access barriers in rural areas, and the need for stable funding and flexible local delivery models. King County said it collected over 3 million pounds of hazardous products in 2025 and argued that EPR could reduce costs for ratepayers and improve equity. Douglas County stressed that rural residents are willing to participate when services are available, but travel distance and operating costs make access difficult. An industry representative supported narrowly scoped stewardship programs like PaintCare but warned that broad household hazardous waste EPR systems can become difficult to administer and may require legislative revisions if responsibilities are not clearly defined. No votes were taken on the hazardous waste topic either.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so our goal is really to support the collaboration to build the diverse and reliable pipeline of
• And that means increasing opportunities at every stage of the pipeline.
• And that means increasing opportunities at every stage of the pipeline.
• I was a lawyer for about 20 years working with linear infrastructure, almost exclusively on pipelines
• Working with linear infrastructure, almost exclusively on pipelines for that first 20 years, working

Summary: The Joint Committee on Energy Supply, Energy Conservation, and Energy Resilience opened by electing Senator Shoemake as chair and Representative Alex Ibarra as vice chair. Members then moved into a series of work sessions focused on data centers, transmission, and workforce needs tied to Washington’s clean energy and grid planning challenges. Kate Bruns and Glenn Blackman presented preliminary findings from the governor’s Data Center work group, created under Executive Order 25-05. They said the group met for six months, received more than 1,000 public comments, and included representatives from agencies, industry, tribes, labor, utilities, environmental groups, and research institutions. The presenters emphasized that data centers are expected to be the largest source of load growth over the next five to ten years, creating concerns about grid capacity, ratepayer impacts, forecasting, water use, backup generation, and compatibility with Washington’s energy and climate laws. They described nine recommendations, including protecting existing energy and climate policy, improving forecasting, seeking more clean power and transmission, and encouraging flexible data center operations. A proposed tax incentive change that would have expanded eligibility while tying the exemption to new clean electricity sources narrowly failed in the work group. Members asked about tribal consultation, cooling technologies, and local benefits from data centers; the presenters said tribal consultation was ongoing and a final report would follow. Keegan Moyer of West Tech then outlined a regional transmission study showing major strain on the Western grid from load growth, electrification, resiliency needs, and limited transmission capacity. He said the 10-year study identified about 12,000 line miles of needed projects across the West, with roughly $56 billion in estimated costs, including planned projects, reliability upgrades, and new interregional transfer projects. He stressed that many projects are upgrades within existing rights-of-way, but new corridors are still needed, and he previewed recommendations on permitting, equipment procurement, cost allocation, and project sponsorship. In response to questions, he discussed the difficulty of crossing jurisdictional “seams,” the role of federal coordination, landowner compensation, eminent domain as a last resort, and the limited role of public financing beyond a federal GRIP grant. Stephanie Scott of Commerce presented the transmission workforce study, which focuses on substation technicians, line workers, and line clearance tree trimmers. She said current workforce levels are far below what will be needed under a clean energy expansion scenario, and that active projects are essential because apprenticeship training depends on thousands of hours of hands-on work. She highlighted barriers such as high upfront CDL and pre-apprenticeship costs, the need for wraparound supports, and the importance of expanding access for women, people of color, and tribal communities. Members asked about tribal utility apprenticeship programs, utility-run training pipelines, and whether the study included funding sources; Scott said the report would include an inventory of apprenticeship programs and tribal considerations, but revenue ideas were outside the study scope. Finally, Brant Johnson of Grid United described the North Plains Connector as a case study in large transmission development. He said the project, a 420-mile, 3,000-megawatt HVDC line connecting Montana and North Dakota, has relied on early stakeholder engagement, route changes, tribal consultation, and coordinated federal and state permitting to reduce risk and shorten timelines. He said the project aims for permits by the end of 2026 and construction beginning in 2028, with an earliest commercial operation date of 2032. In response to questions, he discussed the challenges of crossing regional seams, interconnection queues, land acquisition and compensation, eminent domain, and financing, noting that the project is primarily privately financed with a $700 million federal grant covering a portion of costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal Pipeline Administration agency, and so we enforce their rules, our statute.
• We did not, for the first. time since I've been here and had a pipeline issue didn't see NTSB or the
• That's a big piece, not just roads, but pipelines and electric utilities.
• Our talent pipeline needs never end. It's absolutely critical. critical.
• And so now that we have pipeline infrastructure moving gas from the Permian to the marketplace, which

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 804, Archuleta, hydrogen pipeline regulations, do pass out on an A roll call.
• 542, Limón, oil spill prevention, do pass with author's amendments to narrow the bill to specified pipelines
• SB 767, Richardson, crude oil pipeline reporting, do pass as amended to modify the information a pipeline
• SB 614, Stern, carbon dioxide pipelines, do pass with author's amendments to change the date by which
• SB 614, Stern, carbon dioxide pipelines, do pass with author's amendments to change the date by which

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its August 29, 2025 suspense hearing on Senate bills, with the chair emphasizing the state’s ongoing budget constraints and the need to make difficult choices among 261 bills on the suspense file. After establishing a quorum, the committee began taking action bill by bill, with many measures receiving do pass or do pass with amendments recommendations, while others were held in committee or designated as two-year bills. The chair noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later on the committee website. The hearing covered a wide range of topics, including insurance and claims data, wildfire relief and prevention, water planning, energy and utility regulation, housing and land use, health care, labor and employment, criminal justice, education, environmental policy, and election-related measures. Several bills were amended before passage, often to narrow scope, remove sections, adjust definitions, delay implementation, or clarify funding and enforcement provisions. Some notable actions included moving bills on AI regulation, transit-oriented housing, paid family leave, wildfire mapping, chemical hair relaxers, and pharmacy benefit managers, while other bills on subjects such as controlled substances, high-speed rail, and certain education or housing proposals were held. The committee also took formal roll-call votes on selected bills, with some passing on A roll calls and others on B roll calls; a number of measures were advanced with Republicans not voting. One highlighted vote was SB 79 by Senator Wiener, which passed after amendments and a recorded roll call. At the end of the hearing, the committee reported that 190 bills were moved to the Assembly Floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, concluding the suspense hearing for the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I oversee the Dual Training Grant, which is a complement to the DLI Pipeline Program.
• I'm with the Dual Training Grant, which, as you heard, is a complement to the DLI Pipeline Program.
• Any member questions on the pipeline project?
• um any member questions on the pipeline um any member questions on the pipeline project<00:36:01.800
• obviously in the Dual trading pipeline obviously in the Dual trading pipeline here<00:40:48.520>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• On the Southwest Pipeline Project, we wanted to show you similar information to date.
• And right now this summer, we are not putting any pipeline in.
• Thank you, Mr. summer we are not putting any pipeline in.
• We are in close discussions with OMB, with Justin Kringstad, and the Pipeline Authority.
• I'll show you a little bit more on the pipeline in a second.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This brings me to where facilities like LifeKY fit into the broader research-to-jobs pipeline as well
• And in in addition to our pipeline now.
• When you say working with regional or working with universities, are you talking about pipelines?
• So, one of the most important pipelines are our universities, and that's something that we do need to
• When you say working with regional or working with universities, are you talking about pipelines?

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:08 Infrastructure Grant Program 00:00:45 SB 76 Discussion 00:25:50 SB 76 Vote 00:31:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model. The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions. After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill further requires, prior to the restart of an oil pipeline not in use for five or more years
• First, it requires hydrostatic testing for each segment of an idle oil spill. pipeline before a restart
• For example, the 2015 Santa Barbara spill, which was caused by pipeline corrosion. caused 870 million
• Hydro testing is a direct assessment, a clearer measure of pipeline integrity.
• Requirement applies only to restarts of pipelines that have been idled for five years or more.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• MOST RECENTLY OUR LBM PROGRAM SUCCESS HELP TO SECURE THE PIPELINE GRANT WHICH ENABLED US TO HIRE FIVE
• OVER 30 CAREER CERTIFICATES IN APPLIED TECHNOLOGY APPOINT DIPLOMA PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO WORKFORCE PIPELINE
• IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR THE PIPELINE FUNDING FOR NURSING HAS ENABLED US TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT STRIDES
• THE COLLABORATION ELEVATES THE STUDENT LEARNING EXPERIENCE AND CREATES A SEAMLESS PIPELINE FOR THE GET
• WE ALSO LOOK AT THE PIPELINE GRANT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we're going to be talking about the cradle-to-college-and-career pipelines and the education of
• Today we're going to be talking about the cradle-to-college-and-career pipelines and the education of
• We know that when there are punitive practices, this drives the school-to-prison pipeline, and we know
• This is creating the school-to-prison pipeline in reality.
• We have the prisons in our backyard, and it's also creating the school-to-detention pipeline.

Summary: The Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its second hearing, focused on cradle-to-college-and-career pipelines and education. Members opened with remarks emphasizing bipartisan support, the need to address opportunity gaps, and the committee’s prior hearing in Los Angeles, which helped generate legislation. The chair framed the day around school safety and discipline, community schools, and college/career pathways, and noted that public comment would be included at the end. In the first panel, witnesses described persistent disparities in school discipline and policing, even as suspension rates have declined statewide. Dr. David Turner cited reductions in suspensions tied to reforms such as bans on willful defiance suspensions, but warned that Black and Native boys remain disproportionately suspended and that “ghost suspensions” and police referrals still push students out of class. Other advocates called for stronger accountability, more restorative and culturally rooted practices, and greater investment in community-based supports. Members asked about the role of state and local policy, rural versus urban differences, and how to measure which interventions work best. The second panel centered on community schools. Advocates from Californians for Justice, Reclaim Our Schools LA, MILE, and the Sierra Health Foundation argued for the governor’s proposed $1 billion ongoing investment in the California Community Schools Partnership Act. They said community schools improve attendance, reduce suspensions, strengthen belonging, and create shared decision-making with families and students. Panelists described the role of community school coordinators, the importance of authentic partnerships, and the need to track informal discipline practices. Committee members pressed for a plain explanation of community schools and heard that the model is intended to be a high-return equity strategy that can save the state money over time. The final panel addressed college and career pathways. Speakers from the California Faculty Association, UC Student Association, Brotherhood Crusade, A Men, and Improve Your Tomorrow highlighted barriers facing Black, Latino, Native, and other boys and men of color in higher education, including financial aid gaps, weak transfer pathways, underinvestment in student support, and low campus belonging. They urged continued funding for community schools, expanded dual enrollment and ELOP access, and support for mentorship and culturally responsive programs. Public commenters echoed support for community schools and youth investment, including calls to redirect prison spending toward education and prevention. The chair closed by thanking the panelists, reflecting on his own school struggles and the role of mentorship, and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, what this House File 4072 creates is the local news talent pipeline program to place emerging and
• The Local News Talent Pipeline Act is a smart investment in Minnesota's future journalists.
• The Local News Talent Pipeline Act is a smart investment in Minnesota's future journalists.
• I'm just maybe asking either you or your The Local News Talent Pipeline Act is a The Local News Talent
• <00:08:09.680> of strong to create a strong pipeline of strong to create a strong pipeline

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 612 aims to prevent certain water districts from charging excessive pipeline construction
• However, real estate developers who frequently extend water and sewer pipelines to support housing and
• Districts are imposing pipeline construction fees on developers that are greater than the actual reasonable
• I talked to the county commission this morning about 400 yards of road that, when they put the pipeline
• in, they went right down the middle of the pipeline of the... ...of the road, dug it up eight feet deep

Bills: HB2018, HB1633, HB1689, SB612, SB3058

Keywords: agricultural conservation, land preservation, environmental protection, wildlife habitat, Texas Farm and Ranch, groundwater conservation district, Texas Water Code, water permit, permit amendment, groundwater permit, water rights, aquifer, well registration, exempt wells, beneficial use, water conservation, groundwater quality, well plugging, Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, surface water resources

Transcript Highlights:

• up against government officials because they permitted this pipeline.
• I'll get to Wojou, but this is kind of the background of... ...pipeline.
• , the pipeline goes through, they're pumping twice as much oil through that pipeline.
• During Dakota Access Pipeline, we had a lot of people that came through.
• This pipeline is going to do the same thing. And it wasn't us.

Summary: The Tribal and State Relations Committee met at Standing Rock and heard extensive comments from tribal council members, state legislators, and tribal program leaders about ongoing state-tribal coordination issues. Early discussion focused on the committee’s purpose, the need for better communication, and frustration that the meeting agenda and time allotted did not include enough state department heads or program experts to address child welfare, ICWA, Medicaid, and other human services concerns. Tribal leaders emphasized that Standing Rock wants more direct, regular communication and more practical follow-through from prior meetings. A major theme was health and human services, including concerns that the state’s rural health transformation efforts and human service zone structure do not fit tribal needs, especially for a direct-service tribe that relies on federal funding and Indian Health Service. Members also raised foster care delays, housing shortages that force children off-reservation, substance abuse treatment capacity, and the need for cultural competency in child welfare and education. Other issues included missing and murdered Indigenous people, law enforcement cooperation, extradition and banishment ordinances, cross-deputization, roads, water and sewer infrastructure, census accuracy, and the need for updated lists of tribal liaisons and bills affecting tribes. Economic development and sovereignty issues were also discussed. Standing Rock leaders raised concerns about e-pull-tabs and charitable gaming, saying state regulation has reduced tribal gaming revenue and that e-tabs should be treated as Class III gaming. They also objected to county-issued fireworks and liquor permits that affect reservation communities, arguing that state and county authority often conflicts with tribal sovereignty. In response, legislators said e-tabs and charitable gaming were likely to return as legislative issues and suggested possible solutions such as restricting e-tabs near tribal lands. The committee also discussed the need for more information on tribal-related bills and for legislators to receive cultural and treaty training. Several tribal projects and programs were presented. Joseph McNeil described Sage Development Authority’s 235-megawatt wind project, which is paused because of federal permitting delays, and asked for state support to move it forward. Dave Arshambo described Wojou’s land regeneration, buffalo, food sovereignty, youth, and wellness programs. Later, Cheryl Carey of Sacred Pipe Resource Center introduced the needs of the urban Native population in Bismarck-Mandan and statewide, noting that many Native people live off-reservation and often fall through the cracks in state-tribal discussions. The committee adjourned for lunch and planned to continue with additional presentations afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I will tell you the pipeline is there and the needs are there.
• But I will tell you the pipeline is there and the needs are there.
• But I will tell you the pipeline is there and the needs are there.
• But I will tell you the pipeline is there and the needs are there.
• of new workers isn't keeping up pipeline of new workers isn't keeping up with<00:10:30.880> the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I did read about 90 participants in the pipeline.
• I wasn't sure if that was the pipeline for job training or the pipeline for the standard adult diploma
• mentioned, we have 90 in the pipeline. mentioned, we have 90 in the pipeline.
• <00:18:04.320> I 90 participants in the pipeline. I 90 participants in the pipeline.
• <00:18:05.760> for wasn't sure if that was the pipeline for wasn't sure if that was the pipeline

Keywords: 1187, senate, all