Video & Transcript Research : 'developer'
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AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Their economic development authority just put money into it.
- programs and the ones that have staying power are the grassroots economic development initiatives.
- With an abatement, nothing stops when you sign a development agreement.
- If you sign a development agreement and you get an abatement for 10 years, what's to stop you on year
- I think you mentioned it was the economic developer. ...mentioned it was the economic developer or the
Keywords:
entertainment, film, music, production incentives, Alabama Film Office, tax rebates, media industry, economic development, Baptist convention, tax exemption, sales and use tax, Alabama, nonprofit, HB203, High Socks for Hope, nonprofit tax exemption, sales tax, use tax, state tax exemption, local option tax exemption
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 14th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Once we establish the TMDLs, we work with stakeholders and develop our restoration plans, which are our
- And it's more of a optional voluntary plan that they develop together.
- or BMAP development, and they want to go ahead and start identifying projects.
- Haven't started TMDL development or BMAP development, and they want to go ahead and start identifying
- And so this is the water quality improvement grant dashboard that we're currently in development.
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened with a quorum present, heard opening remarks from Chair Rodriguez and member introductions, and discussed broad priorities including water quality, climate change, budget oversight, and accountability for environmental investments. Members emphasized concerns about nutrient pollution, springs, Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, and the need for better data and measurable results.
The committee then received a presentation from DEP Deputy Secretary Adam Blaylock on the state’s water quality restoration framework. He explained how water quality standards, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs), and reasonable assurance plans work together to address impaired waters, and noted that BMAPs are updated every five years with annual reviews in between. He also described recent statutory changes requiring five-year milestones, restrictions on new septic systems in certain areas, and public-facing data tools to track projects and water quality trends.
Members questioned whether BMAPs are producing enough improvement and whether the five-year update cycle is too slow. Blaylock said results can take years because of project lag and environmental variability, but that the department can adjust plans if data show they are not working. He also highlighted $2.9 billion in statewide water quality funding since 2019, nearly 1,100 funded projects, and a $1.1 billion water quality improvement grant program that now covers impaired waters beyond BMAP areas. The committee discussed agricultural projects, DEP and FDACS funding roles, and a new dashboard and centralized monitoring platform under development. No formal votes or other actions were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment moved by the vice chair.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I also want to And energy to develop their Senate budgets.
- And this is—we want the Board of Governors to really help develop, along with our universities...
- economic development activities of the state.
- economic development activities of the state.
- It requires the department to develop a uniform reimbursement and invoicing system.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program.
The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill).
The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I want to thank the committee chairs for spending an incredible amount of time and energy to develop
- I also want to ...and energy to develop their Senate budgets.
- economic development activities of the state.
- economic development activities of the state.
- It requires the department to develop a uniform reimbursement and invoicing system.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper and committee chairs highlighted major spending priorities including a 4% raise for state employees, continued health insurance contributions, investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and workforce development, along with reductions tied to long-vacant positions. Education funding was a major focus, with increases for K-12 public schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, nursing initiatives, tutoring, and university performance funding. Health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and agriculture/environment budgets were also outlined, including Medicaid, mental health, corrections staffing, affordable housing, beach restoration, citrus recovery, and water projects.
Members then questioned several budget choices, especially K-12 funding. Senators Polsky and Smith raised concerns that the Senate’s AP and dual enrollment funding changes could disadvantage public schools, while Burgess argued the budget preserves the money in the FEFP and gives districts more flexibility rather than reducing support. Questions also addressed voucher availability, school stabilization funding, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted 171 consent amendments and three late-file amendments, then approved SPB 2500 as a committee bill. It also favorably reported implementing and conforming bills for state employees, retirement, natural resources, judgeships, K-12 education, higher education, and health and human services, along with SB 7022 on Florida Retirement System contribution rates and elected-officer DROP options, CS/SB 1320 on the Resilient Florida Trust Fund, SB 7014 ending the Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund, SB 7028 on cancer research, CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality and oversight, CS/SB 168 on mental health diversion and behavioral health data, SB 114 creating an insurance and risk management research center at FSU, and SB 180 on emergency preparedness and post-storm recovery. Most bills were reported favorably with little or no opposition, though SB 180 drew discussion about local-government authority after storms and the need to balance recovery speed with local safety and planning concerns.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, not all developers will do the right thing, and I think some will.
- <00:13:34.760>
will and so you know not all developers will and so you know not all developers - result it's likely enabled to develop result it's likely enabled to develop and<00:26:06.880>
- Jack Leen from the State Health Planning and Development Agency.
- <00:42:55.400>
agency health planning and development agency health planning and development
Summary:
The House Committee on Health heard testimony on several measures. On HB 1233 relating to storm water management, the Attorney General’s office said the state may need to share costs with counties for any new inspection or regulatory program. Testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and a community member who described her daughter’s death in a poorly maintained detention pond and urged statewide inspections and a comprehensive approach. A member asked the Attorney General about the cost-sharing issue, and the office said state appropriations would be needed if counties are required to take on new duties.
The committee then heard HB 245 on student heat exposure safety. The Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure. A physician testifying for the Climate Change and Health Working Group described children’s vulnerability to heat and cited examples from other states that adopted stronger heat guidelines after school heat deaths. The Department of Education said it could do the feasibility study without additional funding and preferred to wait for the study before deciding on equipment needs. The Attorney General’s office later testified on HB 903, authorizing schools to maintain bronchodilators, supporting the concept but warning that the bill’s definition of school was broad and that DOE may not have jurisdiction over all covered entities; it suggested changing “protocol” to “guidelines” and involving the Public Charter School Commission.
On HB 1314 relating to youth mental health, the Department of Education testified in opposition, though no additional testimony was offered. The committee also heard HB 1334 on meat donation, with DLNR and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supporting the measure. HB 799 on health care drew support from HMSA and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, while the Department of Health said it supported the intent but wanted amendments, including limiting the bill to Maui, adding a sunset, and requiring a study of quality and access impacts. On HB 952 relating to Parkinson’s disease research, the Department of Health said the proposal would require additional appropriations and staffing and suggested a public-private partnership approach; the Hawaii Parkinson Association, Queen’s clinicians, and other supporters testified that a registry would help identify the number of patients and improve care. Finally, SHPDA strongly supported HB 1431 establishing an oral health task force, saying the state lacks sufficient dental oversight and that both keiki and kūpuna need better access to services.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Jun 18th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Higher Education Institutions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Some other things that we think about is that NDSU develops talent.
- Partnerships develop these pathways.
- Partnerships develop these pathways.
- it from there and develops that talent and keeps them in the state.
- They're moving that over to economic development.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:39:30.319>
HR5682 develop HR5682 develop HR5682 and<02:39:32.240>I <02:39:32.399>- The geothermal cost development.
- lands to geothermal development.
- lands to geothermal development.
- <04:08:53.120>
on flexibility to explore and develop on flexibility to explore and develop
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In that regard, recruitment and professional development of staff are ongoing challenges.
- So we have the federal Child Care Development Block Grant and Child Care and Development Fund.
- The committee developed two models to guide further discussion.
- Once we do this, we will develop findings.
- Reimbursement Project on Development Act.
Summary:
The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models.
The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively.
Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/13/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, such a guarantee would improve the financing terms for developers, of course.
- Um, such a guarantee would improve the financing terms for developers, of course.
- Um, such a guarantee would improve the financing terms for developers, of course.
- Um, such a guarantee would improve the financing terms for developers, of course.
- Uh, you kind of create a heads I win, tails you lose proposition for the developers.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- Funds specific workforce housing development, financial assistance, develop accessory dwelling, small
- We are the largest nonprofit housing service provider and developer in our region.
- We're the Regional Planning and Economic Development Agency for Cape Cod.
- He then developed severe manic behavior, the likes of which most trainers have never seen.
- He developed raw elbows from lying down and pulling. His gums fled.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing bills, with much of the discussion focused on seasonal communities and funding for year-round housing in places like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, and the Berkshires. Speakers supported bills including H. 4410/S. 966 and related seasonal communities legislation, which would allow local option real estate transfer fees and expand tools for towns to preserve and create affordable housing. Testimony emphasized severe housing shortages, high home prices, workforce displacement, and impacts on public safety, schools, health care, and local businesses. Many witnesses said the transfer fee would provide a sustainable local revenue stream, citing prior land bank models on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard as proof the approach can work.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3989 regarding seasonal community designation, with supporters arguing that towns should be included automatically or through a simpler opt-in process, and on H. 4568 to expand the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which would broaden access to a federal voucher-based savings and self-sufficiency model. Senator Edwards testified in support of a bill to create training for municipal board members, describing it as a toolkit to improve informed local decision-making. Senator O’Connor testified for a bed bug bill, saying it would create clearer landlord and tenant notification and treatment requirements and provide needed legal guidance after his family’s experience with an infestation. Senator Lovely also testified for the Homeworks program, which provides transportation so homeless children in motels and shelters can attend after-school activities.
The committee further heard testimony on a bill to fund housing in seasonal communities through a transfer fee and on a companion measure to expand the seasonal communities toolkit, with repeated calls for favorable reports. Witnesses from public safety, health care, housing nonprofits, schools, and local government described staffing shortages and housing insecurity as urgent problems. Later, the committee took testimony on H. 1559/S. 102 to maintain stable housing for families with pets, with animal welfare groups supporting protections against eviction, breed discrimination, and excessive pet rent. They said housing-related pet surrenders are a major driver of shelter intake. The hearing also included testimony on H. 1498 to limit criminalization of homelessness, which would restrict citations, fines, and related consequences for outdoor camping tied solely to homelessness.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- ,... ...development, when we talk about education, when we talk about infrastructure, we cannot have
- Because when you talk about early childhood development, it really is economic development.
- Because when you talk about early childhood development, it really is economic development.
- Relative of the operation and control of ferries by the Department of Transportation and Development,
- It is a concurrent resolution to urge and request the Department of Transportation and Development to
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Contract Review Committee Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- are developed.
- apprenticeship standards are developed. apprenticeship standards are developed. the<00:05:22.080
- <00:05:36.000>
an that if a person develops an that if a person develops an apprenticeship - developing the framework. developing the framework.
- team who is developing this. team who is developing this. >> Yes,<00:08:15.520>
ma'am.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jul 21st, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It's the cost of an entire developer for one year on this project.
- One is from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- So, that's some of the housing developments.
- Another recent development is the renovation of the Wells Fargo Tower.
- There are multiple paths here: housing development, tax credits, and vouchers.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:11.360>
or place with their local um developer or place with their local um developer - <00:13:14.639>
however the market was still developing however the market was still developing - <00:58:50.240>
have been wronged by solar developers have been wronged by solar developers - developments where things where uh solar developments where it<01:08:23.440>
can <01:08:23.920 - But again, I'm not a developer; I'm a hospitality guy.
Bills:
HF845
Keywords:
net metering, distributed generation, solar energy, rooftop solar, renewable energy, utility rates, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, net billing, bill credits, cost of service study, standby charge, qualifying facility, energy policy, clean energy, customer generation, interconnection, Minnesota Statutes 216B.164
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Sep 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a conversation that will change Texas fundamentally and how we develop.
- I would think the Water Development Board would be our best resource.
- John Dubnyk, Texas Water Development Board. He’s here as a resource only.
- We use the models to develop... Okay.
- I'm not going to criticize the Water Development Board.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 27, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, the Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee will come to order.
- In the Department of Commerce, I'm recommending total economic development funding of $170 million.
- This maintains the department's recurring base funding for various economic development programs like
- Since the department develops its work program in a five-year cycle, eliminating this recurring revenue
- solutions that meet the ...by the chair or the committee to work to develop solutions that meet the
Summary:
The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to consider its recommended fiscal year 2025-2026 budget and a conforming committee bill. Chair Shove presented an $18.5 billion TED budget, describing it as about 8.5% below the prior year’s TED budget and emphasizing recurring savings, reductions to vacant positions over 90 days old, and a focus on core agency needs. He highlighted funding for economic development, Visit Florida, Space Florida, affordable housing programs, military affairs, libraries, cultural and historic preservation grants, emergency management, and a $14.1 billion transportation work program.
The committee then took up PCB TED 2501, which changes documentary stamp tax distributions by redirecting certain revenues to general revenue. The bill would reinstate the general revenue service charge on the supplemental housing-related dock stamp revenue, eliminating a recurring $150 million source for the State Housing Trust Fund, and would also redirect about $466 million from the State Transportation Trust Fund to general revenue. Chair Shove said the measure has no net zero fiscal impact on state revenues and does not alter the longstanding standard dock stamp funding for affordable housing or eliminate FDOT programs, arguing the bill preserves flexibility for future legislatures.
Public testimony was split. Representatives from the Florida Transportation Builders Association and the Florida Public Transportation Association warned that the transportation trust fund reduction would significantly affect FDOT’s five-year work program, especially the Strategic Intermodal System, and could reduce planned capacity improvements and transit funding. Several members also raised concerns about the housing-related changes, arguing the bill undercuts commitments made through the Live Local framework and could weaken affordable housing efforts. In closing, Chair Shove defended the bill as a necessary tightening of recurring spending and said existing affordable housing and transportation programs would still be funded through other appropriations. The committee approved PCB TED 2501 on a 10-2 vote and reported it favorably before adjourning.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Higher Education and Workforce Development Jan 13th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Higher Education and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- in the Department of Economic Development to the Office of Workforce Development in the Department of
- Higher Education and Workforce Development.
- I'm the Director of External Relations for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
- to the Office of Workforce Development.
- , and then it correctly refers to them as the Office of Workforce Development.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- I am State Senator Barry Finegold, Chairman of Economic Development.
- This is the Suffolk Entrepreneurship and Educational Development Collaborative.
- This is the Suffolk Entrepreneurship and Educational Development Collaborative.
- That's 15% of the entire drug development pipeline for the U.S.
- That strategy should include traditional workforce development programs.
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on the economic impact of Massachusetts higher education institutions, with opening remarks noting the significance of September 11 and the role colleges and universities play in the state’s economy, workforce, and research ecosystem. UMass leaders testified first, describing UMass as a major employer and economic driver that educates large numbers of Massachusetts residents, supports thousands of jobs, and generates billions in annual economic activity. They emphasized the importance of research funding, warned that federal grant cancellations, suspensions, and slowdowns were harming research operations and talent retention, and voiced strong support for Governor Healey’s proposed DRIVE initiative as bridge funding to protect research capacity and jobs.
Committee members focused heavily on workforce preparation in emerging fields such as AI, cyber, quantum computing, and engineering. UMass leaders said AI is being embedded across curricula and research, but also warned that financial constraints forced reductions in PhD admissions, especially in computer science and engineering, which could weaken the future workforce pipeline. They also described the practical effects of grant uncertainty, including reduced graduate admissions and concerns about losing researchers to institutions abroad. Members asked for more detailed data on grant timing, funding gaps, and where students and researchers were going.
A second panel from private colleges and universities, including AICUM, Suffolk, Smith, and Clark, highlighted the broad economic and civic contributions of private higher education. Testimony cited large annual economic impacts, job creation, tax revenue, community service, legal clinics, dual enrollment, entrepreneurship support, sustainability investments, and access programs. Speakers also discussed enrollment pressures, COVID-related social and mental health challenges, student visa and federal policy concerns, and the need to preserve liberal arts alongside career-focused training. The committee then heard from MIT, where testimony focused on research commercialization, biotech spinouts, and the role of federal, philanthropic, and industry funding in sustaining innovation; members pressed for more data on funding sources and asked what state policy could do to keep talent and businesses in Massachusetts. The hearing continued with additional public higher education testimony, including Bridgewater State, Bristol Community College, and Northeastern, which emphasized workforce-aligned programs, social mobility, apprenticeships, co-op education, and the need for better coordination between higher education, employers, and state workforce systems.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber Fri May 8, 2026, 10:00AM HST - Day 58
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Interest-free loan transit-oriented development zone.
- promote and develop land for... power is to promote and develop land for agriculture.
- Development needs to happen in a smart, culturally sensitive, and environmentally sound way.
- development timelines also face headwinds because of this bill.
- the interests of our people, and develop sound policy.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Education Oversight - Morning Session Dec 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So we developed a safety corridor. We put together a rescue task force.
- We're developing a... Body language classes.
- Our SRO academy that we developed, that OSSI developed, we've had five academies, and when we announce
- They help you develop emergency operation RAVE mapping.
- They try to do it on the professional development days.
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on Oklahoma school safety from Commissioner Tipton, OSSI director Mike Fike, OACTIC director Alan Young, OSBI lieutenant Isiles Keene, and Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton. The main focus was a statewide school-safety framework built around response, prevention, and recovery. Witnesses described training law enforcement in the LASER active-shooter response model, adding A-TURK training for coordinated law enforcement/fire/EMS response, expanding run-hide-fight and Stop the Bleed instruction for educators and staff, conducting risk and vulnerability assessments, and using the Rave panic-button system and the ProtectOK tip app to speed reporting and dispatch. They also emphasized behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) teams as a prevention tool to identify and support at-risk students before violence occurs.
Members asked about administrator and teacher training, school counselor involvement, how apps are deployed on personal versus school devices, and whether schools are actually using the programs. Witnesses said administrators, counselors, and SROs should be part of BTAM, that training is most effective when it is realistic and repeated, and that Rave is geofenced and typically invited onto devices by schools. Several members stressed that school leaders must buy in for safety plans to work, and one member raised concerns about traumatic training and the need for mental-health support as part of prevention. Witnesses said mental-health referral and monitoring are part of BTAM, but the school and local partners must manage the process.
OSBI’s lieutenant added broader context, comparing school safety to fire safety and noting that Oklahoma still lacks some statutory requirements for intruder drills and stronger penalties for school threats. He also discussed possible future tools such as surveillance analytics, gunshot detection, ballistic-rated doors and walls, and better access controls, while warning that technology should supplement, not replace, basic safety systems and training. Sheriff Walton closed by describing rural response challenges and his foundation’s effort to place ballistic shields in schools and police cars, arguing that human resources and rapid communication remain the biggest gaps. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.