Transcript Highlights:

• Is that your issue?
• issue that we should think about. issue that we should think about.
• So it's not done and over with, and it's a complicated issue and, like most constitutional issues, um
• So it's not done and over with, and it's a complicated issue and, like most constitutional issues, um
• So it's not done and over with, and it's a complicated issue and, like most constitutional issues, um

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met to consider eight bills, beginning with HB 443 on the terms of appointment for members of the Higher Education Commission. Department of Education Director Steve Applebee explained that the commission supported a language change to address a holdover issue, but members raised concerns that the bill did not solve the problem of inactive members and might not address the broader question of whether the commission should continue to exist. The committee agreed to retain HB 443 for further work and voted 18-0 to do so. The committee then voted on HB 137, which would allocate excess statewide education property tax funds for local school and municipal purposes. Supporters of ITL argued that using the statewide property tax to reduce the state’s school funding obligation could create a slippery slope and shift more burden to property taxpayers. The committee voted 15-3 to ITL the bill, with a minority report to be written. HB 237, which would prohibit the use of special education and differentiated aid funds on students not receiving special education services, was also ITL’d after members said federal law already governs how IDEA-related funds may be used and that the bill was unnecessary. That motion passed 16-0, with some members not voting because they were out for medical reasons. The committee next advanced HB 354, creating alternative certification pathways for career and technical education instructors. Members said the bill could help recruit qualified tradespeople and retirees to teach in CTE programs, and it was approved 18-0 and placed on the consent calendar. HB 491, establishing a committee to study alternative public education funding methods and reduce reliance on local property taxes, was retained for further study after members said the committee or a subcommittee could continue the work over the year; it passed 18-0. HB 656, concerning local school districts’ authority to accept federal grants, was also retained after discussion focused on transparency, grant conditions, and the need to avoid delays in services; it passed 18-0. The committee then moved on to HB 729, an appropriation for an attorney to recodify education laws, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also noted issues regarding the survey, cross-check, and FEFP calculation processing delays, issues
• The second issue we noted in the audit was an extended budget.
• In our Step Up report we issued in April 2025, the issues with the overfunding of the account balances
• In our Step Up report we issued in April 2025, the issues with the overfunding of the account balances
• But a lot of times we talk about these issues in a vacuum.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met for its first meeting of the 2025 session to hear the Auditor General’s operational audit on 2024-25 school funding accountability challenges, focused largely on the Family Empowerment Scholarship and its interaction with the FEFP. Deputy Auditor General Matthew Tracy described rapid growth in scholarship enrollment, timing mismatches between scholarship payments and public-school funding calculations, delayed membership survey processing, weak cross-check and recoupment procedures, inconsistent handling of parent survey responses, and limited documentation for withholding and returning funds. The audit said these issues contributed to funding inequities, duplicate-payment risks, and an unexpected draw on state education funds, and it recommended separating scholarship funding from the FEFP, aligning application windows with budget timing, strengthening controls and staffing, and creating clearer, documented recoupment and balance-limit processes. Committee members questioned whether current law gives the department and scholarship funding organizations enough authority and whether the system is effectively a pay-and-chase model. Several senators expressed concern about the lack of timely reconciliation, the size of the funds involved, and the absence of clear records showing how money was recovered or withheld. Adam Emerson, executive director of the Office of School Choice, said the department is working more closely with school districts and scholarship funding organizations, including pausing payments when districts identify students still enrolled in public schools, and said the office wants to improve the process. President Gates then previewed legislation he said would address the audit’s findings by funding Family Empowerment Scholarships as a separate FEFP categorical, expanding the Education Stabilization Fund, setting clearer application and acceptance deadlines, moving to monthly payments with eligibility verification before each payment, assigning student IDs for scholarship assistance, lowering SFO management fees, requiring annual audits, and requiring prompt return of audit-related funds. Public comment included a private-school attorney describing losses from unpaid scholarship amounts. Members generally supported the need for reform, with several senators saying the program should be preserved but better structured and more accountable. The committee adjourned after the discussion, with no vote taken on the legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have now, with issue one and issue two, received a number of, I think, very appropriate and appreciated
• We're ready for issue number three.
• amendments and the APA issue.
• We're here to comment on issue number one.
• Procurement issues and contracting issues.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This was an issue then, too, and to quote Mr.
• Post-Yuri, this was an issue then, too, and to quote Mr.
• Whether it's 10, whether it's 12, is not really the issue.
• So that can't be the issue. We have seasons every year.
• And support any issues that pop up along the way.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have approached this issue many times, including 2024 and 2025.
• It's becoming an even bigger issue during this administration with a lot of guarantees for student loans
• And I know it potentially leads into a larger issue with the funding formula.
• But there are some issues with you all and with our public schools and all around.
• , a problematic issue.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had a very, very high rate of product quality issues since COVID.
• I'm sure it has something to do with supply chain issues and that kind of thing. ...product quality issues
• Senator, did you give us a handout on system issues?
• As you all know, throughout the state, we have a big issue with good water.
• We're trying to address those issues.

Bills: SB22, SB310

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The technical issues have been resolved.
• It's not done until FERC issues its final order.
• And there's no guarantee. There's no guarantee that any of these developers will bid, right?
• We're looking at a reliability issue.
• As was mentioned earlier, this is not a partisan issue.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on energy, public safety, and environmental cleanup. House Bill 455 would create a historic preservation license plate to raise funds and awareness for Delaware preservation efforts, and House Bill 471 would tighten rules and penalties for off-highway vehicles on shared private roads, with golf carts excluded. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 439, the Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act, would require clearer disclosures when selling electric mopeds and electric motorcycles so consumers understand classification, power, and licensing/insurance requirements. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 407, related to the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act and brownfields, would shift funding for brownfield cleanup from the original realty transfer tax approach to a dedicated share of the hazardous substance cleanup fund and raise civil penalties for fraudulent acts. The committee also approved the June 18, 2026 minutes once quorum was reached. Most of the meeting centered on House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 233, as amended, a large-load/data center bill intended to protect ratepayers from costs tied to massive new electricity users. The sponsor and Public Advocate said PJM’s warnings about a coming reliability backstop auction made it urgent to establish a Delaware framework now, requiring large energy users to sign utility agreements, cover their share of transmission, distribution, and capacity costs, and comply with curtailment and other protections. Supporters from environmental groups and some labor and business voices said the bill was needed to prevent cost shifts to households and small businesses, while opponents argued it was being rushed, could deter investment, and might unintentionally affect other industries; several asked for more time and clearer definitions. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee also took up House Bill 470, which would authorize Delmarva Power, with PSC approval, to build and operate utility-owned battery storage and spread costs across the customer base. The sponsor and Delmarva said the bill would improve reliability quickly and help avoid outages, while the chair expressed concern that the state had not yet fully studied whether utility-owned or competitively procured storage is the best model, noting a recent SEU storage study and broader policy questions. Supporters said utility storage could be deployed faster and help with peak shaving, while others urged a competitive process; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 470.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the real issue is that this is a cultural issue.
• Thank you very much, Kathy Stratton. issue not just for young women who don't issue not just for young
• That's a totally separate issue from civil liability. So I'll just table the civil liability issue.
• from<01:26:22.480> civil That's a different issue from civil That's a different issue
• And I'm—who issues the license? The OPLC. Who issues the license? The OPLC.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, parental rights is not a partisan issue.
• THSC has worked on this issue locally since the 1990s.
• Where we are situated plays a huge factor in our gang issue.
• This bill addresses an issue with trying to send.
• Underscores the urgency of this issue.

Transcript Highlights:

• It really is a bipartisan issue.
• This is an issue in Minnesota.
• issue.
• I have not heard about that issue.
• This is certainly not a Republican or Democrat issue, it's an American issue.

Keywords: homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions

Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I do polling, Windstorm is right up there with the top two issues.
• We've been heavily involved in this, uh, this issue.
• I think the last bond they issued was at about 8.25%.
• I mean, under our current law we can issue pre-event bonds, right, but we don't.
• Um, we have also been beset by issues regarding, uh, the economy, inflation, COVID.

Transcript Highlights:

• issue raised.
• Of the issues Mr.
• This is the most direct way we can deal with this issue, which he has acknowledged is an issue.
• I ran on this issue.
• Shaheen, so which addresses the issues in the Stevens case.

Bills: SB17, SB1569, SB2420, HB5138, HJR161, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HCR76, HCR127, SB906, SB1229, SB855, SB703, SB1025, SB888, SB1119, SB1080, SB929, SB1355, SB2231, SB1877, SB1998, SB552, SB17, SB1569, SB2420, HB2697, HB3801, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3469, HB2594, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB 1181, HB3963, HB5111, HB2785, HB1661, HB200, HB1803, HB249, HB721, HB851, HB 1128, HB1904, HB30, HB1916, HB541, HB5560, HB3071, HB5627, HB5435, HB2688, HB3045, HB3483, HB4213, HB4226, HB783, HB175, HB4735, HB5155, HB5057, HB4813, HB5339, HB5196, HB5033, HB3486, HB4211, HB74, HB4730, HB4743, HB4463, HB4139, HB4752, HB4486, HB4437, HB4426, HB4396, HB4263, HB3487, HB3418, HB2266, HB2229, HB2189, HB5224, HB5195, HB3947, HB3358, HB3370, HB3745, HB3697, HB2001, HB1968, HB3371, HB3909, HB4944, HB2284, HB4506, HB3317, HB4166, HB3913, HB1768, HB4603, HB2494, HB3099, HJR138, HB133, HB3832, HB1988, HCR34, HB3421, HB3892, HB5138, HJR161, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HCR76, HCR127

Keywords: foreign ownership, real property, national security, criminal penalties, civil penalties, personal information, higher education, privacy protection, governing board, institutional security, software applications, mobile devices, age verification, parental consent, data protection, app store regulation, HJR 161, Texas constitutional amendment, voting rights, non-citizen voting

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there an issue in this bill that they do want to carry this forward?
• I mean, he has got a guaranteed spot with the football team, is that not correct?
• hoping that the majority of people in the Senate and the House can come together to solve some of the issues

Keywords: special education, legislation, Texas, personalized education, families testimonies, education reform, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting featured strong dialogues focused on improving educational provisions for special needs students in Texas. A key highlight was the discussion around legislation aimed at personalizing educational programs to cater to individual needs, which included testimonies from families who have benefited from similar initiatives. The overall sentiment was one of urgency to rectify past shortcomings in the education system and to foster an environment where every student is given the chance to thrive. Members also expressed frustration over delayed bills and a commitment to continue fighting for progress as the session approached its end.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, yeah, the weight issue, the crossing the border, all that stuff.
• I understand the copper issue; I own apartments.
• That's an important issue. We need to work on it.
• Happy to speak now or later to this associated gas issue.
• Two very important issues for our great state.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pay issues are being handled currently by Chair Hooper [ID: member_285], and hopefully.
• Hopefully, he can help me also finish this sentence and address the issue.
• That break down a lot with incarcerated people in them, creating a safety issue.
• How does this budget approach that issue? I think I saw.
• These issues will be resolved during conference, along with the economic issues, which will be addressed

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One both ways because I worry about the funding issue.
• I've got an issue I want to be brought forward." So I appreciate it.
• Take away the moral issue for a moment.
• Is this a safety issue for somebody or not?
• But these are serious issues.

Bills: SB41, SB33, SB32, SB30

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, individualized treatment, investigational treatment, health care, life-threatening illness, patient rights, physician recommendation, informed consent, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child protection, prosecution, crime amendments, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, I don't understand why this issue is even a political issue.
• But we have a huge issue that we need to address.
• I know this is an important issue.
• Secretary of Education on this issue.
• This is an important issue. All right.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2024 as Prop. 139, which guarantees a fundamental right
• Chairman, I would just note that the issue here seems to be not that the law was in existence prior,
• And currently, the Supreme Court hasn't spoken on the issue of prayer in school board meetings, which
• is what this is about, but the circuit courts, it's interesting, having considered that issue, have
• These issues we had discussed with the bill's sponsor, and the sponsor had asked us to work with her

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a complex issue.
• I guarantee the vast majority of those have non-stick products.
• and there's personal choice issues.
• The issue has always been around disclosure.
• I think it addresses all the issues that we've discussed. Yeah Great.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are one-time for 1 year, and there's no guarantee there would be anything uh in the following year
• for 1 year, and They are one-time for 1 year, and there's<00:05:48.240> no<00:05:48.400> guarantee
• <00:05:48.880> there<00:05:49.080> would<00:05:49.200> be there's no guarantee
• there would be there's no guarantee there would be anything<00:05:50.480> uh<00:05:50.560>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House Caucus of the Whole received a budget review from House Appropriations Chair Rep. Shay on H.951, the FY27 budget. He said the budget totals about $9.334 billion across all funds, with a 1.6% increase overall and a 2.1% increase in the general fund, and stated that it balances, fills required reserves, meets pension obligations, and largely reflects the governor’s January budget requests. He also noted that budget documents were emailed to members and that Appropriations Committee members and Joint Fiscal Office staff would be available in the House well during lunch for follow-up questions. Shay described the budget as divided into ongoing base appropriations and one-time appropriations. Major ongoing investments highlighted included funding for designated and specialized service agencies, home- and community-based providers, Medicaid skilled home health services, Bridges to Health, AHEC primary care loan repayment and provider placement, Vermont screening and referral clinics, VHIP housing support, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, a homelessness and housing initiative, a disabilities housing coordinator, the Vermont Access Network, Flood Safety Act positions at ANR, a state mediator position, an attorney for the state ethics commission, an additional attorney at the Human Rights Commission, and funding for the Defender General’s public defense contracting and training. He also emphasized one-time funding for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, a pension and benefits funding task force, provider stabilization grants, Meals on Wheels, Vermont Legal Aid’s immigration attorney and hotline, rental arrears assistance, manufactured home repair programs, HomeShare expansion, NOFA food and farm programs, food banks, conservation districts, VSAC Freedom and Unity scholarships, and the Community Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Fund. No votes were taken during the presentation; the meeting ended after a brief opportunity for questions, with members directed to continue discussion during noon office hours.