Transcript Highlights:

• You don't have to tell them the outcome that's going to happen if somebody comes through a window and

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met on April 21 and considered several education-related bills, mostly extensions or technical changes. S-57 (BOCES services to out-of-state school districts), S-150B (small-city school board nominating communication deadlines), S-8904A (BOCES lease terms for properties), S-9148 (exempting certain preschool special services providers from separate Commissioner approval), and S-9611 (extending provisions on certified school psychologists and preschool special education services) were all moved to the floor with little or no opposition. The committee also took up S-2498, which would reduce the required number of lockdown drills in schools from 12 to 10 and adjust the timing of drills. Senator Tedisco spoke strongly against the bill, arguing that repetition is necessary to prepare students and staff for emergencies and that reducing drills would move in the wrong direction on school safety. Chair Mayer responded that the bill still requires a significant number of drills and is intended to reduce trauma, especially for young children. The bill advanced, with Senators Stec and Tedisco opposed and Senator Weber recorded without recommendation. Most other bills were described as aligning existing rules, easing administrative burdens, or extending current law. The committee concluded by noting the meeting was productive and adjourned after moving all listed bills forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• You will be given a six-hour notice window to return, so do not beyond that, I've also asked Chairman

Bills: HB4 , HB1 , HB2 , HB18 , HB19 , HB20 , HB4 , HB1 , HB2 , HB20 , HB19 , HB18 , HB4 , HB1 , HB2 , HB18 , HB19 , HB20

Transcript Highlights:

• Once you go to your political party and file your paperwork, that triggers the five-day window.

Bills: HB250

Committee: House Ethics and Campaign Finance

Keywords: HB250, Alabama Ethics Commission, statement of economic interests, financial disclosure, candidate ethics, campaign finance, candidate filing deadline, qualifying papers, declaration of candidacy, independent candidate, ballot access, election law, ethics reform, public officials, public employees, asset disclosure, income disclosure, real estate holdings, indebtedness disclosure, late filing penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• You can probably see it if you look out that window.
• can probably see it if you look out You can probably see it if you look out that<00:38:26.560><c> window
• </c> that window. that window.
• We looked in the window, the locked.
• We looked in the window, the guy's<01:38:30.880><c> head</c><01:38:31.200><c> was</c><01:38:31.480><c

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the projects over the years have been windows. It's been lighting.
• Um, but that's what that fund represents. over the years have been um windows. over the years have been
• um windows.
• 11 computer and they do formatting differently than Windows 10 did. >> But then you and I and Jen can
• Windows 10 did. Windows 10 did.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them. The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time. The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:57:34.880><c> that</c> providers have a a limited window that providers have a a limited window
• They go in the house and sometimes with the windows closed they can't stand it.
• They go in the house and sometimes with the windows closed they can't stand it.
• </c><02:11:47.679><c> But</c> windows closed they can't stand it.
• But windows closed they can't stand it.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Analogies are always dangerous, but at the same time this is like if you have, you know, if your windows
• </c><01:00:10.559><c> know</c><01:00:10.720><c> if</c><01:00:10.839><c> your</c><01:00:11.000><c> windows
• </c><01:00:11.359><c> are</c> you have you know if your windows are you have you know if your windows
• 00:18.000><c> the</c> you have to at some point replace the you have to at some point replace the windows
• and not you know this isn't windows and not you know this isn't getting<01:00:20.240><c> rid</c><01:

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• accounts there, primarily for those programs that run a little bit longer than the biennial funding window
• the banial uh little bit longer than the banial uh funding<00:13:15.959><c> uh</c><00:13:16.079><c> window
• so</c><00:13:17.000><c> like</c><00:13:17.199><c> the</c><00:13:17.360><c> spinal</c> funding uh window
• so like the spinal funding uh window so like the spinal cord<00:13:17.880><c> traumatic</c><00:13:18.240
• highrise window cleaners and Airport<01:41:22.360><c> passenger</c><01:41:22.719><c> service</c><01:

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no windows. They're behind a cage.
• commitment it's a noisy room there are commitment it's a noisy room there are no<01:06:43.160><c> windows
• If anybody else notices bills that—we don't have window tint bills this year, so that takes care of that
• If anybody else notices bills that—we don't have window tint bills this year, so that takes care of that
• the blue envelope bill, I think like the third— If anybody else notices bills that—we don't have window

Summary: The Transportation Committee met for an opening/orientation session in which members introduced themselves and explained their interest in the committee. Several members noted backgrounds in trucking, piloting, boating, motorcycles, road safety, or constituent concerns about transportation issues. The chair also noted several absent members and said the committee would first hear agency presentations before covering committee procedures. The Department of Safety gave the main presentation, outlining its seven divisions and how they relate to transportation policy and the Highway Fund. The assistant commissioner emphasized that Highway Fund revenue supports both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Safety, with collections coming largely from the road toll/gas tax, DMV fees, and the new electric vehicle surcharge. He also noted that 12% of Highway Fund revenues go to local road repair through the DOT Betterment Fund, and warned that the fund has had a structural deficit for several biennia, requiring General Fund transfers that may be uncertain this session. He said the department aims to provide data and fiscal context on legislation and fiscal notes. State Police then provided a detailed overview of its structure and operations, including the Operations Bureau, Investigative Services Bureau, and Justice Information Bureau. Testimony highlighted Troop G’s role in vehicle inspections, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, fraud investigations, and consumer complaint handling, as well as statewide staffing shortages. The division reported rising calls for service, motor vehicle stops, DWI arrests, and other arrests despite a vacancy rate of about 17%. It also described aviation, K-9, bomb squad, special events response, SWAT, narcotics, major crime, forensic laboratory, and other specialized units, with statistics on drug seizures, investigations, and lab workload. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had folks we've seen from our window in Kona a long gun outside.
• We've had folks we've seen<01:52:50.120><c> from</c><01:52:50.360><c> our</c><01:52:50.480><c> window
• in Kona a long gun seen from our window in Kona a long gun outside.<01:52:53.400><c> Someone</c><01:
• Uh, the attorneys have to meet with them or speak with them through the van windows.
• closed, which is a start um so windows closed, which is a start um so the<02:38:31.440><c> people</c

Transcript Highlights:

• Just noting, it is not a cure-all for violence against animals and people, but it is an incredible window

Committee: Senate Legislative Oversight & Sunset

Summary: The Senate Legislative Oversight Committee met in hybrid format and took up HB 415/HS1, which would require veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. The chair described the bill as addressing a gap in Delaware law and noted that veterinarians are often the first professionals able to identify signs of cruelty. Supporters emphasized the connection between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, and said the measure would help detect and address abuse earlier. Public testimony was uniformly supportive. A representative from the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association thanked the sponsor and said the bill had been amended with input from the association. A representative of the state council said the council did not take a formal position but was significantly interested because of the bill’s link to agriculture and animal welfare. Online witnesses from Animals for Animals Action Fund and Faithful Friends Animal Society also supported the bill, citing the need for mandatory reporting, existing immunity protections for good-faith reports, and studies showing veterinarians frequently encounter abuse. No committee vote was taken during the meeting. After public comment concluded, the chair adjourned the meeting, noting that HB 415 was the only item on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it carves out that five-year window.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• , and just because we put this number out, it doesn't mean that we're going to throw cost out the window

Committee: All ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council met to consider one item: a request from the Office of Property Risk to use a request for qualifications (RFQ) process to procure auditing services for the state captive insurance program. Grant Wallace, Director of the Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk, explained that the captive’s governing statute requires an independent audit and that an RFQ was appropriate because of the program’s unique nature and the need for auditors familiar with FASB standards and captive insurance work. Members asked about whether a projected cost must be included in the solicitation, how market research was conducted, and whether Arkansas firms could receive preference. Wallace said the projected cost is required as part of the approval process, that the market research was nationwide and focused on firms with insurance and FASB experience, and that the solicitation could be written to give some advantage to local firms if desired. The chair and others noted that professional auditing standards would still require qualified auditors regardless of the procurement method. Senator Hickey asked about the contract term and approval process, and Wallace confirmed the initial term would cover 2026 through 2029 and that the selection would still require approval by the State Board of Finance, the subcommittee, and the full ALC before execution. After discussion, a motion was made and approved by voice vote, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• generators that are needed to start are generators that are needed to start the<00:28:57.799><c> window
• ><c> But</c><00:28:59.039><c> ultimately</c><00:28:59.640><c> I</c><00:28:59.760><c> feel</c> the window
• Mills But ultimately I feel the window Mills But ultimately I feel like<00:29:01.120><c> uh</c><00:29
• they’re all over the country—can say, okay, Representative, you are, you know, fixing the drafty windows

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason why that 60-day window is there is because at day 55, the probate judge is required by
• And the reason why that 60-day window is there is because at day 55, the probate judge is required by
• </c> or in person and you've got a window or in person and you've got a window from<00:35:50.079><c>
• I mean, I think we've given a huge window of time. >> Window of time.
• I would love to have as many of which is why the bill has a huge window where if they want to change

Transcript Highlights:

• You're dressing out your new black truck with the plate and the tinted windows, so our amendment that

Summary: The conference committee on Senate Bill 2133 met to resolve differences over the fee structure for a specialty motorcycle/license plate. The main dispute was whether the plate should carry a $15 or $25 per registration period fee, with the Senate members arguing the higher fee was reasonable for a novelty/specialty plate and helped cover costs, while House members favored the lower fee as closer to actual manufacturing cost and noted the plate would still likely include a personalized plate fee. Members also discussed examples from other states and whether demand for such plates would be significant. A motion was made by Senator Klein to adopt amendment 5.0580.0204, described as the Corey amendment, and Representative Casper seconded it. The committee then voted, with Chairwoman Corey, Senator Paulson, Senator Klein, Representative Johnston, and Representative Casper voting aye/yes, and Representative Hendricks voting no. After the vote, members acknowledged they were at an impasse, with no agreement reached on the fee amount. The committee briefly discussed whether there was room to compromise before the next meeting, but no new motion or resolution was offered. The chair indicated the committee was effectively at a stalemate and adjourned after inviting further feedback for the next conference committee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what they were doing with this is having a five-year window that they're looking at, kind of a rolling
• biennium, with an expectation that they would make adjustments to the new formula, but give them a window
• biennium, with an expectation that they would make adjustments to the new formula, but give them a window

Summary: The committee met to review updates on low-completion academic programs, dual credit funding, and a draft higher education funding formula bill. Lisa Johnson of the University System explained the State Board of Higher Education’s proposed policy on low-completion programs, which would review associate through doctoral programs with fewer than 10 undergraduate or fewer than 5 graduate completions over a rolling five-year period. She said campuses already know which programs are low-performing, many terminations have involved programs with no students, and faculty are often reassigned rather than laid off. Members asked about online programs, the basis for the 10/5 thresholds, reactivation of inactive programs, and whether state priorities include workforce needs and legislative direction. The committee also discussed that some programs, such as sonography or foreign languages, may continue because of workforce or regional needs, and that the board’s policy is still moving through the approval process. The committee then heard a Commerce Department update on a $750,000 workforce development grant for tribally controlled colleges under SB 2018. Kerry Kraft reported that Turtle Mountain Community College was the only applicant and that it is using the grant to develop dual credit and workforce pathways in areas such as cybersecurity, medical assisting, welding, solar energy, public safety, and health care. Members asked why other tribal colleges did not apply, how many students are participating, and whether the program belongs in the Commerce budget or higher education budget. Kraft said the project is still in development, with no current enrollments yet, but the college has a goal of 210 students and has historically met a 75% completion rate or better. A major portion of the meeting focused on dual credit funding. Senator Sickler summarized the Institutions Committee’s work on quality, access, and cost, noting that most high school dual credit instructors now meet credentialing requirements and that access varies by region and school district preference. He presented cost data showing variation among campuses and discussed a possible single funding rate for subsidized dual credit, using a lower base rate as a model. Members questioned the direct and indirect cost calculations, whether dual credit is already funded through the formula, and whether a separate dual credit rate would require removing those credits from the general funding formula to avoid double payment. The committee then turned to a draft funding formula bill, with staff explaining technical corrections, a change to make UND and NDSU align with the other institutions’ undergraduate rates, a four-year average for research funding, and other revisions. Members discussed the overall fiscal impact, with staff estimating the proposal would increase funding compared with the current formula, and the committee also raised concerns about how dual credit, Tier 1 funding, and certificate programs should be treated in the formula. No final vote was taken, and the committee recessed to allow staff to refine the numbers and additional comparisons.

Transcript Highlights:

• mom with two kids, I live in a DAC, I have a home that was built in 1920, I have a beautiful big window
• that I refuse to replace...” “...1920, I have a beautiful big window that I refuse to replace, but,
• I would otherwise not know, like, okay, well, what windows do I need to apply to my home?

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• The reality is that California's window to lead will not...
• California's window to lead will not remain open indefinitely. Let me restate that.
• The reality is that California's window to lead will not remain open indefinitely.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll do the window for applications will open in the summer, and we hope to have the funds out the
• So we'll do the window for applications will open in the summer and we hope to have the funds out the
• received 309 applications, and that is a 43% increase in applications, again, compared to the same time window

Summary: The hearing focused on the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz) and several related budget proposals. Director D.D. Myers described the California Jobs First economic blueprint, regional planning efforts across 13 regions, and the state’s strategy to target sectors such as ag tech, space, life sciences, semiconductors, and emerging technologies. She also discussed the California brand campaign, export promotion, film tax credits, and the California Civic Media Fund, emphasizing job creation, regional equity, and business attraction/retention. Members raised questions about support for journalism, arts and creative industries, AI’s impact on jobs, foreign direct investment, manufacturing, tariffs, and how the Jobs First framework is being implemented across regions. Go-Biz then presented trailer bill language to extend the encumbrance deadline for remaining Jobs First administrative funds and to codify the Office of Regional Economic Development Initiatives. The department said $95 million of the $100 million Jobs First appropriation had already been deployed to grants for counties and tribes, and members asked for more information on regional outcomes, including Orange County and the North State. Public comment supported Jobs First and the Small Business Development Centers’ role in helping businesses access capital and create jobs. The committee also heard a request for ongoing CalExport funding to replace uncertain federal STEP support; the LAO noted the Legislature may want to weigh whether to backfill federal reductions, while Go-Biz argued the state program is needed because federal support appears unlikely to continue and demand exceeds available funding. The committee next heard the film and television tax credit staffing request. Go-Biz asked for funding for three permanent positions to manage the expanded program, and the LAO recommended approval given the increased workload. The Film Commission reported a sharp rise in applications after AB 1138 and the program expansion, with productions taking place both inside and outside the Los Angeles 30-mile zone and activity spread across the state. Finally, Go-Biz presented a request for one permanent position and one graduate student assistant to support innovation and emerging technologies, including quantum and fusion. Members asked about the use of the state’s quantum funding, and staff explained it would support microgrants, state capacity-building, and workforce education. No formal votes were taken in the portions provided, and the chair indicated some items would be moved and heard later in the agenda.