Transcript Highlights:

• I think the next steps for our committee is to lock down the individuals that are coming and to get the
• So that's the next step.
• And I think in general, the importance of that bill is it's a first step to making sure that there is
• But the first step is to identify the tool.
• I think it would be a great step for us to move forward.

Summary: The commission met with a quorum and introduced Brett Farley, who was discussed as a possible partner to help strengthen the nonprofit side of the commission’s work. Members also welcomed a new participant, Naomi Janes of Owasso Public Schools, who described her role in instructional technology and AI integration. The group spent much of the meeting on planning for the upcoming AI symposium, including venue logistics, room and meal costs, audio-visual expenses, fundraising progress, keynote and vendor participation, and ideas for breakout sessions and after-hours demonstrations. Members discussed keeping attendee contact information private unless permission is obtained, and they also considered future regional meetings and year-round follow-up to sustain momentum beyond the symposium. A major portion of the meeting focused on legislation and grant strategy. Michael provided an update on House Bill 1782, saying floor amendments had been filed and that the bill now includes authority for agencies to pursue gifts and donations, an expanded advisory council, broader research purposes, and a fund structure that can support multi-year projects without fiscal-year pressure. He also reviewed Senate Bill 1734, which would require parental disclosure, allow opt-outs, and require reporting on data minimization and privacy compliance for AI tools used in schools. Members discussed how the commission could help schools, families, and the public understand AI policy and how the new law might shape future recommendations. The group also reviewed several grant efforts. Anna reported on the NSF TechABLE/AI HubZone proposal, a three-year, $1 million-per-year opportunity with a June 15 letter-of-intent deadline and July 15 full proposal deadline, and noted plans to include staff positions to support the project. She also updated the group on a rural health care transformation proposal of roughly $700,000 and asked for follow-up on its status. In addition, Anna outlined a broader K-20 pipeline concept centered on a shared learner record and microcredential system that would connect K-12, CareerTech, higher education, libraries, and workforce systems, with tools such as Career Coach and Skill of Eye to link credentials to jobs. Members generally supported the idea, noting benefits for transcript portability, special populations, teacher certification, and workforce alignment. The commission agreed to meet again on June 14 at 1:00 p.m., and the meeting adjourned after a brief announcement of an informal AI book club for the summer.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they'll take them step by step through CPR or controlling a major hemorrhage or helping through an
• the line with you until somebody gets there and here's what I want you to do and they'll take them step
• by step through CPR or controlling a major hemorrhage or helping through an emergency childbirth this
• The bill starts with three critical steps toward fixing the project right now. Number one.
• This bill is not just a step in the right direction, This bill is not just a step in the right direction

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to public safety, emergency response, wildfire prevention, and environmental protection. AB 2152 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would streamline CEQA litigation for new fire station projects and add best-practice requirements; supporters, including firefighters, said it would help communities and firefighter safety, while opponents argued the project labor agreement requirements would raise costs and limit participation for small and nonunion contractors. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2041 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand reporting related to 911 dispatcher pre-arrival medical instructions; after amendments and stakeholder agreement, opposition groups said they would remove their opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2101 by Assembly Member Gipson would require human trafficking notices and training at disaster sites and for disaster response workers; supporters said it would protect vulnerable workers, while broadband, city, and county representatives raised implementation concerns, especially in rural disaster areas. It passed to Appropriations despite a no vote from Vice Chair Hadwick. The committee also considered AB 1805, which would require an audit and stronger oversight of the state’s Next Generation 911 project after concerns about major spending and delays. CalNENA supported the bill’s transparency and accountability provisions, and the measure passed to Appropriations. AB 1536 by Assembly Member Addis would tighten safety and public review requirements for offshore oil pipeline restarts and require decommissioning of certain spill-prone pipelines; environmental and coastal government groups supported it, while the Western States Petroleum Association warned it would threaten fuel supply and pipeline operations. The bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. AB 1964 would direct the State Fire Marshal to survey home hardening in fire-prone areas and estimate costs; it passed to Appropriations with broad support. AB 1960, also by Assembly Member Bennett, would use a portion of wildfire prevention grants to encourage community-level home hardening certification. The author said the bill would create incentives and broader public awareness, while the vice chair argued it would favor communities that can already afford hardening and divert resources from higher-need areas; the bill still passed to Appropriations. AB 1863 by Assembly Member DeMaio would clarify that people cannot be charged simply for calling 911 or when no services are rendered, while preserving fees for actual services and allowing billing for legitimate emergency response costs; it passed to the Assembly floor. The committee also took up consent item AB 2517, which passed to Appropriations. After add-on votes for absent members, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• She has had a family emergency, and so we're grateful to you, Representative Johnson, for stepping in
• And again, Representative Johnson, thank you so much for stepping in for Representative Green.
• And they're either from people not having succession plans or somebody that can step in, or just other
• journalism is vital for the success of our state on so many levels, and this bill provides a great step
• step into local newsrooms statewide. step into local newsrooms statewide.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the policy director for Common Cause, New Mexico, stepping in for Cesar Marquez. Thank you, Mr.
• I'm the policy director for Common Cause, New Mexico, stepping in for Cesar Marquez.
• New Mexico has taken many steps to protect and secure the right to vote.
• And that's when the federal government had to step in.
• This legislation is taking a proactive step to prevent that intimidation.

Bills: SB23, SB221, SB261, SB264

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• [Applause] Last year, we took a historic and long overdue step forward.
• year, we took a historic and long Last year, we took a historic and long overdue<00:10:35.120> step
• 36.720> Act<00:10:37.279> 73<00:10:37.839> was<00:10:38.079> a overdue step
• Act 73 was a overdue step forward.
• [Applause] We've already taken a critical step forward.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Health care: On health care, this bill takes meaningful steps to expand access to rural communities.
• The bill takes meaningful steps to expand access to rural communities.
• Parents received notification from Step Up that said that they were double-counted.
• This bill takes big vital steps in understanding and controlling the money out.
• step to safeguarding and sustaining our school choice program.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SB 250 on rural communities by Senator Simon, was described as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and transportation investments, added funding for rural education consortiums, and health care initiatives for rural areas. Senator Harrell asked about overlap between road funding programs, and the sponsor explained that eligible counties could receive both SCRAP and FARM funding. Several organizations waived in support or spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote. The committee then heard SB 318, the committee substitute for educational scholarship programs by President Gates. The bill was presented as a response to Auditor General findings about the rapid growth and administration of Florida’s school choice and scholarship programs. It would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding from the FEFP, require more frequent student enrollment verification, lower scholarship funding organization administrative fees, require return of overpayments, create a student ID system, establish a $250 million stabilization fund, require annual audits, and direct DOE to recommend future program administration through competitive procurement. Gates also offered five amendments, including technical changes to eligibility documentation and a substantive amendment requiring a DOE report on future administration and competitive selection; all five amendments were adopted. During debate and public testimony, senators and witnesses discussed accountability, software solutions, reimbursement delays, monthly attestations, and impacts on public schools and families. Supporters and opponents alike raised concerns about bureaucracy, fraud prevention, special education services, and whether the bill would help or burden parents. Gates said the bill aimed to fix tracking and payment problems without capping the program, and he noted the IEP timeline would be aligned with public school timelines. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 318 favorably by unanimous vote, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In response, Food Share has stepped up to support our network of 200 nonprofit pantry partners, many
• I can say firsthand that the passage of AB 590 was an important step in the right direction.
• Are there in-between steps that we can take that aren't the full ask?
• So are there in-between steps? It's not just on one thing.
• There are intermediary steps between those two ends of the spectrum.

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly select committee hearing focused on the challenges facing California nonprofits in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance, the impact of federal funding disruptions and tax policy changes, and the need for stronger public-private partnerships, especially in disaster response and recovery. Witnesses from community foundations, food banks, Cal OES, long-term recovery groups, CalNonprofits, and nonprofit finance organizations described funding uncertainty, delayed reimbursements, reduced indirect cost coverage, staffing strain, and the effects of climate disasters and immigration-related fear on service delivery. Testimony highlighted several policy ideas, including advance payments for state grants and contracts, prompt payment standards, sustainable indirect cost rates, contract flexibility in emergencies, streamlined registration and reporting, and a possible new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to serve as a central point of contact and coordination within state government. Speakers also described how nonprofits and VOAD networks support wildfire response and long-term recovery, but noted that recovery groups often lack stable operating funding even when they are recognized as best practice. A food bank leader described federal food aid cuts and disruptions to deliveries, while other witnesses stressed that nonprofits are increasingly forced to use reserves, loans, or service reductions to manage cash flow gaps. Committee members generally expressed support for the sector and asked how the state could better partner with nonprofits during both disasters and budget crises. Several members raised the possibility of incremental steps if full legislative changes are not immediately feasible, and witnesses suggested pilots, better sharing of best practices, and stronger state leadership on payment timelines. Public commenters echoed the need for better contracting practices, support for community-based organizations, and attention to nonprofit worker compensation and protections. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the hearing, which concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• She clearly was fighting against that every step of the way in the negotiations.
• 00:04:24.000> against<00:04:24.400> that<00:04:24.560> every<00:04:24.880> step
• <00:04:25.040> of<00:04:25.199> the fighting against that every step of the fighting
• against that every step of the way<00:04:25.600> in<00:04:25.759> the<00:04:25.919>
• down because that's what then stepped down because that's what you're<00:15:54.079> doing<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill takes a crucial step.
• Really, the process step that has left us with a large amount of concrete cement.
• This is really the first step to have that take place.
• This is the first step to do that.
• This is us just taking steps in the right direction.

Bills: SB1757, SB1758, SB1898, SB2050

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• What's the next step?
• What is the next step? Absolutely. One of the biggest things is just providing them resources.
• There is nothing but upside on this bill, another step forward.
• This is a great next step to Senate Bill 593, which you passed last session, and keep in mind...
• The sunset process, but we're really grateful for this huge step forward.

Bills: HB35, HB138, HB754, HB1314, HB1612, HB2254, HB2510, HB2789, HB3560, HB3597, HB4224, HB4273, HB4643, HB4783, HB138

Keywords: peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, human trafficking, trafficking prevention, medical assistant training, health care facilities, hospital compliance, clinic compliance, anti-retaliation, whistleblower protection, employee reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm kind of sad that this is such a necessary step. Can I do one thing real quick? Yes sir.
• This is a necessary step to safeguard crime victims restitution funds and ensure county and district
• We're just missing the step of connecting them with stuff once they get out.
• Um, HB 1515 certainly does take some, um, significant steps in resolving these issues.
• And men who want to step out of prison and improve their future and their family's futures.

Bills: HB153

Transcript Highlights:

• When there is no response, our next step is to purchase a published notice in our local newspaper.
• Running an ad in the newspaper that no delinquent customer and few potential bidders see is a step that
• Lien sales are not a profit-making venture, but rather a necessary step to clear abandoned units and
• Well, it's the first step in a three-part problem.
• As it will be the first step and many steps uh to take Texas into the future. Thank you.

Bills: HB 186

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• are authorized to contact when we cannot reach the tenant when there is no response and so our next step
• Paper that no delinquent customer and few potential better see is a step that needs to evolve.
• Well, it's the first step in a three-part problem.
• Is the first step in removing a barrier that is currently a problem, which is that. other states are
• As it will be the first step in many steps to take Texas into the future. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.

Bills: HB186, HB517, HB 1093, HB 1268, HB1395, HB186

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, property owners' association, residential watering restrictions, vegetation, fine limitations, drought, technology, innovation, economic development, grants, Texas Economic Development, business funding, HB 1395, private passenger vehicle rental, car rental, vehicle rental

Transcript Highlights:

• Elevating certain offenses from gross misdemeanors to felonies is a necessary step to hold offenders
• <00:04:57.759> to<00:04:57.919> hold<00:04:58.080> offenders necessary step
• to hold offenders necessary step to hold offenders accountable<00:04:59.759> and<00:04:59.960>
• Commissioner Snell, would you and Commissioner Snell, I know Lead Muller talked about the steps you've
• important next step and then the<00:10:46.920> other<00:10:47.120> thing<00:10:47.320>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 327, which would increase penalties for introducing contraband into correctional facilities, especially drugs and other dangerous items sent through the mail or brought in by outside actors. Representative Ingan described the bill as a response to a sharp rise in violations and staff exposures in DOC facilities, arguing that stronger felony penalties are needed to deter people from sending in illicit substances. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the committee omnibus because it has a fiscal note. The committee adopted the DE1 author’s amendment after Representative Ingan explained it was intended to clarify language that could otherwise create a catch-22 for people arrested or booked into jail who already have contraband on them. Members then raised concerns about the breadth of the bill, including overlap with an existing DOC statute and the possibility that the language could sweep in incarcerated people in situations involving prescription medication or minor exchanges. House nonpartisan staff and members suggested the DOC provisions should be reconciled with existing law before moving forward, and some suggested narrowing the bill to focus more specifically on jails. Sheriff Brad Wise of the Minnesota Sheriffs Association testified in support, saying contraband in jails threatens staff, inmates, visitors, and administrators and that current penalties are not enough to deter smuggling. Commissioner Paul Schell of Corrections also testified, noting that DOC already has a separate statute with a higher felony penalty for certain contraband, described the department’s mail-scanning contractor process, and said it has reduced suspected drug incidents by about two-thirds. An A2 amendment tied to medication intake practices was offered by Representative Curran but then withdrawn after discussion, with members agreeing the issue of medication access in facilities should be handled separately.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lawrence for his willingness to once again step up and serve his fellow veterans in a leadership position
• Before I begin my questions, I want to take a moment, too, to express my concern about recent steps that
• So it's a very important step forward to really right the years of wrongs.
• so indiscriminate and also discriminatory. not provide people with information on what their next steps
• As a result, there was bipartisan opposition. to that step.

Keywords: veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight

Summary: The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY COME TO YOUR PROPERTY AND DO A STEP BY STEP COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION.
• NEXT STEPS.
• I THINK THE NEXT STEPS IN MY RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE TO MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL WHEN IT COMES TO CAPTURING
• THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT TO GO TO THE NEXT STEP BUT IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO SO YOU SHOW PROOF OF HOMESTEAD
• DO THESE WONDERFUL PROGRAMS IT WAS BAD AND NOT OUR FAULT BUT I WANT TO KNOW IF WE CAN DO AN EXTRA STEP

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Boosting transparency should always be step one when combating malign influence.
• I applaud Secretary Rubio's steps to lift some restrictions.
• So, step one is to distinguish between regrettable but tolerable operations versus intolerable ones.
• Getting those alternatives online is step one.
• So getting them online is crucial—step one.

Transcript Highlights:

• option to increase the tribe's allocation by 1,000 player terminals to their total allocation in a stepped
• approach. ...player terminals to their total allocation in a stepped approach.
• Mental Health Services, after 80 years, ran into financial difficulty last March, and our foundation stepped
• understanding the signs that a guest may be experiencing problems because of their gambling and what steps
• Okay, so what are the next steps in our process?

Summary: The joint hearing of the Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee and the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee focused on proposed amendments to the tribal-state gaming compacts for the Tulalip Tribes and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact approval process under IGRA and said the parties had reached tentative agreement; the commission and ex officio members will take public comment and vote at an August 28 special meeting on whether to forward the compacts to the governor or return them for further negotiation. Tulalip Chairman Hazen Chappell described the tribe’s long history of gaming in Washington and emphasized that gaming revenues support governmental services, jobs, charitable giving, and community support. Commission advisor Johnny Bray said the Tulalip restated compact consolidates 12 prior amendments, reorganizes and updates appendices, removes some outdated provisions, and includes higher wager limits, jackpot sharing, and the option to increase player terminal allocation in stages. Chappell also noted the tribe’s ongoing responsible gaming efforts and community support, including aid for wildfire-affected families. For the Cowlitz Tribe, Chairman William Ayala and Ilani Casino President Kara Fox LaRose described the tribe’s history, community programs, and the resort’s growth. The proposed sixth amendment would raise gaming station wager limits up to $1,000, create a special higher-limit player process with financial suitability and anti-money-laundering checks, strengthen responsible gaming signage and marketing requirements, allow temporary gaming areas, and adjust TLS ticket pricing through the most favored nation process. Committee members asked about self-exclusion and credit practices; Cowlitz gaming officials said hundreds of people have used the self-exclusion program and that higher-limit play is tied to substantial credit/front-money requirements. No votes were taken at the hearing, and the meeting ended with closing remarks and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Massachusetts is a great state to live in, and we once again stepped up and supported our families to
• think about, you know, a couple with two kids making $75,000 a year, I think if the state had not stepped
• think about, you know, a couple with two kids making $75,000 a year, I think if the state had not stepped
• And so, you know, I think what you're going to see in the '27 budget are some measured initial steps
• Initial steps to start addressing cost growth.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened with roll call and approved the November 2025 minutes. Commissioner Charlie Carr then introduced Leslie Darcy, chief of LTSS at MassHealth, who provided an update on the PCA working group and on federal and state budget pressures affecting MassHealth and long-term services and supports. Darcy said the PCA working group had completed its work and submitted recommendations, including reinstating the 66-hour overtime cap, strengthening program integrity, and ending paid paperwork time for EVV users; she said those changes were implemented on 11/26 and were expected to save $7.4 million. She also described additional consensus recommendations to lower the overtime cap from 66 to 60 hours, create a seven-hour weekly meal-prep support limit, and continue exploring benchmarks, though the group could not reach consensus on a benchmark standard. Darcy warned that a federal bill enacted about six months earlier would significantly affect MassHealth, with an estimated $3.5 billion loss to the Commonwealth by 2028. She outlined upcoming changes including revised immigrant eligibility rules in October 2026, work requirements for certain non-disabled adults beginning in January 2027, six-month redeterminations for some adults, and shorter retroactive coverage periods. In response to questions, she said people with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries would be exempt from the work and six-month redetermination requirements. She also explained that reduced federal ACA subsidies were being offset in Massachusetts by state spending, including $250 million in additional state support to keep premiums lower for middle-income families. Members raised concerns about community hospitals, the health safety net, and the impact of federal funding changes on provider rates and uncompensated care. Darcy said restrictions on provider taxes would limit MassHealth’s ability to use those revenues to support rates, and she noted a current $300 million shortfall in the health safety net. She said FY27 would likely include a rate freeze, targeted reductions, one-time budget measures, and further work groups to examine programs such as adult foster care, which she said had grown 40% in two years. Carr emphasized that the situation was serious but potentially fluid, and the meeting ended with no further business; the subcommittee agreed to adjourn before the next meeting and noted an upcoming February presentation from the Department of Public Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• talking with my family, talking with other colleagues, just really felt compelled to kind of take that step
• We had some really good people that were ready to step up for 47A.
• And then kind of if you take a step back, you know, my community is also really concerned about what's
• if<00:04:30.320> you<00:04:30.400> take<00:04:30.600> a<00:04:30.640> step
• <00:04:30.960> back,<00:04:31.960> you kind of if you take a step back, you kind of

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger discussed her path from science and genetics into politics, saying her lab work showed her that research was not always translating into effective policy. She described getting involved through her union, helping pass paid parental leave for state employees, and then moving into elected office after opportunities opened up in 2022. She also said her House experience helped prepare her for the Senate by teaching her the legislative process, committee work, and relationship-building. On policy priorities, she said her district is focused on affordable health care, climate change, education, PFAS contamination and drinking water, and concerns about federal actions. She framed her agenda this session as “protect, respond, and recover,” including protecting existing laws such as paid Minnesota leave, responding to possible Medicaid and SNAP cuts, child care costs, and tariffs affecting groceries, and helping the community recover from recent ICE activity that she said disrupted public safety, businesses, and residents. She identified one specific bill effort: continuing work to ban cryptocurrency kiosk machines, which she said are being used to scam seniors. She said the idea came from the Woodbury Police Department and that she is working with House and Senate colleagues on it. She also described herself as a thoughtful, data-driven “scientist at heart” and said her butterfly earrings symbolize pollinators, native plants, and hope, as well as her own journey and the arrival of spring.