Transcript Highlights:

• There are shortages in a lot of career fields that we have in this state: family practice doctors, a
• MSW to practice social work.
• Classical education and the CLT are based on the belief that education should be about producing well-rounded
• Classical education and the CLT are based on the belief that education should be about producing well-rounded
• data, Texas will be able to identify areas for improvement, guide policy decisions, and expand best practices

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met with a large agenda and repeatedly recessed for floor activity and other committee conflicts. The committee heard and left pending several higher education bills, including SB 2361 to transfer University of Houston-Victoria from the University of Houston System to the Texas A&M System and rename it Texas A&M University Victoria; testimony from university officials, local leaders, and industry representatives strongly supported the move as a way to better align degree programs with regional workforce needs in engineering, agriculture, and STEM. SB 530, which would align Texas accreditation statutes with federal rules allowing institutions to choose among nationally recognized accreditors, also received supportive testimony and was left pending. SB 1085, allowing Sul Ross satellite campuses to offer lower-division coursework toward bachelor’s degrees, was laid out and left pending as well. The committee also took up a series of education policy bills. SB 1241 would expand the standardized tests Texas public universities may accept for admission beyond the SAT and ACT, with supporters from the Classic Learning Test, homeschool advocates, and student-choice groups arguing it would increase access and competition; it was left pending. SB 769 would require a TEA/Higher Education Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education, and testimony from The Arc of Texas and others emphasized the need for better data and accessibility; the bill was left pending. SB 2231 would designate the second week of October as Free College Application Week, and SB 1878 would modernize terminology and support workforce-oriented programs at the Josie School; both were laid out and left pending. The committee reported several bills favorably after adopting committee substitutes. SB 605, concerning charter school expansion applications while under conservatorship or a management team, passed on a 9-0 vote. SB 1871, SB 1873, and SB 1874, all related to school discipline and teacher immunity/placement review provisions, were adopted and reported favorably, with members noting the need for further discussion on some language. SB 762, dealing with flag displays in public schools, passed on a 7-1 vote. SB 1962, relating to public school accountability and challenges to school system operations, passed 7-1 after a corrected vote. SB 1750, replacing a $60 million statewide charter facilities cap with an attendance-growth-based allotment, passed 7-1 with one member voting present not voting. SB 2252, supporting kindergarten readiness and early literacy/numeracy, SB 2253, concerning educator preparation and certification, SB 2365, on student use of wireless devices during instructional time, and SB 1924, restoring local peace officer citation authority for school offenses and adding reporting and parent-notification requirements, were also reported favorably. The committee additionally heard SB 37 on higher education governance and compliance oversight, which passed 7-1 after a substitute that refined curriculum review, governing board authority, faculty senate rules, and a new compliance office within the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the last funding round, 69 corridor ID applications from 44 states were awarded grants by the Federal
• The FRA and this legislature invested in the Borealis train operating one round trip per day between
• ,<00:20:58.280> 69<00:20:58.920> corridor In the last funding round, 69 corridor In
• the last funding round, 69 corridor ID<00:20:59.720> applications<00:21:00.560> from<00
• The next round of federal funding.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and develop a network for practices and develop a network for school<00:09:56.680> leaders<00
• <00:21:06.400> So<00:21:06.799> all communities of practice going on.
• So all communities of practice going on.
• <00:25:56.960> So,<00:25:57.120> the evidence-based practices.
• So, the evidence-based practices.

Bills: HF2430, HF2433

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I grew up having to practice atomic bomb drills in elementary school.
• AB 2146 creates a practical backstop so that if a unit has been vacant for too long, providers can act
• Well, AB 1793, the California Common Sense Act, C-E-N-T-S, will legalize symmetrical rounding of cash
• Just as we restrict youth access to products like alcohol and tobacco, AB 2030 is a practical step to
• For commuters and working families, it offers a practical way to save money.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, hypothetical, so this is sitting inside of AAMVA following good business practice.
• AB 1608 would allow us to implement these same best practices, but as amended, establishes an even higher
• So what we have done is we're actually doing two rounds for this $27 million.
• The first round has already been solicited, and we're preparing to execute those agreements and hoping
• And then the second round will go out later this summer. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the science is clear that, with the right conservation practices and good land management, we can
• It's a practical step to help the people of Hawaiʻi stabilize the insurance system.
• It's a practical step to help the people of Hawaiʻi stabilize the insurance system.
• So we really want this passed to allow the rounding. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
• up, round down.

Bills: HCR93, HCR14, HR85

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort

Transcript Highlights:

• for maybe newer graduates here or folks who want to return to be able to build their own type of practices
• On a second round, I have another question, but for right now, thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you,
• You are so hopeful, thinking there will be a second round. I love Monday morning optimism.
• Clinical practice, clinical care, and we are actually intentionally designing this program so that it
• There's actually a lot of interest in ensuring that practicing health care professionals can go back

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why the navigators are really a best practice. Wonderful. Thank you. Yeah. Rep.
• And, you know, I mentioned the navigators as being a best practice because really what you're talking
• This is the grant-funded program, but you can see how it's a best practice. Thank you.
• And then rounding us out, Aaron Frazier. Great. Thank you guys.
• We've created access for apprentices, but in practice, we need to solidify that a little bit more.

Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I appreciate we may have a second go-round, depending on how things go.
• If you're coming for round two, I will come back. Madam Vice-Chair? Thank you, Madam Chair.
• I've been practicing law for over 30 years.
• Deliverables included anticipated service utilization for these evidence-based practices.
• The entire context makes this a difficult place to practice, but also there's a history to that as well

Transcript Highlights:

• I've also been a practicing optometrist for 24 years and a practice owner.
• I practice and live in Moorhead, Minnesota, but also practice in Wadena, Minnesota.
• from optometrists practicing in Douglas County that have practice or do practice also in bordering states
• or do practice County that have practice or do practice also<00:40:34.560> in<00:40:34.800>
• practice are. Thank you. Thank you Dr. practice are. Thank you. Thank you Dr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I guess I'm asking, like from a very practical perspective...
• Like from a very practical perspective, if I'm talking to my constituents, how would I describe the value
• I was going to ask for a round of applause. Thank you so much.
• This would facilitate interstate practice of occupational therapy with the goal of improving public access
• Members, Senate Bill 1277 is part of the ongoing work we've been doing with OESC to strengthen their practices

Bills: SB378, SB540, SB1061, SB1475, SB1531, SB1534, SB1684, SB1824, SB1826, SB2049

Keywords: bail bondsman, bondsman license, multicounty agent bondsman, surety bondsman, Insurance Commissioner, bail bond regulation, bond deposit, forfeiture, deposit ratio, writing capacity, license transfer, power of attorney, surety bond, bail industry, Oklahoma insurance law, financial solvency, administrative action, SB1061, Oklahoma Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act, SAFE Act

Transcript Highlights:

• They are also required to have financial audits for the next 20 years, which is good business practice
• Many of them did not engage in that practice in the past.
• Many of them did not engage in that practice in the past.
• This ARPA funding provides us the hook, if you will, to make those requirements for good business practices
• Through two rounds of funding, the governor announced 21 projects and 11 subrecipients.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:00.200> in<00:18:00.320> the we can do some rounding in the we can do some rounding
• law or existing practice law or existing practice it<00:42:08.160> Mr it Mr it Mr Johnson
• and meet with you if you'd like because we want to make sure that people know, and we do that year-round
• and meet with you if you'd like because we want to make sure that people know, and we do that year-round
• and meet with you if you'd like because we want to make sure that people know, and we do that year-round

Bills: HF1250

Keywords: outdoor heritage, land acquisition, wildlife management, conservation easements, environmental restoration, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1813 is really a practical, equitable step forward, and we respectfully urge your aye vote.
• AB 2313 is practical, forward-looking... ...it's customer-centric.
• We just have a very real practical, real-world problem that this presents.
• We just have a very real practical, real world problem that this presents.
• But from a practical standpoint, things cost more in California.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so they're currently posted right now, and we're awaiting the first round of responses, I believe
• And so they're currently posted right now, and we're awaiting the first round of responses, I believe
• And so they're currently posted right now, and we're awaiting the first round of responses, I believe
• And so they're currently posted right now, and we're awaiting the first round of responses, I believe
• across state government with practice across state government with regards<01:31:34.560> to<01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For 20-some years, I was the president of RVK and a practicing senior consultant.
• We think it's part of the regular part of good best practice for running institutional funds.
• But it has practical implications for the...
• And, you know, that's not something that we would say to you as best practice, Representative.
• That we would say to you as best practice, Representative. If I may just continue.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• doctors who are ready to practice doctors who are ready to practice medicine<00:01:48.520> in
• they'll receive a license to practice they'll receive a license to practice medicine<00:02:37.959
• both our moral and practical both our moral and practical responsibilities<00:16:10.480> by
• I've also been practicing optometry for 24 years, and I'm a practice owner here in the Twin Cities.
• We do this through effective ... also been practicing Optometry for 24 also been practicing Optometry

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But as a practical reality, if DHCS stops it, they can stop it.
• “This bill offers two practical ways to encourage biosimilar use to bring down costs and inject more
• And as a pharmacist practicing on the bench, we’re legally not allowed to substitute once a physician
• SB 1271 provides a practical data-driven solution.
• It does not change scope of practice or clinical standards.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 331 by Sen. Menjivar, which would require large-group health plans to cover hearing aids for children. The author and supporters described the bill as a long-running effort to address a developmental emergency and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, while opponents were absent. Testimony from parents, advocates, medical experts, and organizations emphasized the importance of early access to hearing aids; committee members voiced strong support, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard SB 608, also by Sen. Menjivar, to expand access to condoms in school-based health centers and related settings and to prevent barriers such as ID checks. Supporters, including students and school health advocates, argued the bill would improve sexual health and reduce stigma, while opponents from family and faith groups argued it would undermine parental authority and normalize early sexual activity. The bill was supported by committee members and moved forward on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Next, SB 971 by Sen. Choi proposed community-based healthy aging partnerships for older adults, with testimony from the California Senior Legislature and supporters from aging and dementia organizations. The measure was described as voluntary and focused on connection, independence, and local collaboration; there was no opposition, and the committee moved it on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 869 by Sen. Weber Pierson, which would require warning icons and statements on chain restaurant menus for beverages with very high added sugar content. Supporters framed it as a transparency and public health measure, while restaurant and beverage industry representatives opposed it unless amended, citing cost and menu-space concerns; the bill was nevertheless moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations after a roll call vote, with some members voting no and the measure placed on call. The committee also considered SB 950 by Sen. Weber Pierson, aimed at ensuring timely coverage of FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on commercial plans. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient advocate, said the bill would reduce delays and barriers to care, while health plan representatives opposed it over step therapy and utilization-management concerns. Members discussed the limited treatment window and the need for early access, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. In addition, SB 490 by Sen. Umberg would set timelines for DHCS investigations of unlicensed sober living homes and allow counties to assist if the department cannot act in time; supporters from Anaheim and a patient-brokering survivor described serious abuse and oversight gaps, while county behavioral health representatives opposed the county role as an unfunded and potentially liability-creating burden. After discussion, the bill was also moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1037 by Sen. Weber Pierson on health insurance affordability and rate review, with supporters arguing it would tie premium increases more closely to affordability targets and public reporting; the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are asking our children to practice for their own deaths.
• to practice for their own deaths. deaths. deaths.
• When we practiced for lockdown drills at school, I felt scared and awkward.
• It was more plentiful to have access to great higher rounds of ammunition.
• rounds of ammunition. ammunition. ammunition.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In practical terms, when the Commonwealth communicates, MCDH ensures the message is accessible, timely
• In practical terms, when the Commonwealth communicates, MCDH ensures the message is accessible, timely
• To strengthen competency, consistency, and ethical practice across the workforce.
• One recent example illustrates how this policy framework translates into practice.
• This year the department will implement a new case practice policy, which will support our work with

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.