Video & Transcript : 'charter fishing' :
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WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 18, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- If we've had many state-chartered banks that rechartered as a nationally chartered bank, it's probably
- So we're still first was chartered.
- </c> chartered SBDIS.
- Uh, we just chartered chartered SBDIS.
- I think the actual charter in March. I think the actual charter came<00:58:05.200><c> later.
Keywords:
stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification, banking regulation, special purpose depository institution, conversion process, Wyoming state laws, financial services
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Fish are stocked in both coastal and inland waters each year, and in fact, last summer we released the
- LeSue. and Billy the Fish, wherever he may be. God bless him. Still swimming.
- Hunting fish and all that. We're members.
- along with the fish and wildlife that inhabit our water and woods.
- One of our flagship. is our star fishing tournament, that's State of Texas Angler's Rodeo.
Committee:
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 2nd, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the remainder comes from revenue generated by license sales for hunting, fishing, and boating.
- House Bill 1470 is before you today to adjust fees on hunting, fishing, and watercraft.
- And also Section 4 allows Game and Fish to administer an electronic test for guides and increases the
- The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is charged with stewardship of the state's fish, game, and
- The department sets fish and game regulations, including issuance of hunting and fishing licenses and
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes.
On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it.
On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Floyd Self on behalf of Charter Communications.
- So does that mean proposed charter schools will...
- Okay, so you made the comment whenever a charter, wherever a public school opens up, a charter school
- We know charter schools are good. They exist, those things.
- And so, you know, obviously charter schools are public schools.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Transportation Committee heard and advanced several bills dealing with roadway safety, utility relocation, emergency vehicles, motor vehicle services, charter school siting, and specialty license plates. SB 1782 by Senator Pizzo, as amended, would expand reckless driving per se to include certain extreme speeding behaviors and retain mandatory court appearance while removing impound language; it was supported by AARP and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and reported favorably. SB 818 by Senator McLean would streamline utility relocation for road and rail projects and shift certain relocation costs to the authority in some cases; county groups opposed it as an unfunded mandate, while Charter Communications supported it, and the bill was reported favorably after amendment. SB 1644 by Senator Rodriguez, as amended, would expand warning-signal privileges for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles responding to emergencies; it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1348 by Senator Trumbull, which revises Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and tax collector processes for title/document delivery, driver licensing, disabled parking permits, and related services; a strike-all removed penalties and some CDL retesting provisions, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 636 by Senator Martin would restrict use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic/environmental conditions, with a civil fine and DOT signage requirements; it was reported favorably. SB 1152 by Senator Arrington would raise the cost of the Florida Wildflower specialty license plate from $15 to $25 to generate more funding for wildflower research, education, and habitat programs; it was reported favorably.
SB 1188 by Senator McLean, which would limit local government authority over charter school siting and concurrency-related restrictions, drew the most debate. Supporters argued local ordinances were being used to block or delay charter schools, while opponents said the bill would tie the hands of local governments and could create traffic and public-safety concerns. After extensive discussion, the bill was reported favorably, with recorded no votes from Senators Arrington and Davis. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to transportation-related boards and authorities, including the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- I also serve on the Columbia River and a tribal fish commission as a Yakama delegate.
- Losing this provision will kill more fish in the Columbia River.
- This was a catastrophic event for the fish and the tribe.
- Please add the curtailment provision back to the bill for the protection of both consumers and fish.
- Curtailment authority protects ratepayers, public safety, and fish.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology
Keywords:
weatherization, energy efficiency, community projects, sustainability, environment, coal-fired plant, preferential treatment, energy policy, electric generation, regulatory reform, pollution control, efficiency, appeals process, environmental regulation, hearing board, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This includes the impact of federal dams on our fish rooms in the Columbia and Snake Rivers and like.
- I currently chair our new form committee of the Energy Committee, Fish and Wildlife, Legislative Law
- Energy facilities that damage rivers, fish runs, cultural landscapes, or access routes may therefore
- But I was a fish biologist for 18 years before taking this position.
- And my official title was fish passage biologist at Cle Elum.
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5821, which would direct the Department of Commerce, if funded by gifts or grants, to develop a nuclear power strategic framework and integrate it into the state energy strategy. Supporters, including Sen. Braun, Energy Northwest, public power representatives, and several pro-nuclear advocates, said Washington needs to keep advanced nuclear on the table to address rising electricity demand, reliability concerns, and clean energy goals. Opponents, including the Sierra Club, Columbia Riverkeeper, tribal representatives, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill gives nuclear special treatment, lacks sufficient guardrails on waste, safety, cost, and public process, and was rushed without adequate tribal consultation. Several tribal testifiers said the bill should require early, meaningful government-to-government consultation and stronger protections for treaty rights and cultural resources.
The committee then held a work session on a Washington State Institute for Public Policy report reviewing state policies supporting small modular reactors. Staff and researchers explained that the report surveyed 79 policies in 35 states and found most states are still in preliminary planning stages, with policies focused on feasibility studies, siting, workforce development, permitting, financial support, and market integration. Members asked about water use, waste, footprint, and whether the report covered fusion; the researchers said it was limited to fission and that water needs vary by reactor design. Some senators noted the need to consider lifecycle impacts and compare nuclear with other energy technologies.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6010, which would change FSEC tribal consultation procedures by exempting most government-to-government consultations from the Open Public Meetings Act when there is no deliberation or commitments, requiring all FSEC members to participate in consultation, and giving tribes a chance to review and correct the consultation summary before it goes to the governor. Tribal witnesses and environmental groups supported the bill as a way to improve confidentiality and meaningful consultation, while the Association of Washington Business opposed it, saying it could add delays and suggesting timelines. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6004, which would update contracting statutes so public entities can contract for renewable or non-emitting generation capability under CETA definitions; utilities supported the update as a modernization, while consumer and environmental opponents warned it could shift financial risk to ratepayers, especially for nuclear projects. No votes were taken in the transcript.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits Dec 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- For the audit, we selected four of Washington's charter schools.
- During the 2024-25 school year, there were 17 charter schools operating.
- This report shed light on some of the ways charter public schools are living into the intent of the charter
- We see this making a difference across Washington's charter public schools.
- And do you work solely with charter schools? We work with charter and traditional district.
Summary:
The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings.
The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints.
Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 5th, 2026 at 08:31 am
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- One thing that I think makes us distinct is just how much our members love to fish.
- Fishing is a big deal in our organization. It's actually a really big deal in New Mexico.
- Fishing is a big deal in our organization. It's actually a really big deal in New Mexico.
- It's a big part of fishing and it's driving a big part of our economy, our outdoor economy.
- It would promote recreational use, fishing, hunting.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- One thing that I think makes us distinct is just how much our members love to fish.
- Fishing is a big deal in our organization. It's actually a really big deal in New Mexico.
- It's a big part of fishing and it's driving a big part of our economy, our outdoor economy.
- And I hear the stories about the places where people used to fish.
- It would promote recreational use, fishing, hunting.
Summary:
The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee met on February 5 and heard three measures. House Bill 246 would provide state matching funds for local governments already approved for federal flood mitigation assistance to buy out and rehabilitate floodplain properties, especially in Lincoln County, to reduce repetitive flood damage and restore land to a more natural floodplain. Supporters included county officials, emergency management, and a racetrack lobbyist, all emphasizing public safety, reduced disaster costs, and community recovery. Some members raised concerns about pre-flood property valuation and anti-donation issues, but the bill passed on a do-pass motion.
House Bill 271 would appropriate funds through the Office of Natural Resources Trustee for natural resource recovery and public land access, including disaster recovery projects and expansion of recreational opportunities. Supporters argued it would help restore watersheds, improve access to public lands, and support hunting, fishing, and local outdoor economies. Several members questioned whether the bill was too open-ended, whether it could affect grazing or other existing rights, and why the trustee’s office was the right vehicle; the sponsor and trustee said the office has a transparent public process and that the bill would not create new eminent domain authority or adverse changes to existing rights. The committee approved the bill 9-1, with one member explaining support but noting lingering concerns.
House Bill 254 would allow investor-owned electric utilities to count avoided greenhouse gas emissions when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency programs under the utility cost test. The sponsor and utility witnesses said this would help expand programs such as heat pumps, HVAC upgrades, and all-electric development, while opponents worried it could function as a rate increase or “double dipping” because customers already pay fees supporting efficiency programs. The committee passed the bill 7-3. Finally, House Joint Memorial 3 would ask the Environment Department to study PFAS exemptions and report back during the interim as rulemaking on the PFAS Protection Act proceeds. The memorial drew both support and opposition, with critics saying it conflicted with existing statute and was unnecessary, while supporters said it would ensure a thorough review of federal changes and consumer-product exemptions. The memorial passed 8-2, and the committee then adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Mar 20th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- The Game and Fish State Police Subcommittee met on Tuesday, March 17, at the Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery
- Fish Hatchery facility.
- The Game and Fish State Police Subcommittee met on Tuesday, March 17, at the Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery
- Fish Hatchery facility.
- I would encourage. ...and toured the Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery facility.
Committee:
All ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Summary:
The meeting began with a prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a February 2026 revenue report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year, and said the updated forecast showed a larger expected surplus than before. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fees, and possible effects of inflation and international conflict; Silva generally attributed the changes to timing issues, prior tax cuts, refund activity, and price fluctuations, and said he could not speculate on future impacts.
The committee then heard and adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish State Police, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and APER filings. Most reports were approved without objection. One budget classification transfer for the Commissioner of State Lands was reviewed and failed. The review report also led to discussion of several contracts, including DHS staffing contracts and a Department of Education security contract, with some items held or separated for individual votes.
A major portion of the meeting focused on DHS and state staffing contracts for the Human Development Centers, Arkansas State Hospital, and related facilities. DHS officials said the contracts were on track against seven-year projections, but members expressed concern about heavy reliance on contract labor, vacancy rates, and the need to move workers onto state payrolls. Officials said they were preparing a recruitment and retention plan and described staffing levels, vacancies, and turnover. Members also questioned contract projections and federal-state funding matches, and several urged faster action to reduce contract labor costs.
The committee also discussed a Department of Commerce reduction-in-force affecting the Division of Services for the Blind and Employment and Training. Secretary Hugh McDonald said the cuts were driven by funding shortfalls, over-obligation of funds, and federal issues, and that 27 positions would be permanently eliminated while furloughed employees would be recalled. Members raised concerns about service impacts, board appointments, and the division’s fiscal management. The meeting ended after the personnel report was adopted and APER was filed as reviewed, followed by adjournment.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Transportation Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But what has happened is so normally the minutes in a charter school goes and asked to be chartered.
- No matter what a charter school can go there.
- We know charter schools are good. They exist. Those things.
- And every day he sat down, he said charter schools are public And every day he sat down, he said charter
- So I think, you know, obviously charter schools are public schools.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment committee hears 'Keep it Clean' bill, HF1120 2/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Not so for Minnesota's ice belt, since the popularity of ice fishing, winter camping, and recreation
- Chairman, I was up on Leech Lake this weekend perch fishing. That's fantastic.
- Leech Lake this weekend uh perch fishing Leech Lake this weekend uh perch fishing perch<00:07:41.720>
- <c> fishing</c><00:07:42.319><c> that's</c><00:07:42.599><c> Fant</c><00:07:43.319><c> had</c><00:07:
- 43.440><c> a</c><00:07:43.560><c> great</c> perch fishing that's Fant had a great perch fishing that's
Summary:
The committee heard House File 1120, the follow-up “Keep It Clean” bill from Representative Andrew Myers, which would create grant funding for local governments and organizations to improve garbage removal and related clean-water programs, especially around frozen lakes and winter recreation areas. Myers said the earlier Keep It Clean effort to enforce litter laws on frozen lakes had already reduced garbage in the water, and he framed this bill as a way to expand that success with additional resources. Testifier Robin Dwight of the Upper Red Lake Area Association and Keep It Clean Coalition described growing problems with trash and human waste on ice, said the coalition now has 60 members representing more than 10,000 lakes, and explained that local programs use dumpsters and separation systems to manage waste. Tom Johnson of the MPCA and Assistant Commissioner Bob Myers of the DNR both testified in support, saying improper disposal of human and solid waste is a real and growing problem and that the public education campaign has changed behavior on the ice.
Members asked about the bill’s results and funding needs. Representative Pelz asked for more context on the coalition’s impact, and Dwight said the group has been active for about three years and recently launched a survey to gather more data on infrastructure needs for wheelhouse users. Representative Fiser asked what dollar amount would be needed, and Myers said the bill seeks general fund dollars, with a rough ideal range of one to two million dollars, though he emphasized he wanted to work with the committee on the final amount and funding mechanism. The discussion also noted a second related bill with a $10 wheelhouse fee as another possible funding option.
No opposition testimony was presented. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to lay over House File 1120 for possible inclusion in a future bill, and the bill was laid over.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/13/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- This past fall, we reached 43,000 students to teach them about the fish surveys and the fish studies
- The fish surveys and the fish studies that are happening at Voyageurs.
- Fish and Wildlife.
- Fish and Wildlife Service.
- during fishing opener.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- When I reported the bill last week, there was a question regarding how the Fish and Wildlife Department
- And it will also go into their syllabus and their Fish and Wildlife bulletin to notify the public.
- , there was a question regarding how week, there was a question regarding how the<00:06:12.880><c> Fish
- and</c><00:06:13.040><c> Wildlife</c><00:06:13.720><c> Department</c><00:06:14.760><c> was</c> the Fish
- and Wildlife Department was the Fish and Wildlife Department was going<00:06:15.040><c> to</c><00:06
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- At one point, this piece of legislation only encompassed charter schools.
- Yes, if you look at the requirements for districts versus charters, in the charters, it refers to 33-
- Yes, if you look at the requirements for districts versus charters, in the charters, it refers to 33-
- I hope our districts and charters would take advantage of it.
- I hope our districts and charters would take advantage of it.
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 883, which would give qualifying high-performing charter schools and traditional school districts more flexibility over spending and reduce certain state reporting requirements. The sponsor and Emily McClure of the Idaho Charter School Network said the bill is intended to reward strong academic, financial, and operational performance with greater local control, while preserving accountability and avoiding any threat to federal funding. Supporters from American Classical Schools of Idaho said the measure would help schools allocate funds more effectively and reduce redundant compliance work; a district witness opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment among public schools and conflicts with the idea of common schools. After questions about which reports would be waived and whether federal funds would be affected, the committee voted to send HB 883 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then considered House Joint Memorial 19, which expresses support for a federal effort to disband the U.S. Department of Education. Senator Den Hartog argued that education is not an enumerated federal power and said dismantling the department could reduce federal overreach while preserving student protections and shifting administration of programs elsewhere in the federal government. Testimony in support came from Idaho Family Policy Center, which said the department violates federalism and parental authority. Opponents raised concerns about uncertainty over where programs such as Title I, Pell Grants, special education, and school nutrition would be housed, and one witness warned that eliminating the department could worsen inequities and undermine civil rights and research functions. The committee ultimately voted to send HJM 19 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and then adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- a charter school.
- schools and the ending of charters.
- And if that charter had just moved to Gallup as a charter, we would not see this enrollment growth mechanism
- You could essentially say all online needs to be chartered so as a charter entity when you move you..
- All schools, not just charter schools.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- The Division of Banks, which is led by Commissioner Mary Gallagher, is the chartering authority and primary
- The division oversees 135 state-chartered banks and...
- The division oversees 135 state-chartered banks and credit unions and nearly 14,000 non-depository licensees
- They accessed data through an internet-connected fish tank thermometer.
- They accessed data through an internet-connected fish tank thermometer.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public FY27 budget hearing at Barnstable Town Hall, with opening remarks emphasizing the Cape and Islands’ seasonal infrastructure, housing, transportation, workforce, and digital needs. The hearing began with testimony from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, which outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s budget priorities for job training, apprenticeship, youth employment, reentry programs, and unemployment insurance modernization. The secretary highlighted proposed funding for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, YouthWorks, reentry workforce development, and services for young adults with disabilities, along with a proposal to streamline youth work permits. Members also discussed the unemployment trust fund, the COVID assessment on employers, rising unemployment, and the need to improve DUA customer service and claims processing.
Committee members asked about job seeker barriers such as child care, housing, transportation, and out-migration of young workers, as well as how to keep Cape Cod graduates and seasonal workers in the region. The administration said its strategy is to pair training with broader affordability investments and to expose students to career pathways earlier, including through middle school, early childhood STEM, YouthWorks, pre-apprenticeships, and Building Pathways. Senators and representatives also raised concerns about regional funding disparities, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, and the administration said it is reviewing MassHire funding and service equity through a policy committee and statewide workforce board. On unemployment assistance, officials reported major improvements in wait times and claims processing, but said they are still working through backlogs and staffing challenges while maintaining program integrity.
The committee then heard testimony from the Executive Office of Economic Development. The secretary described House 2 as a fiscally restrained budget with no new taxes or fees, while preserving core programs and using the Mass Leads Act tools to support competitiveness. EOED’s proposal included funding for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, social enterprise operating grants, regional economic development organizations, the Workforce Investment Trust Fund, Community Workforce Partnerships, Pathmaker, advanced manufacturing training, life sciences, innovation vouchers, AI initiatives, small business assistance, and tourism and live theater support. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation also testified on its FY27 request, focusing on consumer protection, licensing, banking, insurance, and public safety regulation. No votes were taken during the hearing.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- At one point, this piece of legislation only encompassed charter schools.
- We have two operating charter schools and two more opening in fall 2026.
- for districts versus charters, in the charters, it refers to 33.50 to 18, and it lists two B, E, and
- I hope our districts and charters would take advantage of it.
- The charter schools are used to reaching to.
Committee:
Senate Education
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Working Group 1/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Education Committee in Session Jan 20th, 2026 at 09:19 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the executive director of the newly formed Mountaineer Charter School Alliance.
- I've been representing both traditional district schools and public charter schools for more than 20
- with charters, either both.
- They want to level the playing field for homegrown charter schools.
- The public charter schools in West Virginia currently have access to 99%...
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation from Tom Franta, founding executive director of the Mountaineer Charter School Alliance. He described the new nonprofit’s goals of supporting West Virginia charter schools through advocacy, legal and compliance assistance, shared operational services, professional development, communications, and network-building. Franta emphasized that charter schools face major facility and financing challenges, and he urged use of existing public buildings, low-interest revolving loans, credit enhancement tools through the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, and federal matching funds to help level the playing field for charter schools, including both brick-and-mortar and virtual schools.
Members asked about what he meant by “level the playing field,” and Franta said charter schools receive 99% of basic state aid but lack access to the full range of public education funding and dedicated facilities support, forcing them to divert dollars toward buildings rather than classrooms. He said the goal is to ensure parents choosing a public charter option can expect appropriate funding. After the presentation, the chair announced Senate Bill 171 was removed from the day’s agenda.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 166, which creates an exception to West Virginia Invest grant eligibility so individuals who already have a post-secondary degree may still receive support if pursuing an associate degree or certificate in emergency medical services. The committee reported the bill to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and under the original double committee reference, first be referred to the Finance Committee.
Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 428, with a committee substitute that splits the bus operator title into three pay grades based on years of service and raises the cafeteria manager title from pay grade D to E. Senators asked whether duties would change; counsel and the sponsor said the bill is intended as a retention incentive, with no change in responsibilities, and that the fiscal note would remain the same. The committee adopted the committee substitute and then reported the bill to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation, again first referring it to the Finance Committee. The meeting then adjourned.