Transcript Highlights:

• have moved out of state to reenter and, prior to the 12 months of physical residency, be able to qualify
• <00:47:03.640> for<00:47:03.880> the<00:47:04.079> resident be able to qualify
• for the resident be able to qualify for the resident tuition tuition tuition rate<00:47:07.800> are
• There are no projects of the University that have yet been identified as candidates for revenue bonds
• as candidates for revenue bonds however as candidates for revenue bonds however um<01:38:15.639> there

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing covered Senate Bill 426, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the City and County of Honolulu, the Department of Human Services, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaiʻi College of Education, the Attorney General’s office, the Early Childhood Action Strategy, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, the University of Hawaiʻi’s early childhood educator project, and a Zoom testifier who described the importance of investing in high-quality early childhood education. Committee discussion focused on the program’s estimated cost, with figures of about $14.5 million in 2025-26 and $15 million in 2026-27, and on whether the program would require ongoing base-budget funding. The committee recommended technical, non-substantive amendments, including a statewide-concern amendment and a deferred effective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1622, which would appropriate funds to establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaiʻi to support statewide artificial intelligence initiatives. University representatives described the proposal as the product of campus-wide input and outlined five pillars: governance and policy, outreach and engagement, research and development, workforce development, and AI tools for key sectors such as health care, creative industries, manufacturing, data science, astronomy, and climate change. Members questioned staffing distribution, tuition, enrollment timing, housing, campus placement, and whether positions would be permanent or temporary; the university said it planned about 10 positions across campuses, would start with internal resources, and would house the effort under the Vice President for Research and Innovation initially. The committees recommended an SD1 with the appropriation amounts blanked out, a July 31, 2050 effective date, and committee-report language on housing and West Oʻahu, and the higher education and labor/technology committees adopted the amended recommendation. Finally, the Higher Education Committee took up Senate Bill 1488, a housekeeping measure to consolidate existing University of Hawaiʻi conference center statutes into a single revolving fund structure, and Senate Bill 636, which would fund retention and internship coordinator positions and broader enrollment management efforts at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. SB 1488 drew university support and no opposition. SB 636 prompted substantial questioning about Hilo’s declining enrollment, current retention rate of 72.8 percent, and the scope of the request, which includes not only two named positions but also about $432,000 for enrollment management initiatives such as data analysis, IT support, and other student services. Hilo said it is targeting 3 to 5 percent annual enrollment growth and that the positions would support recruitment, retention, internships, and data-driven enrollment strategy. The committee pressed for a clearer broader plan, but the discussion in the transcript ended before a final vote on SB 636 was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• the California Secretary of State has the legal authority to remove constitutionally ineligible candidates
• addressing at-large election systems that prevent Latino and other protected-class voters from electing candidates
• this morning to advocate for my clients' much-needed housing project in San Diego County and to be candid
• The fellowship was designed to increase the number of qualified immigration attorneys who could defend

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm currently a candidate to be the next state representative for House District 8.
• I'm also a candidate for United States Congress.
• I'm currently a candidate to be the next state Representative for House District 8, but today I come
• And I'd like to point out that at no point in any pregnancy is anyone on the dais more qualified to make

Bills: HB7, SB 8

Keywords: abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• competition with our local PD, our local sheriff's office, and the Brazos River. authority for the same candidates
• On the different sides of candidates, there could be a lot of conflict, and I just don't know that there's
• baseball cap supporting your candidate within 100 feet of a polling place? No, it's not.
• Please pass this so my veterans that I teach can continue to qualify for their license to carry.

Bills: HB259, HB259, HB 1128, HB1337, HB1506, HB1794, HB2215, HB2470, HB2771, HB2882, HB2993, HB3053, HB3428, HB3669, HB3789, HB3924, HB4201, HB4675

Keywords: redistricting, Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, Texas Legislature, elections, district boundaries, voter representation, healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical expenses, access to care, affordability, legislation, firearms, penal code, regulation, short-barrel firearms, ammunition, gun control, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• But I would be less than candid with you if I told you, I am very concerned about where we are in cybersecurity
• But I would be less than candid with you if I told you, I am, I am, But I would be less than candid with
• most on is our work ensuring that professionals working in the field are not only competent and qualified

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session and received an overview of the Higher Education Appropriations budget from staff director Tim Elwell. He explained the committee’s broad jurisdiction over universities, state colleges, district workforce programs, vocational rehabilitation, blind services, student financial aid, private colleges, and the Board of Governors, and reviewed key budget concepts such as local funds, funds per FTE, performance funding, and the distinction between the total appropriation and the recurring base budget. He noted that higher education is funded largely through state and local sources, with substantial flexibility compared with other state budgets, and that the base budget is heavily weighted toward lump-sum allocations to the public systems. The committee then heard a presentation from the University of South Florida’s Florida Center for Cybersecurity (Cyber Florida), led by retired Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie and USF representative Mark Walsh. They described Cyber Florida as a statewide cybersecurity platform created by the Legislature in 2014 to support education, research, workforce development, public policy, and community engagement. McKenzie emphasized the growing cyber threat environment, Florida’s leadership role, and several funded initiatives, including K-12 outreach, workforce training, a cyber range for county governments, critical infrastructure assessments, grant development, and public conferences and outreach. Members asked about public cyber awareness, the lack of a national cyber defense strategy, school district participation in Cyber Launch, and which counties are most at risk; McKenzie said smaller counties with limited cybersecurity staffing are generally more vulnerable and offered to provide follow-up information. Finally, the committee heard from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida, led by Dr. Drew Andrews, along with program and parent representatives from participating institutions. Andrews explained the center’s role in coordinating Florida’s postsecondary comprehensive transition programs for students with intellectual disabilities, supporting program development, distributing grants and scholarships, and monitoring outcomes. He reported that the state now has 33 approved programs at 35 institutions, including universities, state colleges, and technical colleges, and that scholarship and grant funding has grown significantly. He said student retention is about 88 percent, many graduates are employed, and median hourly earnings have increased over time. A representative from Southeastern University described how the center’s support helped build and sustain SEU Link, including a new third-year employment-focused option for students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fast forward to the present, in our own state, Governor candidate Andrew Valinsky's 33 plan promises
• Fast forward to the present, in our own state, Governor candidate Andrew Valinsky's 33 plan promises
• Under RSA 655, column one, every candidate for state elective office must already be a United States
• we opened the constitution to candidate we opened the constitution to candidate qualification<06
• candidates and undermine democratic<06:27:49.360> participation.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that they're important to us, and, and, and we just can't, you know, sometimes it's hard to find qualified
• <00:32:54.159> applicants<00:32:55.120> can hard to find Qualified applicants can hard
• to find Qualified applicants can you<00:32:55.720> just<00:32:56.200> get<00:32:56.519
• It's not always easy to find people qualified, willing to take the pay that we can offer.
• comes along or candidates come along with a lot of valuable experience but not the education part, then

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do they qualify for that as being homeless or unhoused? They do certainly through FAFSA.
• Do they qualify for that as being homeless or unhoused? They do certainly through FASFA.
• That is now available for our teacher candidate who wants to be in a residency program.
• The first is that there are a couple districts on the qualified list.
• Districts on the qualified list.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• say, "How far I've never had a candidate say, "How far are<01:47:17.360> you<01:47:17.520>
• Immediate help was needed in both incidents by a highly qualified mental health professional.
• <02:59:43.920> uh incidents by a highly qualified uh incidents by a highly qualified uh mental
• Placing qualified professionals in every building is not just a budget line item. It is a lifeline.
• Placing qualified professionals in every building is not just a budget line item. It is a lifeline.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• filing period, adjusting that late candidate filing period so for most of our cities, our school boards
• filing period, adjusting that late candidate filing period so for most of our cities, our school boards
• So we really feel like this incentive is important, and without it that one candidate who's trying to
• So we really feel like this incentive is important, and without it that one candidate who's trying to
• Representative Greenman: So, yeah, well, I think that's a different bill — preventing candidates from

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1378, an elections administration bill, and first adopted the DE5 amendment. The author described DE5 as a negotiated package combining provisions from several bills on election administration, including notice of temporary polling locations, residence standards for people under civil commitment orders, polling place closure/change notices, absentee voting provisions, special election filing periods, and timelines for filing statements of economic interest. The committee then adopted two additional amendments, A6 and A8, both presented as technical or corrective changes; A8 restored language on off-reservation temporary polling that had been inadvertently left out. Testimony from county election officials and the Secretary of State’s office was generally supportive of the bill’s election-administration changes. Blue Earth County’s Michael Stalberger said the bill would streamline election-day work, improve absentee ballot deadlines, clarify ballot correction procedures, formalize chain-of-custody plans, and speed out-of-court remedies for ballot errors. He also raised concerns about implementation details, including the timing for first chain-of-custody plans, applying candidate filing changes to townships and school districts as well as cities, the short turnaround for college student housing lists, and whether the statewide system could handle new absentee-ballot data fields. Nicole Freeman of the Secretary of State’s office echoed support for the technical cleanup and several policy changes, including removing the permanent absentee application box from voter registration forms, clarifying ballot-board procedures, chain-of-custody planning, and the out-of-court remedy, while also flagging concerns about the absentee application cutoff, city opt-outs from absentee voting, and staffing requirements for absentee locations. Later in the hearing, members discussed a separate proposed amendment, A4/A3, dealing with prohibitions on inducements to vote or register, including lotteries or other chances to win money or goods. The author explained it was intended to clarify existing law and respond to recent examples of large-money election-related giveaways, but after discussion the chair declined to offer the amendment in committee, saying it would likely not have enough support and could be taken up later on the floor. The hearing ended with the technical amendments adopted and the bill advanced with the committee continuing broader discussions on the remaining issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we say, here are all the jobs throughout the state that you are qualified for.
• The people who went there and ended up moving to Texas to practice would be the prime candidates for
• But this bill is specifically for the 340B drugs and the 340B qualified providers.
• Just in the state of New Mexico, when is it going to the federally qualified health clinics?
• They would be qualified to receive these bonus payments from the state health department for each person

Transcript Highlights:

• And now, those looking to fill those seats can officially apply to become a candidate.
• The page will show you what party the candidate belongs to, and it also lists their campaign website,
• so you can see where the candidates stand on the issues that matter to you.
• stand on the issues where the candidates stand on the issues that<00:28:04.440> matter<00:28:
• <00:28:08.120> same<00:28:08.520> caucus one candidate from the same caucus one candidate

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The program reviewed the end of Minnesota’s 94th Legislature and featured interviews with Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Minority Leader Mark Johnson about the session’s major outcomes. Murphy said Senate Democrats used their one-seat advantage to advance priorities including emergency rental assistance, immigration enforcement, stabilization of HCMC, gun violence prevention, and a $1.2 billion infrastructure/bonding bill. She also highlighted a one-year reduction in vehicle tab fees, some property tax and business tax relief, and the creation of an independent Office of Inspector General, while saying more should have been done on lead pipe replacement and that some work was delayed by House inaction and federal policy changes. Murphy argued the session was shaped by a divided legislature and by negotiations that often happened late and behind closed doors, which she said made the process frustrating and left some Senate proposals without House counterparts. She said the Senate also worked on protecting Medicaid and SNAP from federal cuts and on stabilizing hospitals, especially HCMC and rural facilities. She described the gun violence and immigration debates as examples where bipartisan demands did not match what she saw as the needs of Minnesotans, and said the state should return to more public conference committee negotiations next session. Johnson said Senate Republicans focused on fraud prevention, affordability, and education. He pointed to the Inspector General bill and the “Take It Back Act” as major bipartisan wins, and said Republicans used their leverage to secure the tab fee reduction and other tax relief. He also said the caucus wanted stronger protections against fraud without harming legitimate service providers, and criticized DFL priorities on government growth and education outcomes. Both leaders said relationships across the aisle improved over the session, though they differed sharply on how much was accomplished and what should be prioritized next year.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Is that what inspired you to jump in as a candidate this go-round?
• involved in a very serious way. >> You used to be behind the scenes, you know, a supporter of other candidates
• 03:51.280> supporter<00:03:51.680> of<00:03:51.920> other<00:03:52.239> candidates
• <00:03:52.959> or know, a supporter of other candidates or know, a supporter of other candidates

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I may be wrong, but if I recall correctly, judicial candidates are subject to the same canon that
• I believe that's true, that judicial candidates are subject to the same canons, the same...
• However, I would say that 'everybody' would include candidates for these offices.
• If there's a prohibition for office holders, it should also be a prohibition for candidates opposing
• Chairman, the constitutional challenge to a candidate that hasn't officially declared puts you into that

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Transcript Highlights:

• Now if I recall correctly, and I may be wrong, but if I recall correctly, judicial candidates are subject
• I believe that's true that judicial candidates are subject to the same canons, the same rules that, that
• designed to Have everybody play by the same rules, but then I would say that everybody would include candidates
• So if it's a prohibition for officeholders, it should be a prohibition for candidates opposing those
• Chairman, constitutional challenge to a candidate that hasn't officially declared that you get into that

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Transcript Highlights:

• These lease agreements are being used as a financing approach because such proposals currently qualify
• under RSA 33 7-e currently qualify under RSA 33 7-e enabling<01:44:07.199> easier<01:44:07.800
• under this Clause it it that qualifies under this Clause it it is<02:06:00.119> not<02:06:00.280
• And if that person is a fringe-type candidate, they might not be able to have the person that might be
• U they might not be able to candidate U they might not be able to have<05:12:53.040> the<05:12

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's going to be an amendment offered that says if the candidate is involved in a primary and wins
• there may need to be, that might be a valid question, because it says the election at which the candidate
• But if they were just wanting donations generally, not on a specific issue, or to like a candidate, or
• If it's just to that committee is his question, and there's no issue involved and there's no candidate

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, candidates for federal office file with the Federal Elections Commission, the FEC, and candidates
• But candidates for local office file with a number of different authorities, and sometimes candidates
• Currently, candidates for federal office file with the Federal Elections Commission, the FEC, and candidates
• But candidates for local office file with a number of different authorities, and sometimes candidates
• The working group would explore the possibility of all local candidates filing with the State Campaign

Bills: HF1345, HF71, HF993, HF1943

Keywords: HF1345, statutory city, public utility commission, municipal utilities, city council, local government, utility governance, commission membership, staggered terms, vacancy appointment, ordinance, Minnesota Statutes 412.341, municipal ordinance, city commission, public utilities, HF71, Minnesota, public safety, peace officers, correctional officers

Transcript Highlights:

• And they come in full support of these two candidates. Thank you very much. Thank you.
• They're not, you know, I mean, being candid, they're not as pleasant.
• And so it puts things out there that the candidates can't respond to really clearly.
• I'm just being candid. I don't put staff in that type of situation.
• sourcing and candidate nurturing.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first established quorum and then approved several routine items, including one governor’s appointment not required to appear, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard from two CDCR appointees required to appear, Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both nominated to associate director positions in the Division of Adult Institutions. They described their long careers in corrections and emphasized the California model, explaining that it is intended to improve staff safety, rehabilitation, trauma-informed practices, and reentry outcomes. Members raised concerns about a widely reported use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, sexual abuse and retaliation concerns in women’s prisons, visitation restrictions, and the need for consistent policies and stronger communication. The nominees said the department investigated the incident, disciplined staff, provided medical and mental health support, conducted training, and is working to improve reporting, PREA compliance, and family visitation. The committee voted 4-0 to send both nominations to the Senate floor, with public testimony largely in support from former incarcerated people, nonprofit reentry advocates, and community stakeholders. The committee then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as Undersecretary of Operations at CDCR. Johnson framed his work as centered on rehabilitation, public safety, and culture change, and he described his background in probation, parole, and CDCR leadership. Members questioned him about opposition letters and complaints alleging retaliation, hostile work environment, discrimination, and public safety concerns tied to his leadership of adult parole operations. Johnson said many complaints were tied to efforts to change a previously toxic culture, denied retaliatory intent, and pointed to his record of creating or strengthening reentry and compliance programs, including community reentry units, community compliance units, behavioral health reintegration efforts, and transitional community reentry programs. He also addressed parole supervision tools for high-risk sex offenders, contraband interdiction, and PREA-related training and reporting systems. The discussion repeatedly returned to the need to balance institutional security with rehabilitation and to ensure that staff and incarcerated people can report misconduct safely. The committee did not take a final vote on Johnson in the portion provided, but members indicated they were weighing the late-breaking opposition materials and his responses carefully.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they come in full support of these two candidates. Thank you very much. Thank you.
• They're not, you know, I mean, being candid, they're not as pleasant.
• So it puts things out there that the candidates can't respond to really clearly.
• I'm just being candid. I don't put staff in that type of situation.
• sourcing and candidate nurturing.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first handled several routine items, including governor’s appointments not required to appear, references to bills, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved the appointments of Heather Lynn Gonzalez and Allison Salton-Sall to the Court Reporters Board, and then moved on to appointments required to appear from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both proposed associate directors in CDCR’s Division of Adult Institutions, testified about their backgrounds and emphasized staff safety, rehabilitation, trauma-informed practices, and the California model. Senators focused heavily on the rollout of the California model, the August 2024 use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and prison visitation. Both nominees said the department had improved communication and training, had disciplined or removed staff in response to misconduct, and was working to strengthen PREA reporting, investigations, and family visiting consistency. Public testimony was strongly supportive, and the committee voted 4-0 to send both nominations to the Senate floor. The committee then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Johnson framed his work around rehabilitation, public safety, and culture change, and addressed concerns raised in late opposition letters and a lawsuit alleging retaliation, hostile work environment, discrimination, and whistleblower issues. He said he could not discuss pending litigation in detail, but described his leadership as focused on accountability, professional standards, and improving relationships with staff and community partners. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, risk assessment, contraband interdiction, and the Prison Rape Elimination Act response; Johnson said adult parole uses risk-based supervision and GPS for registered sex offenders, operations is working with correctional safety and law enforcement on contraband and drone interdiction, and CDCR continues to expand reporting channels and training. The committee also discussed the importance of rehabilitation and reentry programs, with Johnson saying most people return to the community and that CDCR must prepare them for successful reintegration.