Transcript Highlights:

• Several states, 30 out there, have gotten rid of high stakes testing.
• We are not getting rid of the tests.
• We're not doing away with the test for those concerned we're getting rid of all testing.
• And many of our senators have alluded to the test anxiety that happens in our classrooms.
• Not just the child that will be able to take a test. It will be a child like my kid.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:20:14.880> was and the year the germination test was and the year the germination test
• Number two, they want to include something about testing.
• What they would like to see is agricultural land tested prior to the application of biosolids.
• What we would like to see is an testing.
• That's what this particular test was looking for.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill before you today carves out various professions from the ABC test to determine classification
• If a worker is truly an independent contractor, then they will pass the ABC test, and the businesses
• If a worker is truly an independent contractor, then they will pass the ABC test, and the businesses
• Applying the ABC test to insurance producers would not be a technical adjustment.
• Applying the ABC test to insurance producers would not be a technical adjustment.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, I'll move to the electric vehicle supply equipment testing.
• and inspect EV charging to ensure test and inspect EV charging to ensure consumers<00:06:53.919>
• We're also seeking a variance for our testing facility licenses.
• facility licenses uh at our testing facility licenses uh at present<00:10:24.839> those<00:10
• facility infrastructure so that testing facility infrastructure so that we<00:10:46.120> can<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They did a robust testing program, and to me they tested out of it, and I think that's really important
• testing program and to me they tested testing program and to me they tested out<00:40:28.400>
• local units of government um to test local units of government um to test samp<00:48:39.680>
• Avian metapneumovirus positive test cases since 2024, that's very underreported.
• <01:18:29.920> for to uh just uh couple drops to test for to uh just uh couple drops to test

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• test is administered.
• , our STAR test.
• We would like our kids to pass the tests in order—ACT tests, ACT tests—in order to get to college.
• Tests in order, ACT tests, ACT tests in order to get to college.
• They now test with 50 other eighth graders on the eighth-grade math test.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to be able to take a standardized test to be able to take a standardized test in<00:32:48.400>
• to get an extra voucher to take tests. to get an extra voucher to take tests.
• , testing centers at other schools.
• , testing centers at other schools.
• , testing centers at other schools.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it also requires those products to be tested and labeled.
• Uh this also tested and labeled.
• And just one last provision I want to touch on is the testing variance language.
• <00:13:43.279> this that they can qualify to test this that they can qualify to test this
• <00:13:58.480> product going that there is tested product going that there is tested product

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I'm going to pass out the amendment I had, which includes a means test for that, but right,
• I mean, there is also a means test in here, which is my amendment, but it also includes their language
• I'm going to skip the means test.
• . substantially lower the amount of money per year by having a 300% means test.
• means testing into page four.

Bills: HB1329

Keywords: government spending database, public expenditure transparency, open data, government transparency, school district spending, state spending, local government finance, education finance, budget database, expenditure reporting, salary transparency, benefits data, public records, Legislative Management study, North Dakota, school board training, superintendent, principal, business manager, higher education spending

Summary: The Education Division met with all members present and first took up House Bill 1329, which would create a transparency database and website for school spending information. Senator Schaible offered Amendment 0204 to turn the bill into a study, citing concerns that the proposal would impose major data-collection burdens on 168 school districts, require new data standards and privacy protections, and likely cost far more than the $500,000 in the bill. Several members supported transparency but agreed the implementation costs and technical feasibility were unclear. The committee adopted the amendment 4-1, then passed HB 1329 as amended on a 5-0 vote, with Senator Shively to carry the bill. The committee then discussed House Bill 1540, the education savings account/voucher bill. Representatives from the Bank of North Dakota and the Department of Public Instruction explained that they had not been consulted on the original drafting and outlined needed administrative changes, including clarifying the Bank as administrator, using a third-party program manager, involving DPI in rulemaking, adding audit and appeal procedures, and adjusting language on eligible purchases and school disqualification. They also said the current timeline was likely too aggressive to launch by the 2026-27 school year and estimated the program would require about 15 months to implement, with a fiscal note now around $5.1 million. Members also discussed policy-related amendments on means testing and application timing. Senator Shively proposed a 300% of poverty-level means test and a sign-up period to reduce costs and limit open-ended enrollment, while Senator Axman proposed a tiered approach that would keep all students technically eligible but phase in funding levels by income, preserving access for students who qualify for other federal supports. DPI said it could not currently disaggregate some data by family income and that the appeal process and procurement timeline still needed work. The committee did not move HB 1540 out that morning and instead recessed to continue discussion later after members had time to review the administrative and fiscal issues separately from the means-testing proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if it's not testing for benzene, It's monitoring for.
• water, or soil, and they've indicated where they're testing, how often they're testing, and they've committed
• water, or soil, and they've indicated where they're testing, how often they're testing, and they've committed
• , soil testing, air testing, and put it publicly and have it be discussed in town halls.
• , soil testing, air testing, and put it publicly and have it be discussed in town hall.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• year or hybrid test model.
• Aqua Texas is currently working on a 2024 historical test year that closed on December 31, 2024.
• Since that test year closed, we've already spent $80 million in infrastructure.
• Similarly, under the future test year framework, these projects would proceed seamlessly.
• only had the historic test year option.

Bills: HB16, HB16, HB1618, HB2692, HB2712, HB2970, HB3609, HB3628

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, water infrastructure, Texas Water Development Board, financial assistance, water supply projects, rural municipalities, water access assessment, aquifer storage, Edwards Aquifer, water injection, environmental regulations, groundwater management, San Antonio River, pollution control

Transcript Highlights:

• Michael Beauchamp: Every child in the state already gets the bilirubin test.
• : rubin test does, and with no additional cost.
• And there is already an act of Florida code in Medicaid for this combined test.
• Michael Beauchamp: That second test will unequivocally identify 24 kids with this disease, allow them
• We want them to have adequate time to take the test.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• limits, and private well owners, on the other hand, are responsible for their own testing and water
• to provide free tests.
• I'll be happy to answer any questions. the township well testing program has the township well testing
• is growing in nitrate now well testing is growing in Southeastern<00:03:39.480> Minnesota<00:
• 47.760> finds if somebody gets their well tested finds if somebody gets their well tested finds

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , and then the department gets the test results."
• 55.440> kits<00:16:55.839> for provides at-ome testing kits for provides at-ome testing
• of the different diseases that they test of the different diseases that they test for<00:17:01.199
• I'm aware sends request the testing kit.
• the department gets the test results. the department gets the test results.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every child in the state already gets a total bilirubin test.
• Adapting that test to add a direct bilirubin does, and with no additional costs.
• And there's already an AHCA Florida code in Medicaid for this combined test.
• So we want them to have adequate time to take the test.
• , the lower their test scores.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110, covering Medicaid and insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity-specific devices without lifetime or continuous-use caps, received emotional testimony from families and athletes describing high costs and the importance of access for children and adults with disabilities. Members voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1574, which would add biliary atresia screening to the newborn screening program using the existing birth blood specimen. The sponsor and a parent testified that earlier detection could prevent severe liver damage, transplants, and deaths, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 794, dealing with background screening for employees at residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities and a review of waiver support coordination, was amended to align with the House companion and then reported favorably after testimony emphasizing the importance of strong support coordinators for APD waiver families. Members then considered SB 162, requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Nurses and other supporters described surgical smoke as a serious occupational hazard, while the Florida Hospital Association said hospitals are already regulated in this area and the bill was somewhat prescriptive; an amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 254, which tightens oversight of nursing education programs, adds preceptorship and provisional licensure pathways for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, and increases transparency and accountability for low-performing programs, drew support from nursing advocates and opposition from private nursing schools concerned about workforce impacts; after amendment, it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 688 to reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida was heard with testimony both supporting expanded health care choices and opposing the bill over safety and scope concerns, and it too was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so you personally want to get rid of emissions tests. Do you know why we have emissions tests?
• And so you personally want to get rid of emissions tests. Do you know why we have emissions tests?
• testing.”
• “You think it's a faulty test? You think it's a faulty test?
• Have local control and test those things.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The town was going to test our vote-counting machines.
• The town was going to test our vote-counting machines.
• The town was going to test our vote-counting machines.
• moderator um the results of the testing moderator um the results of the testing that<00:55:24.400
• I've [attended] multiple testing machine events.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For teacher apprenticeship programs limits the general knowledge test to classroom teachers authorizes
• Test an waiving in support Carmen Ward waiving in support of Michael Greenan waiving in support Jessica
• It focuses on consumer protection, safety and compliance through that robot tests, robust testing that
• It's very important, meaningful testing that Senator Burton has worked on for many weeks now.
• We feel like the testing requirements for the product.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, most, I'll let you speak to the drug testing.
• Do you want to discuss the drug testing part?
• testing center.
• Uh we're still we're also working on our mobile testing unit.
• We worked with TSTC who has helped build us a testing center.

Transcript Highlights:

• It makes sense for ADE to thoughtfully consider fitness tests.
• How would students feel if they were given state tests without any education?
• Have your kids had a blood test recently?
• Yet eighth-grade test scores stagnated. Academic achievement.
• However, fitness testing, if inappropriately used, can be harmful.

Bills: HB2008, HB2075, HB2203, HB2395, HB2409

Keywords: school libraries, public school libraries, library funding, professional associations, library associations, librarians, information services, dues, membership fees, public monies, school governing body, county free library district, municipal library, library contracts, library services, books and programs, Arizona education, Title 15, Library Freedom Act, school district transparency

Summary: The committee took up several education bills. HB 2395 would create a voluntary Arizona School Fitness Program in ADE to recognize schools that participate in nationally recognized fitness testing or events and allow the designation on school report cards. Supporters, including the sponsor and outside witnesses, argued it would encourage student activity and support the whole child; the bill passed with a 6-0 do pass recommendation. HB 2409, the Getting Arizona Ready for AI Act, would create a voluntary summer AI course program through ADE with curriculum on digital hygiene, civic integrity, and AI for small business/entrepreneurship, with optional facility use and academic credit. The sponsor said it was meant to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption without requiring new appropriations; it passed 4-2. HB 2203 would direct ADE to review public school and agency reporting requirements for duplicative, expired, or obsolete reports and recommend consolidation or repeal, and an amendment making a technical correction was adopted before the bill passed 6-0. HB 2008 would bar school libraries from using public money to pay dues to certain professional library associations; opponents from Secular AZ and the ACLU argued it was viewpoint discrimination and a threat to professional association rights, but the bill still received a do pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote, with one member explaining a no vote because the problem did not exist. The committee also heard HB 2075, which would require school districts to submit superintendent and CFO employment contracts to ADE, post them online, keep them available for five years after termination, and create a searchable database with compensation details. The Goldwater Institute supported the bill, citing difficulty obtaining contracts through public records requests and examples of very high superintendent compensation and opaque contract terms; the Arizona School Administrators opposed the bill as singling out districts while not applying to charters or other public-dollar schools, though they said they could support it if expanded to all schools receiving public funds. Members debated whether charters are political subdivisions and whether the bill should extend to charters and ESAs, and some discussion also focused on transparency and public records access. The bill ultimately received a 4-2 do pass recommendation.