Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, the I-5 Nisqually River Delta project remains an important priority for our community.
• of Bremerton was awarded $8 million to replace a sewer force main located between the treatment facility
• of Bremerton was awarded $8 million to replace a sewer force main located between the treatment facility
• So our wing priorities: Number one priority is our nuclear deterrence, our number one mission in the
• So they do get priority processing for their applications. We also offer license portability.

Summary: The committee heard updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Navy Region Northwest, Fairchild Air Force Base, the Coast Guard, state licensing agencies, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Washington National Guard, and a veterans behavioral health presenter. Across the military briefings, common themes were readiness, infrastructure, and quality-of-life issues for service members and families, especially child care, housing, food insecurity, medical and dental access, and military spouse employment. JBLM highlighted its role in Indo-Pacific readiness, ongoing PFAS cleanup, 212 new family housing units under construction, efforts to expand child care, and continued work to keep the Lewis Army Museum open. Navy Region Northwest discussed its major installations and economic impact, the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan, future carrier and submarine homeporting needs, and asked the legislature to continue support for licensure compacts, educational stability for military children, housing, and medical access. Fairchild emphasized its tanker and survival missions, child care shortages, food insecurity, aging housing, and concerns about wind turbine development near flight paths, while the Coast Guard focused on rebuilding Base Seattle for new icebreakers and on rural access to housing, medical care, and child care at dispersed stations like Neah Bay. Members repeatedly raised food insecurity and asked for follow-up on solutions. JBLM and Fairchild both described increased demand for food assistance during the shutdown, and committee members noted progress in getting mobile food vans onto JBLM. The presenters also praised state action on military spouse licensure and child care, including Senate Bill 5545 and related compact and portability efforts. The Department of Licensing reported about 9,000 self-identified military members or spouses licensed, with average time-to-license just under nine days, and said applications are prioritized when military status is self-identified. The Department of Health said its military-to-civilian crosswalk now covers more than 35 health professions, that temporary practice permits and expedited processing are in place, and that 1,300 credentials were issued to military spouses and domestic partners and 129 to military-trained health professionals in the last fiscal year, all within 30 days. The Professional Educator Standards Board explained that military spouses and service members can receive expedited teacher certification with reduced documentation, and that they are moved to the front of the review queue when they self-identify. Members asked about verification, and staff said the process relies on attestation with investigatory safeguards if needed. The Washington National Guard briefed on its dual state and federal mission, the impact of the recent shutdown on nearly 700 employees who worked without pay, and policy and budget requests including youth academy protections, alignment of the Washington Code of Military Justice with the UCMJ, making Civil Air Patrol a division of the Military Department, 911 funding, disaster assistance, and capital funding for headquarters and readiness facilities. The Guard also warned about drone threats and said it wants authority to identify, track, and monitor suspicious drones. A veterans behavioral health presenter, an Army combat veteran and clinical social worker, described high suicide risk, barriers to care, and the need for more culturally competent services, especially for women veterans and caregivers. He said Washington veterans’ suicide rate remains above the national average and emphasized that childcare, transportation, and provider shortages can prevent timely treatment. Members generally responded supportively throughout, asked for follow-up on food security and other issues, and encouraged agencies to bring forward legislative ideas for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, there's a fair number from the higher ed units and facilities.
• For example, there's a fair number from the higher ed units and facilities.
• Has this been shared with the other higher education facilities?
• If it’s a priority for OMB, it might not be for NDIT.
• If we want to fund priorities, we're going to have...

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a greater priority on data transparency and a greater focus on what is going on actually in the
• There's a greater priority on data transparency and a greater focus on what is going on actually in the
• It really, like Paul said, depends on the priorities of the state.
• We also saw 84% less time in correctional facilities and arrests. So, very effective.
• So the commission has approved a priority list of post-closure facilities in post-closure care that need

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with speakers from law enforcement, behavioral health, homeless service providers, and policy groups. Presenters argued that Arkansas should focus more on treatment, accountability, better data, and stronger coordination among providers, and they highlighted the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model as a way to expand Medicaid-reimbursed crisis, mental health, substance use, jail-based, and homeless outreach services. Testimony emphasized that Arkansas has relatively low overall homelessness numbers but a significant unsheltered population with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, and several members asked about sex offender tracking, provider accountability, statewide coordination, and whether the state could apply for federal funding or a statewide continuum of care arrangement. Speakers also discussed workforce supports, family homelessness, and the need for more transparent reporting and outcomes-based funding. The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. DEQ sought to raise the threshold for commission review of certain post-closure cleanup expenditures from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025, and members asked about financial assurance and oversight; the rule was reviewed without objection. The Board of Nursing presented multiple rule changes implementing recent acts, including adding fees for dialysis patient care technician registration, updating contact-information requirements, clarifying APRN authority to sign death certificates and prescribe certain durable medical equipment, implementing delegation of certain nursing tasks to unlicensed workers, adding a declaratory-order process, revising certified medication assistant training and insulin-injection authority, and conforming independent-practice rules for clinical nurse specialists. Each nursing rule was reviewed without objection after brief questions. In closing remarks, Senator Irvin announced that UAMS had completed its National Cancer Institute designation submission, calling it an important step for the state. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• What about the child care facilities that are part of?
• These are state-owned facilities that provide 24-hour care.
• We have catchment areas for each of our facilities.
• So when somebody wants to have a child care facility, because we have a shortage of child care facilities
• Those are all the new beds you're talking about, and that includes new facilities and restored facilities

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, DDS facilities. Amendment number six by Ms. Kennedy, DDS facilities.
• It tells a worker to think twice before showing up to a care facility.
• This bill demonstrates to all people in our state, including our immigrant neighbors, that our priority
• This bill demonstrates to all people in our state, including our immigrant neighbors, that our priority
• As lawmakers, it is our duty to reflect our priorities and ideologies into legislation, and this bill

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a comprehensive immigration-related bill, the Protect Act (House No. 5316), with extensive debate focused on limiting civil immigration enforcement in sensitive locations and protecting immigrants, victims, workers, and public institutions. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fear in schools, hospitals, courts, child care settings, and other community spaces, while preserving criminal law enforcement and public safety cooperation. Several senators also emphasized the economic and community contributions of immigrants, and some spoke from personal or district experience about fear, school enrollment declines, and impacts on health care and daily life. A number of amendments were debated. Amendment 6, offered by Senator Kennedy, was adopted to extend protections to DDS facilities and disability-related care settings, with supporters stressing the importance of protecting immigrant caregivers and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other adopted amendments included Amendment 7 on effective dates, Amendment 34 adding residential schools/programs as safe spaces, Amendment 10 on courthouse curtilage, Amendment 13 protecting health care workers from retaliation, Amendment 20 establishing an immigration commission with minority-party representation, and Amendment 69 as a corrective/technical amendment. Many other amendments, largely offered by Senator Tarr and others, were rejected, including proposals concerning 287G agreements, detainers, civil arrests, court authority, and legal defense funding; several amendments were also withdrawn. The chamber took multiple roll-call votes on contested amendments. Amendment 59 on 287G funds was defeated 5-34, Amendment 63 on status information tied to criminal offenses was defeated 7-32, Amendment 67 on felony detainers was defeated 10-29, and Amendment 75 on state-funded legal defense programs was defeated 5-34. After amendments were completed, the Senate adopted the Ways and Means recommendation, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by a 37-3 vote. The Senate later rejected a House amendment, appointed a conference committee, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• reducing recidivism initiative. ...and correctional facilities across the state with the Future Fit
• I just want to make sure I understand that, you know, during the last session, a priority for me and
• funding for our workforce training facilities.
• We just got a six million dollar grant, and we're building a huge facility.
• Look at our facilities. Look at our curriculum. Look at our books. Look at our credentials.

Summary: The meeting focused on Arkansas’s workforce development reorganization and a set of federal waiver requests intended to consolidate and streamline the state’s WIOA system. Commerce officials said the department has already centralized shared services, split the old workforce agency into reemployment and Arkansas Workforce Connections, and submitted a combined WIOA/Perkins state plan. They described nine waiver requests, including replacing local workforce boards with a single statewide board, creating one planning and accountability structure, allowing more flexible movement of funds across regions, easing the “last-dollar” requirement for training and supportive services, reducing required youth program elements, and allowing affiliate sites instead of mandatory comprehensive centers. Officials said the goal is to reduce administrative costs and redirect more money to training, supportive services, and employer-driven programs. Legislators raised concerns about rural representation, local employer relationships, and whether local offices would close. Commerce officials said local offices would remain open, some current staff could be rehired, and regional business councils would preserve local employer input. They said the current system is fragmented and expensive, with roughly $14 million in federal workforce funds flowing through local boards but only about $1.9 million spent on training and supportive services last year; they argued the reorganization could raise training spending to about $6 million to $7 million annually. Questions also addressed board composition, performance accountability, and how funds could be shifted between regions when needs change. The State Board of Workforce Development had approved the waiver package 11-3 before it was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor. Members also discussed workforce access for people with disabilities, child care and transportation supports, and the role of Arkansas Launch, apprenticeships, and career and technical education. Officials said vocational rehabilitation now has better access to the state job board and that referrals and data-sharing with DHS and other partners still need improvement. Several legislators emphasized the need for training to align more closely with employer demand, especially in manufacturing, technology, health care, and rural areas. The committee also heard a brief overview of Workforce Pell, with staff explaining that the new federal short-term Pell option has narrow eligibility rules and may not fit many existing programs, including some CDL and CNA programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $200 million is appropriated from the school facilities division to the school facilities division
• I am pleased to see our priorities reflected in the legislation that you're hearing today.
• A woman with profound disabilities was raped by a staff member in a licensed facility more than once.
• A woman with profound disabilities would rape by a staff member in a licensed facility more than once
• we fight for the priorities and the values and the things that we hold dear.

Summary: The joint House and Senate Appropriations committees met to hear the FY 2027 budget package, beginning with the General Appropriations Act (HB 4154/SB 1847). Staff outlined the overall budget, including one-time fund transfers, lump-sum reductions, funding for state employee health insurance, school facilities, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, education and child care, and other ongoing and supplemental items. Members briefly discussed the absence of a requested $1.5 million for the oversight office, but the chair said no amendments would be taken in committee and that only limited technical changes were likely later in the process. Public testimony on the feed bill was largely supportive but focused on specific funding concerns. Testimony highlighted school safety funding, Alzheimer’s services, small business tax expensing provisions, disability oversight for group homes, county use of opioid settlement dollars, adult education/community college funding, victim notification funding, and ESA oversight. Several speakers praised the budget for funding DDD and other services, while others opposed or sought changes to items such as the COMIT group home monitoring program, Maricopa Community Colleges’ lack of operating aid, and a possible cut to the victim notification program. The chair repeatedly emphasized that changes to the negotiated budget would be difficult and should be routed through leadership. The committee then moved quickly through the remaining budget reconciliation bills. Staff summarized bills covering amusement and wagering, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, and K-12 education. Notable provisions included continued wagering assessments, highway and building renewal funding, defense innovation and economic development changes, corrections and wrongful conviction provisions, groundwater and water banking measures, health insurance oversight and opioid settlement provisions, higher education funding and ABOR operating caps, SNAP and housing trust fund changes, and a 2% inflation increase for K-12 formula components. The K-12 bill also included a biometric school safety pilot and a child sexual abuse prevention pilot. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue through the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that's been something that's been a priority since my service on the board.
• of the institution. ...to advancing the strategic priorities of the institution.
• We’ve already found common ground in things like facilities and maintenance.”
• “UCF and Disney have a lot in common in areas like facilities, maintenance, and technology, and how do
• We've already found common ground of things like facilities and maintenance.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmations for 19 appointees and reappointees to university and state college boards, with most of the agenda focused on the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, Florida State University, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Pensacola State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, North Florida College, South Florida State College, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Testimony from the nominees generally emphasized their educational backgrounds, professional experience, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving institutional rankings. Several UF trustees highlighted the university’s “One UF” vision, institutional neutrality, and goals of reaching top-three or top-one national status. Other nominees stressed the role of state colleges in workforce pipelines, and Florida Poly witnesses focused on STEM growth, housing, and strong graduate outcomes. One in-person public testimony came from Elijah Hooks, who spoke in opposition to the current FAMU administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from campus after protesting the appointment of President Marva Johnson. For FAMU, Jocelyn Dobson Rodriguez testified in support of her appointment, emphasizing her legal background, alumni ties, and goals of strengthening leadership, alumni engagement, and the connection between the main campus and the College of Law in Orlando. For Florida Atlantic University, Tina Vidal-Duart was questioned closely about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about CDR Health’s involvement in state contracts; she said she was not aware of the foundation’s governance problems at the time and that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate. The committee then voted to report all appointees favorably except for Tina Vidal-Duart, whose confirmation was held for a separate vote at the request of Senator Bracy Davis. After discussion, the committee voted 5-1 to report her confirmation favorably as well. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• You set up a website where you all establish statewide priorities.
• Strategic plans often identify the mission, the vision, and the priorities of governing bodies.
• for facilities. based on changes in enrollment and programming.
• It will be a priority for LEAC staff next interim.
• Please make it a high priority to restore at-risk funding through the Hold Harmless Fund.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've done more recently kind of work with our nursing facility providers.
• And, you know, the department and the recommendations put together kind of a list of priorities.
• And we heard a lot of public testimony on other priorities.
• We have been working with the long-term care facility about what... ...facility is based on the quality
• And I think that's something we can design with facilities and would intend to design with facilities

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met with all members present to review the medical services portion of the HHS budget. Sarah Aker, Executive Director of Medical Services, walked the committee through several budget items, including HCBS cost-to-continue adjustments, the DD bed assessment, expansion of value-based purchasing, targeted rate increases for home health and QSP services, and the cross-disability waiver. Members generally supported the targeted increases for home health and QSP, and Aker explained that the cross-disability waiver funding would support startup work, service design, and infrastructure ahead of a planned July 1, 2028 implementation. The committee spent significant time on rate-setting and provider payment issues. Members discussed ambulance rate rebasing, with several senators expressing concern that the proposed increase was too high relative to peer states; the committee ultimately moved toward reducing that item to $1 million rather than zero so it could be revisited in conference committee. They also discussed a House-added critical access hospital networking grant and similarly leaned toward reducing it to $1 million. Aker explained the department’s value-based purchasing plans, including use of a vendor selected through RFP, and clarified how the department’s existing Medicaid managed care and hospital value-based programs work. A major portion of the meeting focused on long-term care and basic care payments, including a House-added extension of the $5 per day basic care add-on and a proposed shift in nursing facility incentive grants toward a withhold-based model. Senator Mathern indicated he would bring an amendment to delay or modify the withhold change, and Aker said the department would prefer language that directly addresses whether a withhold may be implemented. Members also discussed 1915(i) services, FMAP changes, the Medicaid legacy system modernization carryover, and a House-added legislative intent section on medical assistance. The committee adjourned for the morning with plans to return later to continue Human Services budget work and revisit unresolved items in conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 1982, we've surveyed our members on their biggest problems and priorities.
• I was just passing by one of your facilities in Keene yesterday. Oh, okay.
• > have<02:18:25.800> um facilities Hydro facilities that have um facilities Hydro facilities
• lowering costs for towns and Facilities lowering costs for towns and Facilities that<02:47:37.840
• Um, several of us, as part of Clean Energy Week, went over to the facility.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, rural parts, we've just shut down a nice facility and there's 350 jobs gone.
• liability; they would have priority, correct?
• So the lowest priority would be this new priority that we're adding to the bill.
• So the lowest priority would be this new priority that we're adding to the bill. Okay.
• remains... ...and also how priority remains at the county to be paid first.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• these critical Public Safety facilities these critical Public Safety facilities as<01:11:10.320>
• and the importance of those facilities and the importance of those facilities and<01:11:37.840><
• <01:12:01.960> are<01:12:02.120> the simply if the the facilities are the simply if
• <01:12:20.679> are programs within those facilities are programs within those facilities are
• Of transit needs to get people to that facility. So I support the provision.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to speak about TMB's budget priorities this session.
• So we will have to go out and inspect those facilities to ensure that they have the proper equipment
• So the consideration of that unexpended balance authority is a priority and greatly appreciated.
• So, if we can move into this state facility, that $360,000 will go away for our agency.
• And it's in a facility that we want to move to.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a pleasure to tour these facilities at both campuses and meet with their dedicated staff and the
• , not the American people's priorities, in terms of what they want to see in that reconciliation bill
• So why is that being given priority over a government shutdown?
• This is a gut check for every member in this House about where your priorities are.
• One of my priorities is expanding access to capital for small businesses.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 24, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re just trying to show our sincere interest and the priority that we set with safety.
• This legislation is a priority to the MDDC and individuals with developmental and other disabilities
• Affordable and accessible housing was chosen more than any other topic as a top priority within this
• community, with 41% of survey respondents identifying it as one of their top three priorities.
• The reason I am here is because a member of NAGE about 12 years ago was medevaced out of his facility

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Public Safety and Homeland Security Joint Committee heard testimony on several bills focused on accessibility, fire safety, and transportation safety. House 2569, expanding adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors, drew broad support from Rep. Christine Barber, disability advocates, and members of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said the bill would close gaps in the Architectural Access Board’s authority, require more adaptable housing in rehabs and older conversions, and extend accessibility requirements to employee-only work areas. They emphasized the shortage and cost of accessible housing, the benefits for aging in place, and the risk of institutionalization when accessible units are unavailable. The committee also heard strong support for House 2577, which would allow local fire departments to inspect and enforce fire code compliance in state-owned buildings. Rep. Robert Cataldo and Boston Fire Chief Pat Ellis described this as closing a long-standing loophole that leaves state properties outside local fire-code enforcement, despite the hazards posed by aging state buildings and life-safety systems. Fire service representatives also supported bills to create a statewide technical rescue system under the Department of Fire Services, standardizing training, equipment, funding, and coordination across regional rescue teams, and they backed related fire-safety measures including sprinkler-related legislation and professionalism measures. Rep. James O’Day testified for House 2676, which would require window screens to prevent child falls, arguing it is a common-sense safety measure and noting recent fatal incidents. Ann Shuey and John Kalura testified for House 2601, which would require motor coach passengers to wear seat belts, citing a family tragedy, low seat-belt use, and research showing signage can improve compliance. Steven Poglisi of NAGE supported House 2568, requiring carbon monoxide alarms in public buildings, describing a past CO exposure incident involving a union member. The committee took no votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• That shows our priority set as legislators.
• This bill also increases the basic... ...allotment, the wait for them to have facilities funding, does
• The bill has 250 million, I believe, for facilities funding for charter schools. Is that correct?
• We just had 29 schools closed in Bexar County, and unfortunately, these are facilities due to a lack
• We're providing money to those educational facilities under a watchful...

Bills: HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One is facilities.
• They can help manage and flow those facilities.
• TxDOT's number one priority is enhancing public safety.
• We have a facility that is vacant in Houston.
• Those are hydroelectric generating facilities.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• future act codifies several priorities future act codifies several priorities included<03:19:21.920
• Facility Authorization Act. Facility Authorization Act.
• Medical Facility Authorization Act. Medical Facility Authorization Act.
• Louis, Missouri facility project in St.
• care from a nonVA medical facility. Mr. care from a nonVA medical facility. Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• about how that's one of our priorities about how that's one of our priorities should<00:13:44.079
• Let's focus on our priorities.
• Let's focus on our priorities.
• And if money grew on priorities.
• first ought to be our first priority. first ought to be our first priority.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all