Transcript Highlights:

• Just a little bit of background.
• And they not only screen once a month or once a year or whatever, they're screening all the time.
• And they not only screen once a month or And they not only screen once a month or once<02:02:37.760><
• The training is screenings taking place.
• Um colleague uh giving that background.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then on line 478 is a governor's recommendation on background studies, federal compliance, which
• For background studies reporting on shelter and supportive housing.
• Section 10 sets fees for child foster care and adoption background studies.
• Section 11 establishes background study requirements for EIDBI providers.
• And background study documentation. Sections 5 and 6 are new.

Bills: HF2434

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Just maybe by way of background, the Health Economics program at the Department of Health focuses on
• Uh, so we are going to begin with just a little bit of a background on 340B, um, to give a baseline.
• on 340B, um, little bit of a background on 340B, um, to,<00:04:19.480> uh,<00:04:19.600> give
• In my role, I work with patients<00:53:25.520> who<00:53:25.640> screened<00:53:25.960>
• food patients who screened positive for food insecurity,<00:53:28.160> and<00:53:28.320> I

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• credit is it's highly effective in graduating students, particularly with students who are from backgrounds
• Thanks for all the background and good resource material. Appreciate it. >> Okay. Okay. All right.
• Thanks for all the background and good resource material. Appreciate it. >> Okay. Okay. All right.
• Thanks for all the background and good resource material. Appreciate it. >> Okay. Okay. All right.
• the screen. And in reference to Mr. the screen. And in reference to Mr.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met for its first summer interim meeting, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and took roll. The first presentation came from Jerry Gels, principal of Ignite Institute in Erlanger, who focused on the rising cost of dual credit. He said dual credit tuition has increased from about $150 to $290 for a three-credit course over roughly five years, which he argued is discouraging participation, especially for working-class and low-income students. He cited Ignite data and broader college outcomes to argue dual credit improves college persistence, shortens time to degree, and reduces student debt, noting that many of his students enter college with substantial credit and that low-income students at Ignite have increasingly participated after targeted efforts and scholarship use. He also said the instructional labor is largely paid by county school systems, so he questioned the size of the tuition increase and said the committee should examine how the costs are being set and whether college tuition should be stabilizing as more students arrive with credits already earned. Members asked about who pays for dual credit, the role of state scholarship support, and whether tuition varies by institution. Gels said students in his district generally pay the dual credit cost themselves, though some districts may cover it, and he noted the dual credit scholarship now covers fewer classes than before. He said the price appears to be set centrally rather than varying by university, and he emphasized that the higher cost is creating barriers even though the courses are taught largely by local teachers on school payrolls. He also described Ignite’s efforts to expand access for free- and reduced-lunch students, saying participation among that group rose from 27% with no dual credit to about 90-92% taking at least one dual credit class. The committee then heard from the Goldwater Institute, represented by Michael Frazier and Dr. Tim Minella by Zoom. They argued Kentucky’s public universities should face stronger accountability and transparency, citing declining public confidence in higher education, rising costs, and what they described as administrative growth and research spending that does not clearly benefit students or the Commonwealth. They proposed requiring a 10-year accounting of staffing growth by category, comparing it to enrollment and low-income Kentucky enrollment, and limiting non-STEM faculty teaching releases for research unless approved under a baseline consent process. They also criticized certain university-funded research projects as examples of misdirected spending and said public reporting should distinguish Kentucky residents from non-residents more clearly, pointing to a reported decline in low-income in-state undergraduate enrollment. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $4.2 million to increase funding for breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostics, and treatment
• support pediatric cancer research, $4.2 million to increase funding for breast and cervical cancer screenings
• Further, the bill requires that anyone who receives state money to instruct students undergo a background
• We've had some conversations about this. ...instruct students undergo a background check.
• If they're holding themselves out as a business to do that, we want a background check.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill). The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Backgrounds, there have been some encounters that have potentially threatened students' safety, my safety
• Thank you to the parliamentarians team, thank you minuscJcavin who made my screen go blank, and the clerk's

Bills: SB1090, SJR49, SB633, HR1059, SB650, SB2063, SB122, SB1614, SB1884, SJR52, SJR53, HJR1101, SJR50, HB3021, HR1058, SB514, SB382, HB3320, SB740, SB833, SB2143, SB1209, SB244

Keywords: wildlife, conservation, Oklahoma, regulations, permanent rules, Leo's Law, child endangerment, fentanyl testing, drug screening, child welfare, Oklahoma Children's Code, substance abuse, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, AAPI, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Oklahoma House resolution, commemorative resolution, heritage month, cultural recognition

Bills: HB2118, HB1764, HB1815, HB2117, HB2436, HB2438, HB2532, HB2566, HB2573, HB1736, HB2425, HB1590, HB1913, HB1573, HB1542, HB1804, HB1976, HB1704, HB1996, HB1541, HB1926, HB1703, HB1866, HB1710

Keywords: business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund

Bills: HB2118, HB1764, HB1815, HB2117, HB2436, HB2438, HB2532, HB2566, HB2573, HB1736, HB2425, HB1590, HB1913, HB1573, HB1542, HB1804, HB1976, HB1704, HB1996, HB1541, HB1926, HB1703, HB1866, HB1710

Keywords: business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• You should have a handout here that will correspond with the presentation that's on the screens. ...here
• that will correspond with the presentation that's on the screens.
• And it looks like that went away from the screens. Is that okay? I can leave it at this screen.
• You can see along the bottom of the screen.
• And how do I display on the screens? Oh, there we go. That was easy.

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, Senator Stewart, a little bit of background on exactly what this plan is to start with.
• The one up here on the screen, Ute Lake Ranch, we're currently on the fifth phase of that one.
• This is some background on the Natural Lands Protection Committee.
• Plumb for supporters, people who have no background in wildlife.
• Just a bit about my background. I have a PhD in biology and history.

Transcript Highlights:

• We go directly into the system and<01:01:54.160> have<01:01:54.400> screen<01:01:54.720
• shares with the HHS and have screen shares with the HHS individuals<01:01:57.359> that<01:01:
• If you just want to provide them kind of the background on why we do that. Sure.
• <01:09:56.000> Many background on why we do that. Sure.
• Many background on why we do that. Sure.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 21 minutes and then took up a consent calendar, withdrawing several items before adopting the remainder. It also moved item FIS 25103 to the table by a 6-4 vote after Senator Gray argued the Executive Council had not yet acted on a prior $5 million approval and that the committee should avoid adding to the rainy day fund draw. The committee then approved item 25106 for the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources/State Library after hearing that the department expected about a $400,000 lapse to return to the state. A major discussion centered on New Hampshire Police Standards and Training (item 2577). Senator Gray questioned whether a proposed equipment purchase could be delayed to the next biennium in light of the state’s deficit and rainy day fund use. The agency said the equipment was needed now for scenario training, vendors had already been identified, and delaying would likely increase costs and force continued reliance on unpaid volunteer help. The committee ultimately approved the item. The committee also approved Department of Energy item 2587 after hearing that federal weatherization funds are drawn down on a reimbursement basis, and item 2588 after similar testimony that weatherization work must be completed and inspected before reimbursement, limiting how quickly funds can be expended. Item 250094 had been withdrawn. Later, the committee discussed Senator Carson’s request for an LBA review of the YDC claims settlement fund, with members expressing concern about administrative costs, attorney fees, settlement-loan payoffs, and the need for more detailed reporting. The committee voted to direct LBA to conduct the audit described in Senator Carson’s memo, with the additional request that the review include the term over which attorney fees are paid. The meeting then moved on to an HHS staff item, where members began questioning the timing of dashboard data and reporting delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• include revision of the dental student loan repayment program, a new requirement for newborns be screened
• include revision of the dental student loan repayment program a new requirement for newborns be screened
• infant revision of the dental student loan repayment program, a new requirement for newborns be screened
• Deputy Sheriff's Association Grant Program, and establishes new definitions, fingerprints, and background
• Deputy Sheriff's Association Grant Program, and establishes new definitions, fingerprints, and background

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored a retiring Senate staffer and a wounded veteran, then moved into returning House messages and special order bills. Several measures were taken up and either concurred in or sent back to the House, with multiple unanimous or near-unanimous votes on noncontroversial bills. Among the bills addressed were SB 118 on recreational vehicle park assessments, SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, and HB 991 on election integrity. SB 118 and SB 572 were amended to reflect House changes and passed 38-0. HB 991 drew extensive debate over voter registration and identification requirements, with opponents arguing it would burden students, seniors, disabled voters, and others, while supporters said it would strengthen election security and streamline verification; it passed 27-12. The chamber also approved bills on historic cemeteries, chickee regulation, habitual traffic offender designation, military affairs, and a Department of Health package. The Department of Health bill (SB 902/HB 733) was the subject of detailed amendment work, including changes to medical marijuana rules, NICU educational materials, Early Steps, dental loan repayment, and pediatric trauma center designation. The Senate adopted an amendment to the amendment and then passed the bill 37-0. Other measures included a funeral services bill, which the Senate refused to concur in because the House strike-all would redefine cremation to include composting, and a veterans-related bill that was temporarily postponed. The Senate also recessed briefly, then returned to continue the calendar and additional recognitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fingers crossed, we're working, although we won't be able to project on the screens today.
• You have to be screened to get in.
• One, it requires expert or universal screening for substance exposure.
• What is their educational background to be able to call them inclusive coaches?
• Well, Alan Sanchez is on the SIC, so he has some finance background, but Teresa Quintana comes from workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• careful when I'm fixing something in health care now because I'm not so sure that it's just a smoke screen
• Hawkins, when you come up, I mean, it's one of my screen savers like now.
• Hawkins, when you come up, I mean, it's one of my screen savers like now.
• services provided between the patient and the medical service and the money is back here in the background
• My screen saver. Your screen saver, I put on slide 8. I didn’t know. There it is. There it is.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• couldn't do it before the background couldn't do it before the background check,<00:42:24.160>
• And also, you know, are there any criminal background checks?
• there any criminal background checks? there any criminal background checks?
• What kind of um what kind of background What kind of um what kind of background um<01:36:21.199>
• What kind of background you give the parent, the foster parent? Okay.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Early Childhood Health and Developmental Screening.
• It provides funding to public school districts to screen enrolled children between the ages of three
• The changes are just driven by a slight birth decline and children being screened earlier, closer to
• The changes are just driven by a slight birth decline and children being screened earlier, closer to
• information but I just wanted background information but I just wanted to<00:48:34.079> provide

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I'm just going to give you a little bit of background on these.
• And then if you want, full screen. Yeah, if you would, please. Yeah, if you would, please.
• We were able to use this to give you a quick background.
• A little bit of background. Hoping to wrap up here in the next couple.
• A little bit of background on the Heart River.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a little bit of background about MHS, and you've got this presentation before you, so I will not
• <00:01:48.759> about of background about of background about M&S<00:01:50.560> uh
• The slide on the screen right now shows the school districts where Northern Lights is in use.
• Chair, turning to... slide on the screen right now shows the slide on the screen right now shows the
• We perform background checks, and some go as far as fingerprints for each employee on the job.

Bills: HF1234, HF1956, HF1025, HF1172, HF791

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, municipal finance, liquor store, audit requirements, state auditor, local government, historic flag, state flag, display standards, ceremonial, Minnesota Statutes, Ursa Minor, state symbol, Minnesota state laws, constellation, official state designation

Transcript Highlights:

• There are people that I have worked with in various capacities, as well as on the screen.
• And if you can, I guess, provide any additional background, but I don't think that I've seen that done
• It would likely be in an editor's... ...background, but I don't think that I've seen that done.

Keywords: Code Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's something that's very important for all of us in the professional background for Mr.
• I also established and ran the special projects department for the Screen Actors Guild, which was the
• official government media platforms, maybe the Chair could fill us in on this with their legal background