Transcript Highlights:

• So the simple part is changing health certificates to official certificates of transfer, we refer to
• So the simple part is changing health certificates to official certificates of transfer, we refer to
• the uh health certificates are valid. the uh health certificates are valid.
• :49.359> official health certificates to official health certificates to official certificates
• exams and certificates to be completed. exams and certificates to be completed.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes applications, and then it also includes direct certification.
• really also increased our direct certification numbers by about 34%.
• They have to make sure they check their direct certification process.
• ...always have the direct certification students.
• I don't know if the direct certification numbers would be enough.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This authority will be subject to certification by the Texas Behavioral Health Council.
• This current situation can be an impediment for those without a birth certificate.
• If I don't have a birth certificate and I have a Social Security card, is that sufficient?
• A birth certificate and maybe your Social Security card, or maybe your passport.
• As of May the 7th, you have to have your birth certificate.

Bills: SB2024, SB227, SB268, SB1467, SB1580, HB5537, SB1313, SB1677, SB918, SB331, SB2207, SB2721

Keywords: e-cigarettes, marketing prohibition, youth protection, criminal penalties, public health, school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, death records, vital statistics, healthcare, trauma facility, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill provides that when the commission is making decisions on a certificate of public convenience
• The bill provides that regarding the certificate of public convenience and necessity, the application
• The commission may not grant a certificate The commission may not grant a certificate of convenience
• Failure to satisfy these requirements constitutes grounds for denial of the certificate.
• Regarding the siting certificate, there are comparable provisions.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee met and took up the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4012. Counsel explained that the bill shortens several Public Service Commission timelines for certificates of public convenience and necessity, including deadlines for final decisions and final submissions, with different timeframes for smaller water/sewer projects and very large projects. The bill also requires applications to justify the need for a facility, including consideration of alternatives such as advanced transmission technologies, and adds requirements for electric transmission lines of 200 kV or greater, including a showing that costs are commensurate with benefits to West Virginia ratepayers and commitments to provide off-take facilities when requested. Comparable changes were also described for siting certificates, including a reduced decision timeline. After questions and no amendments, the vice chair moved to report the bill to the full Senate without recommendation as to passage, but with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the Energy, Industry and Mining Committee. The committee approved the motion by voice vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, first up for today is GM 528, James Landgraf for the Board of Certification of Public Water System
• Certification of Water System Operators. Certification of Water System Operators.
• certification certification um<00:03:18.400> are<00:03:19.360> vetted<00:03:19.920>
• And for the other islands, too, yeah, cuz the certification is for every island.
• <00:04:33.280> is too, yeah, cuz it the certification is too, yeah, cuz it the certification

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met on April 15 to consider several gubernatorial nominations, with the chair reminding the public that written testimony had been reviewed and testimony time would be limited. The first nominee, James Landgraf (GM 528) for the Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators, was supported by the Department of Health and testified that his water-system experience would help ensure certification standards protect safe drinking water, including on Maui and the other islands. Committee members asked about his background and Maui water issues, and the chair later recommended advise and consent. The committee also heard GM 552 for Pina Lemosu to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, but Lemosu was absent due to illness. Daintry Bartoldus of the council testified in strong support, citing Lemosu’s lived experience, critical thinking, and advocacy on disability and employment issues. The committee deferred decision-making on this nomination until the next day. For GM 717, Annabelle Stone for the Language Access Advisory Council, testimony from Waipahu Safe Haven Immigrant Migrant Resource Center and Aloha Care emphasized her interpreter background, bilingual skills, and commitment to equitable access for limited-English-proficient residents. Stone said her public health and community experience would help the council, and the chair recommended advise and consent. The final nomination, GM 782, was John McComas for the Statewide Health Coordinating Council. Supporters including Jack Lewin and Aloha Care highlighted McComas’s long career in health care, including leadership at Aloha Care and work on expanding community health resources. McComas said he wanted to continue contributing to health care access statewide after retirement. The committee took no objections on the nominations it voted on and adopted the chair’s recommendations to advise and consent for GM 528, GM 717, and GM 782, while GM 552 was deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• Birth certificate certificate certificate may<00:54:57.760> or<00:54:58.000> may<00:54:
• comes to changing your birth certificate comes to changing your birth certificate for<01:03:30.240
• doc their birth certificate doc their birth certificate birth<01:05:31.760> certificate birth
• certificate birth certificate is<01:05:33.520> is<01:05:33.760> rarely<01:05:34.240>
• , certificate, certificate, and<01:11:05.120> my<01:11:05.440> marriage<01:11:05.840>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 4240, an elections administration bill, was introduced as a package of updates to absentee voting, statewide voter registration system use, early voting procedures, recordkeeping, removal of outdated statutory language, and reimbursement for municipalities and counties that administer certain special elections. The author, Rep. Freiberg, described the bill as a modernization and efficiency measure that would clarify procedures while maintaining election security. Several amendments were adopted. The A4 amendment, offered by Rep. Freiberg, was described as aligning language with the Senate and passed without objection. The A6 amendment, offered by Rep. Cosnik, would give school districts more direction on polling locations for special elections in multi-county districts; Rep. Lee raised concerns that it could affect many districts statewide and questioned whether it applied to early voting, while Rep. Cosnik said it was narrowly tailored and intended to prevent disenfranchisement. Rep. Freiberg and Rep. Lee both said they would support it as a voter-access measure despite possible costs, and it was adopted. The A5 amendment, offered by Rep. Schultz, would require the Secretary of State to provide voter information to the U.S. Department of Justice upon request for civil-rights and federal voting-law enforcement; it was debated at length, with supporters framing it as election integrity and opponents arguing it would jeopardize voter privacy and could be used by the Trump administration to pressure Minnesota. The amendment was adopted after a roll call request. The debate on A5 was especially contentious, with Republicans arguing the state should cooperate with federal efforts to clean voter rolls and Democrats arguing the DOJ had overreached, mishandled civil-rights investigations, and sought voter data without a lawful need. Members on both sides cited voter fraud, privacy, and federal-state election authority, and several speakers referenced recent DOJ actions and court disputes. The transcript ends during further discussion of the federal role in elections, with no final disposition on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Funding should support both new instructor certification as well as ongoing instructor certification.
• So funding should support both new instructor certification as well as ongoing instructor certification
• As ongoing instructor certification.
• That was a grant requirement, not only training, but certification.
• is quite robust for districts to maintain certifications, excuse me, certification, recertification,

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 529 is unanimously recommended for certification. Oops.
• Senate Bill 1265 is unanimously recommended for certification.
• Senate Bill 1592 is unanimously recommended for certification.
• Senate Bill 1728 is unanimously recommended for certification.
• SCR 37 is unanimously recommended for certification.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in our bigger school districts, we have a lot of certificated teachers that are more than willing
• Despite possessing a provisional certification from the United States Air Force and clear documented
• Despite possessing a provisional certification from the United States Air Force and clear documented
• One month later, on June 20th, I received my provisional certification.
• , it did not confirm full certification as a JROTC instructor.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• received a standard teaching certificate in 10 years.
• They come through alternative certification pathways.
• certification as an additional pathway.
• Alternative certification, but enhancing alternative certification as an additional pathway.
• The high school biology certification as well. So we just want some clarity in that.

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• use of certificates of obligation in my community.
• By further Financial burden through these certificates of obligation.
• To have their pet projects funded through certificates of obligation.
• Shortening certificates of obligations to life from 40 to 30 years.
• of a, uh, of our 2013 certificate of obligation.

Transcript Highlights:

• certificate certificate information<03:06:10.920> um<03:06:11.200> I<03:06:11.279>
• Will the state help get marriage certificates, or only the birth certificate?
• in New Hampshire but a birth certificate in New Hampshire but a birth certificate naturalization
• Will the state help get marriage certificates, or only the birth certificate?
• their birth certificate their birth certificate um<03:22:17.680> we<03:22:17.880> also

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• anyway, and the other facilities that are allowed to bring the students in for certification already
• They just have to have that higher level of certification, so it cost you more in your facility to do
• anyway, and the other facilities that are allowed to bring the students in for certification already
• They just have to have that higher level of certification, so it cost you more in your facility to do
• anyway, and the other facilities that are allowed to bring the students in for certification already

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 00:05 HB 566 Discussion 01:34 HB 566 Vote 16:42 HB 39 Discussion 19:15 HB 39 Vote 23:10 HB 70 Discussion 24:48 HB 70 Vote 27:36 HB 72 Discussion 28:58 HB 72 Vote 39:45 HB 79 Discussion 41:45 HB 79 Vote 42:58 HB 223 Discussion 45:34 HB 223 Vote 46:24 Adjournment 47:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 566, which would implement the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation created last year. Chairman Cook described major provisions affecting charitable gaming, horse racing, sports wagering, and quarter horse racing, including locking charitable gaming fees in statute at a slightly lower rate, expanding charitable gaming board representation, preserving existing gaming technology, allowing school districts to hold charitable gaming licenses, and setting up self-funding for the new corporation through administrative set-asides from gaming-related funds. The bill also addresses uncashed vouchers, cross-training of investigators, ethics and employment provisions, and a three-year quarter horse breeding incentive intended to grow the industry. A committee substitute made two technical changes: clarifying voucher money stays with the track facility and making the school district itself the license holder. The substitute and then the bill both passed favorably, with several members noting concerns from last year but supporting the revised structure. The committee then heard House Bill 70, an interstate compact for dietitians. Sponsor Representative Vanessa Grossl and witnesses said the measure would allow reciprocity with other compact states, improve workforce mobility, help military families, expand patient access and telehealth, and reduce administrative burden on the licensing board. The committee substitute created a third license category for educational interpreters, but that language actually belonged to the next bill; for HB 70, the committee voted the bill favorably without reported amendments. The bill passed unanimously or near-unanimously and was sent to the House floor. Next, House Bill 72 was presented by Representative DJ Johnson to amend the law governing limited x-ray machine operators. The sponsor explained that current law effectively prevents limited x-ray operators from working in the same facility as other imaging equipment, which he said creates compliance problems, disrupts training, and can force practices to move equipment or lose employees. The bill would allow limited x-ray technicians to operate in the same facility as other imaging equipment. During discussion, some members noted opposition from students and others in the field, and the sponsor invited industry witnesses to explain their concerns. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 72 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• They would be the regulatory agency that would ensure our licensing, our training, and certifications
• It sounds like there's an issue of DHS testing certification that's necessary.
• The certification process ensures that the analysis is conducted in a way that results in sound data
• That can be a long period of time, and a couple of things happen if you apply for the certificate but
• They got the certificate; now they don't have the financing to do the whole thing, so half of it now

Bills: SB1137, SB1176, SB1287, SB1335, SB1336, SB1445, SB1677

Keywords: underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire, locator strip, interactive positive response system, landlord duties, apartment community, mobile home park

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from the Arizona Water Banking Authority by Dr. Rebecca Burnett. She explained the authority’s role in storing Colorado River water as long-term storage credits, its funding sources, and its obligations to provide backup supplies for CAP municipal and industrial subcontractors, the Hualapai River Indian community, and Nevada. Members asked about future firming for CAP users, recovery of credits, water quality issues, and whether municipalities banking water themselves affects the authority’s supply. Burnett said the authority has no current firming policy for CAP M&I subcontractors, is waiting on Colorado River guidelines, and does not have excess water to bank because no surplus is available. No action was taken on the presentation. The committee then heard and voted on several bills. SB 1445, as amended, allows small municipalities to test bacteriological samples on site with EPA-approved equipment; the sponsor and a rural mayor argued it would save money and improve responsiveness, while some members questioned whether the change was already possible under existing law. The bill passed 6-4. SB 1137, with a Taylor amendment, modernizes Arizona’s 811 call-before-you-dig system by adding large-project coordination meetings, an interactive positive response system, and related procedures; it passed unanimously 10-0. SB 1287, which expands an existing groundwater use allowance for irrigation grandfathered rights from initial AMAs to all AMAs, passed 9-1. The committee also considered SB 1335, as amended, which in its final form addressed a temporary continuation of irrigation tied to the Ag-to-Urban program and groundwater savings credits; DWR said the amendment was still a placeholder and needed cleanup, while supporters said it would help manage timing issues for farmers and developers. It passed 5-4. SB 1336 reauthorized the State Land Department through 2030 and added oversight, reporting, and planning requirements; the department was neutral but raised concerns about the proposed oversight committee and implementation details. After debate over the need for another board and the length of reauthorization, it passed 5-4. Finally, SB 1677 appropriates $3 million to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management for salt cedar mitigation along the lower Gila River corridor. Supporters from Audubon Southwest, the City of Buckeye, and local landowners said the invasive trees increase flood and wildfire risk, consume large amounts of water, and crowd out native habitat; some members raised concerns about herbicide use and wanted more detail on the mitigation plan. The bill passed 9-0. The chair then thanked staff and members, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got vital records, which will both have birth certificate information and also marriage certificate
• will both have uh birth certificate will both have uh birth certificate information<00:05:05.440
• You know, I've got mine in certificate.
• like our passport or birth certificates like our passport or birth certificates um<00:20:48.080>
• You might not have your birth certificate has the same name.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, your Rules Committee has approved the following certificates: Certificate of Appreciation,
• The Rules Committee has approved the following Certificate of Appreciation: Certificate Number Two, and
• President, your Rules Committee has approved the following Certificate of Recognition: Certificate Number
• Rules Committee, Certificate... Certificate of Recognition: Certificate Number Two.
• Rules Committee, Certificate Number Three of Recognition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alternative certification is a certification program for many.
• There's no state oversight, no state certification.
• It's anybody that's subject to a certification.
• for a drop so significantly in certification of teachers when...
• Kids who earn industry-based certifications.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The mandatory certification registration... Law to dispense them.
• It could be mandatory certification. It could be voluntary certification, whichever it is.
• And that is just because of our discussion of licensure versus certification.
• It also amends provisions governing the surety bonds and certificates of deposit.
• Governing the surety bonds and certificates of deposit.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This authority will be subject to certification by the Texas Behavioral Health Council.
• It will also grant the council the authority to assess and collect fees related to the certification
• And it also allowed birth certificates to be used with just one parent's information.
• Um, many older adults who were not born in a hospital do not have access to a birth certificate.
• Uh, if I don't have a birth certificate, then and I have a Social Security card, is that sufficient?

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 129 provides a mechanism for qualified third-party purchasers to purchase certificates of delinquency
• on vacant and abandoned residential properties 90 days after that certificate is created.
• uh certificates of delinquents uh delinquency<00:02:15.000> on<00:02:15.599> vacant<00
• is uh created uh to be that certificate is uh created uh to be a<00:02:23.680> qualified<00:02
• And, of course, the entities purchasing the certificates of delinquency under the program are subject

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:17 SB 129 Discussion 00:46 SB 129 Vote 04:27 SB 178 Discussion 05:48 SB 178 Vote 07:57 SB 151 Discussion 09:01 SB 151 Vote 11:24 SB 201 Discussion 15:17 SB 201 Vote 21:48, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met and first took up SB 129, with a committee substitute adopted before testimony. The bill would allow certain qualified third-party entities in Louisville Metro, including public bodies and long-standing nonprofits, to purchase certificates of delinquency on vacant and abandoned residential properties after 90 days, with the goal of returning blighted property to productive use and back on the tax rolls. Several members supported the measure as a tool for housing and economic development, while Senator Boswell and Chair Willer noted concerns about protecting vulnerable property owners, such as widows, the elderly, and people with disabilities. SB 129 was approved by the committee with favorable expression. The committee then heard SB 178, which updates statutes related to the Education and Labor Cabinet by moving the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Division of Program Policy into statute, renaming Business and Apprenticeship to Industry and Apprenticeship, and making related organizational changes. Testimony from cabinet staff said the changes reflect work already being done and that a floor amendment would be needed for one additional correction. The bill was advanced unanimously with favorable expression. Next, the committee considered SB 151, which would bar state tax dollars from being used to pay persons not legally present in the United States. The sponsor argued the bill was needed to prevent Kentucky funds from going to undocumented workers on state job sites, while Senator Wheeler questioned what the bill would change beyond existing law and how such payments would occur through contracts or appropriations. Senator Yates said he was not opposed to the premise but wanted more time to review the bill’s mechanics, and Senator Thomas voted no for the same reason. Despite those concerns, SB 151 passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard SB 2011, a workers’ compensation bill that would delay newly appointed administrative law judges from taking office until Senate confirmation, extend current ALJ terms through June 1 of next year, and allow retention votes for board members to improve stability and attract more applicants. The sponsor said the bill addresses a loophole that can discourage qualified candidates from applying because they may have to leave private practice before confirmation. After a question about whether the bill would affect salaries, the sponsor explained compensation is set by statute and caseload need is separately reviewed. The bill received favorable expression and the meeting concluded with no further business.