Transcript Highlights:

• The million during the study period.
• for salaries and commission operations. for salaries and commission operations.
• Throughout the study period, the limit.
• We all study contracts.
• You've just We all study contracts.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:14 Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:02:02 Response from the Kentucky Fire Commission-00:32:06 Judge Testimony on Child Removal-00:42:47 Update on Child Removal and Reunification-01:11:19 Staffing at Kentucky Veteran Centers-01:40:15 Adjournment-02:05:55, 958, all

Summary: The Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee met without a quorum, so no votes were taken. Staff presented a study of the Kentucky Fire Commission focused on firefighter minimum training standards and administrative spending. The presentation explained that Kentucky’s training standards are built from NFPA guidelines, that the commission currently requires 115 hours for volunteer firefighters and 300 hours for paid firefighters, and that those reduced hours were adopted by removing electives and other non-NFPA content. Staff also said the commission’s IFSAC certification testing for firefighter 1 and firefighter 2 aligns with NFPA standards, but the commission cannot require local departments to train or certify firefighters. Staff recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours and work with KCTCS to better separate administrative costs for certain programs so compliance with the statute can be demonstrated. The finance portion of the report said the commission is funded by general fund appropriations for State Fire Rescue Training and by an insurance premium surcharge that supports the Firefighter Foundation Program Fund. Staff reported that the commission stayed within the 5% administrative cap tied to the overall surcharge allotment, but could not confirm compliance with a separate 5% cap for specific programs because KCTCS accounting does not break out those costs in enough detail. Staff suggested the General Assembly may want to clarify what counts as administrative cost in statute. Members asked about investment returns, local fire department funding, and whether training documentation is required; staff said some of those topics were outside the study scope and that IFSAC testing relies on chief certification that a candidate is ready to test. Representatives from the Fire Commission then responded, saying they agreed with the report’s recommendations and would work to clarify the 5% issue with legislators and KCTCS. They explained that the reduction in training hours was intended to remove electives, better align with NFPA standards, and address the difficulty volunteer departments have in getting members to complete lengthy training. Commission officials said training is documented through rosters and annual compliance reviews, and that IFSAC-certified firefighter testing is based on demonstrated skills rather than a required number of training hours. They also said the difficulty in tracking the second 5% cap stems from the way KCTCS’s PeopleSoft system records reimbursements as single transactions, making it hard to isolate administrative costs by program.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I don't think that HDA has a full study on this per se.
• I don't think that HDA has a full study on this per se.
• I don't think that HDA has a full study on this per se.
• I don't think that HDA has a full study on this per se.
• SR24 annual salary $63,384. SR24 annual salary $63,384.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What are we talking about as far salary?
• Was part of it benefits-only replacement, or was it part of it was well payment of salary?
• the salary the salary portion<02:40:18.880> and<02:40:19.120> there<02:40:19.280><
• <02:41:01.359> They of it was well payment of salary?
• They of it was well payment of salary?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They actually get paid through a code when it was set up, and their salary schedule was put in the code
• The last study that we conducted showed that about 30% of our municipalities do not have a website currently

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And all of these things weigh and reduce our, not only our salary...
• A New Mexico study repeated that same study and showed that one physician generates 11.4 jobs and $1.9
• And there's good science on this, and this is not a one-up study. Show the next.
• This competition is happening, even though study after study have shown that business location decisions
• I never saw an economic study.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its fourth meeting, held October 27-28 in Santa Fe, with Representative Duncan moving approval and no opposition. The chair then introduced a panel on the cost of providing medical care in New Mexico, focusing on physician shortages, rising practice costs, and access problems, especially in southern New Mexico and Las Cruces. Panelists included family physicians, a pediatrician, a cardiologist/electrophysiologist, and a community health center medical director, who described their backgrounds and practices before turning to the policy discussion. The doctors argued that New Mexico is losing physicians because of three main pressures: medical malpractice exposure, gross receipts tax on medical services, and low Medicaid reimbursement. They said malpractice premiums are much higher than in neighboring states, punitive damages and venue shopping increase risk, and the patient compensation fund and attorney fee structure create additional costs. They also described administrative burdens from insurance billing and referrals, the high debt and long training period for physicians, and the effect of corporate medicine and private equity on practice decisions. One panelist emphasized the economic impact of each physician on jobs and local spending, while another noted that shortages force patients into emergency rooms and delay specialty care. The panel presented a list of proposed solutions: reform punitive damages, limit venue shopping and stacking, restore lifetime medical payments from the patient compensation fund, enact apology protections, cap attorney fees, continue Medicaid funding improvements, and eliminate gross receipts tax on medical and dental services. Committee members generally agreed the presentation was thorough and useful, but several noted that some proposals fall outside this committee’s jurisdiction and would likely need to move through other committees, especially judiciary and tax. Some members supported drafting legislation or working on separate bills, while others urged caution, requested more input from hospitals and economists, and raised concerns about local government revenue impacts from GRT changes. The chair concluded by encouraging members to continue discussions offline and noted that the tax-related issue would be taken up further in the next day’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Bill 2949 arose out of an interim study on child care that was run, I think, in 2024.
• Out of the interim study, I had asked several questions...
• Out of the interim study, I had asked several questions about the economic business model of daycares
• So the idea is that if it saves two or three teacher salaries, then it helps the economic model for the
• This bill was first introduced in an interim study during the interim this past summer and has been a

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• want to ask you a question about urging the Legislative Council to assign to the appropriate interim study
• committee the study of the application... ...to the appropriate interim study committee, the study of
• Section 6, Part 6 in the Conference Committee report that talks about legislative counsel studying the
• So the fact that we are having a study committee, I think, suggests that there's an opportunity for us
• So the fact that we are having a study committee, I think, suggests that there's an opportunity for us

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The compromise was that the employer had to pay for garden leave, half of the employee's base salary,
• They will contribute to local economies and build their future in the community where they studied and
• In fact, in a recent study done by Walters-Clewer, Massachusetts has seen an almost 8% increase in new
• In their study of 47 states, Massachusetts was the 14th highest for new formations over the last two
• Students graduating from Northeastern make 20% higher starting salaries than their peers.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on Governor Healey’s economic development proposal, H. 5386, also referred to as the Mass Winds Act, focused on global investment, talent, innovation, housing, and business competitiveness. Governor Healey, Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley, and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowicz described the bill as a response to federal uncertainty and global competition, building on the 2024 Mass Leads Act. They highlighted proposed investments in a Global Mass initiative, including a $50 million innovation access fund and $20 million for sites to help international companies locate or expand in Massachusetts, along with support for AI, quantum, robotics, defense innovation, climate tech, downtown revitalization, and creative/cultural economy projects. They also emphasized measures to lower business costs, including reducing the LLC filing fee, expanding the small business energy tax exemption, and streamlining housing and development rules. Committee members questioned the administration about non-compete reform, AI and data-center infrastructure, housing affordability, and whether the bill would help retain workers and companies in Massachusetts. The governor and secretaries argued that the non-compete changes would restore the original compromise by requiring any alternative to garden leave to be negotiated at separation, and they said the bill’s housing and workforce provisions are intended to help young workers stay in the state. They also said Massachusetts is already investing in AI training, an AI hub, and energy-related planning, while acknowledging that data-center growth will require careful attention to water, electricity, and ratepayer impacts. Several witnesses testified on specific sections. Northeastern University supported the internship tax credit, saying experiential learning helps students gain jobs and remain in Massachusetts. The Latino Empowerment Advisory Council supported the waiver of redundant English testing for internationally trained nurses, saying it would speed entry into the workforce without lowering clinical standards. Russell Beck opposed the non-compete changes, arguing they would undermine the 2018 compromise and could reduce other forms of employee compensation. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office opposed the LLC fee reduction, citing revenue loss and fraud concerns. Municipal and regional groups, including the MMA and the Metro Mayors Coalition, supported site plan review codification and downtown/arts investments, while urging continued municipal input. The AFL-CIO asked for trigger language to preserve labor protections if federal law changes, and business and industry witnesses generally supported the bill’s competitiveness and global investment provisions. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with written testimony invited after the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, not every state does this the same way and we actually, you know, SJR study that we completed a few
• c> we<00:04:50.560> completed<00:04:50.960> a<00:04:51.000> few know, SJR study
• that we completed a few know, SJR study that we completed a few years<00:04:51.480> ago, years
• And so that means their median salary.
• Do you have input, oversight, to studies on administrative bloat? >> No. Um, not no.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met for an overview of the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). After approving the prior meeting minutes, staff from CPE explained that the council was reconstituted in 1997 and serves as Kentucky’s statewide coordinating body for higher education, with responsibilities including advising the General Assembly and governor, coordinating the postsecondary system, supporting budget and performance funding work, and using data to track outcomes. They described Kentucky’s governance structure, including the KCTCS governing board, independent boards at public universities, and CPE’s role in licensing private institutions and overseeing transfer, closed-school records, and tuition approval. CPE staff emphasized statewide strategic planning and the “60 by 30” goal of having 60% of working-age Kentuckians hold a meaningful credential by 2030. They said the agency uses dashboards, KPIs, and peer comparisons to set targets for institutions and monitor enrollment, retention, and graduation. They also highlighted the Kentucky Graduate Profile, a voluntary effort to embed 10 essential workforce skills into general education and major programs, and noted ongoing work on academic program approval, performance funding, and a biennial budget request. The presentation also focused on student support and workforce alignment initiatives. Staff described the Kentucky Advising Academy, the Commonwealth Education Continuum, and the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative, which work with K-12 partners and campuses to improve advising, transfer, wraparound supports, and career planning. They also discussed GEAR UP, the Futurity career-planning platform, and efforts to connect education pathways to workforce needs, including healthcare, veterans, and other adult learners. CPE reported that student debt at graduation has fallen to $10,168 at public institutions and that six in ten Kentucky undergraduates graduate debt free.

Transcript Highlights:

• sources of expenses include salaries sources of expenses include salaries benefits<00:37:10.680>
• or courtesy of the study being released today.
• or courtesy of the study being released today.
• or courtesy of the study being released today.
• before the study was today but even before the study was released<00:43:58.680> it's<00:43:58.920

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You would, it would kind of be prorated and divided over your salary and employment contracts.
• and do the best job we could with our students, and trying to get a paycheck, and on that teacher salary
• Has there been any sort of study on the expansion population to determine what are the health maladies
• So they're more than willing to do those studies and those obviously will be in the plan.
• There's been not one effort put forward to study the expansion population to study.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Concurrent Resolution by Representative Chance Henry to create a task force on work-release programs to study
• SCR 29 by Senator Klein, Peter, to create, provide for joint legislative committee to study recommendations
• Governor's Task Force on Impaired Driving; create the task force, provide for membership, powers, study
• I don't know if my budget allows me, with our pay, to buy what he buys with the council salary, but I'm
• I don't know if my budget allows me, with our pay, to buy what he buys with the council salary, but I'm

Bills: HR218, HR219, HR220, HR221, HR222, HCR91, HCR92, HCR93, HR210, HR211, HR212, HR213, HR214, HR215, HR216, SCR29, SCR38, SB100, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, SCR23, HB276, HB508, HB512, HB599, HB632, HB656, HB998, HB1052, HB1084, HB1171, HB1193, HB1194, HB1204, HB1209, HB1250, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB624, HB689, HB708, HB804, HB906, HB926, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1187, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, HB730, HB225, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB646, HB763, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1246, HB1248, HB1249, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, HCR32, HB59, HB617, HB897, HB911, HB1223, HB798, HB824, HB989, HB1140, HB1166, HB1244, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240, SB89

Keywords: EJ Fields, Shreveport, Louisiana, gospel music, commendation, resolution, honorary resolution, Billboard Gospel Airplay, Mediabase Gospel Airplay, Mercy Endureth, music award, ministry, artist recognition, cultural heritage, spiritual heritage, African American gospel, local hero, state commendation, St. Charles Parish, parish day

Summary: The House met with 89 members present and began with prayer, the pledge, and routine journal and leave requests. The early part of the session was largely ceremonial, with multiple personal privilege remarks recognizing visiting groups and special days at the Capitol, including St. Bernard Parish Day, Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association Day, ARPEC members, retired public servant Barney Arsenault, Deaf History Month, Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, Young Farmers and Ranchers, Louisiana Housing Corporation participants, and Louisiana Hospital Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, including concurrence in several House concurrent resolutions, Senate passage of a number of bills, and a list of Senate resolutions lying over. The House then moved through a long series of resolutions and bills, many of them adopted without objection. Among the measures approved were resolutions designating or commending various observances and groups, and bills addressing inmate documentation upon release, court filings on letter-sized paper, safe harbor protections for trafficking victims, public benefits verification, travel meal reimbursement limits for state employees, the Governor’s Task Force on Impaired Driving, school emergency operation plans, justice of the peace jurisdiction in East Baton Rouge Parish, unaffiliated voter participation in party primaries, electronic monitoring rules, crime victims’ compensation terminology, the indigent defender fund threshold for small municipalities, sex offender identification procedures, the Office of State Public Defender, microbrewery special-event permits, alternative power sources for nursing facilities, relay attack device penalties, and a capital-case intellectual disability bill. Several of these passed overwhelmingly; some were temporarily returned to the calendar or tabled after passage. A few bills drew more discussion. HB 335 on citizenship verification for public benefits passed 77-17. HB 398, limiting meal reimbursements for state travel to GSA rates with an exception process, passed 62-32 after questions about scope and lodging. HB 906 on presidential preference primary qualification and party rules for unaffiliated voters passed 68-19. HB 897, protecting health data collected by pregnancy centers and imposing fines for unauthorized disclosure, passed 94-0 after an amendment and questions about its application. HB 1107 on intellectual disabilities in capital cases passed 75-11 after amendments informed by disability advocates. HB 1187, allowing Citizens Property Insurance to direct certain emergency assessment overages to the Fortify Homes Program or reserves, passed 87-9. HB 1220 on the State Board of Medical Examiners passed 95-0. The House also reconsidered and successfully revived HB 225 after suspending the rules, and several bills were returned to the calendar for later consideration, including HB 689 before it was later brought back and passed 84-7 after amendment. The session concluded with notice of additional Senate messages and upcoming floor scheduling.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a student at UT and I'm studying to be a teacher.
• So when I was 13 in the church, we went to a university for a week of Bible study and other activities
• on roads, schools, public safety, not. lobbyists who fight against the very people paying their salaries
• And though I studied the legislative process before coming here, there were so many things that I would
• I'm here just to present with you a brief case- study, if you will.

Bills: SB 18, SB 19, SB18, SB19, SB666, SB688, SB707, SB888

Keywords: Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water permit, water appropriation, dam permit exemption, reservoir, flood control, floodwater control, erosion control, sediment control, watershed protection, flood prevention, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, USDA, local sponsor, district, authority, water infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• Follow up: Does the compensation commission look at judicial salaries of surrounding states and within
• the legal community in determining what the salary should be.
• They look at the national judicial salaries as well as regional and federal judges.
• wisdom if we have an appointed board, the majority of which is appointed by elected officials, who study

Bills: HB3312, HB3700, HB2981, HB2961, HB3016, HB4478, HB4326, HB3025, HB3710, HB4125, HB2951, HB3082, HB4142, HB4106, HB1752, HB3268, HB4440, HJR1067, SB1144, SB1145, SB1146, SB1147, SB1148, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1149, SB1167, HJR1024, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176, HB3419, HB3748, HB4335, HB3057, HB3279, HB4428, HB3420, HB3040, HB4140, HB1638, HB3298, HB4113, HB1082, HB4301, HB3269, HB3587, HB4226, HB4324, HB4339, HB4342, HB3278, HB3996, HB4236, HB4352

Keywords: firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient

Transcript Highlights:

• From 2004 to 2008, he worked as Executive Director for the Republican Study Committee.
• One study said it would be adding $3,300 to the costs of every American household. $3,300 to the costs
• and to free the American people and entrepreneurs to take risks and to hire people and to increase salaries
• Could I add to the record a document from the National Head Start Alliance that cites over 30 studies
• The average salary back home for a hard-working Kansan is about $50,000 a year.

Transcript Highlights:

• I get these letters back from the State House and it's sent out to a study.
• What do these studies consist of?
• out of study anytime during the session.
• However, I did find out later that for some reason it went to study.
• However, I did find out later that for some reason it went to study.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its third hearing of the 194th General Court session, taking testimony on several individual bills and home rule petitions, mostly involving retirement and pension-related relief. The committee chair outlined hearing procedures, including three-minute limits for individuals, ten-minute limits for panels, livestreaming, and the deadline for written testimony. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted that House matters heard that day must be reported by Friday, July 11, 2025, subject to extensions, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded. Several witnesses supported bills seeking retirement credit or pension adjustments for public employees. These included H. 2917 for Dedham-Westwood Water District employees seeking pension buy-in credit; H. 2976 for Eileen Mullen to purchase creditable service for teaching in a criminal justice pilot program; H. 2996 for Virginia Cummings, a retired Department of Correction lieutenant seeking greater pension parity; H. 2977 for Wendy Lopieri to buy back part-time community college service; and H. 2989 for Wayne Taylor, who said he was mistakenly credited for fewer years of select board service than he expected. Testimony emphasized long public service, injuries, and what witnesses described as unfair denials or flawed interpretations of retirement law. The committee also heard testimony on bills involving post-retirement earnings and disability-related relief. Kevin Blanchett testified in opposition to H. 2931, arguing it would improperly reduce money owed to a regional retirement system and its members, while the bill’s sponsor argued the retirement board was seeking an excessive recovery based on law firm gross earnings rather than the individual’s earnings. Jamie Magarian described severe injuries from a 2018 crash and urged favorable action on his bill, with support from the State Police Association. Michael Palmer testified in favor of S. 1841, seeking to extend prior violent-crime retirement income-cap relief to his case after being shot on duty and later finding that even part-time private-sector work exceeded his retirement earnings limit.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, I am going to turn this bill into a study.
• Without objection, we will defer that bill as you continue on with the study resolution.
• then there would be the board of aldermen, upon a recommendation of the mayor, would establish the salary

Summary: The Local and Municipal Affairs Committee met with five senators present and first adopted the May 7 minutes. The committee then took up a series of local bills, beginning with HB 481, which revises the statutory cap on charges per character for public notices; after brief discussion, it was reported favorable. HB 1051, dealing with Shreveport commercial properties that have received insurance payments after fire damage and are dilapidated, was also reported favorable after questions about insurance, spoliation, and consultation with local departments. HB 1080, a related Shreveport measure clarifying the city’s authority to sue after filing a lien on dangerous property, likewise passed favorably after discussion of insurance-related issues. The committee next considered HB 864, which addresses combustible materials left under bridges and was amended to remove imprisonment as a penalty; it was reported favorable as amended. HB 893, concerning procurement rules for the New Orleans Sewage and Water Board as the city assumes more responsibility, was reported favorable. HB 107, creating a local improvement district, and HB 1153, establishing a statewide framework for parish and municipal burn bans after the I-12 fire, both received favorable reports. HB 213, restructuring the downtown development district and adding homeowners and lease owners to the board, and HB 433, renaming the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce in law to the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, were also reported favorable. HB 326, requiring the police chief of Tickfaw to reside in the village, passed without objection. HB 66, which adds administrative adjudication procedures for Alexandria and defines housing violations, was amended and reported favorable. Senator Barrow then presented SB 343 regarding the Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission, but said she would turn it into a study resolution; the committee deferred the bill without objection. HB 867, allowing the mayor to appoint the police chief in certain municipalities instead of election, was reported favorable. HB 1254, changing the New Orleans Regional Business Park board from 12 to 11 members and adjusting mayoral appointments accordingly, was briefly deferred at the author’s request and then reported favorable after discussion of avoiding tie votes. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, some of our superintendents make a really good salary, but oftentimes a lot of our rural
• That's up to 20% of a superintendent's salary, so we changed that.
• That's up to 20% of a superintendent's salary. So we changed that.
• House Bill 2056, requiring a feasibility study of potential brackish groundwater desalination project
• House Bill 2406 is a bill to conduct a study on veteran services.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When I read testimony opposed to a study, I don't know what's so scary about a study.
• When I read testimony opposed to a study, I don't know what's so scary about a study.
• > study.
• intimidated by just studying the issue? intimidated by just studying the issue?
• So, that study would be more Yeah.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills on water, land, housing, permitting, and historic preservation. For SB 746/SD2/HD1 on invasive species, DLNR and the Department of Agriculture supported the intent but warned that a bounty approach for coconut rhinoceros beetle could have unintended consequences, divert resources from biocontrol research, and be vulnerable to abuse; Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the measure. The committee also heard SB 1541 on the WoE water system, with testimony from ADC, Kunia Village Title Holding Company, and Farm Bureau in support, emphasizing the importance of the system for agriculture and the high cost of water on lands already dedicated to farming. The most extensive discussion was on SB 66, relating to building permit review and county permitting authority. DPP opposed the bill, saying the problem is not just agency review time but the broader permitting process, including applicant corrections, outside-agency review, staffing shortages, and low pay that make it hard to fill vacancies. DPP said it already meets or beats existing review deadlines for residential permits and is using tools like electronic plans and AI to help applicants submit better plans. Several supporters, including Iron Workers Local 625, an individual witness, and Hawaii Food Industry Association, backed the bill but urged a pilot program or other safeguards; some also asked for broader permit coverage beyond single-family homes. Committee members questioned DPP about whether applicant correction time should count against the clock, whether self-certification could be used, and whether the state should fund any new mandate. The committee then took up SB 26 on affordable housing, with HHFDC, OPSD, and HCDA in support and no opposition noted. Finally, on SB 1263 relating to historic preservation, HHFDC and DLNR supported the bill, while OHA offered comments and requested amendments, especially on the new risk-based review process for high-, medium-, and low-risk areas. OHA said the new procedure should be implemented carefully and allowed more time, describing it as a pilot that should be done well to be useful while still protecting cultural and historic resources. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can see on line 347, currently the starting salary for a new SAO is about 24,500.”
• They're having problems now, and that's why we've increased their starting salary by $10,000.
• <01:32:03.199> money transition to the gifted studies money transition to the gifted studies
• <01:32:14.159> So,<01:32:14.400> what the gifted studies program.
• So, what the gifted studies program.

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several education-related bills. Senate Bill 2071 would allow school boards to vote on providing health insurance to board members and their dependents using local, not state, funds; it was advanced after Senator Brian objected that it could create an incentive for people to seek school board seats for the insurance benefit. Senate Bill 2072 would move the deadline for teacher supply cards earlier, from August to July, using EF funds, and it was reported. Senate Bill 2103 would require school boards to adopt policies banning or restricting student cell phone use during school and class time, and it was also reported. Senate Bill 21103 would remove a requirement that school counselors follow the National Association of School Counselors’ code of ethics and instead align them with the Mississippi teacher code of ethics; it passed without opposition. Senate Bill 2236 would authorize the use of LifeVac choking devices in schools, with the sponsor saying the devices are inexpensive and could be provided free to districts; it passed as well. The committee then spent most of its time on Senate Bill 2242, the Mississippi Math Act, which would create a statewide math improvement initiative within the Department of Education. The bill would deploy math instructional coaches, require K-5 universal math screeners three times a year, create individual math plans for students below benchmark, support algebra readiness, protect data under FERPA, and establish a fund for grants and other deposits. Senator Boyd said the bill is modeled on efforts in other states, especially Alabama, and is intended to build on Mississippi’s literacy reforms by focusing on support, intervention, and professional development rather than retention or punishment. Members raised concerns about cost, the proposed anti-lapsing language for the fund, and whether the bill should require high-quality instructional materials statewide rather than leaving curriculum choices to local districts. Senator Hopson estimated the program could cost about $3.5 million and suggested the anti-lapsing language might be removed or handled through appropriations. Senators Blunt, Hill, and Wiggins argued that the success of literacy reforms came from requiring standardized, high-quality instructional materials and accountability, not home rule alone. Senator Wiggins offered an amendment to require high-quality instructional materials for math statewide, and Senator Boyd said he was supportive of that as a friendly amendment. The discussion ended with the amendment still being worked through and the bill not yet finally disposed of in the excerpt.