Transcript Highlights:

• , pathways to social mobility.
• Students in our education system today.
• You had plumbing students going in to rough out plumbing.
• It was enlightening to see, and I'm so proud of those students.
• You had plumbing students going in to rough out of plumbing.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up Senate House No. 4010, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill funded largely by surplus Fair Share revenues. The Ways and Means chair described the bill as a $1.28 billion package, with major investments in education and transportation, including special education circuit breaker aid, higher education deferred maintenance, career technical education capital grants, school construction relief, high-dosage tutoring, English language learning grants, MBTA reserve replenishment and safety training, commuter rail maintenance, Chapter 90 local road aid, regional transit authority support, ferry and micro-transit funding, and a small World Cup transportation appropriation. Members from both parties generally praised the bill’s one-time, regionally balanced approach while emphasizing fiscal discipline and the limited, surplus-based funding source. The minority leader and others questioned the fund balances and the use of the education and transportation innovation and capital fund, the Student Opportunity Act trust fund, and the transitional escrow account; the chair said the bill would zero out the innovation and capital fund, leave about $430 million in the SOA trust, and about $200 million in the escrow account. Several members highlighted specific priorities. Senator Cronin and Senator Feeney strongly supported the $100 million career technical education investment, arguing it would expand vocational opportunities in comprehensive high schools and help meet workforce needs. Senator Feeney also emphasized MBTA funding, special education, local road repairs, English language learning tied to workforce needs, and World Cup preparations in Foxborough. Senator Comerford praised the bill’s regional equity, higher education maintenance funding, special education support, and transportation investments, while also noting the need for broader future work on Chapter 70 and school finance. Senator Tarr supported the bill but repeatedly stressed that the spending was a unique one-time opportunity and that the Commonwealth should preserve fiscal reserves and continue to address school funding inequities and MBTA finances more broadly. The chamber then considered numerous amendments. Amendment 1 on tariff pricing transparency was withdrawn after brief remarks, and Amendment 14, proposing a DESE study on educational outcomes for young men and boys, was rejected. Amendment 182, funding Worcester Regional Transit Authority capital expenses, was adopted. Amendment 228, adding $500,000 for Free Period to expand access to menstrual products in schools, was adopted. Amendment 257, funding Springfield Public Schools communication and safety systems, was also adopted. Other amendments, including Tarr amendments on supplemental district aid, MBTA reporting, and the Foundation Budget Review Commission, were rejected. Amendment 308 concerning MBTA Communities and Milton was withdrawn, after which Senator Driscoll began a presentation arguing Milton was being misclassified under the MBTA Communities Act and should be treated fairly under the law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, if a utility provider leases mobile generation but fails to deploy it without a reasonable
• I have found a book series that graphically describes students who kill other students and their... .
• ..teachers and teachers who kill their students, and characters having sex with Jesus.
• Unfortunately, schools connect students to the TechShare version and often set the students up with a
• You said you're somewhat of a student of censorship.

Bills: HB45, HB45, HB755, HB 1232, HB1555, HB2460, HB2702, HB2973, HB3120, HB3225, HB3314, HB3356, HB3371, HB3634, HB3638, HB4247, HB4283, HB4290, HB4302, HB4503, HB4511, HB4565, HB4581, HB4627, HB4632, HB4660, HB4668, HB4960, HB5042

Keywords: flooding, disaster response, emergency preparedness, state guidance, public safety, housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money

Transcript Highlights:

• To all of you for including our $4 million ask for the Hidden Village mobile homes park acquisition,
• Thank you for your leadership and your continued support for our community colleges and our students.
• Thank you for your leadership and your continued support for our community colleges and our students.
• My name is Christopher Rosenquist, representing the students of Western Washington University.
• Minor works money is crucial to my students as we undertake projects to improve the budget.

Bills: SB6003, HB2353, HB2431, HB1983

Keywords: capital budget, funding, infrastructure, state projects, budget allocation, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning, construction costs, inflation adjustment, capital facilities, project review, allotments, lease approval

Transcript Highlights:

• Students generally have a better grasp on technology than their parents.
• for those students, and ensuring a resilient institution.
• They shape the character of students. They cultivate excellence.
• is improving our student success rate.
• The Slate program, where the parents of the students can actually monitor the students' success, which

Bills: S1694

Keywords: technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.

Transcript Highlights:

• So another thing that happened last year was there was funding included for mobile or for jail-based
• And then we also have mobile units that go out to jails, and I will have to get you the number.
• You guys are trying to, with the mobile units, try to get caught up on that.
• Forensic Mobile Teams is on page 276.
• And the forensic mobile teams have been a game changer, actually.

Summary: The Budget Committee heard the Department of Mental Health’s FY 2027 budget presentation, with Director Valerie Hoon outlining a $4.4 billion department budget, including $1.7 billion in general revenue, and describing the department’s roles in substance use, behavioral health, and developmental disabilities services. Early questioning focused on marijuana-related mental health impacts, but the main discussion centered on the department’s new decision items, funding sources, and expected wait lists. The director explained several increases tied to Medicaid growth, mental health youth services, outpatient competency restoration, crisis residential services, developmental disability waivers, and provider tax adjustments, along with offsets such as reduced wraparound funding at the Kansas City Assessment and Triage Center and cuts to some youth and self-directed DD services. A major portion of the hearing focused on competency restoration for people found unfit to stand trial and currently held in county jails. Members pressed the department on the cost, effectiveness, and legal implications of keeping people in jail while awaiting services, noting a reported wait list of roughly 524 to 538 individuals and average holds of about 14 months. The department said it currently has eight outpatient competency restoration beds in the community, is seeking funding for 50 additional outpatient slots, and also operates jail-based restoration for about 40 people at a time. Members repeatedly asked for breakdowns of violent versus nonviolent cases, success rates, cost per person, and the split between state and federal funding, while the department explained that Medicaid can cover only the treatment portion, not residential housing or other non-billable costs. The committee also discussed broader capacity constraints in state hospitals and developmental disability services. Hoon said Fulton, Center for Behavioral Medicine, and FTC North are full, with 183 vacancies across the department, and that the department is working on a new Kansas City hospital that would add 150 beds, though completion is now expected closer to 2029 or 2030. In the developmental disabilities section, the department warned that the governor’s recommendation would create wait lists for in-home waiver services and crisis residential services, and members questioned proposed reductions to self-directed services rates and other provider payments. No votes were taken, and the committee recessed before finishing the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alex Limer on behalf the Environmental Protection Information Center and the Resource for Nillan Student
• most recent air attainment document: CARB has over 50 years of experience reducing emissions for mobile
• It's the mobile sources, right? The trucking association. And I spoke to Mr. Shimoda about this.
• develop and was perfect, could never fully make up for the emissions reductions we've lost from our mobile
• Criteria pollutant emission standards, quote, mobile source air toxic standards, or, quote, fuel economy

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1938, which would create a voluntary process for local governments to designate California surf reserves through the Ocean Protection Council. The author and supporters, including Save the Waves Coalition, the League of California Cities, and the California State Association of Counties, argued the bill would recognize surf breaks as important natural and economic assets. The bill received a due pass recommendation to Appropriations and passed on a roll call vote, with the measure left on call. The committee also approved the consent calendar, which included AB 1699, AB 1780, AB 1891, AB 1893, and AB 2566. The committee then took up AB 2051, which would convene a coastal resilience permitting working group to develop a roadmap for streamlining permits for coastal resilience projects. The author and supporters from the Bay Area Council, Port of San Francisco, and others said the bill would reduce duplicative permitting delays while preserving environmental protections. One member raised concerns about giving too much authority to the Coastal Commission, but the bill still received a due pass recommendation to Water, Parks and Wildlife and passed on a roll call vote. AB 2494, dealing with the management of demonstration state forests, drew substantial debate. The author said the bill would update outdated 1947-era management goals to emphasize biodiversity, carbon sequestration, wildfire resilience, recreation, research, and tribal co-governance, with strong support from Mendocino County, tribal representatives, and environmental groups. Opponents from the Farm Bureau, California Forestry Association, and others argued it would shift the forests away from sustainable timber production, create funding instability, and invite litigation. After extensive questioning about forest science, old growth, funding, and tribal co-management, the bill received a due pass recommendation to Appropriations and passed on a roll call vote. The committee also approved AB 2483, which would create a permanent certification pathway for formerly incarcerated firefighters who served on Cal Fire hand crews. Supporters said the bill would recognize their training and improve job prospects after release, and it passed unanimously to Public Safety. Finally, AB 1777, the California Clean Skies Act, was heard; it would affirm CARB’s authority to adopt indirect source rules to address pollution from vehicle-heavy facilities such as warehouses and ports. Environmental, health, and labor supporters backed the bill as a tool to protect public health, while trucking, business, port, and industry groups opposed it as costly and overly broad. The bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript, with members debating whether it clarified existing authority or created new regulatory power.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our team at IFPC spent time in D.C. advocating for this proposal, mobilizing Idahoans across the state
• Our team at IFPC spent time in D.C. advocating for this proposal, mobilizing Idahoans across the state
• , this is a donation that you can't necessarily direct, but nonetheless yields great benefits to students
• But what we do know now, and I think this is important for all of us to understand, is that all students
• So this has the potential to benefit all students in the state of Idaho.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee met with a quorum and heard three House bills. House Bill 620, sponsored by Senator Harris, would give county commissioners a formal role and “special expertise” status in federal land-use and environmental planning, allowing counties to coordinate with federal agencies using local comprehensive plans and including an emergency clause. The Idaho Farm Bureau and the Idaho Association of Counties supported the bill, and the committee voted unanimously to send it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 610, which would allow people away from their primary residence for religious service to retain the homeowners exemption, similar to military service members, so long as they intend to return. Representative Pickett said the bill was intended to prevent unintended tax increases for those serving others, and members discussed whether the bill was too narrow and whether it should also cover other charitable or caregiving situations. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 731, which would set up Idaho’s participation in the federal education tax credit scholarship program created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. Testimony from the Idaho Family Policy Center and others supported the measure as a school-choice tool that benefits students in public, private, and homeschool settings, while questions focused on how the federal dollar-for-dollar credit works and how scholarship-granting organizations would operate. The committee approved the bill for the floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting ended with a brief introduction of page Grace Louder, who shared her interests and was given a voter registration form as she approached her 18th birthday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our team at IFPC spent time in D.C. advocating for this proposal, mobilizing Idahoans across the state
• Our team at IFPC spent time in D.C. advocating for this proposal, mobilizing Idahoans across the state
• , this is a donation that you can't necessarily direct, but nonetheless yields great benefits to students
• But what we do know now, and I think this is important for all of us to understand, is that all students
• So this has the potential to benefit all students in the state of Idaho.

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee heard and advanced three House bills. House Bill 620 would give county commissioners special expertise status and a stronger coordinating role in federal land management decisions, including use of county comprehensive plans and an emergency clause; it drew support from the Idaho Farm Bureau and the Idaho Association of Counties and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 610 would preserve the homeowners exemption for people temporarily absent from their residence while serving in certain missions or similar service, with the sponsor comparing it to protections for military members; senators raised questions about the bill’s narrow scope and possible broader applications, but it also passed out of committee due pass. House Bill 731 would set up Idaho’s participation in a federal education tax credit scholarship program, allowing donors to receive up to a $1,700 federal tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations; testimony from the Idaho Family Policy Center and others supported the bill as expanding school choice, and the committee sent it to the floor due pass. During discussion of House Bill 731, senators clarified that the credit is federal rather than state-based, that donors receive the tax benefit while scholarship-granting organizations decide how funds are awarded, and that Idaho’s action is intended to make participation permanent. After the bills were handled, the committee introduced and congratulated page Grace Louder, who spoke about her interests in photography, the outdoors, bugs, and her upcoming graduation and birthday.

Transcript Highlights:

• in our K12 than the number of students in our K12 education<01:27:59.679><c> system.
• </c> the number of students in K12 education. the number of students in K12 education.
• </c> from skin assessments to mobility from skin assessments to mobility assessments,<01:44:03.119><c
• ,</c> person's vision, alertness, mobility, person's vision, alertness, mobility, emotional<01:50:01.320
• Breathing, alertness, skin integrity, mobility, pain, the ability to hear and see, and the ability to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill allows a hospital to have a mobile stroke unit licensed under the hospital's license.
• These mobile stroke units are specialized ambulances equipped with a CT scanner and staffed with personnel
• Students seeing y'all are on the bill.
• The second part of this bill gives medical students who graduated from medical school but did not get
• Transfer, switch installation, or have a contract in place to bring in mobile generators.

Bills: HB163, HB216, HB721, HB2035, HB2038, HB3057, HB3153, HB3233, HB3595, HB3801, HB3812, HB4076, HB4129, HB4377, HB4535, HB4666, HB4730, HB4743, HB4903, HB5149, HB5155, HB1534

Keywords: epinephrine, healthcare, emergency response, administration, medical policy, health care, itemized billing, patient rights, provider regulations, Texas Health and Safety Code, cost disclosure, insurance, benefit plan, administrators, chemical dependency, treatment facilities, minor admissions, parental notice, mental health, medical licensing

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, then established a quorum with five members present. Members heard and left pending several House bills, including HB 4743 on allowing hospitals to license mobile stroke units under a hospital license, HB 4129 on earlier DFPS enforcement tools for single-source continuum contractors in community-based foster care, HB 4903 creating a Quad Agency Child Care Initiative to coordinate child care regulations across state agencies, HB 3812 revising the gold card/prior authorization process for physicians, HB 4535 requiring written informed consent before COVID-19 vaccination and a standardized state information sheet, and HB 4666 reducing the frequency of some HHSC reports to the legislature. The chair also noted HB 35 would be voted on later after a subcommittee back was received, and that a large number of bills would be heard the next day. Most of the testimony focused on HB 4535 and HB 4730. On HB 4535, supporters argued the bill would strengthen informed consent for COVID vaccination by requiring written consent and clearer state-level information about risks, manufacturer liability protections, and adverse-event reporting; opponents, including a pediatrician and medical groups, said existing federal and state informed-consent materials already cover these topics and warned the bill could create duplicative paperwork and penalties. On HB 3812, the Texas Medical Association supported changes that would extend the gold-card evaluation period to one year, raise transparency, and make prior authorization exemptions easier to administer, while health plans said they were neutral and viewed the bill as a balance between reducing burden and preventing fraud or unsafe care. HB 4730 drew extensive testimony from adoption professionals, birth mothers, adoptive parents, and child welfare advocates. The bill would require DFPS to create a relinquishment form, train child-placing agency staff, and extend the minimum waiting period for voluntary relinquishment from 48 hours to seven days. Supporters of the current law argued the 48-hour period aligns with hospital discharge, allows informed decisions, and helps birth parents and adoptive families begin healing and bonding without pushing children into foster care or creating legal and Medicaid complications. The author said the bill would be revised and that the seven-day provision was a work in progress. No votes were taken on the bills during the meeting; each bill was left pending after public testimony closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're helping our students and families.
• We need this many students because 20% of our students get a referral.
• It's adaptive, so student A is not necessarily taking the same test as student B.
• Your low-income students are the students who are often transient. They move from house to house.
• Your low-income students are the students who are often transient. They move from house to house.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony focused on the effects of educational technology and screen time on K-12 students, with particular attention to House Bill 2230 and related policy changes. Dr. Mariam Mohamed Connie argued that one-to-one devices, digital instruction, and early screen exposure harm children’s learning, attention, physical development, and mental health, and that schools should return to more analog methods such as paper, handwriting, cursive, phonics, and print-based materials. She cited international and national assessments, research on handwriting versus typing, and her experience on the Springfield Public Schools board, saying the district saw improved MAP scores after scaling back Chromebook use in elementary grades and reintroducing books and cursive. Several witnesses and committee members discussed the practical and budgetary implications of reducing screen use. A Springfield administrator said many teachers were trained in technology-heavy environments and would need support to teach without relying on devices, and she estimated Chromebooks and related infrastructure cost more per student than textbooks, manipulatives, and paper. Another witness from the Missouri National Education Association supported the bill’s direction, saying elementary years are critical and that the state should signal a move away from overuse of screens while allowing districts time to adjust. Committee members emphasized local control, the need for a task force, and the importance of involving DESE because state testing and standards currently drive much of the digital use in schools. The discussion also covered Missouri Learning Standards, computer science requirements, and the tension between digital testing and classroom instruction. Speakers criticized the fact that MAP testing is digital and adaptive, arguing it forces schools to keep devices in elementary grades just to prepare students for state assessments. The chair and other members said the bill was intentionally nonprescriptive, aiming instead to create a task force and encourage local districts to develop screen-time policies, especially for elementary students. The hearing ended without a vote, and the committee adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• chaplain at San Diego State University and the Diocese of San Diego, inspiring young university students
• During the summer months, ...of San Diego, inspiring young university students.
• UCP has launched baby G, an early mobility system, the only one in the world being used for pediatric
• UCP has launched baby G in early mobility system, the only one in the world being used for pediatric

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Laura Mercer. Members also made several personal privilege introductions, including guests for National Women’s History Month, Father Andres Arango and Interfaith Day participants, Jeremiah Pate, and a proclamation recognizing March 25, 2026, as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Representative Simacek and others highlighted United Cerebral Palsy’s work, early diagnosis, and expanded services for people with cerebral palsy. On the floor, the House announced committee substitutions and bill referrals, then moved into Committee of the Whole. Three Senate bills received do pass recommendations: SB 1092, described as ending probation or early release for people convicted of dangerous crimes against children; SB 1097, the annual claimant bill; and SB 1135, a government-related measure. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred those bills to engrossing. The House then took up SB 1430, a tax corrections bill. Representative Calles raised concern that a provision might remove multiple tax exemptions, while Representative Olson said the measure was a technical cleanup and that any policy-changing language had been removed in committee. The bill passed 51-0, with nine not voting, and was sent back to the Senate. The House also received committee meeting announcements and adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• chaplain at San Diego State University and the Diocese of San Diego, inspiring young university students
• During the summer months, Of San Diego, inspiring young university students.
• UCP has launched Baby G, an early mobility system, the only one in the world being used for pediatric
• UCP has launched baby G in early mobility system, the only one in the world being used for pediatric

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• STREAMLINING PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, REDUCING UNNECESSARY BUREAUCRACY, AND IMPROVING WORKFORCE MOBILITY
• SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, CONDOS, TOWNHOMES AND MOBILE HOMES. TOTAL COST OF $198 MILLION.
• BUSINESS OWNER WITH MY PARTNERS WE HAVE A FIRM IN TAMPA THAT EMPLOYEES 14 OTHER ARCHITECTS, INCLUDING STUDENTS
• I COULD TELL YOU SOMETIMES A TEACHER, ALWAYS MY STUDENT IS A PHILOSOPHY.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, how can we make sure our students are focusing well? Are we feeding them well?
• Like, how can we make sure our students are focusing well? Are we feeding them well?
• It's in the among our Kentucky students. It's in the single<00:13:56.839><c> digits.
• </c> might look like for each county. might look like for each county. um<00:48:06.000><c> mobile</c>
• through harm um mobile outreach through harm reduction<00:48:08.319><c> programs</c><00:48:08.800><c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Again task force held its first meeting to set interim priorities rather than take formal action. Co-chairs and members said the group’s goal is to identify practical policy ideas to improve Kentucky’s poor health outcomes, with an emphasis on prevention, and to gather input from members and outside stakeholders. Roll was called, several members were present, and the co-chairs noted the meeting would be limited in length and would not include a lunch break. Members identified a wide range of possible focus areas, including childhood and adult obesity, nutrition in schools, food deserts, agriculture and support for local farms, health responsibility, physical activity, mental health, and provider education on nutrition. Several speakers stressed that Kentucky’s health care costs are rising unsustainably and that prevention is cheaper than treatment. Others emphasized that the task force should work with agencies, hospitals, universities, and experts, and should narrow its work to a few actionable areas rather than “chase every rabbit.” There was also discussion of food as medicine, improving the quality of food in schools and hospitals, and making healthier choices more accessible and affordable. Members referenced conversations already underway with industries, the Kentucky Department of Education, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and agricultural leaders. No votes or formal motions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; the main action was the exchange of priorities and direction for future task force work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mobile crisis services. There's been a lot of talk about that.
• I'm looking at something here that includes BHSA and mobile crisis services.
• through a 988 contact and then transferred to a mobile crisis service.
• and then transferred to a mobile crisis service.
• I'm a high school student from the Bay Area.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a May Revision hearing covering several health-related budget proposals and broader concerns about the state’s budget structure. The Chair opened by praising some May Revision changes, such as added health IT funding, county administration support tied to Medi-Cal changes, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some lawfully present immigrants, and additional support for Covered California subsidies, while criticizing proposed increases in Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other reductions affecting counties, mobile crisis units, workforce incentives, and physician shortages. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state’s budget condition remains weak despite progress on the structural deficit, and the Department of Finance said the May Revision uses a mix of reductions, reforms, revenue proposals, and fund shifts to cut out-year deficits. The committee first heard Department of State Hospitals proposals, including adjustments to county bed billing authority, contract exemption language for online clinical/pharmacy subscriptions, reversion of unspent funds, a revised Metro Central Utility Plant replacement project, electronic health record implementation, and workforce development funded partly through Behavioral Health Services Act resources. DSH also described savings and realignments in incompetent-to-stand-trial and conditional release programs, including extending the independent placement panel program and shifting funds to support additional bed capacity and a mental health rehab center. Members asked about the use of BHSA funds for workforce programs, and the department said the proposal would replace General Fund support with BHSA reimbursements. The Emergency Medical Services Authority proposed funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for enterprise system development, and the Department of Managed Health Care proposed modernization of its complaint system and claims-settlement data system to improve oversight and comply with AB 3275. The largest discussion centered on the administration’s BHSA spending plan under Proposition 1, including state-directed prevention, workforce, and other uses, plus General Fund offsets for existing programs. The LAO questioned whether some proposed offsets fit Proposition 1’s non-supplant and eligible-use requirements, while the administration argued the uses were consistent with the measure and that the state-directed share can be adjusted annually. The Commission for Behavioral Health’s proposals drew the most public and member concern. The administration proposed cutting the commission’s Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and reducing the Community Advocacy Program by $6.7 million, while redirecting BHSA dollars to other state purposes and direct services. Commissioners, advocates, and several members argued the cuts would weaken community voice, reduce support for underserved populations, and disrupt grants already in process; they also objected to using BHSA funds to backfill General Fund commitments. Public commenters, including youth, disability, behavioral health, LGBTQ, tribal, veteran, immigrant, and community-based organization representatives, overwhelmingly opposed the cuts and urged preservation of prevention, advocacy, mobile crisis, and innovation funding. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our most vulnerable students, English language learners, low-income students, students with learning
• High-need students are low-income students, ELL students, and students with disabilities.
• or 100 students.
• We are a student-run, student-funded student organization that advocates for public interest issues affecting
• I want to tell you about one student, a former student of mine.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fleming's current work centers on addressing the long-recognized transition gap faced by students with
• He also works for Edmond Mobile Meals. Come on, man. Attaboy.
• He also works for Edmond Mobile Meals. Come on, man. Attaboy.
• He also works for Edmond Mobile Meals. Come on, man. Attaboy.

Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and members proceeded through the day’s ceremonial order of business, including prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and introductions. Chaplain Ronnie Wilson delivered the invocation, and Representative Shaw introduced Veteran of the Week Edward Marion Green of Chandler, a Navy veteran and chaplain’s assistant who was honored with a House citation. Mr. Green’s family and friends were recognized on the floor, and he led the chamber in the Pledge of Allegiance. The House also featured several special presentations. Representative Culver promoted Tahlequah’s Red Fern Festival and introduced the festival court. Representative Duel introduced psychologist Dr. Sherry Fleming, highlighting her work in higher education and transitional services for students with disabilities. Representative May introduced nurse Alyssa Jones of Broken Arrow, emphasizing her work in rural health care. Representative Hill introduced the week’s pages, recognizing a group of high-achieving students from across Oklahoma. Additional announcements included Speaker Pro Tem Moore welcoming his family to the chamber and Representative Harris recognizing them as well. Representative Patskowski announced an agriculture committee meeting. No legislation was debated or voted on in the transcript; the only formal action was the reassignment of measures according to the majority floor leader’s list, followed by adjournment until the next day at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are increasing the numbers of students who are participating in that civics engagement project and
• I had mentioned in the past the Freedom Truck is their mobile museum program.
• The other locations include New York, students might have a chance to see that.
• I had mentioned in the past the Freedom Truck is their mobile museum program.
• This is again an opportunity for students to submit an original piece of art that is based on one of

Summary: The America 250 in Idaho Advisory Council met to review planning for Idaho’s 250th anniversary celebrations and related statewide programming. Members approved the May 11, 2026 minutes and received a financial update showing about $54,967.53 currently available to spend before fiscal year-end, with additional interest and donation revenue expected after July 1. Staff also reported that most grant funds have been dispersed, with about $17,500 remaining to be paid once grant agreements are finalized. Treasurer Ellsworth gave a broad update on America 250 activities across Idaho, including more than 1,900 volunteer ambassadors, co-branding by cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, and numerous local events and displays. He highlighted the Liberty Bell tour planning, the Liberty Grove tree-planting effort, the 250,000 acts of service milestone, and the distribution of “to-go” celebration packets and volunteer support for Fourth of July events. Jesse Barcroft outlined the July 4 Capitol celebration, describing a pancake breakfast, parade, flyover, booths, concerts, Capitol tours, food trucks, and a lineup of performers led by Josh Ritter, with outreach to groups such as the DAR and SAR. Other updates focused on statewide and national America 250 programming. Hannah Hine reported on federal initiatives including the “Our American Story” oral history program, America’s Block Party, the American Field Trip contest, the Freedom Truck mobile museum visit to Idaho, the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., and the American Heroes art contest. Stephen Hatcher described Arts Idaho’s Cowgirl Congress in the Wood River Valley and the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo partnership, emphasizing traditional arts, ranch culture, and archival documentation. Idaho Public Television also reported on educational materials, live coverage plans for the July 4 parade and concert, and an upcoming hour-long special highlighting how Idaho communities are celebrating America 250. The committee ended by setting its next meeting for June 10 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, student loan debt continues to be a significant barrier for workers and employers alike.
• For many students, the weight of student debt shapes every major decision after graduation: where to
• I actually really like this bill because I love to help the kids pay off the student loans.
• I actually really like this bill because I love to help the kids pay off the student loans.
• Students, including myself, I still have about $18,000 of student loan payments that I have to pay off

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its second regular hearing of the 2025-26 session and announced that, under reinstated suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee first heard AB 53, which would create a state income tax exemption of up to $20,000 for military retirees and certain survivor benefits. Supporters, including veterans’ groups, military retirees, and local officials, argued California is the only state taxing military retirement pay in full and that the exemption would help retain veterans and their families. Committee members voiced strong support, but the bill was sent to suspense. The committee then heard several wildfire-related tax relief bills. AB 429 would exempt certain wildfire settlement payments from gross income for victims of fires from 2020 through 2026; the author and a Greenville fire victim described the burden of taxing settlement funds, and rural county and forestry groups supported the measure. AB 97 proposed similar relief for Bobcat Fire settlement payments, and AB 389 would create a personal income tax credit for home-hardening expenses in high fire-risk areas, with Cal Fire and realtor representatives supporting the bill as a way to reduce future losses. Each of these measures drew no formal opposition in the hearing and was referred to suspense. AB 386 would create a tax credit for employers that help full-time employees repay student loans, up to $3,000 per employee per year. Supporters said it would help recruit and retain workers and reduce student debt burdens, while the California Tax Reform Association opposed the bill because it lacked allocation criteria and would reduce General Fund and education revenues. Committee members expressed interest but asked for clearer eligibility standards, and the bill was sent to suspense. AB 490 would allow a deduction for interest paid on qualified personal vehicle loans; the author framed it as relief for families dependent on cars, but opposition again came from the tax reform group, which argued the deduction would mainly benefit higher-income taxpayers. The bill also went to suspense. The committee also heard AB 547, which would create a tax credit of up to $5,000 for IVF and other fertility-treatment expenses. The author and a witness who described a long and costly IVF journey said the credit would help families afford treatment and support parenthood; members responded sympathetically and asked why the proposal was structured as a tax credit rather than a health coverage mandate. Finally, AB 330 would extend the prepaid mobile telephony services collection act through 2031, preserving an 80-cent surcharge that supports 911 and local government revenues; local government representatives and cities supported the extension, and it too was referred to suspense. The hearing ended with the committee adjourning after all measures were held for suspense-file consideration.