Transcript Highlights:

• So the issue that we had on the, with this legislation was there was a lawsuit that was filed, and one
• of the issues that was brought up in the with this legislation was there was a lawsuit that was filed
• It's an act to amend Title 18 relative to candidates who are affiliated with the major political party

Bills: SCR12 , HB221 , HB509 , HCR58 , SB78 , SB25 , SB80 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB228 , SB250 , SB414 , SB433 , SB479 , SB513 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB65 , SB215 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR32 , HB17 , HB41 , HB73 , HB223 , HB244 , HB759 , HB906 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1086 , HB1107 , HB1112 , HB1215 , HB1242 , SB217 , SB283 , SB469 , HB36 , HB42 , HB74 , HB119 , HB159 , HB259 , HB302 , HB414 , HB459 , HB776 , HB848 , HB956 , HB1017 , HB1028 , HB1095 , SB208 , SB312 , SB382 , SB389 , HB210 , HB258 , HB359 , HB368 , HB468 , HB552 , HB732 , HB784 , HB870 , HB953 , HB1117 , HB1236

Transcript Highlights:

• Last line: Make filings required or permitted by the commission. Senator Shoemake. Mr.
• Challengers must file a separate voter registration challenge form and signed affidavit for each voter
• So we, of course, ensure that we have clean voter rolls, and, of course, we want to ensure that candidates

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2272 , HB2340 , HB2543 , HB2554 , HB2632 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2254 , HB2353 , HB2431 , HB2441 , SB5808 , SB5949 , SB6006 , SB6260 , SB6297 , SB6351 , SB6354 , SB6355 , HB2124 , HB1069 , HB2104 , HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2152, known as Ryan’s Law, would allow limited medical cannabis use for qualifying end-of-life patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities; supporters said it would improve quality of life, and it passed 46-2. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1604, dealing with search procedures for transgender and intersex individuals confined in local jails and codifying federal Prison Rape Elimination Act-related standards, drew debate over whether amendments were needed and whether the bill would burden or protect staff and inmates; two amendments were rejected, and the bill passed 30-19. Second Substitute House Bill 1906, as amended, increased transparency and consumer protections for water system rates, especially for older or smaller systems, and passed unanimously 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916 tightened voter registration challenge procedures and gave county auditors more discretion in handling challenges; an amendment to broaden who could challenge voters statewide was rejected, and the bill passed 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2110, as amended, allowed registered nurses without EMT certification to staff certain inter-facility ambulance transports under specified conditions to reduce delays, and it also passed 49-0. The Senate also passed Second Substitute House Bill 2429, which extends and updates the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and aligns agency planning with the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan; a committee striker was adopted despite concerns about added government structure, and the bill passed 49-0. Second Substitute House Bill 2384, increasing oversight of continuing care retirement communities through actuarial review and Office of Insurance Commissioner oversight, passed 37-12 after the chamber rejected the committee striker and adopted a revised striking amendment. The session ended with a point of personal privilege from Senator Lovick and an adjournment motion, and the Senate adjourned until March 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Leading Idaho was a slogan that showed up on our executive budget last year and then promoted by a candidate
• accountability in Idaho's civil asset forfeiture system by having the reports that are currently being filed
• If they wouldn't have filed that with the state, JFAC, when they're doing their appropriations, and all

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• to win by voting allow a candidate to win by fraud.<00:52:10.000><c> Surely</c><00:52:10.400><c> the
• I'm trying to see if I have a note here as to when it was actually filed.
• </c><00:54:31.680><c> Um</c><00:54:32.079><c> I</c> to when it was actually filed.
• Um I to when it was actually filed.
• ,</c> records, checked the photo on file, records, checked the photo on file, compared<01:22:14.159><

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we don't want, uh, somebody trying to file a, you know, paid family leave claim and look like
• know we don't want uh somebody<00:20:15.120><c> trying</c><00:20:15.440><c> to</c><00:20:15.760><c> file
• c><00:20:16.559><c> you</c><00:20:16.799><c> know</c><00:20:17.039><c> paid</c> somebody trying to file
• a you know paid somebody trying to file a you know paid family<00:20:17.760><c> leave</c><00:20:18.080
• Um, that competency in the workplace could attract a larger pool of qualified candidates for employment

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the regents' candidate advisory council, they list the description of duties of the Board of
• So the other area that the candidate advisory council lists is, uh, number 10: evaluation of board's
• Uh you know<00:35:47.520><c> the</c><00:35:48.240><c> region's</c><00:35:48.800><c> candidate</c><00:
• 35:49.359><c> advisory</c> know the region's candidate advisory know the region's candidate advisory
• </c> other uh area that the candidate other uh area that the candidate advisory<00:37:27.520><c> council

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 96, which encourages the University of Hawaiʻi to evaluate and expand student mental health services. University of Hawaiʻi Associate Vice President Farah Marie Gomes testified in support and noted the system’s mental health and basic-needs efforts across all 10 campuses. Members discussed staffing and funding constraints, including that the system had 27 adult mental health positions, 21 filled and six vacant, with one vacancy open for about four years. The resolution was adopted unanimously, unamended. The committee then took up several gubernatorial appointments. GM 785 nominated Wendo Hensel to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), and GM 784 nominated Terry George to the same body. Both nominees testified about the value of Hawaiʻi’s participation in WICHE; Hensel emphasized the importance of sharing policy ideas and best practices, while George highlighted Hawaiʻi’s unique higher education needs and the benefits of learning from other western states. Both nominations were supported and moved forward. The committee also considered multiple appointments to the Hawaiʻi Commission for National and Community Service. Kylie Alakard described wanting to serve as a youth voice and role model, and Ray Galas spoke about his prior volunteer board experience and desire to help people connect through service. Sandra Larson said volunteerism and community service were important to her and that she wanted to give back. The committee then heard GM 771 and GM 772 for Ken Kawahara to the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi; Kawahara said he would bring business and government experience to help with internal operations, education, and strategic goals, though he acknowledged he was still learning the organization’s details. Members also began hearing GM 624 for Joshua Famuina to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, with student caucus testimony in strong support emphasizing his attendance, communication, and engagement with students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, there is a late-file amendment, barcode 712-734.
• So that's the amendment, and I filed it late.
• Let's take up late-filed amendment barcode 399010.
• Let's take up late-filed amendment barcode 39901010.
• Let's take up late-filed amendment barcode 399010.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll spend 45 minutes on House File 1011 from Chair Beerman, 25 minutes on House File 1010 from Representative
• Egbaje, 25 minutes on House File 1913 from Representative Mahamoud, and 10 minutes on House File 862
• That would be House File 1913. Oh, sorry, I'm sorry. House File 1010, Representative Agbaje.
• Next up, we have House File 1913, Representative Mahmoud.
• Senator Schumacher, House File 862. I'll move House File 1913 before the committee. Thank you.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• thing I would remind, just to tag on to the prom's announcement, we have not had enough senator candidates
• had the prom's announcement, we have not had enough<00:22:41.679><c> senator</c><00:22:42.159><c> candidates
• /c><00:22:43.360><c> uh</c><00:22:43.600><c> for</c><00:22:44.159><c> either</c> enough senator candidates
• uh for either enough senator candidates uh for either for<00:22:45.039><c> this</c><00:22:45.679><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• Counties eligible for SCOP are contacted by FDOT district offices and asked to submit candidate projects
• SCOPM are contacted annually by the FDOT Central Office Local Programs Office and asked to submit candidate
• Counties eligible for SCRAP are contacted by FDOT district offices and asked to submit candidate projects
• Counties and municipal partners submit candidate projects annually to the FDOT district offices.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met and first received an update from FDOT on the Sun Trail shared-use nonmotorized trail program. FDOT said the program, created in 2015 and expanded by 2023 legislation, now includes connections to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and received a one-time $200 million appropriation plus increased annual funding. The department reported programming about $180 million of that funding, completing 42 construction projects totaling nearly 95 miles in 21 counties, and installing trail counters and QR-code surveys to measure usage and economic impact. Members expressed support for the program and asked no substantive questions. The committee then heard a presentation on FDOT’s locally administered state transportation funding programs, including SCOP, SCOPM, SCRAP, SIGP, and TRIP. FDOT explained these programs support local roadway resurfacing, bridge repair, drainage, paving unpaved roads, and safety or capacity improvements, with varying state match levels depending on the program and eligibility. FDOT said its adopted five-year work program includes more than $1.4 billion for local transportation improvement projects. A member asked whether toll revenues from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties fund these programs; FDOT said it would research the funding source and follow up. The committee’s main discussion was a panel on advanced air mobility (AAM), including FDOT and industry representatives from Supernal, Joby, Atlantic Aviation, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, and Eve Air Mobility. FDOT described its AAM planning work, advisory committee, local government guidebook, and upcoming training, while panelists emphasized Florida’s leadership, the likely use of existing airport and heliport infrastructure first, and the expectation that private investment will fund much of the early vertiport buildout. Members raised concerns about community acceptance, privacy, zoning, airspace congestion, security, and lessons from scooters and drones. Panelists repeatedly stressed a “crawl, walk, run” rollout, local government coordination, multimodal connectivity, and public outreach. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the panel.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a file transfer system with the parole board, and we download all of the documents that are
• The auditor sampled 13 and found three awarded with no application on file, three with no itemized reports
• The third finding involves the breed fund, and I'll be candid with you.
• When a horse changes hands, proof of the ownership transfer must be filed with the commission before
• A couple of weeks ago, our candidate for sheriff said that his officers are frustrated with the revolving

Committees: Joint Judiciary , Joint Judiciary Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• My understanding in the research that we have done is the clouds in Florida are not good candidates for
• Senator Simon: I want to apologize for all the amendments that have been filed.
• The deadline for filing main amendments to the General Appropriations Bill and Implementing Bill will
• The deadline for filing and hearing amendments to the General Appropriations Bill and Implementation
• If you plan on filing a floor amendment, I will offer strong discouragement from doing so.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:50:40.880><c> no</c><00:50:41.119><c> jail,</c> range from, to be candid, no jail, range from
• , to be candid, no jail, &gt;&gt; but<00:50:42.319><c> as</c><00:50:42.480><c> a</c><00:50:42.640><c>
• As the system adjusts to these new opportunities, some candidates, some of whom may hold a bachelor's
• So what are we doing to support our teacher candidates?
• So what are we doing to support our teacher candidates?

Summary: The committee on Education heard testimony on HB 1895, which would add education-worker protections by expanding harassment-related offenses. The Department of Education, HSTA, HGA, and several school employees and principals testified in support, describing increased harassment and threats toward teachers and staff, especially since COVID, and saying the bill would help deter bad actors. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, saying the language was vague and overbroad, could criminalize ordinary parental advocacy or speech, and might not survive constitutional scrutiny. In response to questions, the public defender said existing statutes already cover threatening or assaultive conduct against educational workers, while DOE representatives said the bill was aimed at excessive and repetitive disruptive behavior. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up HB 1592, concerning protections for educational workers and sports officials. DOE, the Charter School Commission, HGA, HSTA, school principals, athletic programs, and many individual testifiers supported the bill, with several describing threats, harassment, and aggressive behavior at schools and athletic events. One principal said he had repeatedly involved law enforcement after threats and incidents on campus, and a teacher testified about the need to keep school environments safe and orderly. The Office of the Public Defender again opposed the bill, arguing that current law already enhances penalties for assaults and terroristic threatening against educational workers and sports officials, and that new offenses would have little deterrent effect. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be a separate statute and how to distinguish passionate advocacy from harassment; DOE said the line was crossed when conduct became excessive and repetitive, while the public defender urged clearer drafting and more emphasis on prevention, education, security, and de-escalation. No vote or final action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They should not have to go file a public record request like you or I would have to do.
• I don’t file bills unless I perceive a real, true problem. That is just not my style.
• This is a bill we should not have to file. I agree. It’s ridiculous that I had to file.
• I didn’t file this for my school district.
• So we continue to meet with stakeholders on all the bills that I actually file and are moving.

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee heard and advanced six bills. The first, PCS/HB 1073 by Rep. Koster, would give individual school board members timely, free access to district documents and budget information, require agendas and supporting materials to be kept as public records, and prohibit school districts from requiring or incentivizing nondisclosure agreements. Testimony from a Volusia County school board member and a former educator described difficulty obtaining records and concerns about NDAs; some members raised chain-of-command concerns, while others argued the bill was needed for transparency. The bill passed 15-3. The committee then approved HB 4049, a local bill for Jacksonville/Duval County that changes how the Duval County School Board’s attorney is selected, and OGSR/HB 7021, which extends and clarifies the public-records exemption for education examination and assessment instruments through 2031. HB 4049 passed 17-1 after debate over whether the board should use the city’s general counsel process; HB 7021 passed unanimously with no debate. Members also approved CS/HB 753 on school counselors, which removes certain certification barriers while keeping degree and counseling requirements in place and allows districts to choose whether to require the removed certificates. Supporters said the bill could help address counselor shortages and free counselors to focus on students; it passed 18-0. Finally, HB 157 created a School Teacher Training and Mentoring Program for D- and F-rated schools, using high-performing current or retired teachers as mentors with stipends funded from an existing allocation. Members discussed mentor limits, funding, and oversight, but the bill passed unanimously, 18-0. The meeting adjourned after committee members recognized visiting officials and students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now to House Bill 553, I have filed this in an...
• House Bill 553, I have filed this in an attempt to say that within six hours of the rendering of such
• It's still under discussion, and my preference would be to keep it the way it was originally filed.
• First, HB 59 extends the filing deadline for exonerees from 90 days to two years.
• This is my fifth year filing this bill, and I just—politics and policy is so much about timing.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered a large agenda of bills, mostly in the criminal justice, courts, civil procedure, and family/consumer protection areas. Early measures included CS/HB 1161 on removing altered sexual depictions posted without consent, HB 403 modernizing LLC law to allow protected series LLCs, CS/HB 97 on service of process in protection proceedings for vulnerable adults, and HB 813 as the state courts package addressing duty judges, arbitrator compensation, and notarization by judges. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 403 and HB 813 amended. The committee also heard and advanced CS/HB 947 on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, which drew substantial opposition from insurers, business groups, and defense-oriented witnesses, while the sponsor argued it would let juries hear all relevant evidence; it passed 19-3. Members also approved CS/CS/HB 615 allowing electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email, after an amendment requiring opt-in language and written notice to update an email address; tenant advocates still raised concerns about eviction-related notices and receipt verification. HB 663 increased penalties for using tracking devices or apps to commit dangerous crimes and passed unanimously. CS/HB 385 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code and passed unanimously after a conforming amendment. CS/HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, increased penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and was supported by law enforcement and animal welfare groups; it passed unanimously. Later in the meeting, the committee approved HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders after the sponsor withdrew an amendment that would have changed the deadline from six hours to six business hours, following concerns that the delay could be too long for urgent orders. CS/HB 1099 gave law enforcement discretion in arrests involving individuals with significant medical conditions in facilities and passed unanimously. HB 653 added aggravating factors for capital felonies involving assassinations or attempted assassinations of heads of state; it drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and passed 20-2. CS/HB 59 expanded wrongful incarceration compensation by extending the filing deadline, removing the clean-hands bar, and allowing exonerees to choose between civil suit and the state claims process; it passed unanimously. PCS/HB 777 increased penalties for in-person luring or enticing of children and barred certain age-based defenses, passing unanimously. Finally, CS/HB 437 increased penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; two amendments softened the bill by clarifying juvenile treatment and giving judges limited discretion to avoid automatic revocation of pretrial release, and the bill passed 21-1 before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• my work with victim services, incarcerated people, and rehabilitation programs, makes me a good candidate
• I hear from a lot of families who say that they file their paperwork, they don't hear back from the clemency
• nothing that the president is mentioned, for noting that the president is mentioned in the obscene files
• nothing that the president is mentioned for noting that the president is mentioned in the obscene files
• Why don't we create parity between candidate petitions and ballot initiative petitions and let people

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee approved the minutes from its March 18, 2026 meeting and then took up a long agenda of bills and a clemency nomination. HB 2825, as amended, was heard first. The bill would replace criminal enforcement tools for nonpayment of fines, fees, restitution, and surcharges with a civil collection process, including a required summons and civil default procedures. Supporters said it would streamline restitution collection and reduce costs, while opponents argued it would weaken victims’ rights and remove effective enforcement leverage. The committee adopted the Rogers amendment and passed the bill 5-2. The committee also confirmed Neil McDowell to the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency by a 6-0 vote after hearing his background in corrections and his plans to help the board function efficiently. The committee then passed HB 4070, as amended, 5-2. That bill bars incorporation of corporations whose officers, directors, or trustees have been convicted of sex trafficking or human trafficking, and expands civil liability to those who facilitate trafficking. Supporters framed it as a corporate accountability tool to deter trafficking, while the ACLU opposed it as overbroad and potentially sweeping in people not intended to be covered. HB 2720, which increases penalties for paying or agreeing to pay for sexual conduct and adds a fee to support anti-trafficking services, also passed, 4-3. Supporters, including survivors and law enforcement, said it targets demand and helps victims; opponents warned it could criminalize victims and lacked sufficient safeguards. The committee heard several additional bills. HB 2047 would raise trespass penalties after eviction-related writs of restitution from third-degree to first-degree trespass; the sponsor and constables said it would improve scene safety and encourage law enforcement response. HB 2136 would create new crimes for “civil terrorism” and “subversion” and increase penalties for certain highway obstruction; the ACLU argued it would punish protest and speech critical of government. HB 2406 would make images and recordings of abused children and deceased minors confidential, limit dissemination, and impose civil and criminal penalties for misuse; supporters said it would prevent re-victimization and reduce trauma, while defense and media concerns were raised about access. HB 2415, dealing with kratom and 7-OH products, drew sharply divided testimony over whether the bill is a needed safety regulation or an overbroad ban that could push users to illicit drugs; the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• my work with victim services, incarcerated people, and rehabilitative programs, makes me a good candidate
• I hear from a lot of families who say that they file their paperwork, they don't hear back from the clemency
• nothing that the president is mentioned, for noting that the president is mentioned in the obscene files
• nothing that the president is mentioned for noting that the president is mentioned in the obscene files
• Why don't we create parity between candidate petitions and ballot initiative petitions and let people

Bills: HB2028 , HB2047 , HB2136 , HB2244 , HB2364 , HB2406 , HB2415 , HB2557 , HB2573 , HB2589 , HB2720 , HB2749 , HB2825 , HB2861 , HB2862 , HB2870 , HB2970 , HB4070 , HB4117 , HCR2004 , HCR2051

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: community restitution, homelessness, indigence, court assessments, monetary obligations, forcible entry, detainer, writ of restitution, criminal trespass, judgment enforcement, civil terrorism, disorderly conduct, vandalism, political activism, public order, subversion, government security, evictions, judgment satisfaction, tenant rights

Transcript Highlights:

• or have candidates nominated, you know, and for elected positions they have to come out and vote.
• Removes outdated requirements for plans filed with the Registrar's Office; updates the statutory fee
• With regard to land court maps, filed plans of that nature help.
• plans</c><00:30:08.640><c> of</c><00:30:08.760><c> that</c><00:30:08.880><c> nature</c> Court Maps file
• plans of that nature Court Maps file plans of that nature help<00:30:09.840><c> okay</c><00:30:10.399

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused. In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands. Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• in bringing forward the options that we thought were going to be... ...and candid in bringing forward
• So in response to the statutory direction in SB 254 and Governor Newsom's executive order, CPUC filed
• Its bankruptcy filing, and that uncertainty then rippled out across the other investor-owned utilities
• Well, I mean, the focus of my question was nobody wants to see the utility companies file bankruptcy.
• So thank you for bringing it back to... ...utility companies file bankruptcy.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• It came up after I filed the bill.
• Cravis is going to file it online. It's amendment set 1898. Thank you so much.
• It's being passed out now, and it's being filed online. It is amendment set 1,500.
• It's being passed out now, and it's being filed online. It is amendment set 1,500.
• Cravens is filing it online, and it's being passed out now.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 18, 2026, with 11 members present and adopted prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee first heard HB 649 by Rep. Brass, which would create a statewide common application portal for dual enrollment. Supporters from the Pelican Institute and the Board of Regents said the bill would simplify enrollment, reduce paperwork for counselors and families, and improve awareness of dual enrollment options. Members asked about nonparticipation by institutions and access for nontraditional students; the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 807 by Rep. Brass, which would establish the Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program within LCTCS to help recruit and retain instructors for high-demand workforce programs. Testimony from River Parishes Community College, Dow, and the Louisiana Chemical Association described instructor shortages as a bottleneck for training workers for major industrial projects, and said employer-sharing models and apprenticeships have been successful. An amendment expanded eligibility to include LSU Eunice and Southern University at Shreveport, and the committee adopted the amendments. After debate about whether the state needed a new fund versus using existing systems, the bill was reported favorably by a 13-1 roll call vote. Next, the committee heard HB 285 by Chairman Bacala, which authorizes school boards to cooperate with banks and credit unions to operate branches in high schools as part of financial literacy programs. Bacala said the bill clarifies statutory authority, and an amendment added banks to the original credit union language. Members discussed ethics, exclusivity, student access, and whether the branches could market products; supporters from LABI and financial industry groups said the programs improve hands-on financial education. The bill was reported with amendments without objection. The committee also considered HB 28 by Rep. Owen, which adds a BESE-level appeal for certain teacher certification applicants affected by administrative or contractor errors. Owen described a case in which applicants paid for certification programs but were denied because of a mentor-signature issue, and said the amendment would require BESE or its designee to act within 30 days. Department of Education staff said the Teacher Certification Appeals Council had already granted extensions rather than outright denials in the affected cases, but the committee advanced the bill after a 9-4 roll call vote. Finally, the committee began HB 268 by Rep. Carver, which would strengthen career exposure requirements for students by tying activities more closely to high-wage, high-demand jobs and adding an annual exposure requirement in K-5; testimony emphasized early workforce awareness, and discussion focused on keeping the requirements manageable for schools.