Transcript Highlights:

• becomes continuous and they're learning becomes continuous and they're learning the<01:48:34.400
• > other<01:59:20.719> like co cosmetology learn other like co cosmetology learn other like
• So our students learn skin, and nails.
• <02:43:23.280> it service people that are and learning it service people that are and learning
• And what happens is I want to learn.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 185, which would add timelines to Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) investigations. Senator Howard Pearl said the bill was prompted by concerns from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors about delays at the Real Estate Commission, and he explained that the proposal would require OPLC staff to make an initial determination within 30 days and, if misconduct is found, complete an investigation within 60 days. He said the goal is to improve transparency and give consumers and licensees more timely information, while preserving the board’s adjudicatory role. He also noted that the bill had been amended to delay implementation to give OPLC time to work through its backlog. Committee members questioned how the bill would work when an investigation is incomplete and whether the board could send a case back to OPLC without a firm deadline. Pearl said the board would have discretion to continue the investigation or make a final determination, and that the bill was intended to streamline OPLC’s process rather than impose a hard cap on complex cases. OPLC Executive Director Deanna Durus and General Counsel Nicholas Fry then testified that the agency has already changed its procedures under prior legislation, including a facial review of complaints and monthly board review of dismissal memos. They said the bill would substantially alter the current structure, could conflict with existing limitation periods and board duties, and would be difficult to implement without additional staff and funding. Durus said the agency’s backlog is large, that new complaints are being triaged and prioritized, and that some urgent matters are moved ahead based on risk and statutory deadlines. She said OPLC had completed a review of about 500 backlog cases that would now be dismissed under current screening standards, and that those cases are being turned into memos for board review. Board of Medicine public member Nina Gardner testified in favor of the bill but said the backlog is significant and that the agency needs more resources to make the process work effectively. She said the board is seeing progress, but not fast enough, and suggested the bill may not go far enough without additional staffing and funding. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I learned on social media that the safest way to wear chest binders is... ...to take breaks every six
• moments, and coming out process. to calls to action and advocacy, as well as my own missteps, learning
• But I adapted to the situation the same way that I learned which parts of my school campus to avoid.
• It really was just more of, like, an isolated kind of learning about my identity in my process, which
• It really was just more of, like, an isolated kind of learning about my identity in my process, which

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ-plus youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair Bauer-Kahan and Assembly Member Ward opened by noting that social media can be a lifeline for LGBTQ-plus youth seeking identity, community, and support, but also exposes them to cyberbullying, hate speech, exploitation, misinformation, and addictive design. They framed the hearing as a way to inform future policy without relitigating prior bills, and emphasized the need for a balanced approach that reduces harm while preserving access to affirming resources. The first panel featured lived-experience testimony from Madi Roby of the Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described how social media helped her understand her trans identity, find community, learn safety information, and access crisis support through the Trevor Project, while also exposing her to harassment and threats. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad access restrictions, warning that age-gating and account bans could exclude vulnerable youth and adults who rely on pseudonymity, while supporting privacy-preserving protections, targeted platform accountability, and digital literacy. Pick testified that LGBTQ-plus youth are more than three times as likely to attempt suicide as peers, cited Trevor Project research showing social media is both positive and negative for most youth, and said supportive online spaces can lower suicide risk and anxiety; she also described Trevor Space as a moderated, non-addictive platform with forums, direct messaging, and strong community norms. Committee members then questioned the panel about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to provide safer defaults and better moderation. Several members distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive or incendiary engagement loops, and discussed the risk that age-verification systems could require sensitive data or restrict access to helpful content. Witnesses repeatedly said the problem is not online community itself but platform design choices and weak enforcement, and they urged more precise regulation of harmful features rather than exclusionary bans. The committee then moved on to panel two, which was introduced as a discussion of LGBTQ-plus-specific online resources and research on LGBTQ-plus youth and social media.

Transcript Highlights:

• The child learned Spanish. She was great.
• My name is Frisha Moore, and I'm the owner of More Learning Preschool in Old Grove.
• I am the owner of More Learning Preschool in Old Grove.
• I had a chance to actually tour More Learning Preschool and learn something.
• Learning from the past.

Summary: The California State Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs held its first hearing to examine the state of child care access, affordability, and provider compensation. Chair Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and other members described child care as essential infrastructure for working families and the economy, noting that costs are unaffordable for many households and that providers are underpaid. Early testimony came from a San Francisco parent, Quinn Chung, who described the difficulty of finding safe care and the financial and career sacrifices caused by lack of child care, and from Tuolumne County provider Anita Viscini, who detailed her monthly costs, low margins, and the need to work weekends and teach CPR classes to make ends meet. Assemblymembers also emphasized the crisis in rural communities and the need for a long-term strategy. The first policy panel featured Jennifer Troia of the California Department of Social Services, Laura Pryor of the California Budget and Policy Center, and Alexa Frankenberg of Child Care Providers United. Troia said the state has nearly doubled child care funding in five years, expanded subsidy slots, and reached a new tentative three-year agreement with providers that includes cost-of-living adjustments, stabilization payments, and continued work on an alternative rate methodology and single rate structure. Pryor argued that despite funding gains, child care remains too expensive, only a fraction of eligible children receive subsidies, and provider wages remain far below comparable jobs, worsening racial and gender inequities. Frankenberg said the tentative agreement is progress but not enough, calling for a true cost-of-care system, fair wages, paid time off, better support for emergency and nontraditional care, and stronger integration of family child care into the mixed-delivery system. Members asked about why the crisis persists, how the alternative methodology will work, how family fees and sliding-scale help are being used, and why middle-income families still struggle. The panel said the problem reflects long-term underinvestment, a broken market, and a system that still leaves many families without access. The committee also heard an economic panel from Ashley Hoffman of the California Chamber of Commerce and Sarah Bone of the Public Policy Institute of California. Hoffman described employer child care benefits and public-private partnership models in other states, including shared-cost programs and local chamber efforts. Bone said child care costs reduce family financial security and labor force participation, especially for mothers of young children, and estimated that if mothers of young children worked at the same rate as mothers of older children, more than 80,000 additional women could be in the workforce each year. In the final panel, parent and provider advocates, including Jennifer Greppie and Black Californians United for Early Care and Education co-founder Keisha Doyle, argued for fully funding child care, ending waiting lists, protecting culturally affirming care, and addressing racial inequities and private equity’s role in the sector.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cook, its 21st president, and forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning
• :15.280> institution<00:19:15.760> of<00:19:15.919> higher<00:19:16.240> learning
• sponsored institution of higher learning sponsored institution of higher learning in<00:19:16.720
• supported institution of higher learning supported institution of higher learning in<00:19:39.840
• and made available to of higher learning and made available to the<00:19:54.240> Capitol<00:19

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 17 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and approved motions to dispense with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including the Richland Mayor’s Youth Council, a doctor of the day, visitors connected to Alcorn State University, the Mississippi Railroad Association, and junior pages. Senators also shared a health update on Senator Warren Barnett, noting he was hospitalized but stable and asking for prayers. The chamber then took up a special resolution commemorating the 155th anniversary of Alcorn State University, recognizing it as America’s first historically Black land-grant university and Mississippi’s second oldest institution of higher learning. Alcorn’s president, Dr. Tracy Cook, and student leaders addressed the Senate to thank members for their support. The Senate also considered a block of commending resolutions, including measures honoring the Rockabilly district, Donna Jill Johnson, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Taiwan economic ties, Jack and Jill of America, South Panola cheer and JROTC drone teams, Alcorn State’s anniversary, Bishop William Thomas Bill Malilly, and Three Doors Down. Senate Resolution 3, concerning European Union deforestation regulations, was explained as a request—backed by Farm Bureau and the Forestry Association—to urge Congress to prohibit implementation of the regulations because of their potential cost to farmers. After questions were waived, the resolution passed by use of the morning roll call. The remaining commending resolutions in the block also passed by morning roll call. During announcements, committees were scheduled to meet after adjournment and on the following day, including Judiciary A, Public Health, Highways and Transportation, and Appropriations. Members also noted a pancake dinner to support repairs for Beth Israel synagogue after arson damage and an Ash Wednesday observance with ashes available before the next day’s session. The Senate then adopted a motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• SAFETY AND SECURITY OF STUDENTS AND STAFF ARE PARAMOUNT TO CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE OF LEARNING
• THE NUMEROUS WAYS WE ENSURE CAMPUS PROTECTION AND PROVIDE SECURE ENVIRONMENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS TO LEARN
• THE OFFICE'S MISSION IS TO SUPPORT THE DISTRICTS AND PROVIDE A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENTS
• WITH IS AN AFTER ACTION REPORT WHERE YOU LEARN WHAT WENT RIGHT AND WHAT WENT WRONG.
• THIS IS THOROUGH AND I AM LEARNING A LOT.

Transcript Highlights:

• THESE PROJECTS HAVE BEEN PRAISED FOR BEING ON BUDGET AND ON TIME AND I BRING THE LESSONS LEARNED FROM
• BY CENTRALIZING INFORMATION AT THE INFO HALL AND LEARN ABOUT BOTH LAUNCHED IN 2024 WE'RE REDUCING CALL
• WE WANT TO, I WANT TO TALK TO YOU ALL ABOUT LESSONS LEARNED.
• WE WERE LEARNING AS WE GO WITH THIS PROJECT.
• I THINK IT IS FAIR TO SAY A LOT HAS BEEN LEARNED AND YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND APPLY WHAT YOU LEARN

Transcript Highlights:

• As a Christian-centered university, Hope is committed to the integration of faith, service, and learning
• It is why I author a bill last year, AB 1805, which would encourage the students to learn about this
• Mendez, a case that I learned about in law school as a Latino. in our law school system learning about
• My own learning about my history because I learned and appreciated the fact that our Latino communities
• Share your her story with us and allowing us to learn from you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are able to then learn in school and be successful. So the earlier we get to this, the better.
• We always know what the learning loss is in regular students in regular schools, but what about kids
• The learning loss is so significant and parents really don't have many options.
• The learning loss is so significant and parents really don't have many options.
• You all will not be surprised to learn it's Polk County Day here in the Capitol, so we have some more

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, doctor-of-the-day recognition, and a series of introductions honoring visitors and groups in the galleries, including Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and others. Senators also made announcements about local delegations visiting the Capitol and a session wellness competition. The chamber then took up CS/CS/SB 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell presented the bill as a major autism-focused measure that would expand screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services through age four with a federal waiver, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a statewide hub for research and coordination, create grants for autism-focused summer programs and charter school models, and establish a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Senators Davis, Jones, Osgood, Duma, Wright, and others supported the bill while raising concerns about provider shortages, Medicaid managed care coverage, the need for better recruitment incentives, and the importance of research into causes and treatments. Harrell responded that services would be covered under new contracts, Medicaid would provide coverage, the University of Florida would develop the online credential with a stipend incentive, and the bill was a first step in a broader effort that should also address adults on the spectrum. The Senate passed CS/CS/SB 112 unanimously, 38-0, and then adopted a motion to immediately certify the bill to the House. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 1856 by publication, honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, SB 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• America is about people from different backgrounds coming together, learning from each other, learning
• And we were able to learn about diversity.
• should also be tested to prove they are learning.
• The opportunity they need to learn well.
• I thought anybody who was a Democrat was evil until I came here, and then I learned that what I learned

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing I learned yesterday, by the way.
• And so we have learned over the years, and to Tom's credit, to Tom's team's credit, we have learned how
• And I knew I needed to learn from that. There's things that I did learn from that.
• I knew I needed to learn from that.
• I knew I needed to learn from that.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval. Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development. Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines. Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:11.960> to develop healthy autonomy and learn to develop healthy autonomy and learn
• Learn information from other sources, including from the child.
• and Foster safer more inclusive learning and Foster safer more inclusive learning environments<01
• Of course that's a big part of it: learning how to work as a team.
• course that's a big part of it learning course that's a big part of it learning how<02:31:24.399

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, I'm at the stage many parents know too well: learning everything on time, learning the language
• My name is Tiffany Chassel, and I represent Journey Learning Academy.
• These students benefit from a more personalized learning environment.
• After my first year at Journey Learning Academy, my teachers helped me learn in ways that work for me
• I know I can learn, and I know I can do hard things, as Ms. Tiffany always reminds me.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this has been a learning curve for me too.
• So this has been a learning curve for me too.
• So this has been a learning curve for me too.
• So this has been a learning curve for me too.
• Because the only thing they learn.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why I've made improving our school buildings the places where learning happens a top priority.
• creating the best possible learning creating the best possible learning environments<00:14:16.440
• happens a top places where learning happens a top priority<00:14:27.880> for<00:14:28.160>
• We can ensure that every student has access to safe, modern, and effective learning spaces that foster
• We can ensure that every student has access to safe, modern, and effective learning spaces that foster

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:05 HB 537 Discussion 00:00:40 HB 537 Vote 00:02:45 HJR 34 Discussion 00:03:30 HJR 34 Vote 00:07:45 HJR 30 Discussion 00:08:30 HJR 30 Vote 00:10:25 HJR 32 Discussion 00:11:00 HJR 32 Vote 00:41:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee took up several measures related to appropriations and school facilities. House Bill 537 was explained as a technical fix to Kentucky’s opioid abatement settlement framework so the state can accept funds from national bankruptcy settlements under the allocation structure now used by the courts; the bill was supported by the Attorney General’s office and local government groups and received a favorable recommendation. House Joint Resolution 34 authorized release of previously appropriated KCTCS funds for three projects, and members discussed whether KCTCS facilities could be used more broadly for community needs such as public health, workforce, and other services. KCTCS officials said they were open to that idea, and the resolution also received a favorable recommendation. House Joint Resolution 30, concerning the Waters program and release of funds for projects that had remained in design, was adopted by committee substitute and passed favorably. The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Joint Resolution 32, which concerns school facility gap funding for districts with low bonding capacity. The chair and sponsor explained that the General Assembly had previously asked the auditor and Blue & Co. to analyze district data because of disputes over project costs and bonding capacity. Superintendents from Marion County, Augusta Independent, Williamstown, and Walton Verona described their projects and financial constraints. Marion County and Augusta argued that full gap funding is necessary for new school or multipurpose facility projects that cannot be phased in; Augusta emphasized its old building stock, high poverty rate, and the need for a gymnasium/multipurpose space used for school and community functions. Williamstown described a STEM center and field expansion, saying the project would be delayed for years without full funding. Walton Verona described rapid growth, overcrowding, and an intermediate school project that had risen sharply in cost from the original estimate. Members asked questions about the accuracy of cost estimates and the scope of the projects, including why some estimates differed from the auditor’s figures and whether the funding requests covered only parts of larger phased plans. The testimony generally supported full funding for the listed districts, with the districts arguing that the projects are necessary for safe, modern learning environments and that local tax effort has already been substantial. Each of the measures considered during the meeting was reported out favorably, with the chair voting no on the resolutions and bills before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's available through the state's enterprise learning management system.
• It's available through the state's enterprise learning management system.
• It's available through the state's enterprise learning management system.
• It's available through the state's enterprise learning management system.
• The state's learning system on the key principles of responsible AI use.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I first learned of the false report of abuse on March 16, when a social worker showed up at our house
• at the false report of abuse on learned at the false report of abuse on March<00:10:40.160> 16th<
• Our students deserve to learn in an environment free from predatory behavior, and this legislation is
• Our students deserve to learn in an environment free from predatory behavior, and this legislation is
• Our students deserve to learn in an environment free from predatory behavior, and this legislation is

Keywords: Roll Call – 00:11 Discussion on SB 181 – 01:05 Vote on SB 181 – 24:16 Discussion on HB 242 – 31:00 Vote on HB 242 – 32:14 Discussion on HB 164 – 33:26 Vote on HB 164 – 39:55, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children heard Senate Bill 181, which would require school districts to use only traceable forms of communication for staff, coaches, and volunteers when contacting students, require reporting of known private direct communication, notify parents, protect minors’ anonymity in EPSB investigations, and extend the investigation period for sexual misconduct cases to 120 days. Senator Lindsay Tichenor said the bill is meant to restore safeguards for children and families and address inappropriate private communications between school personnel and students. The committee also heard testimony from Stacy and Brad Brisco, who described allegations that an Anderson County guidance counselor had communicated privately with their daughter, encouraged her to pursue emancipation and CPS involvement, and used school channels to facilitate contact; they said the resulting abuse report was unsubstantiated and that the school system and EPSB had not acted promptly. Ashley Nation also testified in support as a survivor of educator sexual abuse, arguing that traceable communication policies are needed to prevent grooming and misconduct and that the bill does not stop communication, only makes it transparent and accountable. Members asked questions about what counts as traceable communication and whether schools already have policies. Tichenor said traceable communication could include paper notes, email, and apps such as ClassDojo or Google Classroom, and said the bill requires a trail parents can access. She also said some districts have ethical standards but they are not consistently followed, and that state-level action is needed. Senator Denine suggested the bill should allow districts more flexibility to choose among trackable platforms, noting that some systems already use tools like Dojo and Remind; Tichenor said a floor amendment would address that concern. Senators Williams, Meredith, Mills, Wise, and others voiced support, emphasizing child safety and the need for timely EPSB action. The committee then voted 9-0 to pass SB 181 with a favorable recommendation to the Senate floor. Afterward, the committee took up House Bill 242, sponsored by Representative Samara Heavrin, which would increase transparency in the child welfare system by making Kentucky child welfare data available to researchers while preserving privacy protections. With no questions, the committee approved HB 242 as well, also by a favorable vote, and members briefly noted support for the bill and the need for better data to inform child welfare policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:17.079> can safe school is one where learning can safe school is one where learning
• <00:15:02.680> environments to create sa safer learning environments to create sa safer learning
• We can create a great learning environment for all.
• learning styles from a child who learned learning styles from a child who learned to<01:04:42.440
• <01:30:52.639> so access the things they need to learn so access the things they need to learn

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think it's a requirement in any way. an IEP or a learning disability um and I an IEP or a learning
• know ex disability or ex uh um learning know ex disability or ex uh um learning impairment<00:24
• quality let's make it a learning quality let's make it a learning opportunity<05:30:56.200> for
• their job is to go to school and learn their job is to go to school and learn not<05:37:16.440><
• <05:51:16.320> conditions I'm sure these are learning conditions I'm sure these are learning

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and noted weather-related absences and a large number of new bills. The chair said a subcommittee would be formed to review three cell phone bills, and a full committee work session on bullying would be scheduled for the week after next. The committee then began a hearing on House Bill 121, which would create local special education advisory councils in school districts. Representative Glenn Cordelli, the sponsor, said the councils would be parent-driven, with parents of children with disabilities advising districts on education, safety, program development, evaluation, planning, policies, and communication with administrators. He said the bill would require at least quarterly meetings with district administration, an annual parent workshop, and a year-end report to the school board. He also cited federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Education on parent advisory councils and said the goal was to improve collaboration between parents and schools. Members raised questions about the use of “shall,” how councils would be formed in districts without PTAs/PTOs, whether the councils could function in very small districts, privacy concerns about parents disclosing their children’s disabilities, whether the councils should include guardians or educational professionals, and whether the councils would have any direct tie to the state advisory council. The sponsor said the requirement was intended to make the councils mandatory, that local districts could organize them organically if needed, that participation would be voluntary, that parents would not be required to disclose private information, and that the councils would remain advisory rather than determinative. He also said costs should be minimal. Testimony then began from Nicole Sheath, a pediatric occupational therapist and parent of four children with disabilities, who described her experience balancing advocacy, school collaboration, and the demands of her children’s therapies and education.

Transcript Highlights:

• And he's had to learn that. Um, and our first responders have to learn that.
• And<00:00:36.320> he's<00:00:36.480> had<00:00:36.640> to<00:00:36.720> learn
• And he's had to learn that. And he's had to learn that.
• 41.160> true<00:00:41.440> identity<00:00:42.040> is<00:00:42.200> not learn
• Their true identity is not learn that. Their true identity is not that<00:00:42.600> uniform.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The transcript describes Abijahs on the Backside, a Minnesota equine-assisted therapy program that helps first responders process trauma and anxiety using retired racehorses. Speakers explain that the sessions are less like traditional talk therapy and more of a full-body, experiential approach that uses the horses’ behavior to help responders externalize feelings, reduce barriers, and work through stress. One horse, Figaro, is highlighted as an example of a retired racehorse finding a new purpose, while another horse, Finn, became a meaningful symbol of faith for a participant. First responder Angela Casey shares that after a traumatic call, she realized the experience was affecting her mental health, family life, and work, and she sought help through the program. She and others say the therapy helped them remain on active duty and better manage their roles as officers, parents, spouses, and community members. A particularly moving story involved a first responder who had contemplated suicide before a session and later returned to work after the horse’s behavior helped her process that crisis. Senator Eric Pratt is identified as the author of Senate File 901, which funded the program. He says he sought co-authors with mental health or first responder backgrounds, and that the bill received strong bipartisan support in committee and throughout the legislative process. Supporters argue the program is effective, backed by science and testimonials, and worth funding because it helps keep first responders healthy, on the job, and serving their communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's hard seems, sometimes to learn.
• Those are things that I've learned.
• It It was just a learning process, and we've learned a lot in that process and we've changed around in
• And that's what I learned doing this job.
• Um, people around the world, as I've learned People around the world, as I've learned living internationally

Keywords: 981, all