Bills Heard This Week
Three committees heard bills related to the department on Tuesday, February 11, including:
- Senate Committee on Education, chaired by Sen. Rick Brattin (R-31), heard SB 71 and SB 160. Sponsored by Sen. David Gregory (R-15), SB 71 creates the “First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act” to provide free college tuition for first responders and their legal dependents. Sponsored by Sen. Brad Hudson (R-33), SB 160 prohibits institutions of higher learning from discriminating against religious, political, or ideological associations.
- House Committee on Government Efficiency, chaired by Rep. Ben Baker (R-160), heard HB 868. Sponsored by Rep. Louis Riggs (R-5), HB 868 requires all state departments to report the cost of complying with federal regulations to the department of economic development.
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The House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, chaired by Rep. Ed Lewis (R-6), heard HB 744 and HB 32. Sponsored by Rep Ben Baker (R-160), HB 744 establishes provisions governing duties and responsibilities of public entities. Sponsored by Rep. Bishop Davidson (R-130), HB 32 lowers the age for adult high schools from 21 to 18.
Upcoming Hearings
Below are the committee meetings that have been announced that will be hearing bills from the MDHEWD Bill Tracking List.
House Rules – Legislative Committee
Monday, February 17
4:15 p.m. or upon adjournment (whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 4
House Ways and Means Committee
Monday, February 17
4:30 p.m. or upon adjournment (whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 5
Senate Education Committee
Tuesday, February 18
8 a.m.
Senate Lounge
Senate Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee
Tuesday, February 19
11 a.m.
Senate Committee Room 1
House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee
Wednesday, February 19
12 p.m. or upon adjournment (whichever is later)
House Hearing Room 7
House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee
Wednesday, February 19
4:30 p.m.
House Hearing Room 1
Upcoming Budget Hearings
MDHEWD’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Requests with Governor Mike Kehoe’s recommendations is now available on the Office of Administration’s website. There will be two Budget Hearings next week to review and discuss further:
House Budget Committee
Tuesday, February 18
8:15 a.m.
House Hearing Room 3
Senate Appropriations Committee
Thursday, February 20
8:30 a.m.
Senate Committee Room 2
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