Video & Transcript Research : 'remote worker'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy Committee 2/19/25 - Part 1
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We are now going to get our remote testifier in, but I'll have Anley and Lyanna go ahead and... title
- testifier in but I'll get our remote testifier in but I'll have<00:21:44.039>
um <00:21:44.880 - Quinton Van Meter, who is part of Chair Scott's team, who is here remotely, so we're going to get to
- Eric Pulin are next, and then remotely we have Kelly Gring. We will start with Ka Hill.
- We have a remote testifier, Kelly Gring. Get that pulled up here.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 088 Apr 11th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As a permanently exploitable and expendable worker and voter force.
- , on families, on the poor, on workers, on families, on the poor, on the<04:04:43.439>
elderly, We haven't come remotely close to 1.2%. We haven't come remotely close to 1.2%.- In my four years here, we haven't come remotely close to 1.2%.
- We<05:28:40.400>
haven't <05:28:40.638>come <05:28:41.120>remotely <05:28:41.920>
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal from April 10, 2026. After a brief opening that included the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, the chamber moved into third reading. The first item was House Bill 1348, concerning use of money from the broadband infrastructure cash fund, which passed on final passage. The House then took up a series of bills dealing largely with education funding and program changes, including House Bills 1349 through 1358, covering prevention services in early childhood, school food programs, Healthy School Meals for All funding, Colorado reading and social studies assessment changes, repeal or phase-out of several teacher and school-related programs, and the Colorado Academic Accelerator Grant Program. Most of these measures were adopted, with some receiving notable no votes but still passing.
The chamber also considered House Bill 1359, which would credit money from removal of natural resources on public school lands to the state public school fund, and House Bill 1360, concerning the affordable housing financing fund. HB 1360 drew extended debate. Supporters argued it was consistent with Prop. 123 and TABOR-related funding rules, while opponents said it would divert money from the general fund, exceed what voters authorized, and create a precedent for using reserve-like funds to cover budget shortfalls. Despite the opposition, HB 1360 passed after a member changed a vote from yes to no. The House then adopted House Bills 1361 and 1362, repealing the pay for success contracts program and the Decarbonization Tax Credits Administration Cash Fund, respectively.
The final major item was House Bill 1363, which temporarily reduces the general fund reserve. This bill prompted the strongest opposition, with members arguing that the state was using a rainy day fund to cover self-inflicted budget problems, relying on future money, and failing to address underlying spending growth. Supporters of the bill said the reserve reduction was necessary to balance the budget and reflected difficult choices by the Joint Budget Committee. The bill nonetheless passed, and the House completed action on the listed third-reading calendar items.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, July 21, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements of Alpena Community College, which is remotely
- And the Alpena Community College remotely operated vehicle team, the Aqua Jacks.
- operated vehicle team, the Aqua remotely operated vehicle team, the Aqua Jacks.
- Attrition, mind you, we won't lose docs, we won't lose nurses, we won't lose frontline workers, but we
- our federal workers have the tools<04:28:00.319>
they <04:28:00.560>need <04:28:00.880>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/29/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So am I correct in thinking that that's allowing them to participate remotely and count as part of the
- So am I correct in thinking that that's allowing them to participate remotely and count as part of the
- has had very good partnership with recovery organizations and the police department and the social worker
- There are a lot of foreign workers who come into the country and remain there.
- who come into the of foreign workers who come into the country<05:02:35.080>
and <05:02:35.400
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- health program these farmw worker health program these workers<00:37:58.680>
do <00:37:58.839> - that impacts agricultural workers that impacts agricultural workers particularly<00:38:21.079>
- >
public impacts for the workers and for public impacts for the workers and for public health<- this work are disproportionately workers this work are disproportionately workers of<00:58:49.960
- 27,000 workers that could be 26 almost 27,000 workers that could be affected<01:11:36.600>
and - >
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 6th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- .simplifies and cleans up some of the laws that we've passed a couple of years ago with people at remote
- Highway 190 and that the fisherman has actually been on the water at a remote camp that can be accessed
- by water for two days or more, which basically means you're going to be at a remote camp or on the water
- the goal here is to remove some of the unnecessary burdens for people who are fishing from these remote
Summary:
The committee heard a series of natural resources and environmental measures, mostly local property transfers and Wildlife and Fisheries bills. It reported favorable on Senate Bills 229 and 71, which authorize property transfers in Bossier and Lafayette parishes, and on several department bills dealing with fishing and boating rules: SB 203 on possession of catch during multi-day trips, SB 429 on registration of lapsed or “orphan” boats, SB 204 on commercial fishing gear licenses for nonresidents, SB 205 reducing duplicate registration for federally documented boats, SB 213 on titling certain vessels and outboard motors, SB 257 removing Social Security number requirements from certain tags, and HB 662, a substitute bill setting a hierarchy for handling seized sick, injured, or orphan wildlife. The committee also adopted amendments and reported favorable SB 379, a technical cleanup bill tied to the Department of Conservation and Energy reorganization, though an opposition witness warned it could reduce minimum oil and gas royalties and asked for a fiscal note.
Members also advanced several measures aimed at coastal and flood-related concerns. HCR 62, by Rep. Domangue, urges FEMA to review flood maps every five years instead of every ten and to better account for local flood-protection projects; members broadly supported it and discussed the burden of flood insurance in coastal parishes. SB 214 would give the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District authority to stop pumping during immediate flood risk events identified by the National Weather Service or GOSEP, and it was reported favorable. SB 274, as amended, requires lead hazard risk assessments and remediation for certain child care and pre-kindergarten facilities, with DEQ and LDH testimony supporting the update. HCR 78 memorializes Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026, which supporters said would help Louisiana’s seafood industry and access federal loans and grants.
The committee also debated broader policy resolutions. HCR 216, by Rep. Owen, sought to repudiate the Louisiana Climate Action Plan of 2022, but after extensive discussion about its purpose, possible effects on existing projects, and whether the legislature should instead hold a hearing, the resolution was voluntarily deferred. Finally, the committee took up SCR 24 on chronic wasting disease rules, adopted amendments raising the prevalence threshold from 1.5% to 2.5% and adjusting zone and baiting provisions, and continued discussion of the bill’s reset of management rules for deer disease control.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This will steal 20 to 25 cars because they have a dealership key that will start it remotely.
- Cameras are being flagged as allowing the Chinese government to remotely control the operating system
- recently seen solar inverters, where those inverters may have vulnerabilities that allow them to be remotely
- So we’ve seen all sorts of connected devices that have vulnerabilities, and remotely controlled, so we
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from Intel Expert/Expert Works on using its Intel Expert software to help the Department of Child Safety and law enforcement process large volumes of audio, video, and text data in cases involving missing, abused, neglected, and exploited children. The presenters said the tool can triage hotline calls, identify names, locations, relationships, criminal methods, and coded language, and produce translated and aggregated transcripts, with the goal of reducing hundreds of hours of manual review to minutes. Members discussed possible use with DCS, sheriffs, DOC, procurement and RFP issues, cost, and whether the system could help identify backlogs, serial abusers, and trafficking networks; the presenters said it is already used in Iowa and could be adapted quickly for Arizona. Committee members indicated interest in pursuing legislation, a pilot, or budget action, and said they would follow up with agencies and the presenters.
The committee then considered HB 2460, which would preempt local ordinances that penalize businesses for theft of movable property, especially shopping carts. The sponsor argued cities were shifting the cost of stolen carts onto businesses and consumers instead of pursuing thieves, while city and league representatives argued local ordinances were needed to address blight, sidewalk hazards, and abandoned carts, and that the bill would unnecessarily limit local control. After debate over whether businesses should be required to retrieve carts or use anti-theft devices, the committee passed HB 2460 on a 4-3 vote.
Next, the committee heard HB 2060, which would prohibit public educational institutions and ABOR from encouraging or facilitating abortions. The sponsor said taxpayer-funded schools should remain neutral and not use official roles to promote abortion, while opponents argued the bill would chill constitutionally protected health care information and referrals, especially on campuses where student health services may be the only care available. Supporters testified that campuses should provide alternatives such as pregnancy resources and adoption information. The committee passed HB 2060 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee also heard HB 2210, as amended, which would prohibit the state, political subdivisions, and private entities from using ADS-B aircraft surveillance data to calculate or collect fees from aircraft owners or operators. Supporters said the technology was intended for aviation safety and should not be repurposed as a tax-collection tool, warning that pilots might turn it off to avoid fees and reduce safety. Opponents, including the City of Phoenix, said airports need flexibility and that the bill could interfere with local airport operations. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment and then passed HB 2210 as amended on a 4-3 vote.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Remote participation is an option for all meetings, and members must serve without compensation; state
- Agency, cruise lines, tug and barge Agency, cruise lines, tug and barge operators.<01:47:52.239>
Remote - Remote participation, it was operators.
- Remote participation, it was an<01:47:54.080>
option <01:47:54.239>for <01:47:54.400>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/07/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- modifies laws governing civil marriages, including who may officiate a civil marriage, permitting remote
- officiate a civil<00:27:07.039>
marriage, <00:27:07.919>permitting <00:27:08.480>remote - civil marriage, permitting remote civil marriage, permitting remote examination<00:27:09.600>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House committee approves omnibus elections policy bill, HF1378 4/2/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify remotely today.
- :55.200>
opportunity <00:02:55.640>to <00:02:55.760>testify <00:02:56.159>remote - for the opportunity to testify remote for the opportunity to testify remote today<00:02:56.879><
Summary:
The committee took up House File 1378, an elections administration bill, and first adopted the DE5 amendment. The author described DE5 as a negotiated package combining provisions from several bills on election administration, including notice of temporary polling locations, residence standards for people under civil commitment orders, polling place closure/change notices, absentee voting provisions, special election filing periods, and timelines for filing statements of economic interest. The committee then adopted two additional amendments, A6 and A8, both presented as technical or corrective changes; A8 restored language on off-reservation temporary polling that had been inadvertently left out.
Testimony from county election officials and the Secretary of State’s office was generally supportive of the bill’s election-administration changes. Blue Earth County’s Michael Stalberger said the bill would streamline election-day work, improve absentee ballot deadlines, clarify ballot correction procedures, formalize chain-of-custody plans, and speed out-of-court remedies for ballot errors. He also raised concerns about implementation details, including the timing for first chain-of-custody plans, applying candidate filing changes to townships and school districts as well as cities, the short turnaround for college student housing lists, and whether the statewide system could handle new absentee-ballot data fields. Nicole Freeman of the Secretary of State’s office echoed support for the technical cleanup and several policy changes, including removing the permanent absentee application box from voter registration forms, clarifying ballot-board procedures, chain-of-custody planning, and the out-of-court remedy, while also flagging concerns about the absentee application cutoff, city opt-outs from absentee voting, and staffing requirements for absentee locations.
Later in the hearing, members discussed a separate proposed amendment, A4/A3, dealing with prohibitions on inducements to vote or register, including lotteries or other chances to win money or goods. The author explained it was intended to clarify existing law and respond to recent examples of large-money election-related giveaways, but after discussion the chair declined to offer the amendment in committee, saying it would likely not have enough support and could be taken up later on the floor. The hearing ended with the technical amendments adopted and the bill advanced with the committee continuing broader discussions on the remaining issues.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- submitted on behalf of those nominees was from the board itself, and the nominee was not physically or remotely
- 00:49:40.240>
not <00:49:40.800>physically <00:49:41.359>or <00:49:42.000>remotely - nominee was not physically or remotely nominee was not physically or remotely present<00:49:42.880
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held a confirmation hearing on a long list of nominees to state boards and commissions. Early nominees included David Padilla to the State Boxing Commission, Steven Pine to the Board of Dentistry, Deborah McMmen to the Board of Acupuncture, Tiffany Lyn Hmel and Gabriel Aay to the Board of Veterinary Medicine, Nathan Eslin to the Cable Advisory Committee, John Takitani and Tony Lao to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, John Arbles to the State Board of Public Accountancy, and later nominees to the Board of Psychology, Board of Pharmacy, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Board of Chiropractic, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Private Detectives and Guards, and the Real Estate Commission. Most nominations were for terms expiring in 2027, 2028, or 2029, with one Real Estate Commission term expiring in 2026.
Testimony was overwhelmingly in support. DCCA and the relevant boards or commissions generally stood on written testimony supporting each nominee, and many individual supporters also testified, including professional associations, industry representatives, and community members. Several nominees briefly addressed the committee, expressing appreciation and interest in continuing or beginning service. The committee asked a few questions on some nominations, especially about the Real Estate Commission and the Board of Private Detectives and Guards, where members discussed condominium-related complaints, association practices, and whether the board could do more to assist security personnel; the nominee said staffing and authority limits constrained additional training or oversight. For the Real Estate Commission, members also asked about broader housing and market conditions, and the nominee said inventory shortages and housing supply issues remained a major concern.
No opposition testimony or contentious votes were described in the transcript. The chair repeatedly asked whether there were questions or additional testimony, and after each nominee the committee generally moved on without objection. The hearing was focused on receiving testimony and evaluating the nominees for later confirmation rather than taking final action during the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/09/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- enjoyment is not just for us only, you know, in person, but also for those who are watching from remote
- And we also have student workers and a whole volunteer monitoring program.
- And then student workers and volunteers. siloed out by program. So, it it siloed out by program.
- And we also have student workers work.
- And we also have student workers and<00:41:31.960>
a <00:41:32.240>whole <00:41:32.560><
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Identify yourself for the record and welcome to the committee. three remote.
- They'll be speaking after. three remote. They'll be speaking after.
- Um, next up are three remote >> Thank you.
- Um, next up are three remote um,<00:46:31.920>
presenters. - Um, next up are three remote presenters.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on S.F. 2370 - Cannabis Omnibus - 05/16/25
Transcript Highlights:
- remote consultation opportunities between<00:03:57.360>
a <00:03:57.680>cannabis <00:03 - Marin Schroeder also joining us remotely.
- Thank you members of the conference committee for the opportunity to testify remotely.
- My name is Marin, and I'm on behalf of the Minnesota Drug Policy... to tie remotely.
- Uh am is very early for to tie remotely.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- That also will make them better citizens when they are out of school and better workers in the workplace
- That also will make them better citizens when they are out of school and better workers in the workplace
- If I've ever seen anything in my life that even remotely comes to me, what it means when the rabbit has
- in my life If I've ever seen anything in my life that<02:10:30.960>
even <02:10:31.280>remotely - <02:10:31.760>
comes <02:10:32.079>to that even remotely comes to that even remotely
Summary:
The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years.
After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education.
The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't want to put unnecessary burdens on our schools and our service workers, and we know that they
- already... ...want to put unnecessary burdens on our schools and our service workers, and we know that
- That was a high watermark to compare teachers with these like-educated workers. It was about 5%.
- And it's even worse for classified workers.
- And I won't steal your thunder, but there are places where, ...workers.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote.
The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations.
The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If a worker can't find a home near their place of employment, it makes it harder for them to take the
- In Eagan, 78% of workers use private vehicles to commute to work, only 2.6% use public transit, and 2%
- In Eagan, 78% of workers use private vehicles to commute to work, only 2.6% use public transit, and 2%
- In Eagan, 78% of workers use private vehicles to commute to work, only 2.6% use public transit, and 2%
- We'll be doing it remotely. Susan, can you state your name for the record, please?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Pursuant to the remote voting procedures adopted by the Senate, the chair will announce the votes for
- I'm soon to the remote voting, but she's adopted by the Senate, the Chair announced the votes of several
Summary:
The Senate took up a series of resolutions and bills, beginning with unanimous adoption of resolutions congratulating two Eagle Scouts. It then advanced several local and special acts, including measures on Machado-Joseph disease awareness day, the Ipswich senior tax referral program, Swampscott conservation commission appointments, protections for individuals with disabilities in MassHealth day habilitation programs, continued employment in Brookfield, Marblehead parking fines, Natick’s home rule charter, and Boston affordable housing/branch library space. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committees.
The Senate enacted House bills authorizing additional wine and malt beverage licenses in Lexington and a means-tested senior property tax exemption in Melrose. It also passed Senate Bill 2603 on affordable car rentals after adopting an amendment; supporters said the bill would reduce rental costs by changing Massachusetts’ rental car insurance rules to align with most other states. Senate Bill 1057 on fentanyl test strips was also passed to be engrossed after Senator Creem argued the bill would expand access to a low-cost overdose prevention tool and save lives. Senator Moore then spoke in support of expanding Nikki’s Law to cover MassHealth day habilitation programs, describing the bill as a needed protection for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A major portion of the meeting focused on House 4530, a FY2025 supplemental appropriations bill providing $234 million for hospitals and community health centers. Senators discussed the Health Safety Net shortfall, rising health care costs, underinsurance, and federal reimbursement; Ways and Means explained that about $93 million was expected back in federal financial participation, making the net state cost about $140 million. The Senate also took up House 4531 on the 2026 state primary election date, rejecting an amendment before passing the bill to engrossment. The chamber later adopted emergency preambles for House 4530 and House 4531, and all three final bills—Machado-Joseph Disease Awareness Day, the supplemental budget, and the primary election date bill—were enacted and sent to the Governor. The Senate adjourned in memory of Ricardo Barbosa after a memorial statement by Senator Miranda.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 9, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So we try to simplify, at the beginning, decades of research in remote sensing...
- We tried to simplify, at the beginning, decades of research in remote sensing and geospatial analytics
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met to discuss the use of artificial intelligence in emergency management and related public-safety applications. The panel included the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the University of Florida, and Florida International University. FDEM described current uses of AI for invoice anomaly detection, automated situation report drafting, and data synthesis in WebEOC, emphasizing that AI is used to speed analysis and improve efficiency but not to replace human decision-making. The agency also said counties retain access through backup communications such as Starlink and generators, and that WebEOC provides shared visibility, archived documentation, and a common operating picture across all 67 counties.
University of Florida representatives highlighted Beacon, an AI-enabled public safety audio service developed with FDEM and public media partners to distribute official alerts across multiple platforms, including mobile devices and digital streams. UF IFAS described a geospatial AI “Gaia bot” that turns satellite data into natural-language answers and maps for crop damage assessment and flood-risk mapping, with a focus on making complex Earth-observation data more accessible to growers and policymakers. FIU presented AI models that predict water levels and flood mitigation settings much faster than traditional simulation tools, with comparable or better accuracy, and said the work includes explainability features and broader research on compound flooding.
Members asked extensive questions about storm surge, hallucinations, whether generative AI or large language models were being used, data vetting, and hardware needs. The witnesses repeatedly stressed that their systems are not autonomous, that human review remains central, and that the models used are primarily data-driven predictive tools rather than chatbot-style generative AI. The meeting ended with thanks to the panelists and an announcement that the committee’s policy chief was leaving for another position. Representative Mooney then moved that the committee rise, and the meeting adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits Dec 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Information about how to register for in-person and remote public testimony was on the legislature's
- Information about how to register for in-person and remote public testimony was on the legislature's
Summary:
The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings.
The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints.
Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.