Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, I'm going to start with education.
• I'm good with higher education now based on your responses.
• I'm good with higher education now based on your responses.
• And my other concern has to do with the education system.
• to conform to the proposed higher education budget.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance.
• On education finance. I am Chair, Member David Alvarez, and I welcome you all.
• or that may have further economic challenges attending higher education.
• So... ...have further economic challenges attending higher education.
• Tiffany Mock with CFT, a union of educators and classified professionals.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We include over $1 billion for education capital outlay.
• and engagement in Florida's K-12 education system.
• in higher education in the entire country.
• in higher education in the entire country.
• programs in addition to nursing education programs.

Bills: S2500, S2502, S2504, S7028, S2506, S2508, S2510, S2512, S2514, S2516, S2518, S0482, S0678, S0984, S1016, S1074, S1706, S7030

Keywords: budget, appropriation, education funding, healthcare, environmental protection, infrastructure, local government, Appropriations Act, funding, education, rural development, economic assistance, collective bargaining, state employees, labor relations, impasse resolution, negotiations, retirement, elected officials, Deferred Retirement Option Program

Summary: The committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2026-2027 budget, SPB 2500, with chairs outlining major spending in K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Highlights included a $115 billion overall budget, pay raises for state employees and public safety workers, major K-12 funding increases and enrollment supplements, higher education workforce and nursing investments, expanded Medicaid/KidCare and behavioral health funding, corrections and law enforcement operational funding, transportation and housing investments, and significant environmental and water quality spending. Members asked about civic education funding, declining enrollment, professor retention, APD waiver waitlists, cultural grant allocations, and other line items. Public testimony also addressed HIV/AIDS drug assistance funding and prison air conditioning. SPB 2500 was adopted as a committee bill after amendment consideration and a roll call vote. The committee then took up implementing and related budget bills, including SPB 2502 (implementing the General Appropriations Act), SPB 2504 (state employee bargaining placeholder), SB 7028 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and related retirement changes), SPB 2506 (fuel tax distributions), SPB 2508 (state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge), SPB 2510 (termination of an unused court trust fund), SPB 2512 (new judgeships), SPB 2514 (K-12 conforming changes), SPB 2516 (higher education conforming changes), and SPB 2518 (health conforming changes). Most were explained as technical or conforming measures tied to the budget, and all were reported favorably as committee bills, with SB 7028 amended to direct a portion of increased contributions to disability and line-of-duty death benefits in the FRS investment plan. The committee also heard and passed several member bills, including CS for SB 1074 on rounding rules for cash transactions in a world without pennies, CS for SB 678 restoring the alcohol loss deduction framework for distributors, and SB 964 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention. SB 964 drew the most discussion, with questions about the one-year death-benefit window, the separate $25,000 cancer diagnosis payment, and whether the bill could create gaps in coverage for firefighters diagnosed or dying just outside the new time limits. Firefighter representatives testified in support, saying the bill would provide clearer protections for members and families. All of these measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] Welcome, everyone, to the fourth meeting of the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee
• <00:06:13.599> to in providing real Financial education to in providing real Financial education
• Um, we need this education. I'm personally ready for it, and frankly, so are my peers.
• <00:19:37.240> on uh Kentucky Department of Education on uh Kentucky Department of Education
• ... ...limit the use of social media during the school day unless it's for educ...

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 342, which would require all Kentucky students to complete a one-credit financial literacy course for graduation, with the credit able to count toward math, social studies, or an elective. Representative Meredith and student advocate Patrick Rovi argued the current financial literacy mandate is too weak without a credit requirement, citing low implementation across schools and the need for practical instruction in loans, credit, investing, and budgeting. Members generally supported the bill, while Representative Tipton raised concerns about adding credit requirements and limiting dual credit options, and Representative Willner questioned whether it would create an unfunded mandate. Supporters responded that the bill is designed to fit within existing graduation requirements and that free curriculum and professional development resources are available through groups like Next Generation Personal Finance. HB 342 passed the committee unanimously with an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next considered House Bill 661, a technical cleanup bill related to the previously enacted nine-passenger van option for school transportation. Representative Emily Callaway said the measure only adjusts regulations needed for KDE to implement the earlier law effectively. The bill passed without opposition. House Bill 208, sponsored by Representatives Josh Bray and James Tipton, would require school districts to adopt policies limiting cell phone use during the school day and, in the updated version, restrict social media access as well. Supporters said the bill is intended to improve student attention, reduce cyberbullying and mental health harms, and address concerns raised by school disruptions and social media use. Members asked about exemptions for students with medical needs, emergency access, and whether districts would need new software; sponsors said existing district technology and local discretion should handle those issues. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then began taking up House Bill 430, which would let certain small-transportation districts seek an exemption from the KDE requirement for four annual bus safety trainings, provided they adopt a local safety policy and submit it to KDE. A district superintendent testified that the current blanket requirement causes significant instructional disruption for districts with very limited daily transportation needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge you all to cut the government overreach out and leave higher education to higher education.
• I urge you all to cut the government overreach out and leave higher education to higher education.
• I urge you all to cut the government overreach out and leave higher education to higher education.
• I urge you all to cut the government overreach out and leave higher education to higher education.
• I urge you all to cut the government overreach out and leave higher education to higher education.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 305, which would clarify and expand a healthcare workforce bill to explicitly include physician assistants and dietitians in efforts to address shortages, especially in rural areas. Rep. Fleming said the change was intended to help with Medicaid-related needs such as diabetes care and noted a decline in dietitian internship applications. Rep. Roarx supported the bill, emphasizing the value of dietitians in helping patients make practical nutrition changes. The bill received a unanimous favorable expression, 14-0, and was reported to the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 427, which would create statewide 60-credit-hour transfer pathways for high-demand bachelor’s degree programs under the Council on Postsecondary Education. Rep. Grossl explained the bill is meant to prevent students from losing major credit when transferring between KCTCS and four-year institutions, using nursing as an example. Questions focused on rigor, dual credit, how high-demand programs would be selected, and the July 1, 2026 implementation date; the sponsor said CPE and faculty would map curricula and align standards. The Kentucky Student Rights Coalition testified in support, saying the bill would help students complete degrees faster and make credits count toward majors. HB 427 also passed unanimously, 14-0, with favorable expression. The committee then took up House Bill 424, as amended by a committee substitute. Rep. Tipton said the substitute removed language allowing up to six-year contracts and instead set up a process for four-year contracts and periodic performance reviews for faculty, including presidents, at public postsecondary institutions. He said the bill is intended to give universities clearer authority to remove underperforming employees and be more efficient with taxpayer dollars. Several faculty witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it would erode tenure protections, create arbitrary performance standards, and harm recruitment, retention, and academic freedom. The committee adopted the substitute and heard testimony, but no final vote on HB 424 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're extending education through all kinds of processes.
• help from the Public Education Department.
• Ending with that 2%, the Public Education Department retains the 2% on behalf of the Public Education
• So, we make sure, and my expertise is in special education and...
• Am I correct that the boards of education...

Transcript Highlights:

• His passion for education and making sure students and educators were taken care of His passion for education
• We're providing education for our state.
• The Department of Education, be happy to answer any questions.
• Our educational adequacy fund supports early childhood education already.
• Members, this is the educational television appropriation with the Department of Education budget.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And despite that, it was great educators.
• And then the governor taught me to become Secretary of Education.
• We're educators; we are all educators, and so legally we can't.
• Number 6: State legislative updates related to education.
• Aren't you all in your fields of education?

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a[n] appropriate place to be here in higher education.
• That's really big in education.
• the governor had proposed to cut 8% of higher education in our budget, right?
• And so, of course, a lot of us are just higher education and education champions, but you just highlighted
• We're talking about education from the K-12 education sector through the community colleges and the four-year

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in San Diego focused on “Making Sense of California’s Economy: Real Cost Pressures and Household Impacts Facing San Diego.” Chair Salas and Assemblymember Darshana Patel opened by emphasizing affordability, housing, and the importance of bringing state policy discussions into the community. The first panel featured leaders from Cal State San Marcos and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, who described the region’s innovation ecosystem, the university’s role in social mobility and workforce development, and the importance of partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, military installations, and industry. They also highlighted regional strengths in life sciences, aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and venture-backed innovation, while warning that housing costs, federal research cuts, permitting delays, and small-business fragility threaten growth and talent retention. Committee members asked about collaboration among higher education institutions and what state policy changes could help. Panelists said the region’s universities are complementary rather than competitive and stressed the value of public-private partnerships, social innovation, and aligning academic programs with employer needs. On policy, they urged faster permitting, possible regulatory sandboxes, stronger research investment, support for cross-border trade and manufacturing, and more housing affordability to keep workers in the region. The second panel centered on small business and entrepreneurship, with testimony from Hydrostasis founder Dr. Debbie Chen, Amai co-founder Sven Davison, and Asian Business Association San Diego CEO Jason Pagal. Chen described building a hydration-monitoring wearable, the barriers women founders face in accessing capital, and the importance of SBDC, Stella Foundation, and university internship support. Davison described Amai’s edible cup business and how tariffs, supply-chain costs, and financing constraints forced the company to pivot manufacturing plans. Pagal presented survey data showing high relocation intent, difficulty hiring, and low confidence among businesses, and recommended expanded technical assistance, regional cost-of-living adjustments, and small-business affordability zones. During questioning, members discussed targeted procurement and local incentive models, the role of SBDC and other support networks, and how to better tailor state programs to local conditions. Public comment came from the California Southern Small Business Development Corporation, which stressed that access to affordable capital remains a major challenge and noted the volume of loan guarantee requests coming from San Diego. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks from both members underscoring the need to use local testimony to shape future state policy and support California’s economy, families, and small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, the public education portion of Article 3. of Senate Bill 1.
• We will move on to Article 3, higher education. education and wait for the documents to be handed out
• This is for for the Higher Education Coordinating Board.
• Entitled Special Provisions Related Only to State Agencies of Higher Education.
• Item number four, adjustment to voter education fees and appropriations.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• children and educators is broken. children and educators is broken.
• secondary to rising special education secondary to rising special education costs,<04:27:37.279>
• This amendment provides education.
• education regardless of their zip code. education regardless of their zip code.
• It's about improving education.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussed in this previous week as it pertains to not just K through 12 or higher education and silos
• , both public education and higher education bills that you'll see in a in the near future.
• Commissioner of Higher Education, Texas Higher Education of Education, Texas Education Agency, and Mr
• It was a time when we really saw the linkages between higher education, public education, and what was
• Through the education system into the workforce, whatever path they take.

Keywords: administrative matters, public testimony, committee schedules, legislation, collaboration

Summary: The committee meeting focused on several administrative matters, alongside public comments and expert testimonies regarding the proposed legislation. Representative Shaheen highlighted concerns regarding the parameters for public comment, ensuring that only embodied testimonies would be allowed during this session. The meeting was well-attended, and members frequently moved in and out due to overlapping committee schedules. The atmosphere was one of collaboration, underscored by a strong presence of both committee members and the public.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have someone who would have probably the education behind that because I don't know.”
• Individuals who don't have children, early childhood education, and they're..." “Not a flaw.
• But this is how we fund our education system, is through sales tax.
• facilities that give early childhood education.
• So it seems like it's, I guess, maybe giving clarity. ...education.

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee met in executive session with a quorum present and took up House Bill 2379, first adopting a pre-distributed House Committee Substitute with no amendments. The sponsor explained that the substitute was revised to align with Senate language and would clarify definitions, limit applicability to certain counties, rename the fund the Early Childhood Education Fund, broaden eligible uses to include child care services, move fund custody to the county treasurer, expand eligible recipients, and prioritize children with the greatest financial need. Most of the discussion focused on how the bill would work in practice. Members asked whether the measure created a new tax; the sponsor repeatedly said it did not, but instead would govern how any local sales tax for early childhood education, if approved by voters in St. Louis City or St. Louis County, would be deposited and spent. Supporters said the bill would add transparency and ensure funds are dedicated to early childhood purposes rather than diverted to general revenue or other uses. Some members raised concerns about taxpayers, including seniors, paying a tax from which they would not directly benefit, while others said the bill simply clarifies management of already authorized local tax authority. After discussion, the committee adopted the substitute by voice vote and then voted on the bill itself. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2379 was reported do pass by a roll call vote of seven ayes and two nos. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome back to the Education Policy Committee.
• I have served in a variety of roles in K-12 public education.
• Taber Samuelson, veteran educator with 30 years' experience in public schools and a master's in education
• Taber Samuelson veteran educator with 30 years experience in public schools and a master's in education
• quickly later in one's education.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , one special education educator on here.
• And again, special education cannot be just carved out of a regular education program.
• , one special education educator on here.
• And again, special education cannot be just carved out of a regular education program.
• /c><04:25:16.560> there education educator on here um there education educator on here um there

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 695, relating to school districts and medically related grants. The sponsor argued the bill was vague and could undermine existing law, and another member said it would add an unnecessary mandate for school districts. The committee voted to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the motion passed 18-0. Next, House Bill 765, which would consolidate school administrative units and make superintendent jobs elected positions, was also recommended inexpedient to legislate. Members said the bill raised too many questions, could duplicate other legislation, and would move away from local control. That motion likewise passed 18-0. House Bill 768, allowing public school districts to contract with approved private schools, drew more debate. Supporters described it as a language cleanup and an expansion of educational opportunity, while opponents raised concerns about the placement of the language and pending Supreme Court cases. The committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass, and then 10-8 to recommend ought to pass as amended, with a minority report noted. The committee then considered House Bill 446, dealing with parental notice for non-academic surveys. An amendment was offered to make the Youth Risk Behavior Survey opt-in rather than opt-out. Supporters said parents should be informed and should choose whether their children participate, while opponents argued the survey is an important tool for mental health data, grants, and school programming, and that opt-in would reduce participation and data quality. The amendment passed 10-8, and the bill as amended also passed 10-8, with a minority report noted. Finally, the committee began House Bill 741, which would allow parents to send children to any school district they choose and expand open enrollment. The sponsor described it as broadening choice and keeping public funds in public schools, and an amendment was proposed to restore provisions for children of military personnel. Discussion on the amendment began, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on House Bill 741 or the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since I was a Senate sponsor for the parental paid leave bill for education employees as well as state
• So..." "...and I really like to look at it further myself because I know that when I did the education
• 19.759> was<00:08:20.080> actually education trust fund budget was actually education trust
• <00:09:15.760> and a statewide campaign to educate and a statewide campaign to educate and
• education trust fund back in the 80s. education trust fund back in the 80s.

Bills: SB211, SB305, SB300, SB211, SB305, SB300

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, education funding, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, local education agencies, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students, tax exemption, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, business incentives, economic impact

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, we are the most cost-efficient higher education model in the state.
• We are focused on keeping higher education affordable.
• The second one is the higher education funds.
• Our exceptional item, uh, is a competency-based education request.
• It's a quick short one on special provisions relating to higher education.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Morrill Act forever changed higher education.
• That's a proven fact in higher education.
• Our educators are really good at informal education.
• Carla's seen it all within higher education.
• Carla's seen it all within higher education.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:33.719> more issue in early childhood education more issue in early childhood education
• experience after receiving an education experience after receiving an education in<00:14:07.440>
• obtained my master's degree in education obtained my master's degree in education Administration
• So they have to get an education.
• <00:35:04.920> ESP have people that have education ESP have people that have education ESP

Bills: HF1247, HF628

Keywords: child care, aides, supervision, child care centers, staffing regulations, childcare, day care, licensed child care center, early childhood education, child care licensing, director qualifications, staff ratios, group size, staff-to-child ratio, substitutes, volunteers, assistant teacher, teacher qualifications, infant care, toddler age

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:20:15.159> know Department of Education and if I know Department of Education and if I know
• 31 and if I know that the education 31 and if I know that the education policy<00:20:32.440>
• <01:03:57.559> and<01:03:57.760> their education and their education and their care<01:
• the house education communities and the house education funding<01:44:49.080> committee<01:44
• laws where we said it's no education laws where we said it's no longer<01:49:29.360> educating

Keywords: 1189, house, all