Video & Transcript : 'sanctuary schools' :
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AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 18th, 2026
ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Kids that come in at pre-K, they leave the school, they come back to school, they leave the school again
- They have UAPB doing an excellent job of partnering with the school, and the school district is really
- We work in all of the schools in Pine Bluff and the Watson Chapel District, Pine Bluff School District
- and the public charter schools.
- She built schools.
Committee:
All ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE
Summary:
The meeting opened with a report on annual solvency certification for institutions of higher education, which required no action and was to be distributed later. The main presentation focused on artificial intelligence in K-12 and higher education, delivered by students from Arkansas State University, the University of Central Arkansas, and Valley View High School. They argued that AI is becoming central to education and the workforce, especially as Arkansas adds major data center investments, and said students should be taught to use AI responsibly so they can compete for jobs, improve internships, and keep talent in-state. They also emphasized concerns about academic integrity, cybercrime, and the need for ethics training and district-level guidance.
The presenters shared survey findings from educators in several Arkansas districts, saying most teachers support teaching responsible AI use, believe students without access to AI will be disadvantaged, and want training and district-level management. They described existing AI uses at Arkansas colleges, including AI tutors, AI-generated practice exams, homework feedback tools, and classroom applications in business, climate science, and urban forestry. They also proposed an AI library built on the state’s Access Act infrastructure so K-12 and college students could access shared AI tools and resources across Arkansas.
Committee members asked about student attitudes, classroom concerns, and whether AI could help standardize course materials and objectives across institutions. The presenters said reactions among students are mixed, with arts students especially worried about copyright and originality, but that many recognize AI’s real-world value. A UCA representative added that faculty training, ethics discussions, and academic dishonesty guidance are already underway there. The chair thanked the students, noted their work on related research projects, and then moved to a second presentation from Pine Bluff community leaders.
The Pine Bluff group described community-based school support efforts, including the Pastors on Patrol program, mentoring, anti-bullying and nonviolence training, drug and vaping education, leadership clubs, and a youth diversion effort for students at risk of detention. They said their work is aimed at improving school climate, encouraging citizenship and scholarship, and reducing negative behavior. Members praised the group’s efforts and asked about expanding the programs to other districts; the presenters said their model and curriculum can be shared and adapted. The meeting ended after the chair thanked both groups and adjourned with no further business.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, so, I was cutting out of school, and I had my husband call the school.
- So, anyway, so we go to the school. So, anyway, so we go to the school.
- School. School.
- </c> catering for school events. catering for school events.
- . schools. schools.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/18/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Francis area school teachers, with the Rockford area school teachers, with the Elk River school district
- Senator Farnsworth's me schools.
- So, that's our school districts.
- </c> and 17.9% of school bus drivers. and 17.9% of school bus drivers.
- </c> needed in my school districts right now. needed in my school districts right now.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Apr 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They are engaging in school.
- But we also need to look at access to out-of-school programming before and after school.
- Of course, those same plans that they just turned in last, which school districts and out-of-school time
- And we ask our schools to do climate surveys. How do your parents feel about the school climate?
- That will help make a difference to Schools in how PED operates and the expectations from schools.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Apr 15th, 2026
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- and then market that to the schools, and then the schools will send that back in.
- There are school policies that say, for example, if this middle school has more than 750 kids, there'll
- working at the school district and appreciated the opportunity.
- a meeting with the school board.
- We’re into helping all students succeed after high school.
Committee:
House Elementary and Secondary Education
Summary:
The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education met in executive session and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 31. A committee substitute was adopted after the sponsor explained revisions to the proposed civics and patriotism work group, including clearer qualifications, DESE’s role in producing seals, recognition levels for gold/silver/bronze, and a special recognition letter for students entering military service. Ranking member Steinhoff supported the substitute, saying the changes improved implementation and likely reduced fiscal impact. The substitute was then passed do pass, and the committee later corrected the recorded vote on HCR 31 from 15-0 to 16-0.
The committee then considered a combined substitute for House Bills 21, 26, and 2197, focused on building-level administrator evaluations and nonrenewal procedures. The substitute required administrators to be evaluated at least once per contract year, required written notice of renewal or nonrenewal by March 1, and gave nonrenewed administrators the right to request written reasons and a closed-door hearing before the school board. Members discussed the removal of earlier language that would have created automatic renewal if deadlines were missed and the decision not to create tenure for principals. Concerns were raised about whether the hearing right gave administrators more protection than other employees, but sponsors said the intent was to ensure annual evaluations and transparency without granting tenure. The committee adopted an amendment, rolled it into a new substitute, and passed the substitute do pass by a 17-0 vote.
After leaving executive session, the committee heard House Bill 3489 from Representative Hurlbert. The bill, patterned after Arkansas legislation, would expand access to workforce development assessments such as WorkKeys and allow up to nine hours of college credit for demonstrated workplace skills as recommended by the American Council on Education. Testimony from ACT, the Missouri Chamber, and DESE supported the goal of elevating career readiness, noting employer demand for skilled workers, existing use of WorkKeys in Missouri, and its role in career and technical education and accountability systems. Members asked about the bill’s relationship to the governor’s workforce executive order, whether the language should be mandatory or permissive, and how the credits would transfer. The hearing on HB 3489 concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Rogers High School is becoming a powerhouse in Arkansas high school sports.
- Rogers High School is becoming a powerhouse in Arkansas high school sports.
- Rogers High School is becoming a powerhouse in Arkansas high school sports.
- Rogers High School is becoming a powerhouse in Arkansas high school sports.
- Rogers High School is becoming a powerhouse in Arkansas high school sports.
Summary:
The House convened to finish items from an adjourned resolution and spent the meeting recognizing a series of resolutions honoring public health awareness, community service, and athletic and academic achievements. House Resolution 1021 designated May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, with the sponsor emphasizing that skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., is highly preventable, and benefits from early detection. House Resolution 1020 honored Frederick Henry Middleton upon his retirement after 50 years of service to the City of Arkadelphia, and House Resolution 1022 congratulated the Rolling Razorbacks on winning their sixth Division II National Wheelchair Basketball Championship, with MVP Jeff Glassbrenner and Coach Jared Johnson recognized on the floor.
The chamber then adopted or considered multiple school-sports resolutions, including House Resolution 1033 honoring the Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School Patriots boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 5A state championship, and House Resolutions 1028 through 1032 recognizing Rogers High School teams for championships in girls cross-country, baseball, boys tennis, girls wrestling, and boys golf. House Resolutions 1040 and 1041 honored Mountain Home High School’s boys and girls cross-country teams for sweeping the 2025 Class 5A titles, and House Resolution 1044 recognized Mount St. Mary Academy’s Bell’s golf team for its third straight Class 6A championship.
Additional resolutions recognized the Central Arkansas Christian High School Choir for its first Best in Class showing at the state choir festival, Coach Dave Wilbers of Arkansas Tech University for his retirement after a highly successful women’s basketball career, Arkansas Tech’s Golden Suns cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference championship, and the North Little Rock Lady Charging Wildcats girls basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 6A state title. No substantive legislation was debated; the meeting consisted primarily of ceremonial presentations, brief remarks, and requests for favorable votes or title-only readings, and it ended with the House announcing it would reconvene at 1:00 p.m.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Jul 7th, 2025
Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- High schools across New Mexico every year.
- campuses or school services.
- We will continue to work with school districts and schools to help implement and ensure that all schools
- school environments.
- Oh, thank you for the 24-7 school policy at Las Cruces public schools.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Local Legislation Committee Feb 3rd, 2026
Local Legislation
Transcript Highlights:
- On November the 20th, School Board.
- </c><00:10:21.839><c> This</c> the school board members. This the school board members.
- It's not school board versus the people or the people versus school board because in...
- It's not school board versus the people or the people versus school board because in...
- It's not school board versus the people or the people versus school board because in...
Bills:
HB180
Committee:
House Local Legislation
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Caucus of the Whole - H.955 report - 2026-04-14 - 11:11AM
Vermont House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> took the next step in a school took the next step in a school construction<00:09:29.360><c> and<
- school debt program construction and school debt program set<00:09:32.400><c> to</c><00:09:32.520><c
- Maybe that's a regional high school. school. school.
- </c> Or maybe that's two elementary schools Or maybe that's two elementary schools that<00:10:02.960>
- And we've asked the school construction division of AOE and the school construction advisory board to
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> school board members in their districts. school board members in their districts.
- , to school districts.
- c> audit</c> charter school one charter school audit charter school one charter school audit and<00:36
- </c> school district, charter, public school school district, charter, public school or<01:51:27.040>
- </c><01:57:02.080><c> because</c><01:57:02.480><c> school</c> only one school district because school
Committee:
House Education Funding
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Schools. If y'all could please stand. Schools. If y'all could please stand.
- We're trying to protect our schools. We're protecting our schools.
- </c> religion at school. religion at school.
- It could be done after school, before school, you know, if you want to do that.
- 02:55:04.880><c> school,</c><02:55:05.960><c> you</c> done after school, before school, you done after
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then quickly handled routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports throughout the day. The chamber first took up House amendments to Senate Bill 19 on insurance, including a changed start date and a bill name honoring David McHanie and Roy Johnson. On a long roll, the Senate concurred 22-0 with one abstention. Senator Singleton then used personal privilege to present a Black History observance highlighting Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., and Mahalia Jackson.
Committee reports followed, with the Senate confirming Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission and Lynn Brewer to the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors. Senator Singleton spoke at length in support of the trades-related confirmation, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor, contractor oversight, and workforce training, while also discussing the need to support such professions and the role of boards in protecting consumers. The Senate also received favorable reports from Judiciary, Education Policy, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Tourism, and Local Legislation on a range of bills, many with amendments or substitutes, and placed them on the next day’s calendar.
In motions and resolutions, Senator Elliott recommitted Senate Bill 310 to local legislation and introduced Senate Joint Resolution 50 honoring Coach Tim Carter, which was sent to rules. The Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 51 mourning Junior Harold Sorrells and several House resolutions from the Rules Committee, including recognitions for the Alabama State Games, Mack McCutcheon’s retirement, the Black pioneers of Macon County, Alicia Cannon, Joseph William Jones Jr., and Louis Vuitton the Pitbull Day. The chamber also recognized several school leaders in the gallery and then moved into local bills, beginning with Senate Bill 266, a proposed constitutional amendment regarding Covington County, for which a bill reading was requested using the previous roll.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Jan 14th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Medical school, I don't know.
- So we've got to get down into the high school, and honestly, we need to get down into the middle schools
- We had the big schools and the smaller schools, right, in the K-12 area.
- We had the big schools and the smaller schools, right, in the K-12 area.
- , from the small schools, the big schools.
Summary:
The Higher Education Funding Committee met to discuss possible changes to North Dakota’s higher education funding formula, with a particular focus on separating the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences MD program from the general formula. Dr. Jenkins outlined several options for the MD program, including a fixed-funding model, a hybrid model, or keeping it in the formula, and emphasized the need to preserve strong support for medical education while making future funding clearer. He also discussed efforts to increase the share of North Dakota students in the MD program through ND85, expanded recruiting, early acceptance pathways, MCAT prep, a four-plus-one program, and the Primary Care Accelerated Track, along with future cost pressures such as AI licensing and residency growth.
The committee then reviewed a simplified funding model from the University System Office that would base funding more heavily on student FTE, credentials awarded, and a few incentive factors such as small institution and research adjustments. Members questioned the use of placeholder numbers, the lack of a clear methodology for the small institution and research factors, and whether the model would adequately account for differences among institutions, high-cost programs, and graduate education. Several members raised concerns that arbitrary factors would be hard to defend politically and could distort funding or create competition between schools, while others said the exercise was useful as a starting point for discussion.
Alex presented a second alternative that kept the current SIP-code structure but increased CTE weighting, added a progressive economic size factor, and separated out the MD program. His model also added an on-campus face-to-face headcount component and a credentials component, with the intent of rewarding in-person enrollment and completions. Members questioned the use of headcount instead of FTE, how hybrid, online, dual-credit, and off-campus students would be treated, and why face-to-face enrollment was weighted more heavily than completion. No formal votes or final actions were taken; the committee instead continued discussion and asked members to provide direction on which elements, if any, should be developed further.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It just says the school athletic association, but the sentence starts out with public schools, private
- schools, higher education institutions... ...sentence starts out with public schools, private schools
- It says, if a school... In the measure, it says, if a school or athletic association...
- schools, etc.
- So the addition of the words “school district... ...school district employees to the second sentence
Committee:
Joint Legislative Council
Summary:
The committee met to review and adopt Legislative Council ballot measure analyses, with members repeatedly reminded that the hearing was limited to the accuracy, clarity, and impartiality of the summaries and not the merits of the underlying proposals. Steve Premack explained the statutory role of the analyses in the publicity pamphlet, and staff presented draft language for several measures. The committee considered and voted on multiple amendments, often debating whether proposed wording was clearer or instead crossed into advocacy or added unnecessary legal detail.
For SCR 1004, members debated amendments to more closely mirror the measure’s text and to add language about electric vehicles and mileage, but several proposed changes were rejected. The analysis was ultimately adopted by an 8-6 roll call. HCR 2021 was then adopted without amendment by the same 8-6 margin. For HCR 2055, members debated whether the summary should say the Department of Homeland Security must “do everything” or “use all lawful means available,” and whether to add language about cartels acting “individually or collectively”; both amendments were rejected and the analysis was adopted 8-6.
The committee next took up SCR 1004 on photo enforcement systems, where members proposed amendments to clarify that the measure would apply to red light cameras, to add “thereafter” regarding recurring voter approval, and to specify that approval would occur at the general election; those amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. On SCR 1032, dealing with instructional expenses and classroom site fund reductions, members debated adding a definition of the Classroom Site Fund and spelling out the waiver process in more detail; both amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. Finally, on HCR 2001 regarding citizenship identification and early voting, members rejected amendments that would have added background on current law, clarified that mail voting would be affected, added severability and revenue-source language, and struck the measure’s short title; the discussion was lengthy and at times contentious, but the transcript ends before a final roll-call vote on that measure is shown.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- or a private school whose students or teams compete against a public school to be expressly designated
- It just says the school athletic association, but the sentence starts out with public schools, private
- schools, higher education institutions, Sentence starts out with public schools, private schools, higher
- It says, if a school... In the measure, it says, if a school or athletic association...
- schools, etc.
Committee:
Joint Legislative Council
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Feb 25th, 2026
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Seven percent of Missouri high schools offer driver's education during the school year.
- of a lot of schools.
- back into schools.
- We are already in schools. We've been in five schools.
- physics or high school math.
Committee:
House Elementary and Secondary Education
Summary:
The committee met in executive session first and took up House Bill 3239, adopting a Hurlbert amendment that capped the program at $4 million and then adopting the House Committee Substitute. The substitute bill passed 11-7. The committee then combined House Bill 2913 and House Bill 3228 into one substitute; members discussed that it would not cover student teachers and was intended to start with the current scope and broaden later. The combined substitute passed unanimously, 19-0.
In open session, the committee heard House Bill 2195, which would create a Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program to let DESE vet and distribute safe-driving lesson materials for voluntary use in existing courses starting in 2027-2028. Sponsor Representative Reedy said the bill is intended to improve teen driver safety without a fiscal note. Supporters included AAA Missouri, traffic-safety and motorcycle groups, MoDOT, and the Missouri Insurance Coalition, who cited teen crash and fatality data, the benefits of formal driver education, and the need to address distracted driving, traffic stops, and motorcycle awareness. No one testified in opposition.
The committee also heard House Bill 2502, which would clarify how records from closed nonpublic schools and charter schools are transferred and stored so students can later obtain transcripts and graduation records. The sponsor said the bill responds to missing records from closed schools and would direct records to the appropriate public district; a technical correction was noted to avoid including homeschool records. Missouri NEA supported the bill and suggested charter-school performance contracts include compliance expectations. The committee then heard House Bill 2396, which would allow retired teachers to return to PSRS-covered teaching jobs without a time limit, similar to existing critical-shortage provisions. The sponsor argued it would help districts, especially smaller ones, and could benefit teachers and students without harming the retirement system. PSRS/PEERS testified that the bill could raise contribution rates by an estimated 1.44% to 2.45% and raised concerns about behavior changes and IRS qualification issues; Missouri NEA and the Missouri State Teachers Association opposed the bill, saying it would not solve recruitment and retention problems and could damage the retirement system. The Missouri Retired Teachers Association testified for informational purposes, warning that the bill could prompt many eligible teachers to retire sooner.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 25th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Before school, after school, or even during school, some sort of like pullout sessions and intensive
- So, I see that as more of an option for different-sized schools for Small schools.
- And if we leave this amount, the private school and the home School students outside of these interventions
- or private school, especially as we know they often rotate back in through public schools throughout
- And for us to be neglecting our private school and home School students, especially since we're making
Bills:
SB1778 , SB1570 , SB134 , SB1966 , SB1636 , SB1725 , SB1726 , SB259 , SB504 , SB592 , SB2030 , SB1572 , SB843 , SB1242 , SB1255 , SB1262 , SB1264 , SB1286 , SB1581 , SB1290 , SB1316 , SB1319 , SB1369 , SB1379 , SB1381 , SB1400 , SB1427 , SB1436 , SB1461 , SB1496 , SB1509 , SB1534 , SB1553 , SB904 , SB1592 , SB1645 , SB1684 , SB1767 , SB1772 , SB1813 , SB1894 , SB1928 , SB1946 , SB1980 , SB2040 , SB2060 , SB2061
Keywords:
reading instruction, literacy, educational equity, intervention services, third grade retention, Strong Readers Act, child welfare, child safety, administrative transition, Department of Child Safety and Well-being, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, juvenile justice, foster care, retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, memorial highways, bridge designations
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-14 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- THE MONEY FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH MONEY FOR HOMESCHOOLING BUT THE MONEY FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS, ALL THE
- I'M HOPING AS WE MOVE FORWARD WE WILL LOOK AT TRADITIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS AND
- , TRADITIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS.
- WE HAVE GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, CHARTER SCHOOLS, PRIVATE SCHOOLS, GREAT VIRTUAL SCHOOLS BUT EVERYBODY DOESN'T
- FOR UNIVERSAL SCHOOL FREEDOM.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- , Kalah High School, and Kua High School.
- From Castle High School, we have Leela James AB.
- okay all right okay so from wal School okay all right okay so from wal high<00:12:51.040><c> school<
- </c><00:14:29.519><c> in</c><00:14:29.600><c> the</c> LGE school in the LGE school in the state<00:14
- </c><00:16:30.639><c> who</c> introduce from Kaiser High School who introduce from Kaiser High School
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Education (3-13-25) - Upon Recess
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> at Edmonson County High School. at Edmonson County High School.
- </c> Patrick Gerovi, Northm High School. Patrick Gerovi, Northm High School.
- </c> requirements for the continuous school requirements for the continuous school improvement<00:10:
- </c> children uh in our school system. children uh in our school system.
- I have a high school son.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Education met with a quorum and took up several education bills near the end of session. House Bill 342, which would require a financial literacy course for Kentucky high school students, was presented by Rep. Michael Meredith and student advocate Patrick Reovi. Meredith explained that a committee substitute addressed Kentucky Department of Education concerns by making the course a required elective anywhere in high school rather than limiting it to junior or senior year, and by retaining flexibility on credit options. Reovi testified in support, arguing that many students lack basic financial knowledge and should graduate prepared to handle budgeting, credit, debt, and student loans. The substitute was adopted, and HB 342 passed the committee 10-0.
The committee then heard House Bill 480, a teacher workload and bureaucracy reduction measure. Rep. Shane Baker described the bill as the product of a working group with educators and administrators and said it was intended to reduce redundant requirements and let teachers focus more on students. He said the bill would lengthen the evaluation cycle from every three years to every five, streamline professional development requirements, update continuous school improvement plan filing rules, and limit new reporting mandates. A committee substitute removed the CSIP provisions after discussion with KDE, and members noted concerns about implementation and federal funding implications for mentor training language. The substitute was adopted and HB 480 passed unanimously.
House Bill 190, relating to advanced education opportunities, was presented by Rep. Robert Duvall. He said the bill would require districts to adopt policies on advanced coursework and accelerated learning for grades 4 through 12, with local flexibility. He also explained that the House committee substitute changed several provisions from mandatory to permissive, including automatic enrollment for students scoring distinguished and parent opt-out language. The bill passed unanimously. House Bill 430, on school bus safety training, was presented by Reps. Mike Clines and Emily Callaway, who said it would reduce regulations, improve bus safety, and fix regulatory issues arising from prior legislation allowing nine-passenger vans for school transportation. A committee substitute was adopted, the bill passed unanimously, and a title amendment was also adopted.
Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 208 on technology and public schools. Rep. Josh Bray, Rep. James Tipton, and Nick Spencer of the Family Foundation of Kentucky supported a policy requiring districts to prohibit student cell phone use during instructional time, with exceptions for disabilities, teacher-directed educational use, or incentives. They argued the bill would improve academic performance, reduce bullying and mental health problems, and limit social media access during school. The transcript cuts off during testimony on HB 208, before any committee action on the bill is shown.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- School districts, in my opinion, and in many of the opinions of educators, superintendents, school committee
- in their classrooms and in their school districts.
- Massachusetts has four medical schools, training programs, and two schools.
- Massachusetts has four medical schools, training programs, and two schools, but far too many children
- It would give school nurses the ability to access it.
Summary:
The Senate first handled a House petition from John H. Rawlers and others seeking eminent domain authority for a parcel in Norwood; Joint Rule 12 was suspended and the matter was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The chamber then resumed debate on the literacy bill, with Senator Tarr offering a series of amendments focused on school district funding, teacher competency, reporting, waivers, and curriculum implementation. Most of Tarr’s amendments were rejected, but one requiring written, appealable denials of district waivers was adopted by roll call, and another amendment on reporting from the Early Literacy Fund, including provisions for English language learners and special education educators, was also adopted. A separate amendment extending the timeline for DESE to publish high-quality curricula was adopted, while several other amendments were withdrawn or defeated.
The Senate also considered and adopted an amendment from Senator Comerford addressing rural and regional equity in education funding. That amendment expanded eligible uses of the Early Literacy Fund to include screening assessments, required DESE to prioritize geographic and funding equity, mandated a public hearing in Western Massachusetts before final grant criteria were finalized, and directed technical assistance to rural districts. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, emphasizing chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, minimum-aid pressures, and the need for a broader review of the Chapter 70 formula and a Foundation Budget Review Commission. The amendment passed unanimously.
Later, the Senate took up an amendment from Senator Moore on children’s vision care, which would have created a registry for vision screening and expanded eye exam requirements, but it was withdrawn after supportive debate. The chamber then adopted the Ways and Means redraft, ordered the bill to third reading, and passed An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. Final passage was also achieved for a separate House land-taking bill allowing the town of Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, which passed by the required two-thirds vote and was enacted. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday and adjourned in memory of Donna Goldstein.