Transcript Highlights:

• Our first work session is on FAFSA and college access.
• We call that our first time in college cohort. Post-secondary for the first time.
• We call that our first-time-in-college cohort.
• That is a required course for all students in that first year.
• That's how we are treating the Students First Center.

Bills: SB6325, SGA9302, SGA9286, SGA9289, SGA9290, SGA9292, SGA9293, SGA9309, SGA9310, SGA9311, SGA9312

Keywords: higher education, student procedures, academic policies, enrollment processes, educational standards, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first work session is on FAFSA and college access.
• We call that our first-time-in-college cohort. Post-secondary for the first time.
• We call that our first-time-in-college cohort.
• That's how we are treating the Students First Center.
• We know that there are students who are first generation like me, students... ...who are first generation

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee heard two work sessions focused on student access and retention, then held public hearings on gubernatorial appointments before taking executive action. Washington Student Achievement Council staff presented the Washington Completes FAFSA campaign, created by Executive Order 2508, describing its advisory board, outreach strategy, dashboard tracking, and progress toward goals of 46,000 FAFSA/WASFA completions and improved equity in completion rates. They also highlighted broader college access tools such as trainings, printed materials, completion events, Otterbot texting support, and the new “Changing the Narrative” report and College Toolkit, which emphasize multiple postsecondary pathways, relatable messengers, and short video content. The committee then heard from the Council of Presidents and Central Washington University and Evergreen State College on student support services. Presenters discussed retention data, FERPA-related limits on parent communication, and the impact of budget cuts on advising, tutoring, wellness, and other services. Evergreen described the Shelton Promise program, including recruitment, summer bridge, basic-needs supports, peer mentoring, texting outreach, and early retention results showing 52 of 53 students continuing. Central Washington outlined its learner access and support plan, including required advising, University 101, early academic alerts, peer mentoring embedded in coursework, the Students First Center, and a Paying for College Guide, while noting that budget reductions have limited some support offerings. In the public hearing, the committee considered Latasha Wortham’s appointment to the Tacoma Community College Board of Trustees and a panel of student appointees to various boards and councils, including Evergreen, Washington Student Achievement Council, the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Edmonds College, and Western Washington University. Testimony emphasized first-generation and immigrant backgrounds, student advocacy, basic needs, and the importance of student voice in governance. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute and gave Senate Bill 6325 a due pass recommendation to Ways and Means; the bill would shift certain higher education cost increases from tuition to state funds over time and direct a WSIPP study on essential student services. The committee also recommended confirmation for the listed gubernatorial appointments.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first bill is now on second reading.
• So, first of all, I want to explain why.
• </c> So, if we are going to police the First So, if we are going to police the First Amendment<00:46:
• So, the first is to rescind the third reading.
• First, we And I do so for four reasons.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> gun in the commission of a felony first gun in the commission of a felony first up<00:39:43.040>
• </c> storage of firearm on this we have first storage of firearm on this we have first up<01:00:25.440
• </c><01:32:24.040><c> up</c> exceptions on this measure first up exceptions on this measure first up
• </c><02:16:20.559><c> place</c> in the first place in the first place uh<02:16:21.800><c> available</
• First, Representative Shimizu, and then over to you, Representative Cochran, can go first.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered House Bill 279 and House Bill 392, both relating to firearms. HB 279 would restrict carrying or possessing firearm parts except at or between certain locations and in an enclosed container, define firearm parts and prohibited persons, and increase penalties for violations. The Department of Law Enforcement strongly supported the bill, saying it would close a loophole involving disassembled or “ghost gun” parts and help law enforcement charge people who carry weapons in pieces. Most public testimony opposed the measure, with speakers arguing it was unconstitutional, vague, hard to enforce, and would burden lawful gun owners, gunsmiths, and firearm dealers; several also said existing laws already cover the conduct. One supporter, Dennis Dunn, said additional firearm security could reduce theft and suicides. The chair noted the committee had received 270 testimonies on HB 279, with 39 in support, 234 in opposition, and one comment. The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit the possession, transfer, and sale of ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for using a ghost gun in a felony. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported the bill, saying unserialized firearms are difficult to trace and that prosecutors need clear laws to address them. Supporters argued the measure would help prevent untraceable weapons from circulating and align penalties with other firearm offenses. Opponents, including several gun owners and association representatives, said the bill was unnecessary because existing state and federal laws already prohibit unserialized firearms, and warned it could create confusion, criminalize lawful owners of antique or self-built firearms, and be difficult to administer. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our first is House Bill 815. Representative Galavis is here.
• For some context, Answer was one of the first charter schools in the state of Idaho, and one of the first
• So Answer opened in 1999 as one of the first two charters in Idaho.
• First, you bring them in, and several years ago we tried to give them credit for their time in grade
• First, you bring them in, and several years ago we tried to give them credit for their time in grade

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard House Bill 815, a narrow fix for Answer Charter School in Boise. Rep. Sonia Galavis and school representatives explained that a past, very small transportation reimbursement request from 2010 was being used as the school’s base for a transportation block grant, leaving Answer with far less funding than similarly sized schools despite operating a full bus program since 2022. Supporters said the bill would correct an unintended funding disparity affecting only Answer and would not create a broader fiscal impact. The committee asked whether other schools could qualify, and Galavis said the language had been checked with the Department of Education and Legislative Services to ensure it applied only to this school. The committee voted to send HB 815 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 849, which would change Idaho’s career ladder rules for career technical education instructors and pupil service staff such as counselors, psychologists, nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. Rep. Galavis, Sen. Lent, and Legislative Services analyst Jared Taitro explained that CTE teachers can currently receive placement credit for industry experience but must wait four years and meet evaluation requirements before moving up the ladder, while pupil service staff do not currently receive the same placement treatment for prior professional experience. The bill would allow both groups to count relevant experience for placement and movement, with the goal of improving recruitment and retention in hard-to-fill positions. Testimony in support came from Dr. Joy Jansen of Lake Pend Oreille School District, who said districts struggle to recruit pupil service staff and often must pay much more for contracted services, and from Rep. Sean Dygert, who emphasized the importance of retaining industry-based CTE teachers, especially in rural districts. The committee voted to send HB 849 to the floor with a do pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• before, but just wanted to come on and express our support and appreciation for this is one of the first
• before, but just wanted to come on and express our support and appreciation for this is one of the first
• ><00:03:41.400><c> the</c> appreciation for this is one of the appreciation for this is one of the first
• 00:03:42.520><c> in</c><00:03:42.640><c> the</c><00:03:42.720><c> start</c><00:03:42.960><c> of</c> first
• bills heard in the start of first bills heard in the start of session.<00:03:43.520><c> So,</c><00:03

Bills: HF3548

Keywords: farm assistance, down payment, agriculture, state funding, loan modification, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple of weeks ago, we presented the Minnesota First agenda.
• That's the first bill I'm trying to work on this year.
• But the first bill is actually Senate File 1219.
• Senate file 475 that's the first bill Senate file 475 that's the first bill I'm<00:13:15.920><c> trying
• Does not get very good grades as far as implementing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would first like to recognize Senator Pope for my first point of personal privilege.
• I first, like Senator Pope, would like to take my first point of personal privilege.
• They look at the first day of school, and they experience the first day of school together.
• First time, I'm a little disappointed.
• First, it sounds like there was an extra mic on, and so I would first like to reach out to the audience

Bills: HB30, HB120, HJR1, SB210, SB306

Keywords: teacher residency, Teacher Residency Act, public schools, teacher preparation, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, student teachers, apprenticeship, co-teaching, mentor teachers, residency stipend, teacher salary, level one teacher, charter schools, school districts, New Mexico education, teacher workforce, principal stipend, cohort model

Transcript Highlights:

• He took his first flight, and he'd witness our Constitutional Republic at work.
• It provides a uniform grading system for honors acceleration courses.
• And the reason is this law was first put in place by this legislature, at dental office.
• First line says colleges and schools are exempt from licensure by the commission.
• I just thought you were lost at first, and then I realized what the connection was.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is my first grandchild for a while.
• A first-degree murder. Is that what it says, sir? Yes, it does.
• The first-degree murder statute is 565.02.
• The First Amendment right, I'm all for the First Amendment right. Speech is extremely important.
• So the First Amendment right, I'm all for the First Amendment right.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and a long series of special guest introductions recognizing interns, community leaders, FFA officers, library advocates, park and recreation professionals, and others. Members also used points of personal privilege to honor Black History Month and the legacy of William Clay Sr. The chamber then moved into first reading of several bills, including measures on University of Missouri curators, personal property assessment lists, and state department spending. The main floor action centered on House Bill 1757, which would require universal screening of third-graders for gifted education using flexible screening methods and would help ensure students who qualify are identified regardless of zip code or family resources. Supporters argued the bill would close gaps in gifted identification and expand access, while questions focused on funding, screening methods, and whether the bill would create an unfunded mandate. The House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members then debated the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, presented as House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1667 and 2294. Supporters said the bill would require medical care for infants who survive an abortion attempt and impose civil and criminal penalties for knowingly harming such a child. Opponents argued the bill was duplicative of existing law, could criminalize medical providers, and would worsen Missouri’s maternal care shortages. The debate included extended questioning about the bill’s standards, scope, and enforcement, but no final vote on the born-alive measure was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• If it's all grades, is it something Yes. Yeah, that should work.
• If it's all grades, is it something we could apply to the House of Representatives?
• making it the first word of that sentence on line 11.
• So I think our first vote is on the amended substitute.
• First up is Mr. Thane. First up is Mr. Thane. And I know you know the drill.

Summary: The House Education Committee approved the minutes from February 4 and 5, 2026, then heard RS 3327 on Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA). The sponsor said the proposal would reduce state funding for several areas viewed as scope creep or double funding, including private school, homeschool, and some virtual school enrollments, LaunchPad literacy, urban custom sections, and a limit of three IDLA enrollments per student per year, along with a per-enrollment reduction. Members raised concerns about impacts on rural schools, the three-course cap, and whether the bill would hurt IDLA’s core mission, but the RS was introduced and sent to print. The committee then heard RS 33027, a proposal for a moment of silence in schools. The sponsor said it was intended to improve classroom behavior and could include prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection. Members debated whether the silence should be required at the beginning of the school day or left to teacher discretion. Two substitute motions to alter the timing language failed, and the committee then approved the original RS to be printed and introduced. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 588, a virtual education bill for Idaho Home Learning Academy and similar programs. Sponsors and supporters said it would codify standards for virtual schools, require board approval of education service provider contracts, clarify residency and curriculum requirements, require Idaho teaching certificates, and define supplemental learning funds and eligible expenses with local control and State Board guidance. Testimony from virtual school leaders and district superintendents generally supported the bill as improving transparency and accountability, while one former legislator cautioned that it could limit innovation. After discussion, the sponsor asked to hold the bill in committee while a clarifying RS was introduced; the committee agreed to hold HB 588, then introduced RS 33283 and sent it to second reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we we will take him first. Then we will do the budget.
• Approximately one-fourth of the students of the first time first in their families to attend college
• I can't first.
• I first found out about it.
• Many of our students are first generation college students that even first generation American, I think

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm, I'm glad it's our first one of the day.
• She said, don't touch any of the teaks in the first week of school.
• I'll use your first name. Thank you, Trent, for making eye contact with me.
• And when my son first wanted to go out hunting, I threw a big fit.
• I missed that first part, would you repeat again?

Bills: HB6, HB27, HB123, HB210, HB213, HB222

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales

Transcript Highlights:

• The first order of business is roll call. The Senate Secretary will call the roll. Adams. Anthon.
• Before we leave the first order, we'll recognize the presence of Senator Taves.
• , first-served basis.
• I subbed for first grade about 20 years ago, and I wish I could have gotten them to be quiet for a minute
• And so in all, our high school and four grades, we have about 200 students.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 27 members present at the start, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the corrected journal, and then moved through committee reports, messages from the House, and first- and second-reading referrals. Several resolutions and memorials were introduced, including SCR 125 on legislative compensation and SR 121 on transportation rules, along with multiple bills referred to committees or advanced for printing and second reading. The chamber also recessed briefly for caucus and later reconvened with a quorum of 33 senators present. On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills, often by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls. Among the measures debated were SB 1347, a transparency bill requiring more reporting from the Idaho Housing and Finance Association on federal housing and homelessness funds, which passed after supporters argued it would improve oversight and opponents warned of duplicative reporting. SB 1369 rewrote Idaho’s civil venue statute to make it more readable and allow filing where the cause of action occurred; SB 1358 adjusted career ladder rules so administrators returning to teaching could count administrative experience; and SB 1379 raised the Project CHOICE vehicle registration fee to help recruit and retain Idaho State Police troopers, drawing debate over public safety, taxpayer costs, and impacts on local law enforcement. The Senate also passed HB 635 requiring the Professional Standards Commission to report suspected criminal conduct to law enforcement, HB 532 standardizing DMV identity requirements, HB 520 standardizing hearing notices under the Administrative Procedure Act, HB 541 clarifying the definition of a child for electronic enticement offenses, HB 581 allowing the Legislature to formally notify the Supreme Court when court rules appear to conflict with statute, HB 599 changing distribution of public school digital content funds to a needs-based process, HB 544 extending military leave from 120 to 160 hours, HB 642 correcting death benefits for surviving families of fallen public safety officers and firefighters, HB 560 creating an option for jury-eligible residents to serve as county election workers, HB 697 separating election-crime offenses into distinct code sections, HB 698 closing a voting-rights loophole for felons convicted in other states, HB 503 transferring the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to the Department of Water Resources, and HB 676 revising geothermal water application rules. Most of these bills passed with little opposition, and titles were approved for transmission back to the House. The Senate also introduced new bills on public utilities and elections, and later began debate on HB 737 to merge the Office of Species Conservation with the Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, though that discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We only got the first question. We only got the first question.
• That was the first question that we got.
• First.
• First, start in areas that have no homes or businesses.
• We're gonna take the people who have been standing first.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This was happening to our 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th on up grade students as young as 6th grade.
• The chair will call the first witness. Jessica Treviso. Thank you for being here.
• Chair, we call the first witness, Lauren Lawrence. Thank you for being here today.
• The bill we're considering today is a necessary first step.
• The, the question is whether or not this should be a first-degree felony.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you remember correctly, last year they were here and they won the school's first state championship
• It's the eighth grade. Piccola, we've got with us today, uh, Jeremy Jackson, stand up.
• hand, and then and then on top of that, we've got 45 beautiful, smart students from Piccola eighth grade
• For the first time in a while, please recognize Representative Ford.
• with this, if a DA if there's a court case, they can prohibit them from being able to practice the first

Bills: HB4358, HB2398, HB3557, HB3129, HB3312, HB2210, HB1937, HB3021, HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464, HB3552, HB2984, HB4124, HB3934, HB3448, HB3131, HB4200, HB4201, HB3011, HB1912, HB3380, HB3881, HB3538, HB3851, HB3907, HB4430, HB4431, HB4457, HB2947, HB2951, HB2980, HB3082, HB3519, HB3644, HB3882, HB3661, HB3996, HB4335

Keywords: screen time, education, public schools, child development, digital learning, youth health, academic performance, credential of value, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, free expression, colleges, security fees, public forums

Transcript Highlights:

• laboratory engines used to ensure that petroleum products sold in the state are safe and appropriately graded
• laboratory engines used to ensure that petroleum products sold in the state are safe and appropriately graded
• problems of growth, we do not destroy the beauty and the reason why people want to move here in the first
• I just want to thank you, Chair, because I feel like this is, in four years, the first time that I feel
• I just want to thank you, Chair, because I feel like this is in four years, this is the first time that

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to hear member-led presentations on agency budget requests after prior meetings with the agencies. Representative Barnaby summarized the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ fiscal year 2025-26 request, highlighting major funding for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, Florida Forest Service wildfire and land management needs, citrus disease and research efforts, a new Conner Complex facility and lab, agricultural water and BMP projects, agricultural law enforcement staffing and equipment, maintenance and vehicle needs, and federal grant-related spending. No vote was taken on the department’s request during the meeting. Representative Bartleman presented the Department of Environmental Protection request and said the subcommittee supported it fully. The request emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality grants, springs, harmful algal bloom and red tide response, alternate water supplies, resilience and flood prevention, beach and coral reef restoration, land acquisition and state parks, and cleanup of petroleum, dry cleaning, and hazardous waste sites. Representative Alvarez asked DEP to provide a list of the most contaminated lakes, along with estimated costs, so the committee could prioritize cleanup efforts. Representative Black summarized the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission request, which included additional law enforcement funding in high-demand areas, oyster and reef restoration, habitat restoration, heavy equipment for land management and prescribed burning, a water survival training center, and red snapper data research. Representative Salzman then presented the Department of Citrus request, describing a lean agency budget focused on operations, PALM readiness, marketing and consumer awareness, greening-resistant plant material, and building repairs; the workgroup recommended fully funding the request. The meeting ended with members thanking the chair and staff for the more member-driven budget process, and the subcommittee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, so this is actually the first time this idea and concept has been heard.
• When our country first started, they were a minority and they were a vocal minority.
• And in regulation to an expression, that's my First Amendment right.
• This bill, um, is not about the First Amendment.
• Of course, the First Amendment takes priority over anything we do.

Bills: HB 346, HB 1360, HB 1510, HB 1606, HB 1804, HB 1805, HB 2156, HB 2391, HB 2767, HB 3022, HB 3044, HB 3272, HB 3293, HB 3493, HB 3809, HB 3824, HJR 110, HB 2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess first and foremost, I want to speak to the settle-up amount.
• So first, on LCFF and special education, we talked about earlier.
• First, there's the $5 million to build the transcript review platform.
• and second grades.
• First, I want to thank the Chair for your leadership on child nutrition.

Summary: The committee heard presentations on the Governor’s May Revision TK-12 education proposals, beginning with Proposition 98. The Department of Finance explained that the minimum guarantee rises by about $6.4 billion relative to the January budget across the three-year window, with a total of $124.9 billion in 2024-25, $125.1 billion in 2025-26, and $127.1 billion in 2026-27. Finance also described revised settle-up and reserve actions, including maintaining a $3.9 billion settle-up balance, increasing discretionary deposits into the Prop. 98 reserve, and ending with a projected reserve balance of about $10.3 billion. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the overall estimates were reasonable but urged the state to fully fund the guarantee and use other budget actions or reserves to manage volatility rather than delay settle-up payments. Members questioned the rationale for leaving the $3.9 billion unsettled, and Finance said the amount reflects revenue uncertainty and the risk of overappropriating Prop. 98 if revenues later fall. The committee then reviewed the Department of Education portion of the May Revision. Finance said the budget adds positions and state operations funding for CDE and includes trailer bill changes affecting community schools, preschool, literacy, special education, charter accountability, and other programs. The LAO highlighted concerns and recommendations on several proposals, including the size and structure of the LCFF increase, the special education base-rate increase, additional one-time community schools funding, literacy coach and math professional development augmentations, the multilingual screener, inclusive college grants, homelessness grants, and the proposed paid pregnancy disability leave mandate. CDE supported the special education increase, paid pregnancy leave, community schools, homelessness funding, literacy and math investments, and preschool parity, while urging more support for county offices of education and clearer definitions and implementation details for some programs. Finance said the paid pregnancy leave proposal would cost an estimated $218 million annually and is intended as a recruitment and retention measure. In the Commission on Teacher Credentialing item, Finance proposed funding for legal staffing tied to SB 848 and educator misconduct cases, plus funding and fee changes to support a statewide transcript review platform for subject matter competency and additional support for the residency technical assistance center. The LAO said it had no concerns with the staffing for misconduct and SB 848, recommended the transcript review platform and related fee increase if the platform moves forward, and recommended rejecting the residency technical assistance center expansion because current funding lasts through 2029. CTC said the misconduct workload has grown over the last five to six years and that AI would be used only as a backstop to human review in the transcript system. Public commenters were split, with unions and education groups supporting special education, paid pregnancy leave, community schools, homelessness funding, and literacy investments, while opposing the $3.9 billion settle-up delay and the reduction to preschool COLA.