Transcript Highlights:

• a result of the last session, ADE is now required to offer pre-ACT testing to Arkansas students in grade
• 9 and grade 10 beginning in this school year.
• That will be offered free to all 9th and 10th grade students in the state.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It evaluates Texas' infrastructure, and my civil engineering experts assign a letter grade to all the
• They take the next step and make recommendations to help raise those grades. Our drinking water...
• times in the form of growing capital costs in the state water plan, the ASCE report card showing low grades

Bills: HB3077, HJR2, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: alcohol, taxation, reporting requirements, sales, distribution, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer, constitutional amendment, water fund, Texas water supply, state revenue, infrastructure, HJR 7, Texas Legislature, quorum, majority quorum, two-thirds quorum, legislative procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• They said, well, we want to make sure we get a very high grade.
• Students will take less rigorous courses so they can make a higher grade, and the weighting of courses
• But when he was in the seventh grade, we found out about Aggies Achieve, and from then on we had ourselves

Bills: SB750, SB2995, SB1716, SB2430, SB203, SB1679, SB2683, SB1414

Keywords: tuition exemption, paramedics, higher education, public institutions, laboratory fees, education code, financial aid, education, student support, scholarships, nontraditional education, student enrollment, financial assistance, Texas students, foreign adversaries, trade secrets, research integrity, security measures, international agreements, student privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, most homes in Texas are on slab on grade.
• These layers of code require a special ASTM grading class 2 classification of that vapor retarder.
• Your normal builder-grade electrical blue box that you see at rough inspection costs 50 cents.

Bills: HB407, HB871, HB882, HB2011, HB3572, HB3578, HB4038, HB4866, HB4897, HB4978, HB5380, HB5555, HB5668, HB5670, HB5674, HB5676, HB5679, HB5688, SB673

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Transcript Highlights:

• All the children in the 7th grade class, if y'all stand and recognize so we can see you on the on the
• Garza who's a seventh grade junior high teacher.
• HB 603 by Tepper relating to the operation of school buses at certain railroad grade crossings.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and after um a new middle school and after um conducting<00:04:20.320> the<00:04:20.440> grade
• ><00:04:20.680> upon<00:04:21.000> procedures<00:04:21.799> it conducting the grade
• upon procedures it conducting the grade upon procedures it was<00:04:22.160> determined<00:04

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Committee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met, approved the minutes from its first meeting, and then received a presentation on the School Facility Assistance Fund audit. State Auditor Allison Ball’s office and its third-party contractor, Blue and Co., explained that the audit followed the scope set in the budget bill: to review each school project’s cost, available local resources, and eligibility criteria for state gap funding, with the Auditor of Public Accounts certifying the final report. The presenters walked through the 20 school projects identified for review and gave the current gap funding amounts found for each. Examples included Adair County at about $7.6 million, Augusta Independent at $5.3 million, B.S. Down Independent at just over $43 million, Fleming County at about $15 million, Garrard County at $14.9 million, Johnson County at $78 million, Somerset Independent at $1.7 million, Walton Verona at $48,000, Williams Town Independent at $7.4 million, and several others. They also noted that some districts were fully funded before the audit or withdrew because they had secured enough local funding, including Breathitt County, Kent County, and Lewis County. Washington County’s project was flagged as failing some House Bill 6 eligibility criteria even though the report calculated a $27.6 million gap. Members asked whether districts that secured funding on their own were being penalized, and the auditors responded that changes in gap amounts reflected several factors, including rising project costs and newly available local funding. They also said the audit did not attempt to determine whether local funds were earmarked for one project versus another, because the budget bill directed them to assess available local funding as provided. The committee requested the presentation slides, and the meeting concluded with no further questions and a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1986, I was a fourth-grade student in Espanola Public Schools, and our teacher, Ms.
• In the fourth grade, Leo Jaramillo (member_22668) stood up and proudly said, "I will win an election
• I ensure it's a paid legislature and that anybody can have the dream as a fourth-grade student to run

Transcript Highlights:

• I should be worried about my grades or even silly drama amongst my friends, not about politics.'
• I should be worried about my grades or even silly drama amongst my friends, not about politics.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum of 30 present and approved the Journal from January 27, 2026. Several senators used points of personal privilege to welcome guests, including Aliento students visiting for an education day, gun safety advocacy groups, constituents, a legal studies shadowing guest, a scientist from Tempe, and aging-services advocates. Senators also spoke in support of student walkouts protesting ICE activity and praised the students’ activism. The chamber then moved through the second reading calendar, listing a large number of bills and resolutions covering topics such as water policy, health care, public records, education, insurance, elections, housing, utilities, criminal justice, and appropriations. No floor debate or votes on those measures were recorded in the transcript, and committee reports were placed on the journal without being read. After a recess, the Senate took up first-reading introductions and referred additional bills to committees, including measures on public benefits eligibility, public safety counseling, missing kidnapped children reporting, solar energy, elections, firearms instruction in schools, HOA and condominium issues, housing restrictions, water quality testing, and cargo theft. The Health and Human Services Committee was announced to meet Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in Senate Hearing Room 2, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I think that's a wave of the future is getting more kids in recess through 12th grade and not giving
• up on it after grade school.
• and not giving up on it after grade and not giving up on it after grade<00:37:12.800> school.
• Does as you said it um grade school.
• FFA is an agriculture organization for students grades 7th through 12th, and it's run by students.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got a seventh-grade girl in the distinguished math scholar program at Crosby Middle School.
• If they're not reading by fourth grade, that's an indicator they're going to prison.
• <01:02:05.280> If their reading scores at fourth grade.
• If their reading scores at fourth grade.
• , they're not reading by fourth grade, they're not reading by fourth grade, that's<01:02:07.599><

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:00:08 26RS SB 3: 0:02:50 26RS SB 1: 0:21:12, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 3, which would expand financial transparency requirements for Kentucky school districts. Sponsor Senator Lindsey Tichenor said the bill would require public access to budgeting and spending information, including final working budgets, monthly credit card statements, superintendent contracts and compensation, audits, and related financial reports posted on district websites. A committee amendment correcting citations was adopted by voice vote. Supporters, including Laura O’Brien, described examples of district spending they viewed as excessive and argued that more detailed public disclosure would help taxpayers and school boards identify misuse of funds. Senator Higdon and others voiced support for transparency, while Senator Meredith said he supported the intent but wanted the bill to go further. The committee passed SB 3 with 11 aye votes and one no vote, with favorable expression. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator David Givens, which would restore and clarify governance changes for Jefferson County Public Schools by defining the roles of the school board and superintendent. Givens said the bill responds to a state Supreme Court ruling and includes 42 stated reasons for the governance changes. Opponents, including Jefferson County Teachers Association president Maddie Shepard, JCPS Superintendent Brian Yearwood, and board member James Craig, argued the bill would weaken local democratic control, concentrate authority in one administrator, and reduce community voice. Yearwood said he works collaboratively with the board and that the bill is about adults and governance rather than students, while Craig said the district needs stronger oversight, not less. Supporters of the bill argued that the current structure has not produced adequate results and that the changes are needed to improve outcomes and accountability. The transcript ends during the SB 1 testimony and discussion, before a final vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Isn't it true that the railroad grade still exists, that is, the built-up land, across cuts and fills
• In much of the corridor, there is still graded earth there, where this project is, but there is very
• little of the railroad grade there because Interstate 89 split the town in three pieces.
• Earth there yeah where this still graded Earth there yeah where this CAC<00:44:31.599> project
• <00:44:35.640> there<00:44:35.920> because the railroad uh grade there because the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment just clarifies that this is shall apply to grades 3 through 8.
• Right now, we're on the amendment to the amendment, which only changes it to grades 3 through 8.
• grade.
• The second week of January, she finished second grade.
• Does your amendment fix what the problem may have been there for fifth grade?

Bills: HB4420, HB3974, HB3016, HB3062, HB3021, HB3145, HB4128, HB3131, HB3015, HB3472, HB3453, HB1638, HB4126, HB2696, HB2710, HB3552, HB3031, HB3544, HB3521, HB4490, HB4488, HB1746, HJR1069, HB4428, HB4429, HB1170, HB3538, HB4124, HB3904, HB4106, HB2999, HB3982, HJR1077, HB3464, HB2588, HB3462, HB4440, HB3674, HB3345, HJR1067, HB4326, HB4331, HB4337, HB4338, HB4359, HB4392, HB3557, HJR1076, HB4003, HB3495, HB3497, HB3501, HB3505, HB3749, HB3011, HB4336, HB4346, HJR1087, HB3240, HB3647, HB3796, HB3969, HB3972, HB3983, HB3984, HB3989, HB3383, HB3130, HB4358, HB3327, HJR1055, HB3386, HJR1089, HB3087, HB2970, HB3314, HB4129, HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> No, I took phonics in the first grade. I took California phonics in the first grade.
• <00:17:10.799> I >> I took phonics in the first grade.
• I >> I took phonics in the first grade.
• :17:12.959> first took California phonics in the first took California phonics in the first grade
• And it's just like California grade.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and sitting in the gallery, as I did in seventh grade, possibly our future state senator from District
• /c><00:20:42.720> did<00:20:42.960> in<00:20:43.200> seventh<00:20:43.600> grade
• , gallery, as I did in seventh grade, gallery, as I did in seventh grade, possibly<00:20:44.559><
• Kindergarten is a tremendous preparation and foundation for moving into the first grade.
• <00:32:46.240> But for moving into the first grade. But for moving into the first grade.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and preschool to 12th grade school superintendent license.
• 14:49.000> 12th Community Education preschool to 12th Community Education preschool to 12th grade
• school principal license and grade school principal license and prechool<00:14:51.839> to<00:
• 14:52.040> 12th<00:14:52.399> grade<00:14:52.639> school prechool to 12th grade
• school prechool to 12th grade school superintendent<00:14:54.000> license<00:14:55.000> a

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:

• So 6th, 7th, and 8th grades are allowed to have this program, which will give the kids the ability to
• commissioner having the opportunity to define curriculum for certification to gain both in 11th and 12th grade

Bills: HB 1079, HB3651, HB4980

Keywords: Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Leadership Officer Training Corps, public school, career education, military readiness, public school accountability, funding allotments, healthcare, insurance, cost control, patient access, regulation, affordability, public health, JROTC, automobile maintenance, high school education, elective course, student skills, practical knowledge

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senator, I think that question is probably wades into policy that's above my pay grade, but I'll
• Uh, Senator, I think that question is probably wades into policy that's above my pay grade, but I'll
• Uh, Senator, I think that question is probably wades into policy that's above my pay grade, but I'll
• Uh, Senator, I think that question is probably wades into policy that's above my pay grade, but I'll
• Uh, Senator, I think that question is probably wades into policy that's above my pay grade, but I'll

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• then, as funds allow, to all youth, and then, as further funding allows, to guardians of youth sixth grade
• then, as funds allow, to all youth, and then, as further funding allows, to guardians of youth sixth grade
• Guardian means a parent, legal guardian, or other adult responsible for accompanying a sixth grade or
• adult responsible for accompanying<01:00:53.839> a<01:00:54.160> sixth<01:00:54.480> grade
• a sixth grade or younger child.<01:00:56.559> And<01:00:56.799> youth<01:00:57.200>

Bills: HB2116, HB1879, HB2214, HB2310, HB2168, HB2427, HB2560, HB1596, HB2197, HB2498, HB2167

Keywords: grants, community engagement, nonprofit organizations, federal assistance, volunteering, youth transit, public transportation, subsidized transit, environment, energy independence, affordable transportation, Hawaii, diaper tax credit, families, low-income, childcare, health, Hawaii Department of Human Services, DHS, emergency appropriation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to human services, homelessness, transit, and family supports. HB 2116 HD1, concerning grants from the Office of Community Services to nonprofits providing training and volunteerism opportunities, drew strong support from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and multiple organizations in written testimony. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable people affected by federal program changes and cuts by connecting them to reintegration and support services. HB 1879 HD1, establishing a subsidized youth transit program coordinated with counties, received extensive testimony in support from the Department of Health, Department of Taxation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii State Youth Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Greenpeace Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, and others. Testifiers emphasized equity, school attendance, reduced transportation costs, climate benefits, and broader access for youth. Several witnesses urged amendments to make the program universal rather than means-tested, and committee discussion noted implementation questions for neighbor islands and rural areas. HB 2214, creating a refundable diaper tax credit for low-income families with children age four and under, was supported by the Hawaii Diaper Bank, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and several other organizations. The Department of Taxation recommended making the credit non-refundable and clarifying definitions to aid administration, while supporters argued refundability was important for low-income families who may owe little or no income tax. HB 2310, an emergency appropriation to replenish DHS funds used to provide SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown, also drew broad support from DHS, Catholic Charities, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Aloha United Way, and others; witnesses praised the state’s rapid response and said the appropriation would prepare DHS for future emergencies. The committee also heard HB 2168 HD1 and HB 2427 HD1 on education for students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth; the Attorney General recommended technical amendments to avoid conflicts with existing law and to clarify McKinney-Vento-related definitions, while advocates stressed the need for school access, transportation, meals, and other supports for homeless and runaway youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I suspect I made all of the grades go down for every school that I was in.
• And that is compensation and benefits and time to plan and grade and work together to do your job well
• Not because I didn't get straight A's, but because of the grading system Sure, I visited my relatives
• Liu, I also had cousins who were in Mexico who were a couple of grade levels before me, and I thought
• When we moved to San Jose, my kids were way up above grade level, and when we came back, it was a different

Transcript Highlights:

• I also taught students at every grade level, from first through 12th, across English, math, history,
• I started my teaching career as a sixth-grade teacher in the Franklin-McKinley School District in San
• As a sixth-grade teacher in the Franklin-McKinley School District in San Jose, and maybe I’m doing a
• the textbook and instructional materials adoption process, it has mandated materials that at certain grade
• I decided to run for school board because my fourth grade son at the time went on to campus one day and

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held an informational hearing on AB 715, followed by discussion of SB 48. AB 715 was presented by Assembly Members Zbur and Addis as a response to rising anti-Semitism in California schools. They described incidents involving harassment, swastikas, biased classroom materials, and students feeling unsafe, and said the bill would create an Office of Civil Rights with coordinators to address anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, provide prevention resources, and support school districts. Witnesses in support, including a rabbi and a student who described personal experiences with anti-Semitic harassment, urged immediate action to protect Jewish students. Opposition testimony came from the California Teachers Association, county superintendents, school board groups, labor organizations, civil liberties advocates, ethnic studies educators, and many community members. Their main concerns were that the bill was rushed, had not been fully vetted in the Assembly Education Committee, and could chill classroom speech or create constitutional problems, especially around language requiring instruction and materials to be “factually accurate” and not based on advocacy, bias, or partisanship. Several opponents argued that anti-Semitism should be addressed through education, training, and restorative practices rather than new statutory restrictions. Some witnesses also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on ethnic studies and free speech. Committee members then debated the bill’s process and substance at length. The authors said the bill had been narrowed through negotiations with education stakeholders and the Senate, that some disputed provisions would be revisited in cleanup language, and that the urgency of anti-Semitic incidents required action now. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but criticized the late release of the final language and the lack of consultation with the Assembly committee. Others emphasized the need to protect Jewish students immediately and argued the bill was a necessary response to a real crisis. The transcript does not show a final vote on AB 715 in the portion provided.