Transcript Highlights:

• It's an interesting idea.
• idea I just<00:58:46.400> without<00:58:46.640> the<00:58:46.799> Judiciary<00:
• We also don't like the idea of moving away from our neighbors.
• We also don't like the idea of moving away from our neighbors.
• <01:13:52.320> of moved to we also don't like the idea of moved to we also don't like the

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation and consumer-related bills. HB 496, relating to mamaki tea labeling, drew support from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Weights and Measures, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, which said the bill would help protect a culturally important crop and the Hawaii brand. Members questioned Agriculture about staffing and whether the bill was being used to reopen a package-labeling inspection branch; the department said it currently has no Oahu inspectors for that function but has a place for an additional inspector. No opposition was registered on the measure. HB 978, relating to electric utilities, and HB 1316, relating to DLNR/park reservations, were also heard. HB 1316 received support from State Parks, and members discussed where reservation fees would go and whether the statewide reservation system for three parks would cover its costs; the committee indicated a change would be made so fees go to the special fund. HB 914, relating to water carriers, drew support or comments from the PUC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. The main discussion focused on the proposed automatic rate-adjustment mechanism tied to the GDP price index, with members asking for alternative index ideas and questioning whether the PUC already had authority to adopt such a mechanism. Young Brothers said the measure would provide clarity and help recover inflationary costs, while the chair raised concerns about repeated rate increases and asked for further testimony on possible alternative indices. HB 1161, relating to transportation and road usage charges, received support from the Insurance Division, DOT, and the State Energy Office, with comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Members asked whether counties need state authorization to adopt mileage-based charges and why the bill included funding for implementation; DOT said it is helping counties build the data collection and billing system and that Honolulu is handling much of the collection work. A question was also raised about whether plug-in hybrids would be covered, and DOT said vehicles under the federal electric-vehicle definition would be included. HB 1301, relating to transportation network companies, drew opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, Lyft, and Uber, all arguing that classifying TNCs as common carriers and changing liability rules would raise costs, reduce access, and disrupt the current statewide framework. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's a great idea, and I would be in favor also of a majority vote.
• I think that's a great idea, and I would be in favor also of a majority vote.
• I think that's a great idea, and I would be in favor also of a majority vote.
• I think that's a great idea, and I would be in favor also of a majority vote.
• <05:10:04.480> would<05:10:04.638> be provide ideas would be provide ideas would be

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That idea changed the course of human history.
• Republican side has any idea what their life is actually like.
• Just here the idea of a total separation of the colonies from the crown was born.
• It was a startling idea, much more so than we at the distance of time regarded.
• They gave rise to the idea that freedom is a right, not a privilege granted by a king.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This idea of being able to share their experience about what happened on the respective battlefield or
• uncles within WW2. this idea of being uncles within WW2. this idea of being able<00:21:23.440>
• Um, I really like the idea of the dog tags, something tangible.
• So, when I see that, I'm like, "That's a cool idea because you get to pass it down and people tangible
• and I think it's obviously with the idea and I think it's obviously proved<00:45:17.599> its<

Bills: HF4148

Keywords: Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Outdoor Heritage Fund, executive director, natural resources, conservation, wetlands, prairies, forests, wildlife habitat, fish and game, bipartisan hiring, interview panel, legislative branch, Minnesota Statutes 97A.056, administrative expenses, nonpartisan staff, council governance, environment and natural resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Ideally, um again, we... through exposure to diverse ideas, through exposure to diverse ideas, ideologies
• This preparation includes learning how to express their ideas, organize shared interests, and engage
• , learning how to express their ideas, learning how to express their ideas, organize<00:48:51.920
• We brought up the idea of similarly situated students so as we, that if a teacher says for students in
• So you might, if you have a different idea on how to tackle this.

Bills: HB0159

Keywords: student rights, free expression, K-12 education, speech protection, religious views, political speech, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:22.160> We as we worked through some ideas. We as we worked through some ideas.
• So this gets back to the idea now of commencing business in addition to a certificate of authority.
• And it’s the idea that if there is a need to wind up a bank that is in financial crisis that there be
• So this gets back to the idea now of commencing business in addition to a certificate of authority.
• And it's the idea state chartered banks.

Bills: SF0021, SF0022, SF0054, SF0055

Keywords: stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation, state commission, decentralized, nonprofit association, merger, conversion, liability, membership, governance, indemnification, banking regulation, special purpose depository institution, conversion process, Wyoming state laws, financial services

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a great idea. Mr.
• The first one was the idea of how we deal with responsible gaming.
• rejected this idea. rejected this idea.
• <01:28:22.320> Item<01:28:22.639> number So, it's a terrible idea.
• Item number So, it's a terrible idea.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know all about the destruction, and it's a family disease, so I think it's a great idea.
• The other is this idea of transitioning adjunct faculty as enrollment rises... ...the other is this idea
• let's get down to the nitty-gritty of that it's solvable Richard Freeland former Commissioner had an idea
• Could you send in the idea that you just discussed?
• Could you send in the idea that you just discussed, the former idea that the Board of Higher Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held its fourth public hearing, opening with remarks about the importance of protecting and expanding access to higher education amid federal disinvestment. The chairs also announced future informational hearings on the impact of federal cuts and on ASAP models. The hearing then focused on several bills, beginning with S. 951/H. 1462, An Act to Support College Students in Recovery, which would require recovery-focused housing on public campuses and expand naloxone access and overdose training. Senator Rausch, medical professionals, students, and advocates testified in support, emphasizing the prevalence of overdose risk among college students, the value of recovery housing, and the need for campus naloxone; committee members asked about implementation details and the existing state pilot program. Deb Schmill and Rep. Tarski gave especially personal testimony in favor of the bill, and the committee discussed broadening the naloxone language to opioid reversal agents. The committee also heard testimony on H. 1461, which would expand MassReconnect scholarships to practical nursing students at vocational and technical schools to help address the long-term care workforce shortage. Rep. Stanley argued that vocational schools graduate more practical nursing students than community colleges and serve many low-income students in areas without nearby community college programs. The committee then took up H. 1433, which would require public higher education institutions to accept IEPs and 504 plans as sufficient documentation for disability accommodations. Advocates from the National Center for Learning Disabilities described the high cost and burden of repeat testing, the lifelong nature of disabilities, and the need for more uniform access across campuses; committee members raised questions about documentation freshness, campus autonomy, and how to preserve the integrity of accommodations. Later, the committee heard S. 919/H. 1454 on modernizing the Community College Endowment Match Program so community colleges could receive state matching funds for current-use donations as well as endowments and capital gifts. Community college foundation leaders said the change would help fund immediate student needs such as food pantries, child care, emergency aid, and equipment. The hearing then moved to faculty-related bills: S. 933 on UMass faculty rights and tenure transparency, S. 930/H. 3948 on contingent faculty rights and career advancement, and S. 940/H. 1429 on an Adjunct Bill of Rights. Testimony from faculty and union representatives focused on low pay, lack of benefits, job insecurity, and the need for clearer pathways to full-time positions and fairer treatment for adjuncts who teach large shares of courses. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked clarifying questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good idea. Good idea. It is on the internet, so double check them.
• <00:09:18.720> Good<00:09:18.880> idea.
• <00:09:19.400> Good<00:09:19.520> idea.
• Good idea. Good idea. It is Okay, yeah. Good idea. Good idea.

Bills: SB2057, SB2109, SB2400, HB1752, SB2599, SB2930

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Summary: The committee first took up SB 148 on combat sports, but members said they had agreement only in principle and were waiting on a conference draft and money committee release, so the bill was rolled to the next day. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation was then described as regulating professional solicitors who sell donated non-perishable tangible property, including prompt payment, financial reporting, disclosure, and contract requirements; the committee adopted the conference draft and passed it unanimously. SB 2607 on landscape architects was also passed with a conference draft after members agreed to align licensure qualifications with the uniform standard used by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards. Later, HB 1642 on consumer protection and crypto kiosks was passed with amendments to ban the purchase of cryptocurrency through crypto kiosks, and SB 2396 on property was deferred because members said they were aligned on the policy but still needed to sort out enforcement, with the issue to be left to a task force. SB 2961 on insurance was deferred to the next day pending release, and SB 2471 on the powers of artificial persons was rolled to the next day while the House and Senate sought legal clarification to make the bill more defensible; members said they agreed on the goal of addressing dark money but wanted to avoid harming Hawaii or local companies. The committee then passed SB 3001 on artificial intelligence with amendments. The conference draft renamed the regulated systems as “AI companions,” narrowed and clarified the definition, required reasonable measures to prevent outputs encouraging serious bodily injury, increased disclosure frequency for minors, added a feature restriction to discourage disengagement, removed provisions the Senate viewed as too broad or insufficiently articulated, shifted annual reporting to the Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration, and removed civil penalties. Members also said the romantic-relationship language had been removed for now but could be revisited later. SB 2433 on condominiums was discussed but rolled to the next day because the House and Senate were still considering changes related to DCCA authority and condo-owner disputes, and HB 1897 on condominium alternative dispute resolution was deferred for the session because the Senate was not ready and time was running out. In the final portion, HB 1753 on social media data retention was passed with amendments setting limits on how long companies may retain user data, with exceptions such as domestic violence evidence. SB 1166 on insurance was rolled to the next day after discussion of historic weather damage and the need to avoid affecting ongoing litigation against oil companies; members noted they had received an AG opinion that the bill would not jeopardize that litigation. SB 2964 on property insurance was passed with a conference draft requiring insurers to periodically ask homeowners about significant improvements so coverage can be reassessed, and SB 3255 on currency was passed with a conference draft authorizing penny rounding to the nearest five cents, though one senator voted no because he preferred the Senate version that had included a separate cash-acceptance issue. The committee also discussed SB 2852 on website accessibility for people with disabilities as the next item, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• done alongside many of you, such as the creation of a statewide youth advisory board, which was an idea
• I appreciate the innovative idea around the callback feature.
• I appreciate the innovative idea around the callback feature.
• We welcome ideas moving forward to better serve the people on the other end that are calling for public
• And if that is one idea, I would love to visit with you to see if that can enhance our processes.

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Florida Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views on abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, hormonal birth control, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board should apply Florida statutes, described himself as strongly pro-life and skeptical of some federal health guidance, and said he would be sympathetic when judging fellow physicians because of his own experience in practice. Supporters praised his medical background, military service, and family medicine experience, while opponents argued his stated views could affect his ability to fairly discipline other doctors. The committee voted 5-2 to recommend confirmation, with Senators Polsky and Rouson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined her background at DCF and APD and described department priorities including streamlining services, improving child welfare and behavioral health systems, expanding peer support, and reducing SNAP error rates. Members asked detailed questions about Hope Florida, the number and role of Hope Navigators, agency responsiveness on bill analyses, and accountability for community-based care contractors. Hatch said Hope Florida is a partnership-based navigation effort aimed at self-sufficiency, that 143 Hope Navigators are in place, and that the department is working to improve transparency and oversight through contracts, audits, and a proposed funding model. Senators also pressed Hatch on the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance history and on forensic audits of community-based care agencies, especially Northwest Florida Health Network. Hatch said the foundation is now in compliance and under audit, and that the contractor had completed corrective actions and was operating within current accountability limits. She said DCF had not yet conducted new forensic audits under her tenure but was preparing another round and was considering using contracted-services dollars to support that work. The discussion ended with continued questioning on oversight, staffing, and whether the agency could provide more formal bill analyses going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have an actual fiscal note at the end of this bill, and so we're just trying to get an idea
• Is this kind of just give us an idea of those positions, what's going to be a reoccurring year after
• of what What are we looking get an idea of what What are we looking at?
• <00:09:22.480> of<00:09:23.240> those of just give us an idea of those of just give
• us an idea of those positions,<00:09:24.680> what's<00:09:24.960> going<00:09:25.080><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is really shifting from a mindset that this is about wraparound services to this idea that this
• How are they going to really practice this idea of shared understanding and commitment and priorities
• Although we love and appreciate the idea of coherence and braiding funding and thinking about how do
• Where it is not is this idea of what does it mean to truly share in the decision-making process with
• What makes community schools different is that they turn that idea into infrastructure, into staffing

Summary: The joint informational and oversight hearing focused on community schools in California, with members emphasizing that the purpose was to examine effectiveness, implementation, and sustainability rather than the Governor’s budget proposal. The California Department of Education described the California Community Schools Partnership Program, created in 2021 and funded with more than $4 billion, including planning, implementation, extension, and county coordination grants. Officials said nearly 2,500 schools are participating and highlighted the statewide technical assistance structure, including the State Transformational Assistance Center, eight regional centers, county offices, and CDE support. Researchers from the Learning Policy Institute and UCLA presented early findings and implementation data. LPI reported reductions in chronic absenteeism and suspensions, along with gains in math and English language arts, with especially large benefits for Black students and other historically underserved groups. UCLA described the Annual Progress Report as a statewide improvement tool showing growth in capacity-building, shared decision-making, whole-child supports, and continuous improvement. Members asked about how the reports measure outcomes, how to interpret outliers, and how to distinguish community schools effects from other concurrent initiatives; presenters said matched comparison methods and deeper case-study work are being used, with additional statewide findings expected in June. Panelists from Oakland Unified, LAUSD/UTLA, San Diego Unified, and advocacy organizations described key elements of success: integrated student supports, strong family and student engagement, collaborative leadership, community partnerships, and school-site decision-making. They gave examples such as wellness centers, dual enrollment, student senates, parent leadership, and community campaigns that built trust and increased participation. Members also raised concerns about sustainability, implementation fidelity, and whether community schools improve participation in LCAP processes. Presenters said major barriers include unclear early guidance, the need for a mindset shift away from top-down models, and uncertainty about long-term funding for coordinators and other staff. The panel’s recommendations centered on stable ongoing funding, stronger technical assistance, shared governance, and embedding community schools practices into district and county systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• So without the amendment that sends us money to the private prisons, this is not a bad idea.
• I think that it seems like a good idea that this, the Memorial Association and Mr.
• Unfortunately, I had no idea that he had passed until later on. I grew up with Michael.
• Good idea. Perhaps you should list several so they can. Good idea.
• It seems, when I read the bill, like a really good idea, but with no testimony and no sponsor here and

Bills: SB1001, SB1035, SB1056, SB1065, SB1138, SB1161, SB1204, SB1207, SB1248, SB1274, SB1284, SCM1002, SCM1006, SCR1020

Keywords: appropriation, economic security, blind individuals, older adults, state funding, Arizona Department of Corrections, ADC, corrections, prison, jail, correctional officers, prison guards, staffing, retention, salary increase, pay raise, wage increase, general fund, state budget, private prisons

Summary: The committee approved the January 27, 2026 minutes and held SB 1138 for further changes. It then heard SB 1035, which appropriates about $34 million from the General Fund for a 5% pay increase for Arizona Department of Corrections sworn officers and civilian employees, with an amendment extending the raise to private prison employees under contract. Supporters said DOC pay is not competitive and vacancies are high; opponents questioned paying private prison staff and raised concerns about private prison incentives. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1035 a do pass recommendation on a 6-3 vote. The committee also approved two memorials to rename highways: SCM 1002 for L.F. Quinn Memorial Highway and SCM 1006 for PFC Michael Nolan Memorial Highway. Both measures drew emotional testimony about the honorees’ public service and military sacrifice, and both received do pass recommendations, with SCM 1002 passing 9-1 and SCM 1006 passing 9-1 after members discussed tribal jurisdiction and agreed to follow up with a letter to the tribe. SB 1065, which would appropriate $3.64 million for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund, was supported by the sponsor and researchers who said the treatment can help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, pain, and related conditions. Some members objected that the FDA has not approved HBOT for many of the claimed uses and questioned prior unspent funding, but the bill still received a do pass recommendation on a 6-4 vote. SB 1248, which clarifies funding and attendance-count rules for county jail and juvenile detention education programs, also passed unanimously. Later, the committee approved SB 1204, a $5.5 million General Fund appropriation to design and analyze improvements to the U.S. 60/Loop 303 interchange, after testimony from local officials and residents about severe congestion, crashes, and public safety delays; it passed 8-1. SB 1207, a $150,000 study on financing mechanisms for development-related infrastructure along the same corridor, also passed 7-1. Finally, SB 1001, which restores $1 million for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, passed 9-0 after testimony from blind seniors and advocates about long waitlists and the program’s role in preserving independence. The committee then began SB 1274, a police foundation specialty license plate bill, with sponsor and foundation testimony describing wellness, remembrance, and youth programs funded by plate revenues, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a report based off a bill that I actually ran last session, and so you guys should have an idea
• There are some individual contracts that we do receive some IDEA dollars, but It is it is a.
• We should evaluate the idea of doing it by contract.
• But that, I will tell you, my I'm not saying I don't like the idea.
• But if you gave me a block grant idea, I would be working from top down with the dollars you gave me.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• law enforcement so that you can talk to your local sheriff out in the rural area and they have no idea
• law enforcement so that you can talk to your local sheriff out in the rural area and they have no idea
• So they have no idea a lot of times. So a lot of this is still coming out.
• So they they have no idea a enforcement.
• So they they have no idea a lot<00:13:36.240> of<00:13:36.399> times.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: State legislators and farm leaders held an impromptu discussion focused on the impact of federal immigration enforcement activity, especially ICE presence in Minnesota, on agriculture and rural communities. Speakers argued that agriculture is central to the state’s economy and said fear of raids is causing legal immigrant and guest workers, including H-2A workers, to stay home, disrupting farms, food processors, restaurants, grocery stores, and other parts of the food supply chain. They also linked the issue to broader federal uncertainty, including USDA funding freezes and cuts, and said the lack of transparency from federal agencies is making it difficult for state officials and producers to plan. Senator Rob Kupec and Minnesota Farmers Union president Gary Wertish said ICE activity in both the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota is creating fear, trauma, and labor shortages, with reports of workers avoiding work, lunch trips, medical appointments, and school. Wertish said the organization supports comprehensive immigration reform and called for an end to the ICE surge, while also emphasizing the need to respect local law enforcement and the rule of law. Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Andrea Vaubel said immigrants are a critical part of Minnesota’s food and agriculture workforce, warned that labor shortages could raise production costs and food prices, and said the state would not have its current food supply without immigrant workers. In response to questions, speakers said they had anecdotal reports from rural areas such as Pelican Rapids, Willmar, and Detroit Lakes, but that the situation is changing quickly and many incidents may not yet be public. They said the lack of coordination with local law enforcement and the use of masks contribute to fear and confusion. Legislators said they have no direct jurisdiction over ICE operations but see their role as documenting what is happening, communicating with constituents, and avoiding state actions that would worsen the problem. They also said the issue is not purely partisan and may be mobilizing concern across political lines, especially among farmers worried about labor availability for planting and other seasonal work.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and it's interesting in the cases that we've seen, the number of individuals that say, 'I had no idea
• I had no idea that it was just like a narcotic, and I withdraw just like a narcotic.'
• But going back to that original idea of kratom leaf is slightly tempting just because if people could
• stakeholder survey, conducted community listening sessions, and issued a solicitation for proposal ideas
• That's a fantastic idea. Very happy to do that.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mary Ann Christensen, Executive Director of Utah Legislative Watch, and I also really oppose the idea
• The second motion is that this idea of having to write your ballot, write the name, and do the bubble
• We'll, uh, just in time for Stoddard to walk in here, he has no idea what he's doing, and we're going
• I think everyone thinks it's a bad idea to put all of the state database on a device.
• Of course, I'm excited about the idea of voter ID. I want to have that happen.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And typically with these select committees, they do end up garnering ideas for either policy bills or
• as a work, can we use universities and dining programs as living labs to see where we can find an idea
• The idea of just making that food accessible has been part of, as you mentioned, the grant program that
• watching they were eating their vegetables because they saw their friends doing it and and so the idea
• I love the idea. That was kind of the principle, I guess, behind...

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its second informational hearing at UCLA, focusing on California’s alternative protein sector and the role of public institutions in expanding plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated protein options. Chair Ash Kalra opened by highlighting prior state investments in UC research centers, the importance of student engagement, and the hearing’s three panels: reducing the carbon footprint of institutional meals, addressing market challenges to scaling alternative proteins, and advancing future food research and workforce development. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan also briefly praised the committee’s work and its relevance to climate and health goals. The first panel featured Friends of the Earth, UCLA Dining, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Megan Jones described California school food efforts, including technical assistance and microgrants that helped districts expand plant-based meals, reduce water and carbon footprints, and improve student satisfaction. Pete Angelese explained how UCLA Dining uses concept-driven venues, sustainable purchasing, and marketing nudges to increase plant-forward choices, while Dr. Michelle Wood outlined Los Angeles County’s 2024–2025 board motions to expand plant-based options in county food venues and programs, including joining the World Resources Institute’s Cool Food Pledge. Committee members asked about costs, procurement, and how student and consumer behavior can be influenced. The second panel addressed market barriers to scaling alternative proteins. Zach Weston and Daniel Gertner emphasized that the sector faces a cost-and-scale trap, high capital needs, and financing gaps, and they recommended grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, procurement commitments, and workforce development. T.K. Pillen of Beyond Meat argued that the category has faced a recent downturn due to consumer skepticism, industry attacks on “fake meat,” and pricing pressures, and said the key to renewed growth is increasing demand through better taste, health, pricing, and messaging around “plant protein.” Panelists also discussed hidden subsidies and structural advantages for conventional animal agriculture, and committee members raised questions about iBank loan guarantees and supply chain challenges. The final panel highlighted UCLA’s research and training efforts. Dr. Amy Roet described the Future Food Fellows program, which trains students across disciplines in science, communication, leadership, and community-building, and supports research on scalable, safe, and nutritious alternative proteins. Corinne Smith shared her cultivated meat research and student leadership in the Alternative Proteins Project at UCLA. Dr. Janet Tomiyama presented consumer psychology findings showing that disgust, gender norms, and terminology strongly affect acceptance, with “plant protein” and “complementary proteins” testing better than “fake meat.” The hearing concluded with support for continued public investment, clearer messaging, and expanded education and workforce pipelines to help California remain a leader in alternative protein innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fiscal year 2024, KDE received $11.2 million in IDEA B preschool funding.
• B preschool funding. million in idea B preschool funding.
• These are IDEA B preschool federal dollars.
• These are IDEA B preschool federal dollars.
• Uh Senator Dean, idea. All right.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:22 Office of Education Accountability Report: Early Childhood Regional Training Centers (RTCs): 01:22 Approval of July 14, 2025 Minutes 31:21 Office of Education Accountability: 2025 Study Agenda 32:35 Adjournment: 39:12, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an Office of Education Accountability report on Kentucky’s early childhood regional training centers (RTCs). OEA said the centers provide valuable training, consultation, technical assistance, and materials for preschool personnel, especially for children with disabilities and at-risk students, and that the services align with state and federal requirements. However, the report found uneven student and teacher populations across regions, wide variation in per-student funding, some staffing data inaccuracies, and several fiscal oversight concerns, including inconsistent indirect cost rates, a building rental charge that may have been duplicative, and host districts recording RTC expenditures in a way that could blur them with district finances. OEA also said some documentation of progress toward goals was incomplete and that the technology lending library appeared underused. The report recommended stronger KDE oversight, uniform coding and accounting practices, review of budgets and expenditures, and an evaluation of whether the current five-center model remains the most efficient structure; OEA also suggested the General Assembly may wish to revisit KRS 157.318. Members asked about KDE’s response, whether the centers are required by federal law, how the centers operate, and whether changing the model would affect federal funding. OEA said KDE had only discussed the findings informally and had not issued a formal response, the centers are required by state law but not federal law, and changing the model would not jeopardize IDEA preschool funds. The committee accepted the report by motion. The subcommittee then approved the minutes from its July 14, 2025 meeting after initially delaying action because quorum was not yet present. After that, members turned to the Office of Education Accountability’s proposed 2026 study agenda. OEA said the three proposed topics are the annual district data profiles, facilities funding, and implementation of early literacy statutes. The district profiles would add an appendix showing the number and percentage of students moving to private school or homeschool by district and another appendix noting data-quality issues that affect comparability. OEA explained that district staffing data can undercount contract staff because those employees are not always entered into the system, and members expressed interest in tracking whether prior recommendations were implemented. One senator also raised a separate interest in reviewing whether KDE created and implemented regulations related to KFIX. The discussion remained informational, with no final vote on the study agenda shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think this is a fair sort of... ...a fair sort of marriage of the two ideas that gives flexibility
• And, and, and I think this is a, uh, a, a fair sort of 93 marriage of the two ideas, um, that, that gives
• The rubric has two dimensions: conventions, and the topic or ideas of the student.
• I’m sorry—ideas, I think, the topic or ideas of the student, and conventions like grammar, syntax, and
• So you grade ideas; if the item is off-topic, or the essay, paragraph, or sentence is off-topic, then

Bills: HB8

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Summary: The House Committee on Public Education met to hear House Bill 8, which would replace STAAR with a new assessment and accountability system beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The chair described the bill as reducing testing time, limiting benchmark tests, adding beginning-, middle-, and end-of-year assessments, requiring faster score turnaround, involving Texas teachers in test development, and tightening accountability timelines and transparency rules. Members also discussed provisions on A-F ratings, cut scores, CCMR, local accountability plans, and TEA reporting requirements. Committee members and invited witnesses split sharply on the bill’s approach. Supporters, including the chair, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, and Ed Trust’s Nicholas Munyon Penny, argued the bill would reduce high-stakes pressure, provide quicker and more actionable data, limit over-testing, and better align assessments to Texas standards while preserving criterion-referenced accountability. They said the new system would help teachers and parents intervene sooner and would improve transparency, including parent access to student responses and automatic rescoring in some writing cases. Opponents, including Rep. Hinojosa and student witness Ella Moran, argued the bill still increases testing and replaces one high-stakes test with multiple TEA-created tests. Moran testified that STAAR creates anxiety, disrupts instruction, and does not reflect real learning, while Hinojosa said the House had previously passed a better bill based on a nationally norm-referenced model and criticized the new proposal as a concession to the Senate. Questions also focused on AI scoring of writing, rescoring rates, and whether the bill’s new accountability rules would be reliable and fair. The committee did not take a final vote during the portion provided, but the chair said a vote on HB 8 would be called after public testimony later in the day.