Video & Transcript Research : 'school testing'
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AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Have you taken the test?
- Currently, I take the Air Force fitness test. Okay, but— Fitness tests in my career.
- Currently, I take the Air Force fitness test.
- I score above 90% on my fitness test every year.
- And that test still breaks down... And that test still breaks down by gender and age.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HLT/HSH Joint Public Hearing - Fri Feb 7, 2025 @ 8:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:31:36.159>
I'm boys and a senior at puno school I'm boys and a senior at puno school I'm - There's a World Directory of Medical Schools; it would be good if that was listed as the origin school
- There's a World Directory of Medical Schools; it would be good if that was listed as the origin school
- allowed both of my Kiki to attend school allowed both of my Kiki to attend school in<02:42:41.520
- <03:39:23.840>
education access to our public school education access to our public school
Summary:
The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility.
The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost.
The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Charter Schools uh but does go to school Charter Schools uh but does go to school districts districts
- <00:25:00.799>
district school district and the school district school district and the school - in charter schools.
- pupil units in school districts and charter schools.
- c> English learner it's test in test out uh English learner it's test in test out uh no<01:21:13.480>
Summary:
The committee first approved the January 21st minutes by voice vote. Members then resumed a school finance overview focused on how Minnesota’s “base” budgeting system works and how future committee targets are set above or below that base by the Ways and Means chair, in consultation with fiscal staff. Staff emphasized that school funding decisions are tied to the state budget base and that changes made by the tax committee can affect school levies and school finance more broadly.
The presentation then turned to property tax fundamentals. Staff explained that roughly 65% of school district revenue comes from state aid and about 20% from property taxes, with property tax revenue applying to school districts rather than charter schools. They reviewed the two main school tax bases—referendum market value and adjusted net tax capacity—along with class rates, sales ratios, and equalization. They also described tax credits, especially the school building bond agricultural credit, which helps reduce the property tax burden on agricultural land in Greater Minnesota.
Members discussed student choice programs and how funding follows students. In response to questions from Representative Quam, staff explained postsecondary enrollment options (including direct enrollment and College in the Schools) and online learning, noting that funding generally follows the student to the serving institution or district. Staff also reviewed Minnesota’s pupil-counting system, including average daily membership and pupil weighting, and explained that students attending charter schools, other districts through open enrollment, or online programs are counted where they are served.
The presentation concluded with broader school finance context: funding sources, equity and adequacy goals, constitutional and statutory authority, and the state’s school data systems (EUP/FARS, MARS, and STARS). Staff also began reviewing long-term enrollment trends, noting the impact of the baby boom, later growth from the mid-1980s through about 2000, and projected modest declines in public school enrollment through 2029.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 18, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- certain medications and devices such as glucose monitors and antibiotics after a positive strep or UTI test
- certain medications and devices such as glucose monitors and antibiotics after a positive strep or UTI test
- certain medications and devices such as glucose monitors and antibiotics after a positive strep or UTI test
- And I I doing labs and running tests.
- bud budget and the and the school bud budget and the and the school recalibration<01:00:14.559><
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 5th, 2025
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, and Representative Ferrary, they will test the lab in all fairness for whatever they test
- for a chemical test.
- , which only tests for.
- So my only avenue now to get a chemical test would be via, I mean, sorry, a blood test, which in this
- Now I have this chemical test supporting my belief.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Having served on a school board and having served as chair of a school board, I have seen that school
- and grad school in Vermont.
- high school sports.
- Thank you, Cara Cabw, followed by McKenzie West. locality School District by School locality School District
- did at the school.
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed.
Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details.
Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Jul 11th, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- . school.
- I was wondering, do you have a dual credit program, and do the high school or middle school students
- : Grant High School, which is right across the street, as well as Laguna Acoma High School.
- Are you somehow testing?
- Any of the cattle is tested. Mr. Chair, thank you.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Education (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- School and uh it's an honor to have her School and uh it's an honor to have her here<00:04:13.560>
- again uh uh School again uh uh School resources<00:49:18.920>
um <00:49:19.839>uh < - Testing in June is horrible for everyone, and we want to make sure that all of our schools are being
- Testing in June is horrible for everyone, and we want to make sure that all of our schools are being
- You cancel that 30 days out, six weeks out, that school board meeting will be flooded the next school
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:01:04
Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:12
Senate Bill 3 (Sen. Wise): 00:05:28
Senate Bill 6 (Sen. Givens): 00:32:17
House Bill 241 (Rep. Truett): 00:52:18
Senate Bill 268 (Sen. Reed): 01:11:57
Adjournment: 01:24:48, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Education met and first handled introductions of guests and visitors from several school districts and education groups. The committee then took up Senate Bill 3, which relates to student athletes and includes an emergency clause. The bill sponsor and invited witnesses, including athletics directors from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, said the measure is intended to update Kentucky’s NIL laws in light of the House v. NCAA settlement and other national changes in college athletics.
Supporters said SB 3 would let Kentucky universities directly compensate student athletes, help them secure third-party NIL deals, require reporting of deals over $600, and create guardrails and fair-market-value review to reduce pay-for-play concerns. They emphasized that the bill is meant to keep Kentucky institutions competitive, align with expected national standards, and prepare for changes expected around July 1, 2025. Witnesses also discussed the need for more uniform rules nationally, the role of the Power Four conferences in developing governance and clearinghouse systems, and the desire to preserve both athlete mobility and continuity in college sports.
Several members raised concerns about the transfer portal, NIL incentives, and the broader effect on college athletics, with one senator saying NIL and the portal have damaged the sport but acknowledging Kentucky must compete. Witnesses responded that tighter portal windows and clearer national rules would help, while still preserving student-athlete transfer rights when needed. After discussion, the committee moved to a vote on SB 3; the roll call was taken, and the bill advanced out of committee, with at least one senator explaining a reluctant yes vote because of competitive pressures on the Commonwealth.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- and we started this program as a test and we started that<00:45:08.160>
test <00:45:08.480> - 6% the THC of the 21st century tested 6% the THC of the 21st century tested last<03:55:35.399>
<04:07:34.199>- And for roadside tests, we only have a roadside test for alcohol, and that was not even invented till
- Now, I'm not saying high school kids, because there's tons of studies that show that high school-aged
kids now I'm not saying high school kids now I'm not saying high school kids
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 451, which would create a postconsumer paint stewardship program in New Hampshire. Prime sponsor Representative Karen Ebel described the bill as a bipartisan, broadly supported model based on PaintCare programs used in other states. She said consumers and businesses could drop off leftover paint at participating retailers or municipal household hazardous waste sites, with the paint then collected and recycled by the stewardship organization. She emphasized that the program is intended to reduce landfill disposal, improper dumping, and contamination of groundwater and soil, while also helping municipalities save on hazardous waste handling costs.
Members asked several questions about how the program would work and how it would be funded. Ebel explained that the program would be financed by a small fee charged at the point of sale on paint products, not a general sales tax, and that retailers could either list it separately or roll it into the price. She said the fee would cover the Department of Environmental Services’ administrative costs, which were described as minimal, and that the program’s structure was developed with DES and industry input. Questions also addressed whether cans would be recycled and how collected paint would be processed; Ebel said the ACA and PaintCare representatives could provide more detail, but that the paint and containers would be handled through recycling or other approved disposal methods rather than landfilled.
Representative Judy Aron, a co-sponsor and chair of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee, testified in support, saying the bill had been developed over several years with stakeholders and would keep toxic paint out of landfills while saving municipalities and taxpayers money. Representative Peter Bixby, the ranking member of Environment and Agriculture, also supported the bill, saying his committee had heard it many times and that it had strong bipartisan enthusiasm. No vote was taken during the hearing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- or a private school.
- for charter schools.
- The boundaries of my school district include 75 private schools.
- I'm a retired public school teacher and public school librarian.
- I've been in at least five school districts, at least 20 schools.
Bills:
HB2
Keywords:
disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license, volunteer management system, volunteer registration, criminal history check, background check, Texas Division of Emergency Management
Summary:
The committee continued public testimony on House Bill 2, which would make major changes to public school funding, teacher pay, special education, early learning, school safety, and related programs. Many superintendents and education advocates supported the bill’s overall direction but urged changes, especially a larger basic allotment and more flexible funding for rural and small districts. Witnesses from Paint Creek, West Hardin, Cushing, Blooming Grove, Mildred, Buffalo, Plano, and rural school groups said the bill’s targeted raises and new requirements would not fully cover inflation, TRS/Medicare costs, transportation, insurance, or support staff salaries, and several asked the committee to restore the House version’s higher basic allotment and small-school allotment. Charter school representatives supported the facilities funding changes and said charter schools need state help because they cannot levy taxes, while also noting the funding gap with ISDs. Fine arts advocates asked the committee to restore the fine arts allotment, arguing arts improve engagement, attendance, and academic outcomes, especially in rural and at-risk communities. Early learning and special education witnesses supported parts of the bill but raised concerns about pre-K restrictions, disability-related pre-K access, and the need to preserve or clarify special education provisions and mental health oversight language.
Several witnesses praised the teacher pay raise, teacher incentive allotment expansion, and teacher preparation investments, saying they would help recruit and retain educators and improve student outcomes. Others, including counselors and support staff advocates, argued the bill should also include raises for counselors, nurses, librarians, bus drivers, custodians, aides, and other non-teaching employees who keep schools running. One witness from the Texas Counseling Association opposed the substitute because it removed a counselor pay provision, warning of counselor shortages and inequities. A parent and special education advocate said the bill’s structure creates too many strings attached and asked for a larger basic allotment instead of more targeted funding. Another witness from Mental Health America urged keeping the collaborative task force on public school mental health services through 2031, and a disability rights advocate said the committee substitute appears to omit some special education items that were in the House version.
The committee also briefly took up House Bill 6, a school discipline bill. After questions about automatic mandatory expulsion for vape possession and concerns about younger students, the committee adopted the substitute and voted to report HB 6 favorably to the full Senate by a 9-1 vote, with Senator Menendez voting no and Senators West and Menendez expressing reservations but supporting further discussion. After that vote, testimony on HB 2 resumed. Senators used the hearing to ask about the bill’s cost, the difference between the basic allotment and the bill’s targeted funding buckets, and whether the permanent teacher pay increase shifts pressure off districts. The bill’s supporters emphasized that it represents an historic, roughly $8 billion investment and that many of the new funding streams are intended to be permanent or to address specific district needs.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- manufactured from them undergo testing manufactured from them undergo testing for<00:09:45.680><
- <00:33:52.559>
and not been held to the same testing and not been held to the same testing - That way they can know the testing.
- <01:43:13.280>
Uh, school somewhere down the line. Uh, school somewhere down the line. - school age, middle<02:12:04.159>
school <02:12:04.400>age, <02:12:05.360>uh <02:12
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The A&M School of Law has risen faster in national rankings than any other law school in history and
- HB 4550 by Hayes relating to the permissible uses of school safety allotment under the Foundation school
- district, private school, and open enrollment charter schools employees and.
- School program and the cost of.
- eligibility of those children for the benefits available to the school fund and the Foundation school
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 32 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 4605, authorizing the town of Millis to establish a means-tested senior citizens' property
- tax exemption for school building construction projects; local approval received.
- The House Bill authorizing the town of Millis to establish a means-tested senior citizens' property tax
- exemption for school building construction projects, House Bill 4605, local approval received.
- for school building construction projects, House Bill 4605.
Summary:
The House took up several local bills after suspending procedural rules and Joint Rule 12 for a petition from Mark J. Cusack concerning military creditable service for judges, referring it to the Committee on Public Service. The House also considered four local measures: a Harwich affordable housing trust bill, a Charlemont commercial recreation tax bill, a Millis senior property tax exemption bill, and a Falmouth sewer-related funding bill. All were advanced through second reading and ordered to a third reading.
The chamber then passed to engrossment a series of additional local bills, including a Hopkinton bridge designation bill, a Nantucket charter amendment, a Swampscott disability property tax exemption bill, an Arlington senior tax exemption amendment, and a Reading home rule charter bill. Each was approved without recorded opposition. The House later recessed and returned to consider a supplemental fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill, House Bill 5348, reported out of Ways and Means with a total appropriation of $300 million.
House Bill 5348 was taken up by suspension of the rules, read a third time, passed to be engrossed, and then passed to be enacted after the constitutionally required separate vote, with no votes in opposition recorded. The House adopted an order to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget 3rd Revision: SB2060 laid over 4/6, added to today's agenda Apr 7th, 2026 at 04:30 pm
Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- So Indiana actually does this, and so it's optional for school districts if they want to allow their
- second graders to take the third-grade reading test.
- They can in the second grade, and if they pass the third-grade reading test in the second grade.
- They'll still need to take the third-grade reading test because that's federal law.
- and now it's grown in popularity, and a lot of school districts are doing it.
Keywords:
research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, reading instruction, literacy, educational equity, intervention services, third grade retention, Strong Readers Act, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 9th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- please join me in giving a warm Assembly welcome to the students and staff of Marigold Elementary School
- In 2024, the FDA approved the first blood tests for people at average risk for colon cancer.
- So I'm just saying, you guys, when we all say it's not going to happen to me, these tests, sure they
- But we have also learned that with information, with treatment, with testing, and being proactive...
- With treatment, with testing, and being proactive, those numbers are going down.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of the prior day’s journal, suspension of certain rules for guest introductions, and moving AB 568 to the inactive file. The chamber then recognized several visiting groups, including a fourth-grade class from Marigold Elementary School, representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and its Royal Court, and students from the University of California Students Association on lobby day.
The main floor actions centered on two resolutions. ACR 147 by Assembly Member Lackey designated March 9, 2026 as California Special Olympics Day. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, sharing personal connections to Special Olympics and praising its impact on athletes, families, and volunteers. The resolution received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 89 by Assembly Member Patterson declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Speakers emphasized rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, the importance of screening, and new testing options including blood tests. The resolution also received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote.
After the resolutions, Assembly Member Rodriguez offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Yuloa of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee and floor session dates and adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 9 a.m.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Oct 15th, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I went to school in that area.
- Non-destructive testing of infrastructure. And then the last is Dr. Vimal Chaitanya.
- Finally, we have a PFAS blood testing meeting coming up on October 23rd in Clovis.
- And when we test the water, that it's both real time, right?
- There may be chemicals in there we're not testing for; we may not be aware of.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Jan 23, 2025, 10:00AM HST - State of Judiciary
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But the true test of an institution is how it steps up in times of crisis.
- <00:19:42.960>
our and the Maui fire severely tested our and the Maui fire severely tested - School has grown to serve four schools School has grown to serve four schools on<00:32:00.960>
- 18.600>
on additional 305 students at 27 schools on additional 305 students at 27 schools on aahu- Richardson School of Law to Larry Richardson School of Law to Larry okinaga<00:40:12.119>
at <00 - 18.600>
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
05/11/2026 - Senate Director Nominations
Transcript Highlights:
- Have you taken the test?”
- Currently, I take the Air Force fitness test.” “Okay, but—” “Fitness tests in my career.
- Currently, I take the Air Force fitness test.
- And that test still breaks down...” “And that test still breaks down by gender and age.
- “The Air Force test, it's changing. It's going to be similar.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement.
Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders.
A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development May 7th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- and trying to get the foreign seafood out of the schools.
- we meet the needs of our restaurants and schools?
- For the school systems? And the restaurants? No, not the restaurants. No. No.
- We can test. And that's very good. That's part of it. But we have to market.
- You know, our agricultural universities are not just schools; they're...
Summary:
The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met with a quorum, adopted the minutes from its October 3, 2024 meeting, and Chairwoman Butler noted that HCR 82 would be voluntarily deferred in favor of continuing work on HCR 77 related to a pilot program for landscaping and crawfishing. The committee then considered HCR 205, which urges the USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Representative Kerner and Commissioner Mike Strain described the shrimp industry’s low prices, full cold storage, and the need for urgent federal action to support shrimpers and move product into schools, nursing homes, and food banks. Members discussed domestic sourcing rules, enforcement against imported seafood, and marketing challenges; HCR 205 was reported favorably without objection.
The committee also took up HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill provision that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs. Chairwoman Butler and Commissioner Strain explained that the concern centered on vague language in a farm bill section that could be interpreted to restrict hunting dogs used for tracking or field trials. Members agreed the language should be removed if it remained in the bill, and HCR 188 was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then heard a presentation from Orlando McMeans of the Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture, along with Dr. Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, extension, and academic programs, including enrollment growth, dual-enrollment efforts, 1890 scholars, JAG Stars scholarships, beef cattle and aquaculture research, viticulture, precision nutrition, and food access initiatives. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed disaster-safe shelter. Members asked about butcher training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s potential uses, and the committee adjourned after the presentation.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Much of the work in my school is supported in the Rays Center, a UW-wide center housed in the school
- How do you test if your calculator works? Well, you can test 1 plus 1, 2 times 7, 33 times 44.
- And prior to OSPI, I served for 17 years as a high school counselor and was the lead in my school for
- And prior to OSPI, I served for 17 years as a high school counselor and was the lead in my school for
- We had 48 districts who were using School Links either in the 2023-24 school year or before.
Summary:
The committee spent much of the meeting hearing presentations on student mental health supports at Central Washington University, Washington State University, the University of Washington, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. CWU described high levels of student distress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and basic-needs insecurity, along with a campus-wide holistic well-being model that includes behavioral intervention teams, emergency aid, peer outreach, community partnerships, and a collegiate recovery community. WSU emphasized loneliness, common presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship distress, and the role of housing and residence life, resident advisors, living-learning communities, and coordinated crisis response in identifying and supporting students. UW highlighted prevention and support programs through LiveWell, including alcohol and other drug consultations, confidential advocacy, suicide intervention, student needs navigation, peer health educators, and peer wellness coaches. The community and technical college system reported persistent access barriers, especially for students ages 18 to 24 and those facing housing or food insecurity, and said the legislature-funded mental health pilot at four colleges expanded counseling access, telehealth, and referral pathways, while broader system efforts focus on awareness, telehealth, basic-needs supports, and workforce training in behavioral health fields.
Members asked each panel how they gather student feedback, and the institutions said they use surveys, evaluations, and ongoing outreach to students in services. Questions also focused on substance-use and recovery resources, Greek life outreach, and whether colleges have enough licensed mental health staff versus academic advisors; the community college board said not all colleges have licensed mental health providers on staff, and some rely on community contracts or telehealth. The committee also discussed whether counseling services are increasing because of post-pandemic effects or because students are more willing to seek help, with presenters saying both factors likely play a role.
The committee then shifted to artificial intelligence in higher education. Washington State University, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and the community and technical college system described campus AI task forces, governance structures, and efforts to set policies for students, faculty, and staff. Presenters said institutions are requiring course-level AI use statements, promoting ethical and transparent use, expanding access to approved tools such as Microsoft Copilot, and using AI for teaching, research, advising, and administrative support while guarding privacy, equity, and academic integrity. Members raised concerns about deepfakes, bias, student monitoring, and whether AI should be used to screen applications or evaluate student work; presenters said human review remains essential and that some institutions prohibit AI use in hiring or admissions screening. The final presentation, from OSPI, described the statewide rollout of the School Links high school and beyond plan platform under 2023 legislation, saying it will standardize career and college planning across K-12, provide better data and student guidance, and connect students to postsecondary pathways and employers; OSPI said the rollout is underway but current funding only extends through June 30, 2026.