Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the last meeting of the Early Learning K-12 Education Committee for this session.
• Our first: 1795 addressing restraint and isolation of students in public schools and educational programs
• Addressing restraint and isolation of students in public schools and educational programs. Ily.
• First, the amendment removes the requirement related to continuing education for educators endorsed with
• We now have Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2557, special education evaluations, before us.

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Sandoval Academy of Bilingual Education.
• The House Education Committee will address the amount of money that can be advanced by employers for
• and Care Program Fund from the Early Childhood Education and Care Fund.
• Childhood Education and Care Program Fund from the Early Childhood Education and Care Fund.
• Thence to the House Education Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education Committee. Please state your Education Committee.
• Education. Education.
• </c> the Office of Higher Education. And Mr. the Office of Higher Education. And Mr.
• </c> education increase. education increase.
• <c> and</c> education, adult basic education, and education, adult basic education, and the<01:11:10.159

Bills: HF4362 , HF4252 , HF4440

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's going to be both education both education both education when we looking at the budget if we're
• And with all of the attacks against the Alabama Educ Education Association the Alabama Educ Education
• education has served many of say public education has served many of say public education has served
• And so whatever we can educated. And so whatever we can educated.
• And uh also the Alabama Educational Television Alabama Educational Television Alabama Educational Television

Bills: HB 10 , HB 12 , HB 147 , HB 1522 , HB 422 , HB 675 , HB 204 , HB 748 , HB 912

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been in education for 14 years.
• If you support public education and public education workers, you will make it harder for me and other
• I have been in education for 14 years.
• If you support public education and public education workers, you will make it harder for me and other
• I do not represent my fellow educators.

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:20.079><c> Healthcare</c> training program to educate Healthcare training program to educate
• Yeah, so similar to how the Department of Education handles their projects, right?
• Yeah, so similar to how the Department of Education handles their projects, right?
• Yeah, so similar to how the Department of Education handles their projects, right?
• Yeah, so similar to how the Department of Education handles their projects, right?

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on March 14, 2025, and heard five University of Hawaii-related bills. SB 741 would create an external audit committee for the UH system and Board of Regents; UH and UHPA opposed it, saying existing internal and external audits already provide robust oversight, and the committee later recommended deferring the bill indefinitely as duplicative. SB 1252 SD2 would create a dementia training program for health care providers; the Alzheimer’s Association and other supporters said broader training is needed across the care workforce, while the university discussed using JABSOM as a coordinator. The committee deferred the bill to March 19 for an HD1 reflecting JABSOM’s suggestions and removing the appropriations/FTE language. SB 1502 SD1 would fund faculty positions, student programs, and facilities at UH Manoa and West Oahu for defense-sector workforce development. UH and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the measure, describing a pipeline for students into intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields, while one individual opposed it as too closely tied to military contracting and urged investment in other sectors instead. The committee amended the bill to remove FTE references and advanced it; the vote to pass with amendments was adopted, with several members voting aye and some excused. SB 1530 would require performance-based allocation of UH general funds and efficiency reporting. UH and the Attorney General’s office raised concerns, saying the bill’s metrics would apply across the entire general fund budget and were not practical as drafted; the committee also noted opposition from the Budget and Finance Department and individuals. SB 1624 SD1 would restrict RIM funds to renewing, improving, or modernizing existing facilities and require annual reports. UH opposed the bill and explained that RIM is a lump-sum approach used to address deferred maintenance and capital needs, with Board of Regents approval and quarterly reporting already in place; the Attorney General suggested constitutional amendments. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 1624, with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a big topic going on right now: special education costs in public education.
• It is a big topic going on right now: special education costs in public education.
• It is a big topic going on right now: special education costs in public education.
• It is a big topic going on right now: special education costs in public education.
• . education. education. question. question. question.

Summary: The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee met to accept prior minutes and receive updates on ongoing audits. Audit staff reported progress on three education-related reviews: special education (34 of 71 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), education freedom accounts (22 of 41 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), and the doorway program (5 of 13 observations completed, draft expected by the end of February and final by April or May). No committee questions were raised on the audit status update. The committee then discussed possible future oversight topics, beginning with SNAP and concerns about fraud and work requirements. Members suggested inviting DHS officials and contract administrators to explain program operations and compliance, and also discussed whether the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit or other experienced officials could provide useful context. Members noted New Hampshire’s existing oversight layers, including the Executive Council and the joint HHS oversight committee, while also expressing interest in hearing more directly from department staff about staffing and contract management capacity. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on whether to pursue an audit of special education at the local school level. Members debated whether to wait for the ongoing statewide special education review and a legislative study commission report, or to begin scoping a local audit now so work could start sooner. Supporters argued that local-level spending, identification rates, and effectiveness vary widely by district and that an audit should examine both costs and outcomes; others cautioned that the scope would need to be manageable given limited audit staff and that the statewide report may help narrow the focus. The committee also briefly discussed a potential audit of the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, but no decision was made on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Voter education—we know voter education is going to be...
• Voter education, we know voter education is going to be incredibly important.
• Like, who does the voter education right now, and who do you anticipate doing this expanded voter education
• And will it be education, or will there be something in place?
• And will it be education or will there be something in place?

Bills: AB49 , AB169 , AB188 , AB284 , AB296 , AB306 , AB356 , AB366 , AB467 , AB499 , AB515 , AB540 , AB542 , AB595

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> relating to the higher education relating to the higher education attainment<00:02:06.719><c> goal
• </c> contracts that some higher education contracts that some higher education institutions<00:04:42.000
• </c><00:08:45.040><c> Uh</c> postsecary education act. Uh postsecary education act.
• </c><00:10:09.600><c> Um</c> public postsecary education act. Um public postsecary education act.
• </c> the higher education attainment goal. the higher education attainment goal.

Summary: The conference committee received a nonpartisan walkthrough of the House and Senate side-by-side for higher education-related legislation, with staff identifying Senate-only, House-only, identical, and technical-difference provisions. Topics included paid blood donation leave for Minnesota State employees, a revised higher education attainment goal, athletic fee restrictions, developmental course disclosures, American Indian Scholars Program eligibility, protections and definitions for pregnant and parenting students, online program management contracts, student aid reporting, work-study and dual training grants, private and out-of-state postsecondary education regulation, private career school licensing and data privacy, college savings plan changes, and several University of Minnesota-related provisions. House-only items also included an unemployment insurance aid adjustment, a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and $5,000 for Bemidji State University reforestation; Senate-only items included Board of Regents appointment language, limits on for-profit control of medical school curriculum, and reporting on for-profit funding in medical education. After the walkthrough, the committee moved to adopt the same and similar provisions and direct staff to make technical corrections. A senator asked about proposed adjustments to the pregnant and parenting student language, and the chair said amendments would be considered after adopting the same and similar provisions. The motion to adopt prevailed. During public testimony, Sydney Spre of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the Senate’s paid blood donation leave language, saying it would create parity for Minnesota State employees and encourage blood and plasma donation. Commissioner Dennis Olsen of the Office of Higher Education thanked the committee for adopting most of the agency’s proposed language and said he was available to help clarify remaining differences. In response to questions, he explained the Senate’s higher education attainment goal proposal, saying it would extend and broaden the existing goal, raise the target from 70% to 75%, expand the age range, and use additional metrics and partner agencies; he also said the overall attainment rate had been 63.5 under the prior goal. The transcript ends as the commissioner was being asked whether the proposal would require additional appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fund, expands the fund to include child care services, not just education programs, changes where money
• This is if any tax credits are received for early childhood education, all of them would go into the
• Individuals who don’t have children, early childhood education, and they’re...” “...not a flaw.
• But this is how we fund our education system is through sales tax.
• facilities that give early childhood education.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee met in executive session to consider House Bill 2379, which had a pre-distributed House Committee Substitute. The bill sponsor, Rep. Cecily Williams, explained that the substitute was revised to align with a Senate version and to clarify definitions, limit applicability to certain counties, rename the fund the Early Childhood Education Fund, expand eligible uses to include child care services, move fund custody to the county treasurer, broaden the types of eligible providers, and prioritize children with the greatest financial need. Members discussed how the measure would work in practice, with repeated clarification that it does not create a new tax but instead governs how locally approved early childhood sales tax revenue would be collected and distributed. Several members focused on whether the bill involved tax credits or a sales tax, whether any tax was already in place, and whether the money would otherwise go to general revenue. The sponsor and other members clarified that local governments already have authority to place an early childhood sales tax on the ballot, and the bill would require any revenue approved for that purpose to be deposited into a dedicated children’s service fund rather than diverted to general funds. Supporters, including Rep. Taylor and Rep. Wright, said the bill would improve transparency and ensure funds are used for the intended early childhood purpose, while Rep. Davis questioned the fairness of a sales tax that would be paid broadly but benefit only families with young children. Rep. Coleman also raised questions about the funding mechanism and remained uncertain during the discussion. The committee first adopted the House Committee Substitute by voice vote. It then voted on the substitute version of House Bill 2379 and passed it do pass by a roll call vote of 7 ayes and 2 noes. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we want pro- education bill as well.
• Um, as the education finance chair, we were tasked with funding K-12 education across the state, and
• Um as the education such a good job.
• </c> there are already other education there are already other education credits<00:15:07.040><c> that
• </c><00:16:03.839><c> credit,</c> could claim our K12 education credit, could claim our K12 education

Transcript Highlights:

• This is with regards to the Department of Education awarding high school diplomas to those whose education
• This is with regards to the Department of Education awarding high school diplomas to those whose education
• </c> Democratic part of Hawaii education Democratic part of Hawaii education caucus<00:38:28.800><c>
• </c> advantage of their educational advantage of their educational opportunities<00:55:24.240><c> and
• </c> office within the Board of Education office within the Board of Education First<01:19:44.639><c>

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with testimony largely in support. SB 1388 and SB 1393, both concerning the School Facilities Authority and Department of Education representation and land conveyances, received support from DOE and the School Facilities Authority, with no questions or action taken. SB 423, which would add Head Start representation to the Early Learning Board, was supported by the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning, which explained the bill would realign the board with federal Head Start Act requirements after the board was restructured in Act 170; EEL also requested an effective-date amendment. SB 422, allowing DOE to award diplomas to students whose education was disrupted by war, drew support from DOE, the Chamber of Commerce, the Military Council, and the Special Education Advisory Council, but also significant opposition from the Hawaii Patriot Republicans and many individuals; members asked questions about the bill, and DOE explained the measure’s purpose, but no vote was taken. The committee also took testimony on SB 532, which would expand who may administer certain medications in schools. DOE, the Department of Health, and the University of Hawaii supported the bill. Members asked detailed questions about oral, nasal, and topical medications and the process for prescription review and administration; DOE explained that parents request the medication, a school form is completed, a nurse reviews it, and either a trained school health assistant or a contracted nurse administers the medication. DOE said the measure could improve attendance and learning, especially for students with ADHD, asthma, and other chronic conditions. The committee then heard SB 659 on locally sourced food products and school meals, where DOE’s procurement office opposed the higher small-purchase threshold and DOE exemption from procurement rules, while Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others supported the bill as a way to advance farm-to-school goals and the 30% local food target by 2030. Testimony and questioning focused on the proposed threshold increase, transparency, and whether an online bidding system would be preferable. Finally, the committee heard SB 1300 on subsidies for ALICE families’ school meals. DOE supported the bill but requested amendments: defining eligibility at 250% of the federal poverty level, delaying implementation until the 2026-2027 school year, and covering reduced-price lunch students in full for 2025-2026. HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Services Network, and others supported the measure, emphasizing food insecurity, the burden of meal paperwork, and the educational importance of free meals. Hawaii Appleseed suggested replacing ALICE with a federal poverty level standard and removing a rulemaking requirement that could delay implementation. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nationally, the average level of education debt for medical students is around $220,000.
• The CMSP Loan Repayment Program assists with the repayment of qualified educational loans for health
• We are talking about not just educational debt.
• So for public education, the UC system delivers high value for an amazing price.
• I know we hear it in higher education. We hear it in college centers and in high schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Subcommittee Number One on Education will come to order.
• governance proposal, and the special education funding.
• Good morning, Madam Chair and Senator Richeletta and education stakeholders.
• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education is adjourned.
• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education is adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think a more educated population on how our government is run will make better decisions in the future
• We'll make more educated decisions for their own good, for their family's good, for their neighbors'
• So the more educated people we can have in our government is amazing.
• And I think Minnesota is a great example of political education.
• </c><00:03:08.599><c> people</c> government so the more educated people government so the more educated

Transcript Highlights:

• Emma Zalmer, I am the committee administrator for the Senate Education Finance and Education Policy Committees
• </c> Senate Education Committees. Senate Education Committees.
• </c> for the Education Committees. for the Education Committees.
• </c> in contrast to the the way the education in contrast to the the way the education forecast<00:03
• education revenue called operating<00:07:08.600><c> capital.

Summary: The conference committee on Senate File 4282 met with a quorum present and heard a walkthrough of the bill, which contains forecast adjustments for several agencies. Senate staff explained that Article 1 makes education forecast adjustments for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, Article 2 adjusts appropriations for the Department of Human Services, Article 3 does the same for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and Article 4 increases special transportation services funding for Metropolitan Council programs including Metro Mobility and Metro Move by $8.9 million in FY 2026 and $10.9 million in FY 2027 to match the February forecast. House staff noted that the House language matched Article 1 but did not include Articles 2 through 4. Representative Youakim presented amendment A26-0180, describing six sections that add provisions on paraprofessional qualifications, aid for tribal contract schools tied to revised permanent school fund distributions, expanded allowable uses of school operating capital revenue to include certain utility costs, an extension of an existing appropriation for gender-neutral single-use restrooms, and two school district fund transfer provisions for West St. Paul/Mendota Heights/Eagan and Maple Lake. Members discussed that several items were no-cost and that some fund transfer language had been previously discussed in committee. The amendment was adopted on an 8-0 roll call vote. After adopting the amendment, the committee voted on the bill as amended. The conference committee agreement for Senate File 4282 passed on an 8-0 vote, and the meeting was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> their education their education and<00:04:30.320><c> as</c><00:04:30.639><c> part</c><00:04:30.880
• So, um, we would like to work with you on toughening up our educational protections.
• </c> because um the some of the educational because um the some of the educational funding<00:08:35.440
• </c> educational funding is is also tied. educational funding is is also tied.
• I will also note, anecdotally, we're talking about the education piece.

Transcript Highlights:

• NDI New Mexico is a unique blend of performing arts, physical education, and youth development.
• We believe that an engaged youth that is healthy in body, mind, and spirit is critical for educational
• issues. ...on higher education issues.
• Friday morning, 7:30 to 8:30 in room 311, the three secretaries of education: early childhood.
• have the Executive Director from the Education Commission of the States there.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Morrill Act forever changed higher education.
• That's a proven fact in higher education.
• Our educators are really good at informal education.
• Carla's seen it all within higher education.
• Carla's seen it all within higher education.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:33.719><c> more</c> issue in early childhood education more issue in early childhood education
• </c> experience after receiving an education experience after receiving an education in<00:14:07.440>
• </c> obtained my master's degree in education obtained my master's degree in education Administration
• So they have to get an education.
• </c><00:35:04.920><c> ESP</c> have people that have education ESP have people that have education ESP

Bills: HF1247 , HF628

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy