Transcript Highlights:

• We had lots of stability in the superintendent position, which also provided lots of stability in our
• This is a move to go back to a board of education that selects a superintendent.
• There are models all over the country of some appointed, some elected, elected superintendents.
• Now we hired the superintendent function as book balancers on the budget.
• My expectation is it would be similar to in the past that the superintendent of schools would present

Bills: SB104 , SJR3 , SM3 , SB104 , SJR3 , SM3

Committees: Senate Senate Rules , Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Keywords: wildlife commission, removal procedures, malfeasance, appointed officials, governance, education reform, public education, state board of education, superintendent, chartering authority, constitutional amendment, policy setting, insects, insect workshop, insect identification, ecology, monitoring, management, pollinators, pollination

Transcript Highlights:

• Ryan Hollingsworth, the executive director of the School Superintendents of Alabama.
• One of my superintendents is the head... one of my superintendents is the head deacon at his Baptist
• There are a lot of superintendents that are in favor of this.
• And I might note that in Jefferson County, the superintendent of the year for the nation, Dr.
• And he is the nation's number one superintendent.

Bills: SB13 , SB278 , SB13

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: education, national anthem, patriotism, school policy, constitutional amendment, SB278, released time, religious instruction, elective credit, public schools, K-12 education, Alabama Released Time Credit Act, church-state separation, First Amendment, school choice, parental consent, elective course, off-campus instruction, private religious entity, State Board of Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Jeff Baca representing the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools in opposition.
• 23 school district superintendents in Riverside County.
• Derek Lennox and the California County superintendents.
• I am a retired superintendent.
• Every superintendent lining up to say does amazing and wonderful things for our students.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The donations would help to fund it, and it also allows the state superintendent to set the formation
• This bill would now require that the juvenile court provide written notification to the superintendent
• I'm an elected Republican superintendent. Elected Republican superintendent.
• I'm the longest serving superintendent in the history of Dale County Schools.
• We then tried to present before our superintendent, and we were told no.

Bills: SB166 , HB365 , HB272 , HB232 , HB234 , SB278 , SB277

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: Ten Commandments, public education, displays, funding, Alabama law, STEM, science education, technology education, engineering education, math education, workforce development, career pathways, Alabama STEM Council, Department of Workforce, education policy, higher education, community colleges, K-12 education, teacher pipeline, STEM careers

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I just think it's good to give the superintendents and the students that flexibility.
• Now our state law says to the superintendent that they have to go to D.A.P.
• Thank you, Superintendent. Senator Menéndez, do you have a question? All right, great.
• Superintendent, welcome. Thank you.
• Chair, one of the things that I'll be a superintendent for as well.

Bills: HB 1022 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HJR5 , HB6 , HB 120 , HB210 , HB1458 , HB 1188 , HB3126 , HB6 , HB120 , HB210

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with um Marcy Dow superintendent with um Marcy Dow superintendent Intermediate<00:04:21.479><c>
• </c> have a quick question for superintendent have a quick question for superintendent Dow<00:25:37.360
• </c> around that and then as superintendent around that and then as superintendent Dow<00:43:18.160><
• Superintendent Dow, thank you, Chair.
• Dow still here sure um is superintendent Dow still here superintendent<01:08:24.719><c> Dow</c><01:08

Bills: HF846 , HF1538 , HF1959

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education, special education, apprenticeship, funding, grants, intermediate school districts, teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we will meet and hear from Superintendent Wright, who is our new superintendent at Green Hill, who
• And Superintendent, right? You were not Superintendent, right.
• I am also the Green Hill School Superintendent.
• And superintendent, right? You were not Superintendent, right.
• Superintendent Crean Hill School.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held a work session on juvenile rehabilitation trends and then a hearing on Senate Bill 6062. The work session featured a national overview from NCSL, DCYF updates on Green Hill, Harbor Heights, and community transition services, and local/community perspectives from Pierce County, Team Child, and Northwest Credible Messengers. The national presentation described broad juvenile justice trends, including limits on extreme sentencing, expanded diversion and due process protections, reduced fines and fees, record clearing, and changes in juvenile court jurisdiction. Committee members asked about juvenile crime trends and overcrowding, and the presenter noted that crime has generally decreased overall since 2020, though some offenses have risen in some places and overcrowding remains an issue in certain states. DCYF reported on its behavior management system, Harbor Heights opening as relief for overcrowding, Green Hill population pressures, and expansion of community transition services. Officials said the behavior management system is intended to improve safety, consistency, and restorative accountability, while Harbor Heights has added programming and family engagement but still faces space, IT, and medical-infrastructure challenges. Green Hill leaders said reduced population has improved stability, programming, and use-of-force outcomes, but overcrowding remains a concern. DCYF also highlighted an ombuds process, family listserv updates, staffing changes, and a proposed budget request for additional JR capacity and staffing. Pierce County described its long-running detention reform work, reduced average daily detention population, and plans for a new juvenile justice center, while Team Child and Northwest Credible Messengers emphasized community-based supports, culturally responsive services, healing-centered engagement, and reentry planning. Senate Bill 6062 was then briefed as a measure revising juvenile sentencing and JR placement rules. The bill would require courts to grant suspended disposition alternatives in eligible cases unless the court finds community supervision would not adequately protect the community, expand eligibility for certain sentencing alternatives, require midpoint review hearings, and set rules for transfers from JR to DOC when facilities exceed 105% of rated bed capacity. The committee also voted to waive the five-day notice rule for hearings on Senate Bills 6319 and 5979, and that motion passed. During public testimony on SB 6062, youth from Green Hill supported the bill and asked for clearer standards around DOC transfers, while DCYF supported efforts to reduce JR population but said the bill needs stronger emergency transfer language to address overcrowding at Green Hill. Committee members and the bill sponsor emphasized rehabilitation, individualized sentencing, and the need to balance community safety with better placement and services for youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• Superintendent, welcome to the House Education Committee. Thank you, Mr. Chair, Mr.
• principals, and superintendents, school visits, teacher, principal, and superintendent supports, and
• , superintendents or even board members being involved in.
• One of the effects it had in Mississippi is superintendents... ...reason.
• Superintendent, thanks for being here today.

Committee: House House Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horn’s annual State of Education address, which focused on school safety, academic outcomes, school choice, teacher pay, and opposition to DEI/CRT in schools and teacher preparation. Horn said the department has expanded school police officers, promoted Project Momentum and tutoring, supported cell phone restrictions in classrooms, and pushed for more phonics-based reading instruction and stronger university teacher-prep programs. Members questioned him about DEI complaints, cell phone implementation, ESA oversight, school safety funding, reading proficiency, and teacher compensation; Horn said ESA spending is reviewed and recovered when inappropriate, and argued teacher raises should come directly to teachers, not through districts. No formal action was taken on his presentation. The committee then considered HB 2008, which would prohibit public school libraries from using public funds to pay dues to professional library associations. Sponsor Representative Cooper argued the bill would keep school libraries politically neutral and prevent taxpayer money from supporting ideological advocacy, while saying membership itself would still be allowed if paid privately. Opponents, including a former librarian, a school board member, and the ACLU of Arizona, said the bill would undermine professional development, local control, literacy support, and constitutional rights of association and petition. Supporters said associations promote ideological content and that free professional-development alternatives exist. After public testimony and debate, the committee voted to return HB 2008 with a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we submit a uh request superintendent we submit a uh request superintendent you<00:53:52.160><c>
• Superintendent agreed.
• Superintendent agreed.
• </c><01:00:05.440><c> is</c> intent however my superintendent is intent however my superintendent is
• With that, I do have the superintendent from the Lake Superior School District, a new superintendent,

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, we have Jim Deco, Interim Superintendent of Oregon State Hospital, and Dr.
• Jim came out of retirement to serve as interim superintendent at an extremely difficult moment for the
• I serve as the interim superintendent, and Dr.
• And I know that our incoming superintendent, Sean Murphy, list goes on.
• And I know that our incoming superintendent, Sean Murphy, ...a focus in this area.

Summary: The joint Senate and House Behavioral Health committee met for informational presentations on the Oregon State Hospital and civil commitment, followed by a planned tour of the hospital. Oregon Health Authority and Oregon State Hospital leaders reported that Sean Murphy will become the next permanent superintendent on July 13, with Sarah Castle to follow as permanent chief nursing officer on July 20. They described recent leadership turnover, a major organizational restructure, and efforts to build a culture of safety, transparency, and accountability. Officials said the hospital regained Joint Commission accreditation and CMS compliance, and they highlighted daily safety huddles, incident review processes, stronger escalation procedures, and improved management of seclusion and restraint. Committee members pressed hospital leaders on past prolonged seclusion practices, falls, staffing, and the need for better public reporting; OHA said it is building a public dashboard of key safety and workforce metrics. The committee then heard a civil commitment overview from the Oregon Judicial Department. The presenter explained that civil commitment is a separate legal process from criminal cases, usually beginning with a hospital hold, investigation, court review, appointed counsel, and a hearing within five days. She summarized changes made in House Bill 2005, including revised standards for danger to self, danger to others, and basic-needs commitments, plus a second 14-day diversion option. She cautioned that the new law has only been in effect since January and that it is too early to draw firm conclusions from the data, though there has been a recent uptick in commitments and a decrease in diversions. Testimony from NAMI Oregon and a forensic psychiatrist emphasized that Oregon still relies too heavily on jails and state hospitals because community services, housing, and outpatient supports are insufficient. They argued that the state needs more less-restrictive alternatives, including better use of assisted outpatient treatment or outpatient civil commitment, and more supported housing so people do not cycle between homelessness, incarceration, and hospitalization. A family member described a relative remaining psychotic in jail for more than 120 days before ending up back at the state hospital, urging faster intervention and better collaboration among courts, counties, hospitals, and state agencies. Committee members and witnesses also discussed workforce shortages, the expansion of secure residential treatment beds, and the need for broader system reforms beyond the hospital itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• this What is the action of that superintendent?
• Yes, so the principal just notifies the superintendent within 3 days.
• And then the principal shall notify the superintendent within 3 days.
• I had a superintendent after superintendent say, 'You be the bad guy on cell phones because we can point
• And so I mean it doesn't speak to the state superintendent of education.

Bills: HB1937 , HB2153 , HB3674 , HB2978 , HB3885 , HB3671 , HB3261 , HB3021 , HB3029 , HB4274 , HB3701 , HB3076

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:12.080><c> of</c> my constituents and superintendent of my constituents and superintendent
• works directly with other superintendent works directly with other superintendent<00:38:56.320><c> to
• Um as a superintendent, next.
• </c><01:40:50.000><c> I</c> group of 30 superintendent? I group of 30 superintendent?
• </c> superintendent for more than a decade. superintendent for more than a decade.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> principals and complex superintendents principals and complex superintendents uh<00:50:20.680><c
• 00:50:22.240><c> the</c> uh complex area superintendents on the uh complex area superintendents on the
• &gt;&gt; Hi,<00:57:05.680><c> Superintendent.</c> &gt;&gt; Hi, Superintendent.
• &gt;&gt; Hi, Superintendent.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Thank you, Superintendent. &gt;&gt; Thank you, Superintendent.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 78, which urges the Department of Education to strengthen natural health education and adopt a comprehensive menstrual cycle curriculum. The Department of Education said it supported the intent and had offered technical amendments to scaffold the curriculum by grade level. The Commission on the Status of Women and several advocates, including students and Ma'i Movement Hawaiʻi, testified in support, describing gaps in menstrual health education, stigma, and the need for more inclusive, age-appropriate instruction. No opposition was heard, and the chair moved on after no questions from members. The committee then took up SCR 194, urging the Department of Education to meet the criteria to recognize cheerleading as a Title IX sport. The Department supported the measure, noting recent expansion of girls flag football and surfing as recognized sports and saying cheerleading would create additional opportunities for students. The Commission on the Status of Women also supported the resolution, saying it could improve participation, resource allocation, and representation for female students. No opposition or further action was recorded in the excerpt. Finally, the committee discussed SCR 195, requesting the Board of Education and Department of Education to revise graduation requirements to include a standalone financial literacy course. The Board of Education and Department of Education both supported the intent but cautioned against a one-size-fits-all mandate, emphasizing school-level flexibility, existing stand-alone and online options, and the requirement that the class of 2030 must complete financial literacy before graduation. Hawaii Kids Can supported the resolution while raising questions about equity, access, quality, and how different delivery models compare; it also asked for more information on community survey data. Committee members questioned the department and board about asynchronous versus in-person instruction, standards, and how the requirement would be tracked in the personal transition plan. No vote or final action was taken in the provided portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, HB 2370 permits only a school district superintendent or the highest-ranking
• Michael, isn't it already, you mentioned something about making it a crime for the superintendents.
• If a superintendent does not fulfill those duties, then it is a class six felony if the violation does
• Madam Chair, Representative Sandoval, yes, if they don't create this plan for the superintendent.
• Madam Chair and members, HB 2385 limits superintendent contracts to one year until the superintendent

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with staff giving brief descriptions and members flagging which items were on consent, had unanimous committee votes, or should be pulled for further discussion. Topics included education, health care, public safety, labor, water, taxation, housing, and elections. Several measures were noted as party-line or mixed votes, while many others were reported as unanimous and placed on third-read or consent calendars. Among the more discussed items were bills on school and labor policy, including a proposal to prohibit teacher strikes, a measure restricting school district bond actions, a bill requiring school safety protocols and assigning felony penalties for noncompliance, and a resolution limiting public money for labor organization activities. Members also raised concerns or requested further review on bills involving pharmacist testing authority, expired opioid antagonists, a county sheriff-related measure, a housing affordability district proposal, and a tobacco/vape regulation bill. Some measures were explicitly pulled from consent, including a Medicaid audit resolution, a budget-related pay-withholding resolution, and several education and public safety bills. The caucus also heard multiple health and human services measures, such as genetic counselor licensing, nursing board and pharmacy board continuations, foster care rights, psychiatry access funding, and free school meals. In addition, there were water and energy bills on Colorado River management, groundwater, transmission-line review, and renewable energy valuation, plus election and campaign-related proposals. The meeting ended with announcements, including an upcoming Colorado River breakfast briefing and an internal award recognizing Representative Brian Garcia, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Substitute on the floor when we go in, and it's also supported by the superintendents' association.
• Stan Rounds with the School Superintendents' Association and the Coalition of Educational Leaders.
• Mostly with the Superintendents' Association to make sure that that does not occur.
• The superintendent, everything was a mess. They had to go in and get rid of the whole school board.
• firing a superintendent, or setting their salary and overseeing the budget.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 254, which would allow investor-owned electric utilities to include avoided greenhouse gas emissions in evaluating the cost effectiveness of energy efficiency resources. The sponsor explained an amendment making the emissions calculation optional for utilities, while requiring the Public Regulation Commission to consider it if a utility elects to use it. Utilities, energy efficiency advocates, and environmental groups supported the bill, saying it would help expand energy efficiency programs, lower bills, and better reflect emissions benefits. After brief questions about prior concerns, the committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill on a unanimous due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 185, which would change the process for suspending school board members so the Secretary of Education could suspend individual members rather than only an entire board. The sponsors and supporters argued the bill would improve accountability, protect good board members from being punished for others’ misconduct, and create a clearer process with notice, remedial action, and appeal rights. School superintendents and some current and former school board members supported the bill, but the New Mexico School Boards Association and several board members opposed it, saying it was vague, threatened local control, and gave too much power to an appointed official. After extensive debate, the committee voted 4-5 against the do pass motion, and the bill failed in committee. The committee next considered House Memorial 29, condemning the U.S. invasion of Venezuela. The memorial sponsor said it was intended to oppose the administration’s actions and affirm democratic norms. A supporter from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry backed the memorial on moral and legal grounds. Representative Block raised multiple factual objections, arguing the memorial mischaracterized Nicolás Maduro’s status and the events in Venezuela. The committee amended the memorial to add the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, and the New Mexico congressional delegation as recipients, then passed it on a 6-3 vote after debate and vote explanations. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 93, which would raise the state income tax standard deduction to 205% of the federal standard deduction. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce tax burdens for New Mexicans and noted that staff and the tax department had determined nonresidents would only receive a prorated benefit under existing rules, so no amendment was needed. With no public testimony and no opposition, the committee moved the bill forward on a do pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you to the State Superintendent and the Department of Education for sponsoring this measure
• As I learned over the years, many county superintendents are publicly elected positions as well.
• It's not through the superintendent. It's the school board's regular process.
• It was not the superintendent. Yeah. Ms. Wilson.
• That it was not the superintendent. Yeah. Ms. Wilson.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Superintendent, for being here.
• Superintendent... and data.
• Superintendent? Mr.
• Superintendent? Mr.
• Superintendent, thank you so much for your time.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• If superintendent past the time to act.
• I'm superintendent of Rochester Public Schools.
• </c><00:37:37.280><c> As</c> superintendent, Columbia Heights. As superintendent, Columbia Heights.
• </c><00:42:38.240><c> Paul,</c> superintendent in North St. Paul, superintendent in North St.
• And as Superintendent Sario backwards.

Summary: The meeting focused on the impact of recent ICE enforcement activity in Minnesota, especially on schools, students, and families. Speakers, including legislators, superintendents, a school board chair, teachers, parents, and a student, described fear in immigrant and non-immigrant communities, increased absenteeism, disrupted school routines, and broader trauma affecting children’s mental health and learning. Several speakers said students were staying home, families were avoiding bus stops and public places, and educators were taking on extra duties such as transporting students, delivering food, and helping with housing and remote learning options. Testimony included specific examples from Columbia Heights, Fidley Public Schools, Rochester, and Maple Grove. Speakers reported detained students and family members, canceled in-person classes in some districts, expanded virtual learning, and sharp attendance declines; one superintendent cited more than 530 additional daily absences in Rochester and large increases in excused absences among multilingual, low-income, Asian-American, and Latino students. A parent and student speaker described organizing neighborhood safety efforts and a planned student walkout to demand safe busing, suspension of a policy that unenrolls students after 15 consecutive absences, and a pause on standardized testing. The speakers repeatedly called for ICE to be removed from schools and from Minnesota, and urged elected officials to act to protect children and educators. One senator reflected on democracy, liberty, and freedom from fear, linking the situation to the purpose of public education. No formal committee vote or legislative action was taken during the excerpt; the session ended with a transition to questions and a call for community responsibility and support.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> amendment that from the Superintendents amendment that from the Superintendents Association.<02:
• the superintendent of the year.
• of the year, whole superintendent of the year, whole nation.<03:18:23.800><c> Superintendent</c><03:
• Birmingham</c><03:18:34.560><c> school</c> superintendent in the Birmingham school superintendent in
• </c> peers as the superintendent of the year. peers as the superintendent of the year.

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then quickly handled routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports throughout the day. The chamber first took up House amendments to Senate Bill 19 on insurance, including a changed start date and a bill name honoring David McHanie and Roy Johnson. On a long roll, the Senate concurred 22-0 with one abstention. Senator Singleton then used personal privilege to present a Black History observance highlighting Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., and Mahalia Jackson. Committee reports followed, with the Senate confirming Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission and Lynn Brewer to the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors. Senator Singleton spoke at length in support of the trades-related confirmation, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor, contractor oversight, and workforce training, while also discussing the need to support such professions and the role of boards in protecting consumers. The Senate also received favorable reports from Judiciary, Education Policy, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Tourism, and Local Legislation on a range of bills, many with amendments or substitutes, and placed them on the next day’s calendar. In motions and resolutions, Senator Elliott recommitted Senate Bill 310 to local legislation and introduced Senate Joint Resolution 50 honoring Coach Tim Carter, which was sent to rules. The Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 51 mourning Junior Harold Sorrells and several House resolutions from the Rules Committee, including recognitions for the Alabama State Games, Mack McCutcheon’s retirement, the Black pioneers of Macon County, Alicia Cannon, Joseph William Jones Jr., and Louis Vuitton the Pitbull Day. The chamber also recognized several school leaders in the gallery and then moved into local bills, beginning with Senate Bill 266, a proposed constitutional amendment regarding Covington County, for which a bill reading was requested using the previous roll.

Transcript Highlights:

• , in multiple places in this bill, there is a change from the State Board of Education to the Superintendent
• or the It was for the State Board and then changed it for the Superintendent or the department, and
• We've talked to the School Superintendents' Association.
• We've talked to the School Superintendents' Association.
• Susan Kima, for the record, I represent the Nevada Association of School Superintendents, and we're in

Committee: Assembly Education