Transcript Highlights:

• passion uh for working in arts education passion uh for working in arts education and<00:08:31.280
• Since our founding, we've played a critical role in shaping arts education policies, supporting a wide
• Supporting a wide array of arts initiatives and connecting artists, educators, and communities.
• from the state to support that statue. from the state to support that statue.
• support that you're given. support that you're given.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts held an informational briefing on May 22 with the Hawaii Arts Alliance, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Chair Capella said the purpose was to better understand the organizations’ work and strengthen relationships ahead of the interim and next session. The Hawaii Arts Alliance, led by Executive Director Gay Humphrey, described its mission to enrich Hawaii’s cultural fabric through arts education, advocacy, and community engagement, and highlighted its history tied to Alfred Price, including the creation of Hawaii’s 1% for art law and the alliance’s 45 years of service. The alliance outlined its current work, including administering SFCA-funded statewide programs such as Artist in the Schools and the new folk and traditional arts program, with 34 teaching partners serving more than 100 public and charter schools and Kumu Hawaii as the single grantee for traditional weaving instruction. It also discussed Arts First Partners, the incubation of Arts at Mark’s Garage, expanded advocacy efforts supported by Creative West grants, and new multi-year philanthropic support from the Hawaii Community Foundation and Atherton Family Foundation. The alliance said it is launching statewide listening sessions and an arts advocacy training program, and noted that most SFCA funds pass through the alliance to program partners, with the organization retaining 10 to 14 percent for administration. SFCA Executive Director Karen Ewald then described the agency’s role as the state arts agency, its strategic planning process, and its main programs, including Art in Public Places, the Capital Modern museum, Artist in the Schools, apprentice mentoring grants, community arts grants, the Hawaii State Poet Laureate program, a statewide cultural extension program, and the Hawaii Open Arts Program. She said SFCA has 21 staff with one vacancy, is awaiting a federal NEA partnership agreement, and is considering new revenue streams such as a cultural trust. She also noted that the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission was recently attached to SFCA, which has improved coordination and allows SFCA to provide funding for conservation and upkeep of the King Kamehameha statues statewide. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, with questions deferred until after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next to him is my other strong support, my sister-in-law, Margaret Emerson.
• All those in support, please signify.
• And what we want for you is your support.
• And what we want for you is your support.'
• rider education, encourage motorists to remain alert for motorcycles, and support efforts to improve

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to speak in support of opportunity to speak in support of Senate<00:09:48.320> 5 Senate 5 Senate
• Chair, and again, I support the bill. Mr. Chair, and again, I support the bill.
• education requirements.
• in drivers education safety content in drivers education requirements<00:41:49.720> our<00:41
• <00:52:44.480> and education or youth driver education and education or youth driver education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please join me in welcoming the students, educators, supporters of Spiral as we celebrate their dedication
• in this state. on higher education.
• or the Texas Education Agency.
• Refer to the committees on public education in the department of education and Maverick public school
• Committee on public education.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , excuse me, three categories, and higher education.
• Since the Cal housing, education, tourism, and taxes.
• Finally, pay is already unsustainably low for early educators, and many of our educators depended on
• Finally, pay is already unsustainably low for early educators, and many of our educators depended on.
• is already unsustainably low for early educators and many of our educators depended on SNAP and Medicaid

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held its fifth hearing of the year to examine the newly enacted federal H.R. 1 and its effects on California. Members and the chair described the law as a major threat to state health, food, education, and climate programs, and emphasized that California would not be able to fully backfill the federal cuts. Several members also highlighted the bill’s tax provisions, including temporary deductions for tips, overtime, seniors, and auto loan interest, while warning that the largest benefits flow to higher-income taxpayers and that major cuts to Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and clean-energy incentives are delayed or phased in over time. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance presented detailed overviews of the bill’s likely impacts and implementation timelines. They identified the main affected areas as health care coverage and financing, food assistance, higher education, personal income taxes, and clean-energy/electric-vehicle credits. They explained that H.R. 1 limits provider taxes used to finance Medi-Cal, adds work and redetermination requirements, restricts CalFresh eligibility and increases state costs, changes student loan and Pell Grant rules, extends and modifies federal tax provisions, and phases out many clean-energy credits. Finance also noted major rescissions of Inflation Reduction Act funds, new border and immigration enforcement spending, and the possibility of PAYGO sequestration if Congress does not act to offset the deficit increase. During member questions, the committee focused on likely enrollment losses, administrative burdens, and fiscal exposure for the state and counties. Witnesses said many details still depend on federal guidance, but they estimated significant impacts on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and graduate/professional student borrowing, and noted that California’s high CalFresh error rate could increase state costs. UC testified that the elimination of Graduate PLUS loans would affect thousands of professional students, especially in health, law, and other high-cost programs. Members asked for follow-up data on county, health, and tax impacts, and staff agreed to provide additional tables and estimates as implementation guidance becomes clearer. Public commenters from counties, early childhood advocates, health coalitions, disability rights groups, immigrant-rights organizations, and other stakeholders urged the Legislature to mitigate the law’s effects. They warned of higher county costs, reduced access to health care and food assistance, increased administrative burdens, and harm to children, immigrants, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Several urged new state revenue solutions and stronger protections for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, child care, and home- and community-based services. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with a commitment to continue monitoring federal guidance and to work on state responses in the budget process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education support 1,250,886 Prevention/Intervention Services 5886D13, 1.0 FTE, 14,123,128,6315.
• . support. support.
• program that supports low-income individuals, families, and communities with education to increase self-efficacy
• <02:09:46.960> program<02:09:47.199> that<02:09:47.440> supports education program
• that supports education program that supports low-income<02:09:48.239> individuals,<02:09:48.800

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those in support rise. Division. Mr.
• Those in support rise.
• Those in support will rise. Division 1: 0. Division 2: 16.
• Those in support will rise. Division one.
• I ask that our colleagues support us in passing this piece of legislation, So Our colleagues support

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with routine ceremonial business, including the Pledge of Allegiance, adoption of several congratulatory resolutions, and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee. It then took up a supplemental fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill (H. 5393 / H. 5493), which Ways and Means reported at about $227.3 million for items including snow and ice costs, no-cost calls, substance use services, homeless programs, and technical changes related to lottery revenue and other outside sections. The bill was advanced through second and third reading and later passed to be engrossed after a roll call vote. The chamber also passed to engrossment a land transfer bill for the Town of Marion (H. 5388) and a Bolton alcohol licensing bill (S. 2628, as amended). The House also enacted two local bills: one further regulating special meetings of the Holyoke City Council and one amending the charter of the town of Reading. A major floor debate centered on S. 2726, an act regarding free expression, which was framed by supporters as a response to book challenges and censorship in public and school libraries. Supporters, including Representatives Garballey and Moran, argued the bill would protect librarians, require reporting of book challenges, preserve age-appropriate access to materials, and keep challenged books on shelves during review; opponents raised concerns about parental rights and local control. Several amendments were offered and rejected, including one that would have removed a criminal-law protection for librarians and educators, and another that would have shifted school review authority more directly to elected school committees. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that challenged material is considered in its entirety, and another narrowing who may initiate certain complaints to parents or guardians of a student in the school. The bill ultimately passed to be engrossed by a large roll call vote. The House also debated and passed H. 5491 / S. 1646, implementing recommendations of the Walsh Kennedy Commission on hot work safety after the 2014 Beacon Street fire. Supporters said the bill would require certification for hot work, strengthen penalties for repeated or reckless violations, and improve public notification and enforcement to prevent future tragedies; the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously or near-unanimously after roll call. In addition, the chamber advanced a local land transfer for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path in Billerica and a bill concerning ownership and maintenance of culverts and dams in Town Line Brook and Lindenbrook. The session included several recesses, quorum checks, and recognition of guests, including Danvers High School graduates, a former state representative, and WGBH representatives for Public Media Awareness Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• In involvement, we focus on educating our community.
• That's why it's so important to continue gaining support and doing the work in our state.
• our leaders and build their support.
• You can always support us and a healthier New Mexico by supporting tobacco and nicotine prevention funds
• Do you feel like you're supported enough with activities in the schools?

Transcript Highlights:

• Black Education Act on Row 115, and the Bilingual Multicultural Education Act on Row 113.
• There are 29 PED public education specials.
• Million without talking to the educators at all.
• I do want to say that Wednesday, January 28th, is public education. Education.
• And Statewide Education Governance section.

Transcript Highlights:

• are trying to earn a living and support their family.
• Everybody may phone call and support this bill, which has expressed support for safer and more responsible
• Those are the things we have to try to educate the public, and again, there'll be a huge educational
• The Friends of Natick Trails support Senate 3077.
• You're supporting micromobility, bicycles.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up. Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently. Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries. Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• , educational requirements, work experience, those who leave the private sector to work in public education
• You'll educate parents. It'll educate educators.
• I rise today in support of House Bill 355.
• But yet, when we calculate child support, we assume that every Delawarean should be able to support themselves
• I have paid child support because I went through a divorce. I have also received child support.

Summary: The House received a series of Senate communications and committee reports, then took up a long consent calendar and several individual measures. Early actions included passing consent calendar items, recognizing Freedom of Speech Week and Juneteenth, and hearing numerous introductions and tributes, including remarks honoring House fellows, Father’s Day, and Representative Mara Gorman. The chamber also adopted several procedural motions and recesses, with roll calls recorded throughout. Among the bills considered, the House passed House Bill 134 on animal cruelty, increasing penalties for repeat offenses; House Bill 131 with Senate Amendment 1 on pet stores and animal welfare; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 320 on technical corrections to the Delaware Constitution; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 407 on technical updates to the Hazardous Substance Control Act; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 on salary supplements for certain school employees; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 450, the Road Delaware Act, on land use and permitting reform; House Bill 459 on restricting energy drink sales in schools; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 439 on electric moped and motorcycle disclosures; and House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, after amendment delaying its effective date to July 1, 2027. House Amendment 1 to House Bill 459 was adopted, and House Amendment 1 to House Bill 444 was adopted before final passage. The House also rejected House Amendment 1 to House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 after debate over salary supplement policy for school-related certifications, then passed the substitute bill itself. House Bill 407 prompted questions about the increase in civil penalties, which DENREC said was intended to update outdated fines and align the penalty structure with other laws. House Bill 444 drew floor speeches emphasizing voting rights protections and concerns about voter suppression and dilution. The session ended with the House moving to recess after continuing consideration of House Bill 355, the Speaker Truth Act, which had just adopted an amendment changing damages language to attorney’s fees and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill adds one full-time position to the Department of Education, with supporting contractor funds
• The 900 series is based on a similar model used for school support in the state system of support.
• see the department of education. see the department of education. Chief.
• its support groups.
• public safety, welfare, and education. public safety, welfare, and education.

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Education. Education.
• education institutions. education institutions.
• . education. education.
• Higher education takes a lot education.
• <01:19:02.040> Educator<01:19:02.520> Licensure<01:19:02.880> and Educator Educator

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met and adopted the prior minutes before turning to AI in education. Jeff Gagne of the Southern Regional Education Board described SREB’s Commission on AI in Education, which has organized its work into committees on policy, K-12 instruction, postsecondary instruction, and skills development. He highlighted eight commission recommendations covering statewide AI networks, targeted guidance for different user groups, professional development, standards and curricula, local capacity assessments, risk management, procurement, and AI-ready workforce skills. He also emphasized that states need more specific guidance for students, teachers, faculty, administrators, and parents, and that training is essential because many educators have not been prepared to use AI in instruction. Gagne also summarized two recent SREB reports: one on AI-ready workforce skills and one on AI use in K-12 classrooms. The workforce report recommends embedding AI across standards, strengthening computer science and digital learning standards, collaborating with industry and workforce agencies, building AI competencies into training and upskilling, providing educator professional development, and monitoring readiness. He said the report identifies three skill areas: success skills, industry baseline skills, and technical skills. The classroom guidance report promotes responsible AI adoption, with four pillars focused on increasing cognitive demand, streamlining teaching and administrative work, supporting personalized learning, and developing ethical AI users. He also noted that the report includes an AI procurement tool for school districts. Members thanked Gagne for providing outside examples and resources. One member noted JCPS has an introductory AI professional development offering for educators. Gagne said Kentucky’s David Couch serves on the SREB commission and that the commission’s member list and reports are available on SREB’s website. The committee then heard from Travis Powell of the Council on Postsecondary Education, who said CPE had surveyed campuses and found that Kentucky institutions have broadly embraced AI in teaching, research, student services, and administrative operations. He said all institutions have AI-focused degrees, minors, or courses, and many are integrating AI into general education and across disciplines. Powell also said CPE is considering an AI consortium and that campuses are using AI in research partnerships and applied work, while continuing to focus on ethical and effective use.

Transcript Highlights:

• Robbed education? We put more money in education than we ever have before.
• For education this year, and it would offer 60% of special education costs in a sufficient way, meaning
• This bill helps address special education.
• The governor clearly had prioritized education, education spending, special education spending.
• a historic increase in special education.

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we all support education, uh, and we will figure out a way to get this thing working.
• <00:03:50.080> from budget holds education proposals from budget holds education proposals
• I think we all support education<00:04:52.080> uh<00:04:52.160> and<00:04:52.479> we
• <00:21:07.600> uh dive by um higher education uh dive by um higher education uh leadership
• a 2% increase and I think around educ a 2% increase and I think around educ education.<00:26:33.039

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's good to educate parents.
• Supporting youth and educators with impactful, relevant, and sustainable prevention education is the
• with supporting Youth and Educators with supporting Youth and Educators with impactful<01:14:14.920
• They need prevention education and the support that they need is urgent.
• and the support prevention education and the support that<01:18:30.760> they<01:18:30.880>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It left our body here and went into Senate Education, had a wild ride that Senate Education had a wild
• So, the data broker and education...
• and education transformation.
• So I'm happy to support this bill, and I hope members will join me in...
• I want to sincerely thank the education committee.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our core mission at the Department of Education is education.
• <00:17:21.600> the<00:17:21.720> core<00:17:21.959> educational cuts to support
• the core educational cuts to support the core educational programs<00:17:22.880> in<00:17:23.000
• Last year, all of our schools participated by county in a middle level education coordinated support.
• the business educational phase the business development<05:23:44.760> Support<05:23:45.120>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding. Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support. A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• . higher education in Texas.
• Just the way that public education, or education in general, is changing. in the state of Texas. encourage
• Do they show the ability to self-educate?
• We've heard that, you know, with public education and throughout. the educational opportunity that the
• That's not good enough to support our economy, and it's critical. that we make every effort to support

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• We also received testimony in support from Hawaii P20 Partnerships for Education.
• from Hawaii P20 Partnerships for support from Hawaii P20 Partnerships for education<00:46:44.200>
• <01:13:10.000> on<01:13:10.199> Zoom support thank you um in support on Zoom support
• Also, testimony and support from the Department of Education, testimony and support from one other organization
• yes we support billionaire in support yes we support this<04:20:58.040> bill<04:20:58.319>

Keywords: 910, house, all