Transcript Highlights:

• Again, whenever you're ready. Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• We have many clubs that students can attend from kindergarten all the way to 12th grade.
• We have many clubs that students can attend from kindergarten all the way to 12th grade.
• Yes, I was a former kindergarten teacher, too, so you're speaking my language.
• We are ready to help. Until your final report, which is due in 2026.

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Summary: The committee first received an overview of Washington’s Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) programs from OSPI. Staff explained that ALE is a course-level funding designation for instruction that occurs partly or wholly away from the traditional school setting, and that it can take the form of online, site-based, or remote courses. OSPI said ALE is still basic education, with the same student rights and district responsibilities as other public school programs, and that the agency provides technical assistance, annual reporting review, and program reviews. Members asked for more detailed statewide data on demographics, outcomes, and post-graduation tracking, which OSPI said it would follow up on. Representatives from several ALE programs then described their models and student populations. Washington Virtual Academies, Columbia Virtual Academy, Pearl, and River Home Link each said they serve students through different combinations of online, remote, or site-based learning, with families choosing these programs for reasons such as medical needs, athletics, travel, homeschooling preferences, religious or political concerns, bullying, or the need for more individualized instruction. The presenters emphasized that they provide certificated teachers, special education and multilingual services, assessments, clubs, field trips, and other supports, while also noting funding and capacity limits. Senators asked about for-profit versus district-run structures, transportation, meals, early learning, CTE access, vaccination requirements, and how students socialize and transition to high school. Several presenters said they would provide follow-up information on demographics, language access, and funding details. The committee then shifted to an update on artificial intelligence in schools. OSPI described its AI guidance, which centers on human input, AI output, and human evaluation, and said it has issued practical documents for classroom use and ethics, revised standards to emphasize critical thinking, digital literacy, media literacy, and data literacy, and supported statewide professional development. OSPI also highlighted an AI innovation summit, educator training courses, and new AI-related course codes and equivalency frameworks. District presenters from Quincy and Peninsula described local AI integration efforts, including board policies, classroom guidance, teacher professional learning, custom support tools, and career-connected programs such as drone certification. They stressed that AI should be introduced in a human-centered way and asked for state support for innovation, equity, workforce partnerships, and clear governance standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our youngest students are kindergarten through third grade primarily.
• Eddie is in kindergarten. He is explosive and occasionally violent.
• And that's when we know that they've really started to articulate those skills and are ready for the
• And so they're kind of spiraling up from kindergarten through 12th grade with a... great texts.
• So this happens even in kindergarten.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Daniel, I think we are ready for you whenever you are ready for us.
• They work really hard for you getting ready for the session every year.
• I mean, a kindergarten teacher, you give them 10 little things and have them count.
• that in kindergarten now?
• But I’m just saying this is going to be implemented beginning in kindergarten. Is that correct?

Summary: The committee first heard a detailed staff presentation on the LESC FY27 public school support recommendation. Staff reviewed the budget structure and explained that, despite a downward revision in state revenue estimates, the recommendation still relied on recurring and non-recurring revenue to support educator compensation, insurance, transportation, literacy, math, special education, and other school programs. Major recurring items included a 3% compensation increase, funding for an 80-20 health insurance cost share, insurance premium growth, and transportation adequacy funding. Staff also flagged a possible supplemental need of up to $35 million for virtual education tied to rapid enrollment growth in Chama and Santa Rosa, and members raised concerns about the quality, accountability, and funding model for virtual programs. Members asked questions about transportation for rural districts, the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit fees, the treatment of enrollment declines in the school funding formula, and whether the word “average” in salary language should remain in the budget. Staff explained that the SEG should remain whole, that the insurance and transportation recommendations applied to all public school employees but not contractors, and that the budget included multiple math-related investments spread across several lines rather than one single appropriation. There was also discussion of out-of-school learning grants, school meals, literacy center operations, special education training, and the Public Education Reform Fund, including the use of multi-year, evaluation-based appropriations for high-impact tutoring and community schools. After discussion, the committee adopted the LESC budget recommendation. The committee then moved to endorsed legislation proposals. It endorsed a bill allowing the secretary to suspend an individual school board member, with notice and appeal procedures clarified, and a bill creating an 80-20 health insurance cost-share requirement for public school employees, along with a study of the sustainability of public school insurance programs. It also endorsed a bill on attendance provisions for students with severe medical conditions, which would keep those students from being classified as excessively absent. Finally, the committee discussed a teacher residency bill that would raise stipend levels, allow residents to complete service anywhere in New Mexico, and remove the requirement that sponsoring schools must hire them, though the bill did not include an appropriation. Members also raised questions about bilingual, Hispanic, and Black education funding, cultural and linguistic supports in teacher preparation, and where various programs should be placed in the budget or PERF framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• Waterford had gotten a contract with the city of Nashua to do a pre-K kindergarten readiness program.
• </c> program to supplement the kindergarten program to supplement the kindergarten in<00:27:04.919><c
• to go to kindergarten.
• There are studies out there that when kids are ready to learn, particularly in kindergarten through three
• in kindergarten at kindergarten<00:28:20.840><c> through</c><00:28:21.320><c> three</c><00:28:22.320

Summary: The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call. The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work. Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you ready for us to begin? Thank you.
• My name is Lauren Scott, and I am a kindergarten teacher in Albuquerque.
• This investment starts in kindergarten with teachers that are confident and have a positive...
• The bill's inclusion of math screeners in kindergarten through third grade is equally important.
• We're not ready for those amendments today.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard three measures: H.J.R. 5 on legislative compensation, Senate Bill 29 as amended on math instruction, and Senate Bill 37 on literacy instruction. H.J.R. 5 was presented as a constitutional amendment to create a paid legislature tied to New Mexico’s median household income, with supporters arguing it would broaden access to public service, reduce conflicts of interest, and better reflect the realities of modern legislative work. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from advocacy groups, civic organizations, faith groups, and veterans; one member raised concerns about fairness, attendance, and whether outside employment would still be allowed. The committee adopted an amendment to move the ballot question from 2028 to 2026, then approved H.J.R. 5 on a 5-1 vote. Senate Bill 29, endorsed by the Legislative Education Study Committee, would strengthen math instruction by improving teacher preparation, requiring PED to set up statewide math supports, and creating early screening and family engagement for students. Supporters, including educators, business groups, and education nonprofits, said New Mexico’s math outcomes are too low and that early intervention and better teacher preparation are needed. Members asked about teacher licensure requirements, parent support, standardized testing concerns, and district implementation. The committee heard that the bill’s screenings are intended to be developmental rather than high-stakes tests, and that parents would be supported through school-based guidance. The bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 37 would codify a science-of-reading framework, require high-quality instructional materials, add literacy coaches and assessments, and expand support for bilingual and dual-language instruction. Supporters said the bill builds on recent gains in reading proficiency and strengthens teacher preparation and early intervention. Opponents, including tribal leaders, bilingual education scholars, and advocacy groups, argued the bill was too English-dominant, could conflict with existing bilingual and tribal language laws, and did not go far enough to protect indigenous languages and community-based approaches. Sponsors said amendments were being developed to clarify biliteracy, culturally responsive instruction, and protections for native language learning, and the committee advanced the bill on a vote with several members noting their support was contingent on those promised amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• This relates to our transition to kindergarten program, which is being reduced.
• It's also important for us to remember that transition to kindergarten is not basic education.
• know, getting little John Connors across Washington ready to battle Skynet in the future.
• Transition to kindergarten and our child care deserts? $69 million.
• Transition to kindergarten and our child care deserts? $69 million.

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's go at Let's go at this ready.
• pre-kindergarten pre-kindergarten and<01:29:58.160><c> it</c><01:29:58.280><c> updates</c><01:29:58.640
• </c> of children in kindergarten and division of children in kindergarten and division the<01:35:16.600
• </c><01:59:44.000><c> Now</c> already happens in kindergarten. Now already happens in kindergarten.
• And<02:24:26.200><c> we</c><02:24:26.360><c> are</c><02:24:26.520><c> ready</c> And we are ready And

Transcript Highlights:

• First reading of the bill is now ready for commitment or amendment and placed on calendar.
• , pre-kindergarten.
• First reading of the bill is now ready for commitment or amendment and placed on calendar.
• First reading of the bill is now ready for commitment and placed on calendar.
• First reading of the bill is now ready for commitment or amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File Number 5, an act relating to education, modifying provisions for pre-kindergarten through
• The next one I wanted to uplift is the kindergarten entry assessment.
• happened actually back in the trifecta, but we are bringing it forward. to make sure that our kids are ready
• This is for all kids that are entering kindergarten. We hear a lot about kindergarten readiness.
• Well, the kindergarten readiness is really the schools, because as you know, the kindergartners are ready

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you ready for us to begin? Thank you.
• My name is Lauren Scott, and I am a kindergarten teacher in Albuquerque.
• The bill's inclusion of math screeners in kindergarten through third grade is equally important.
• I envision at the kindergartener, first-grade level, a child comes in, it's like, can you count to 20
• We're not ready for those amendments today.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> This receives state dollars or a kindergarten program that receives state dollars.
• And as far as kindergarten, the principals in charge of that, I mean, and if he, you know, he chooses
• And as far as kindergarten, the principals in charge of that, I mean, and if he, you know, he chooses
• And as far as kindergarten, the them.
• And as far as kindergarten, the principles<00:26:22.080><c> in</c><00:26:22.320><c> charge</c><00:26:

Bills: HB329 , HB8 , HB353 , HB329 , HB8 , HB353 , HB50 , HB78 , HB225 , SB75 , SB209 , HB50 , HB78 , HB225 , SB75 , SB209

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, tobacco regulation, vaping, sales restrictions, youth protection, tobacco compliance, public health, education programs, electronic nicotine delivery systems, judicial compensation, salary adjustments, district attorneys, Judges, local officials, computer science, education reform

Transcript Highlights:

• the age of five, which means that until these blessed children turn five, I can't put them in kindergarten
• And it's also for the kids, too, because as we know very well, kindergarten readiness leads to third-grade
• And the only way we get those kids ready for kindergarten is to have them ready for kindergarten by being

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met and first took up HB 47, Child Care and Early Learning Providers, sponsored by Rep. McFarland. The bill was presented as an effort to reduce child care costs and regulatory burdens by exempting preschools from special tax assessments, moving teacher training and testing online and making it free, allowing abbreviated inspections for top providers, extending license-exempt status to employer-provided child care, and addressing an insurance issue affecting family child care homes. Members asked about DCF transparency, accreditation, background screening timelines, accountability for exempt facilities, and whether violations would still be searchable; McFarland said accreditation would still be required, DCF reporting and abuse hotlines would remain available, and the bill would not eliminate existing transparency for licensed providers. An amendment was adopted to add clarifying language and exempt certain DOD and Coast Guard child care facilities operated by DOD personnel. Several witnesses and members spoke in support, emphasizing workforce needs, affordability, and safety. HB 47 was reported favorably by a vote of 18-0. The committee then heard HB 259, which designates August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day. Rep. Gerwig said the bill is intended to raise awareness of fentanyl’s dangers and overdose risks. Members spoke in strong support, citing fentanyl’s impact on families, youth, and first responders, and the need for education because fentanyl is often unknowingly ingested or mixed into other drugs. Gerwig also described a personal example involving a child exposed to fentanyl in a vacation rental. HB 259 was reported favorably by a vote of 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This says that we will make sure that children are kindergarten-ready when they hit kindergarten age,
• that the families will have the resources that they need in order for their children to be ready.
• So when you think about school readiness assistance, or sometimes commonly referred to as child care
• So we said, We set our school readiness assistance rates at 75% of the market rate survey. Right.
• If they meet certain pre-K level just before entering kindergarten, like at kindergarten they're all

Summary: The Early Childhood Committee met for an update from the Office of Early Childhood within the Department of Education. Members heard that the office’s goals under the LEARNS Act are to improve kindergarten readiness, support families, ensure quality providers, and expand affordable, accessible child care. Staff reviewed the local lead system, licensing, quality efforts such as CLASS and QRIS, and the two main funding streams: School Readiness Assistance (SRA), a federal CCDF-funded voucher program serving about 14,600 children with a wait list of a little over 3,000, and Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), a state-funded program serving about 21,000 children with authority recently increased to 24,000 slots. A major topic was the difference between market rate surveys and cost analysis studies. Officials said the department is procuring both through an RFP, hoping to begin by August and have results by late in the year. Members pressed for current reimbursement levels, the gap between ABC and SRA funding, and whether ABC funding should be increased to better match costs. Staff explained that SRA rates are set at 75% of the market rate, while ABC per-child funding is much lower, and that ABC slots are limited by the overall allocation. They also explained that some ABC slots were increased by moving children from a discontinued federal pre-K arrangement into ABC to preserve continuity of care. Committee members raised concerns about rural access, infant and toddler shortages, provider stability, workforce pay, and communication with families and providers. Officials said local leads are now helping identify underserved areas, that no county with absolutely no care is known, and that the department is trying to get a truer statewide count of children and providers. They also described efforts to improve communication through monthly provider calls, website postings, and direct case contacts with families. Members discussed possible funding increases, including ideas to reduce the SRA wait list and raise ABC funding, but no formal vote or action was taken beyond approving prior meeting minutes and receiving the update.

Transcript Highlights:

• This says that we will make sure that children are kindergarten ready when they hit kindergarten age,
• that the families will have the resources that they need in order for their children to be ready.
• So when you think about school readiness assistance, or sometimes commonly referred to as child care
• So we set our school readiness assistance rates at 75% of the market rate survey. Right.
• If they meet certain pre-K level just before entering kindergarten, like at kindergarten, they're all

Committee: All EDUCATION- HOUSE EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Early Childhood Committee met to receive an update from the Office of Early Childhood on Arkansas child care and early learning programs. Committee members discussed the state’s child care crisis, including reported economic losses from lack of access, the need to track access, affordability, workforce shortages, rural and infant/toddler care gaps, and the role of local leads in identifying needs across the state. The committee also approved the February 17 minutes. Office of Early Childhood staff explained their responsibilities under the LEARNS Act, including kindergarten readiness, provider quality, and access to affordable seats. They reviewed licensing, quality efforts, and the two main funding streams: School Readiness Assistance (SRA), a federally funded voucher program serving about 14,600 children with a wait list of more than 3,000, and Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), a state-funded program serving about 23,000 children, with approval to increase to 24,000 slots. Members asked about the difference between market rate surveys and cost analyses, and staff said the office is procuring both, with results expected by the end of the year. Several members raised concerns about funding levels, especially that ABC reimbursement has not kept pace with K-12 funding increases and that child care reimbursement remains below the true cost of care. Staff said ABC requires certified teachers and lower ratios than SRA, but pays less, and that some federal pre-K slots were moved into ABC to preserve continuity of care. They also explained that SRA eligibility changes, including a higher work requirement and ending a child care worker eligibility category, were made to reduce spending and serve families on the wait list. The committee discussed communication with providers and parents, technical assistance for centers, and possible future legislative action to stabilize providers and expand access, but no votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This says that we will make sure that children are kindergarten ready when they hit kindergarten age,
• that the families will have the resources that they need in order for their children to be ready.
• So when you think about school readiness assistance, or sometimes commonly referred to as child care
• So we said, We set our school readiness assistance rates at 75% of the market rate survey.
• If they meet certain pre-K level just before entering kindergarten—like at kindergarten they're all tested

Committee: All EDUCATION- HOUSE EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• The success-ready pathways you see here have been added for the 2024-2025 year as well.
• So it'll be ready for us to review any time you want to. Okay. Thank you. There.
• So it'll be ready for us to review anytime you want to. Okay. Thank you.
• So it'll be ready for us to review any time you want to. Okay. Thank you. there.
• So it'll be ready for us to review anytime you want to. Okay. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> timeline if you think about kindergarten timeline if you think about kindergarten students<00:06
• </c> screening data beginning in kindergarten screening data beginning in kindergarten and<00:07:19.520
• </c><00:15:24.720><c> to</c> curriculum directors um that's ready to curriculum directors um that's ready
• For example, in kindergarten, the required subtests take about 10 to 15 minutes per student.
• </c> our district and they were already ready our district and they were already ready to<01:20:14.040

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• a kindergarten literacy readiness program.
• Readiness Benchmark setting kindergarten Readiness Benchmark setting them<00:19:41.400><c> on</c><00
• ><00:27:24.799><c> read</c><00:27:25.120><c> or</c> kindergarten ready to learn to read or kindergarten
• He said he was there simply to say he supports the kindergarten readiness program.
• > you</c> kindergarten Readiness program and you kindergarten Readiness program and you can't<00:39:00.640

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The third component pertains to the transition to kindergarten program, or TTK.
• The third component pertains to the transition to kindergarten program or TTK.
• We ask that you maintain transition to kindergarten as it is. Thank you. Mr.
• Kids that complete TTK programs are much more ready for kindergarten than kids that don't, and the data
• I will focus on the proposed changes to transition to kindergarten, or TTK, funding.

Summary: The committee opened with a public hearing on Senate Bill 5808, a proposal to require nonprofit health carriers with “excess surplus” to pay 10% of that surplus into the state health care affordability account for Cascade Care Savings. Committee staff said the bill could generate about $330 million one time in 2027, while the Office of Insurance Commissioner would have implementation costs. Supporters argued the bill would redirect consumer premium dollars to help people afford coverage, while opponents from health plans said reserves are needed for solvency, claims, and capital needs and warned the bill would destabilize nonprofit insurers. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2254, which would let the Partnership Access Line assessment cover administrative costs; HCA and Seattle Children’s supported it as a technical fix that saves general fund dollars, and a child psychiatrist asked that savings be reinvested in behavioral health services. House Bill 2385, which extends deadlines for the Medicaid Access Program because of federal restrictions on new provider taxes, also drew support from provider groups seeking future Medicaid rate increases. The committee then heard Substitute Senate Bill 6286, which would increase fines on private detention facilities that deny Department of Health inspections and dedicate the fines to an account for community repair and assistance to harmed individuals and families. Supporters, including Tacoma’s mayor and family members affected by detention, framed the bill as an accountability measure; fiscal staff estimated Department of Health costs of about $395,000 in the 2025-27 biennium. Senate Bill 6006 would exempt food banks from sales tax on certain services enacted last session, with food bank and tribal representatives saying the savings would go directly to food and operations. Senate Bill 6351 would create exemptions from the new sales tax on live presentations for before- and after-school care, arts and cultural nonprofit classes, and K-12 school purchases; school districts, arts groups, and PTA representatives supported it, while asking for clarifying language and broader nonprofit exemptions. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1717 would let cities and counties create local sales tax remittance programs for affordable housing projects, and housing builders, Habitat affiliates, counties, and city officials supported it as a local tool to lower development costs. In executive session, the committee received briefings on several tax and spending bills and then voted to advance multiple measures. It adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 5949, which narrows a B&O tax exemption related to insurance premiums; a proposed retroactivity-removing amendment failed. It adopted a substitute and passed Senate Bill 6129 on cigarette, tobacco, and nicotine taxes after rejecting several amendments, including proposals to study the tax policy or replace the bill with illicit-market enforcement language. The committee also passed Senate Bill 6228 repealing a preferential B&O rate for prescription drug resellers, Senate Bill 6231 repealing data center sales tax exemptions, and Second Substitute Senate Bill 5965, which retained a bag-fee approach rather than a full ban after adopting an amendment. The committee then returned to public hearing and began testimony on Senate Bill 6353, a major Working Connections Child Care bill that would keep income eligibility at 60% of state median income, lower the provider rate target from the 85th to the 75th percentile, and make other program changes; the briefing was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• in kindergarten.
• in kindergarten.
• in kindergarten.
• </c><00:41:24.359><c> as</c> that we all learned in kindergarten as that we all learned in kindergarten
• to come to a close Senator J ready to come to a close Senator J Kowski<00:52:24.119><c> thank</c><00