Transcript Highlights:

• him out of the class.
• kids still in the class? kids still in the class? Good<03:36:00.239> question.
• And now math class is done for the day. And now math class is done for the day.
• they don't take him out of the class. they don't take him out of the class.
• kindergarten class and be successful. kindergarten class and be successful.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1331, which would allow the town of Derry to incorporate the Derry Cooperative School District as a department of the town through a charter amendment. The prime sponsor and several supporters argued the change would increase local control, streamline overlapping town and school functions, and potentially help align school spending with Derry’s tax cap. Supporters also said Derry is large enough to warrant a structure more like Manchester or Nashua, and one witness cited a 2018 nonbinding Derry ballot question that passed 597 to 547 in favor of seeking authorization for this change. Opposition came from NEA New Hampshire President Megan Tuttle, who said the association and the Derry Education Association opposed the bill because schools are not simply another municipal department and because Derry voters had already rejected merging the district into town government. She argued the state should respect local control and the community’s prior decision. Committee members asked about the scope of the proposed charter change, the role of the school board, and the reported prior vote, and the sponsor clarified that the amendment would be limited to this specific purpose rather than opening the entire charter. The hearing then moved to House Bill 1374, which would change the procedures for withdrawing from a cooperative school district. Representative Mary Murphy said current law gives other cooperative towns too much control over a withdrawing town’s decision, and her bill would remove the requirement for approval by the other towns while raising the withdrawing town’s approval threshold to a supermajority. She pointed to Francis Town’s 2024 withdrawal vote and said the bill was intended to protect students and local decision-making. The sponsor asked for an ought to pass recommendation, and committee members asked follow-up questions about the prior withdrawal vote and the number of voters involved.

Transcript Highlights:

• in middle school where their class in middle school where their shared<00:22:39.840> passion<
• Speaker, I move for the... only with class 4 municipalities, which only with class 4 municipalities,
• >> the class of city. >> the class of city.
• > bill, class listed in the bill, class listed in the bill, >> class<01:39:19.600> eight
• And I think you were you >> class eight.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:11.039> Um, student to come back into class. Um, student to come back into class.
• But the them out of those classes.
• . class. class.
• two classes.
• classes in a day, they'll be a 75 ADM. classes in a day, they'll be a 75 ADM.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:43.800> students students are not second class students students are not second class
• or the science class, the English class, whatever they want to take.
• <01:14:29.480> was under lock when when the class was under lock when when the class was actually
• > start to get into class to class um I start to get into class to class um I think<01:37:10.040>
• to class or I can have it in from class to class or I can have it in the<01:37:37.920> hallway

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:55:00.960> right that I don't need to take a class right that I don't need to take a class
• Okay, so it's not even a class anymore. It is a half-credit course.
• I'm not seeing a full class.
• > least<00:59:59.599> something need a full class but at least something need a full class
• <01:17:57.679> how apprentices will go take classes how apprentices will go take classes how

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 110, HD1, which would clarify local food purchase goals for the Department of Education. DOE said it supports the measure and will work toward the 30% local food mandate by 2030. The Department of Agriculture also supported the bill, and outside advocates from the Hawaii Public Health Institute and Hawaii Farm to School Network strongly backed it as consistent with prior farm-to-school laws and helpful for measuring progress toward the goal. The committee then took up House Bill 293, which would exempt certain DOE purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products from electronic procurement rules and allow written-quote purchasing thresholds, including a lower quote requirement for some rural schools. DOE, the Department of Agriculture, the State Procurement Office, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported the measure, describing it as a tool to help the department test and add local products and meet the 30% goal. However, members pressed DOE on the bill’s purpose and mechanics, questioning why the department could not simply add products to vendor lists or use existing procurement flexibility. DOE explained it was trying to test new local products, including products not yet on the USDA-approved list, and said the bill would allow limited pilot purchases while it works through USDA approval and vendor-list updates. Members also raised concerns about whether the bill was being used to bypass procurement and whether small farmers or aggregators could realistically supply the needed volume. House Bill 1069, which would add two voting members representing DOE and the Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority, also drew support from DOE and the Board of Education. Supporters said the change would improve accountability, strategic input, and communication on school facilities matters. SFA testified that it has already increased coordination with DOE through regular meetings and that recent discussions have been more robust. Committee members questioned whether voting seats were necessary given that DOE and BOE could already attend meetings and receive updates, and they raised concerns about how a voting representative would report back and whether the measure would actually solve communication problems. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2 and 3 e-bikes, or Class 3 e-bikes, are limited to 750 watts.
• 2 and 3 e-bikes, or Class 3 e-bikes, are limited to 750 watts.
• 2 and 3 e-bikes, or Class 3 e-bikes, are limited to 750 watts.
• These are normal bikes that will only operate when you pedal for Class 2 e-bikes.
• These are normal bikes that will only operate when you pedal for Class 2 e-bikes.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several bills on March 11, including measures on harbor vessel requirements, transportation funding, clean fuels, water carriers, parking enforcement, and electric mobility. For SB 1402 SD1 on vessels in state commercial harbors, testimony was split: the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Longline Association supported it, while Hol Holo Charters and one individual opposed it, saying the bill should be more specific about tourboat operators. For SB 1473 on central services assessments, SB 321 on privately owned roads, and SB 419 on insurance coverage for child passenger restraint systems, the committee heard brief testimony with no noted objections or actions beyond moving through the agenda. For SB 1009 SD2 on parking, the bill would create fines for misuse of disability and EV parking spaces and direct the revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund. Support came from Ulupono Initiative, Climate Protectors Hawaii, the Disability Communication Access Board, and others, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported the bill’s intent but questioned using the fines for Safe Routes to School, and Hawaiian Electric suggested directing EV-related fines to the EV charging system subaccount instead. Hawaii Appleseed supported the measure but raised concerns about the size of the fines and possible impacts on low-income residents. The committee asked questions about enforcement when EV chargers are inoperable; DAGS indicated the stalls could be used and would not be enforced in that situation. For SB 1120 on a clean fuel standard, the Department of Transportation supported the measure but asked for the implementation date to be delayed by one year and requested an independent Hawaii-specific economic impact study due before the next session. Support also came from several transportation, airline, and industry groups, while Tim Rhymer and Frank Schultz opposed it. The committee then heard SB 21 on water carriers, which would authorize a PUC inflationary cost index adjustment mechanism and exemptions; DOT, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbors Users Group supported it, while Frank Schultz opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 117 on electric mobility, which would expand and rename the rebate program, set age limits and operating rules for e-bikes and electric motorcycles, require insurance for electric motorcycle operators, and make conforming changes. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DOT, the Hawaii Bicycling League, the Queen’s pediatric trauma center, and Ulupono Initiative, though one testifier warned that the bill’s wattage definition could unintentionally capture some pedal-assist e-bikes. No votes were taken on the individual bills in the portions shown, and the transcript ended with the committee continuing its hearing agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• six classes a day. six classes a day.
• Is attendance at the top of every class?
• classes, or non-enrolled.
• So far in additional um, classes.
• there was like a there were classes there was like a there were classes where<01:43:22.719> if

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there are already penalty class.
• And these other protected classes.
• So this bill would change that from a class E to a class B. How do those penalties differ?
• that from a class would would change that from a class<01:19:40.719> E<01:19:40.880> to
• How does those class E to a class B. How does those penalties<01:19:43.679> differ?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:57:47.200> in December so he took the class in December so he took the class in September
• The chair asked for questions, and Senator Lang asked whether 42 in the class is an average class size
• is that an you said 42 in the class is that an average<01:10:43.760> class<01:10:44.040> size
• Colonel Boich said a typical class is between 35 and 45, and so their goal would be to hold two classes
• <01:13:33.199> in visited uh the uh training classes in visited uh the uh training classes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They've received their preliminary accreditation and are enrolling students for their first class this
• This class of 150 students will graduate in 2029. This class of 150 students will graduate in 2029.
• Along with the University of Florida's class size increase to 150 students, we will be graduating 300
• After all the advertising and discussion of the statewide referendum vote, when the inaugural class was
• They were unable to sit their first class, which was supposed to be in the fall of 2025, due to a lack

Bills: S0754, S0796

Keywords: heated tobacco products, tobacco regulation, vaping, definition changes, Florida statutes, veterinary medicine, telehealth, veterinary professional associate, animal health, public safety, access to veterinary services

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, it heard SB 754 on heated tobacco products. The bill would statutorily define heated tobacco products and exempt them from the cigarette tax. Senator Davis questioned why the exemption was needed, and Senator Bernard asked about youth access; the sponsor said the bill was limited to taxation and would look into age and regulatory issues. A Florida Retail Federation representative appeared in support. The committee voted the bill favorably, and Senator Bracey Davis later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab 1. The committee then considered SB 796 on veterinary medicine, after adopting a delete-everything amendment. The amended bill would create a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role for individuals with a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care to perform delegated tasks under a licensed veterinarian’s responsible supervision. It also would extend the time period for telehealth prescriptions for flea and tick products from one month to six months and for other medications from 14 days to 30 days. Senator Boyd raised liability concerns, and the sponsor said existing statute already places liability on the supervising veterinarian. The Florida Veterinary Medical Association testified against the bill, arguing Florida should expand and better utilize existing veterinary technicians rather than create a new mid-level role, and warning about federal prescribing restrictions and animal safety. Supporters, including the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Dr. Wayne Jensen, argued the bill would expand access to care, reduce costs, and provide a well-trained supervised workforce. Several senators said the bill balanced access and safety, and the committee reported SB 796 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But as we, how does Maine, as you go down the classing here, if they have a class 11, 12, whatever, are
• class 12, it's $11.50. class 12, it's $11.50.
• here if they have a go down the classing here if they have a class<00:57:56.160> 11<00:57:56.640
• <00:58:32.400> 12 the rates, for example, for a class 12 the rates, for example, for a class
• <01:05:16.160> 10 number like you know 315 class 10 number like you know 315 class 10 through

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That would seem almost like an attack on upper-middle-class income earners.
• This bill will reduce the number of differing classes a teacher can teach to 3.
• poorer classes is important.
• They will also be reaping the benefits by having to teach fewer classes.
• This is specifically why we chose for teachers to teach up to three classes.

Summary: The Arkansas Boys State House convened with a quorum, heard opening remarks from legislative leaders and guests, and then considered a series of bills focused on rural services, education, taxes, and zoning. House Bill 1001 would have increased rural health care funding through a 10% tax on individuals earning at least $300,000; supporters argued it would improve access and quality in rural areas, while opponents raised concerns about fairness, long-term funding, and whether it would drive away doctors and taxpayers. The bill failed by a vote of 24 yeas, 51 nays, and 1 present. House Bill 1002 would have limited the number of subjects rural teachers could be assigned and offered sign-on bonuses to recruit more teachers; supporters said it would reduce burnout and improve specialization, while opponents questioned funding and whether it would worsen inequities. After immediate consideration, it passed narrowly, 38 yeas, 36 nays, and 2 present. The House then debated House Bill 1003, which would regulate AI data centers through county zoning authority and a 10% tax on corporations to fund conservation efforts. Supporters said counties should be able to decide whether data centers fit local needs, while opponents warned about lost jobs, higher costs, and federal-state jurisdiction issues. The bill passed 62 yeas, 7 nays, and 3 present. House Bill 1004 would have reduced motor vehicle registration fees to offset high fuel costs, but critics argued it would reduce highway and road funding and strain the state budget; it failed 20 yeas, 46 nays, and 4 present. The chamber then took up Senate bills. Senate Bill 1 proposed incentives tied to SNAP benefits to encourage healthier food purchases and address food insecurity and obesity; supporters framed it as a way to improve access to healthy food, while opponents objected to taxing junk food and burdening SNAP users. It passed 43 yeas and 27 nays. Senate Bill 2 would require reading tests in middle school and state tutoring for students who fail; supporters said it would address literacy problems early, while opponents wanted clearer provisions for older students and implementation. It passed 67 yeas, 6 nays, and 1 present. Senate Bill 3 would cut individual and corporate income taxes to promote economic growth and ease cost-of-living pressures; supporters cited prior tax cuts and business attraction, while opponents said the benefits would mostly go to wealthy corporations and CEOs. It passed 53 yeas, 15 nays, and 16 present. Senate Bill 4 created a mixed-use zoning grant program funded by a 1% hotel tourism tax to encourage affordable housing and downtown redevelopment; it passed 51 yeas, 7 nays, and 13 present. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which carried.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last session, meaningful progress was made by elevating these offenses from a Class C to a Class B felony
• class.
• So if the class period is 50 minutes, then we go into that class period and give the presentation that
• And it's a Class B misdemeanor.
• So I'd like to see that Class A happen.

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), focusing on the economic and public-system impacts in North Dakota. She explained that ACEs are a population-level measure, not a diagnostic tool for individuals, and said higher ACE exposure is consistently associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare involvement, justice-system contact, and reduced workforce participation. She emphasized that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across a person’s life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based prevention and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, historical trends in ACEs, and the role of positive childhood experiences and home visiting. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota, including Healthy Families, Early Head Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Parents as Teachers. They described home visiting as voluntary, relationship-based, and tailored to family needs, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, human service zones, pregnancy navigators, self-referrals, and other community sources. A parent, Abby, shared that home visiting helped her family after premature births and NICU stays by providing support with postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, developmental screenings, referrals, and parenting guidance. The presenters said the programs are funded through a mix of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E dollars, Medicaid targeted case management, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and grants, and they noted that current funding is fragmented and insufficient to serve all eligible families statewide. Members discussed whether the state should expand or better fund these services and how to improve outreach and referrals. Later, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, followed by a presentation from a BCI special agent on how AI is already affecting child exploitation investigations in North Dakota. The memo and testimony described AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and risks posed by chatbots, along with relevant federal and state law and recent executive orders. The agent said North Dakota saw 2,698 cyber tips in 2025, the highest on record, and that investigators are increasingly encountering AI-assisted exploitation that is harder to detect and verify. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI undermining critical thinking and spreading misinformation. No votes were taken on the AI materials during the portion provided, and the committee recessed briefly after the report.

Transcript Highlights:

• 'Cause it's too many classes.
• That's the don't have so many classes.
• <00:45:13.000> of in maintaining 1,400, right, classes of in maintaining 1,400, right, classes
• And part of Cuz it's too many classes.
• these classes too, right? As well. these classes too, right? As well.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The students can take like four classes, and then they're ready to work.
• We have curriculum meetings with our partners, and Honeywell took a great interest in our first class
• They are short-term industry certifications for the most part, so you can come to a 24-hour class and
• They are short-term industry certifications for the most part, so you can come to a 24-hour class and
• Inventor is in our robotics class.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard a panel discussion focused on how Florida schools and colleges are exposing students to in-demand careers in manufacturing, semiconductors, transportation, and related fields, and how they are building pathways from middle school through postsecondary training. Panelists from Seminole County Public Schools, Lake Technical College/Lake County Schools, and St. Petersburg College described their career academies, dual enrollment options, industry certifications, and partnerships with employers, local governments, and state colleges. They emphasized early career awareness, counseling, and parent outreach as key to helping students understand technical education as a viable and prestigious path. Seminole County highlighted 51 career and professional education academies and new offerings in agricultural biotechnology, global finance, firefighting, and planned aerospace engineering. Lake County described Lake Technical College’s programs, strong completion and placement outcomes, and three partnerships: a flexible-day high school/workforce model at Lincoln Park Education Center, the Lake Works pathway collaboration with Lake Sumter State College, and a Transportation Innovation Hub with the City of Tavares that trains students on municipal vehicles and serves multiple local governments. St. Petersburg College discussed its manufacturing and engineering technology programs, including semiconductor processing, mechatronics, soldering, and clean-room training, along with new grant-funded expansion at its Midtown campus. Members asked about wages, the semiconductor workforce, how to change perceptions of technical education, how parents are engaged, and how Bright Futures CAPE and Gold Seal scholarships are communicated. Witnesses said school counselors, CTE teachers, parent nights, and district communications are used to promote these options, and that many students can earn strong wages through short-term certifications or two-year degrees. Lake Technical College also raised concerns about workforce funding not keeping pace with teacher pay increases and inflation, noting that funding covers only about 80% of what it earns and tuition has remained unchanged for 18 years. The meeting ended with members praising the programs, and the subcommittee adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond rising and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, 43% of this year's graduating class were PEL recipients or PEL eligible.
• <00:03:35.840> PEL year's graduating class were PEL year's graduating class were PEL recipients
• successive years, our freshman class successive years, our freshman class that<00:03:46.239>
• Instead of having three classes of 40 students, you might have one class where it's appropriate of 120
• So there's a lot of general education classes that are taken in this building.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:55 Approval of Minutes 00:02:01 Information Items 00:02:10 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:02:20 A. A. Eastern Kentucky University 00:02:48 B. B. Kentucky Community and Technical College System 00:15:21 C. C. Kentucky State University 00:31:43 D. D. Morehead State University 00:41:44 E. E. Murray State University 01:01:56 F. F. Northern Kentucky University 01:16:09 G. G. University of Kentucky and Hospital 01:25:00 H. H. University of Louisville 01:42:52 I. I. Western Kentucky University 01:56:17, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. The committee then approved the prior meeting’s minutes. Members were reminded to silence cell phones, and the chair noted an informational item on capital plan amendments made by state agencies during the latest revision period before moving to university capital plan presentations. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden outlined EKU’s enrollment growth, strong Kentucky student retention, and signature programs in nursing, occupational therapy, criminal justice, education, manufacturing engineering, and aviation. EKU’s main capital priorities were a new health innovation project to support a proposed osteopathic medical program, including a $50 million escrow requirement until accreditation; a collaborative center for health innovation to address outdated health sciences facilities; a $5 million startup request for an air traffic control program; aircraft upgrades for the aviation fleet; and continued asset preservation funding. In response to questions, EKU said roughly 40% of the new health facility would be dedicated to the medical school, with shared simulation space for multiple health programs, and that aviation maintenance needs are currently being met through KCTCS partners but could be expanded if demand grows. KCTCS representatives then described the system’s scale and capital needs, noting service to 107,000 students, extensive dual credit and workforce training, and a network of 342 buildings across 70 campuses. They said prior legislative support, including $277 million in asset preservation and $90 million released for approved projects, had helped with safety, roofs, energy efficiency, and campus security. Their current priorities include about $30 million for systemwide safety and security upgrades, renovations tied to consolidation and footprint reduction under Senate Joint Resolution 179, and broader asset preservation needs estimated at roughly $300 million to $325 million. Members discussed the need to preserve and expand skilled trades training, and KCTCS said its plan includes construction trades and flexible, multiuse facilities that can adapt to changing workforce needs. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the presentations concluded with questions and discussion only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where some of those students are taking classes with career tech or at a career tech in lieu of 2 classes
• Student B takes classes at a K-12 school, but takes a couple of their classes through a career tech.
• And he's like, 'I literally cannot do one more art class.'
• The red pins represent those taking an AP class from us.
• The system has two classes of membership.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So my request consists of the middle class scholarship.
• In addition, I have concerns about the borrowing approach for the middle class scholarship program.
• Item 68, borrowing structure for the middle class scholarship.
• Item 68, borrowing structure for the middle class scholarship.
• For my abstentions, I'm super. ...structure for the middle class scholarship.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education held its close-out hearing for the 2026 budget process, with the chair saying the Senate plan fully funds Proposition 98 and continues investments in universal school meals, career education, immigrant and LGBTQ+ student supports, UC/CSU compacts, and community college stability. Public commenters largely supported those priorities, including funding for CalNEW, Dream resource centers, teacher workforce programs, community schools, special education, paid pregnancy leave, and higher education aid, while some urged rejection of proposals they viewed as underfunding Prop 98 or adding non-LEA preschool costs into the guarantee. Others raised concerns about the middle class scholarship cut, CalFresh support for college students, and the need for clearer instructional windows and English learner supports. During member comments, Senator Chao Bogh said many items were supportable but criticized placeholder language, lack of final details, accountability concerns, and some borrowing or mandate structures, including the middle class scholarship, adult learner program, Calbright common cloud platform, paid pregnancy leave, and apprenticeship backfill. The chair responded that the budget reflects major investments in K-12 and higher education, including full Prop 98 funding, elimination of the settle-up amount, middle class scholarship funding, and Dreamers resource centers, and emphasized the importance of supporting students regardless of documentation status. The committee then moved to the vote-only calendar and adopted multiple staff recommendation packages. Part A issues 2-15, 24, 26-42, 44-71, 74-90, and 92-117 were approved unanimously; Part A issue 1 passed with Senator Chao Bogh voting no; and Part A sections 16-23, 25, 43, 72, 73, and 91 were noted as agreed to. In Part B, issues 1-10, 12-24, 25A, 26-27, 29-30, 32-34, 36-44, 48-49, 51-67, and 69 were approved, as were issues 11, 40, and 68, and issues 25B, 28, 31, 35, 45-47, and 50. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pummage County Class and Teachers Association, and I will be in contact. Okay. Mr.
• As one teacher can't always control a class of over 30 kids.
• Students are better supported from the first day of class.
• The common people, the working class of England, hated slavery.
• The common people, the working class of England, hated slavery. common people, the working class of England

Bills: S0124, S0206, S0420

Keywords: Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation

Summary: The committee first heard SB 124, which updates Florida Virtual School’s statute to remove outdated language and clarify its service, funding, governance, reporting, and district coordination provisions without changing day-to-day operations. Florida Virtual School testified in support, members praised the bill, and it passed unanimously on a roll call vote. The committee then took up CS for SB 206 on students with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Harrell explained that the bill would require autism and neurodevelopmental training in educator preparation programs, require ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential, create an Autism Educator Loan Forgiveness Program, provide salary supplements for teachers with the autism endorsement, and require district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. A large number of speakers—teachers, parents, students, and advocacy groups—supported the bill while urging that implementation be fully funded, high quality, and not become an unfunded mandate. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing the growing number of students with autism and the need to recruit and retain special education teachers. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote. Finally, the committee considered SB 420 on patriotic displays in classrooms. Chair Burgess explained the bill as a way to place portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in schools to encourage civic and patriotic reflection, and he offered an amendment narrowing the requirement from every classroom to one prominent display in each school and adding language making it subject to state appropriation. The amendment was adopted. Testimony on the bill was mixed: some speakers supported the idea as a spark for civic discussion, while many others opposed it as symbolic, unnecessary, or better addressed through curriculum and teacher training rather than mandated displays. In debate, some senators argued the portraits could prompt broader historical conversations, while others raised concerns about representation, classroom autonomy, and funding. The transcript ends during debate on the amended bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• student and family to determine the causes of continued non-attendance, and may recommend different classes
• If they're not in class, they're not learning. So, we're...
• If they're not in class, they're not learning.
• Now, he doesn't flag as an absence, but that's an absence from class.
• And so why the need for my kid to be in classes that won't help them in the future, right?

Summary: The committee met to discuss student attendance and chronic absenteeism in Florida K-12 schools, with Chair Simon outlining the state’s attendance requirements and intervention process, including school contact after unexcused absences, child study team review, district superintendent referral, DJJ family services referral, truancy petitions, and possible parental prosecution and driver’s license consequences. Dr. Chris Curran of the University of Florida presented statewide data showing chronic absenteeism has risen sharply since the pandemic, with Florida at about 31.4% in 2023–24, and noted that absenteeism varies by district, school level, demographics, and urbanicity. He emphasized that causes are multifaceted—ranging from transportation, mental health, housing instability, safety concerns, and family circumstances—and said effective responses include early warning systems, text or phone outreach, multi-tiered interventions, mentoring programs like Check & Connect, and community partnerships. He also cautioned that punitive responses alone are often less effective than addressing root causes and keeping students engaged academically even when they miss school. Collier County Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli described her district’s attendance efforts as a priority supported by attendance specialists, social workers, mental health staff, home visits, attendance contracts, and extensive parent communication. She said Collier’s chronic absenteeism rate was about 9% in 2023–24 and attributed success to consistent monitoring, family outreach, and community support, while stressing that students must be physically present to learn. She also argued that many absences are tied to barriers such as clothing, transportation, childcare, or family mental health, and that districts need resources to address those issues. Dr. Rachel Dawes added that Collier uses multilingual brochures, attendance awareness campaigns, vacation-planning guidance, door tags, automated calls and letters, and a truancy flow chart, with truancy court used as a last resort. Volusia County Executive Director Mike McAuliffe described a districtwide overhaul that included an attendance matters campaign, automated notices sent early and often, same-day and period-by-period notifications, a data dashboard, and tiered supports through MTSS. He said Volusia reduced chronic absenteeism from 34% in 2023–24 to a projected 29% and reported a first-quarter rate of about 20% in the current year. He highlighted community partnerships, including AdventHealth support for washers and dryers, bikes for students with transportation barriers, and monetary recognition for schools that reduce absenteeism. In response to questions, both district leaders emphasized that funding, staffing, and consistent follow-through are essential, and that attendance work is most effective when paired with family engagement, data monitoring, and practical supports rather than punishment alone.