Transcript Highlights:

• And then accessibility is a federal requirement.
• So I don't want to be using my personal phone, which allows NDIT access into my personal phone where
• So you have a lot of agencies that do not want to access the service.
• So if they didn't budget for data on that biennium, they've got no money to access that service.
• Fee for service might be an impediment to people accessing these important resources.

Summary: The task force reviewed survey results from state agencies on potential statutory revisions, with Levi reporting 70 proposals from 20 agencies and noting that about 33 might become agency pre-file bills. Members discussed the need to share the survey more broadly within higher education and to better coordinate issues involving IT and other cross-agency functions. The task force then heard from the Office of Management and Budget on three topics: concessions, architect/engineering pre-qualification, and legal notices. OMB said the concessions law is outdated and inconsistent with current practice, and suggested a collaborative rewrite to allow best-value evaluation, raise the threshold, and standardize solicitation templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB proposed expanding authority beyond current state-agency limits and creating uniform templates. On legal notices, OMB proposed modernizing publication requirements, exploring online and abbreviated notices, and working with newspapers and other stakeholders on technology and accessibility improvements. Members asked about where concession revenues go, whether political subdivisions must follow the same rules, and how to move from discussion to action. The task force agreed to have OMB work with Legislative Council and affected stakeholders to develop bill drafts, and the motion passed unanimously. The University of North Dakota then presented a series of proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND asked to rework the definition of construction so routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements over $250,000 would not automatically trigger public-improvement requirements, suggested raising the threshold to $500,000, and asked for more flexibility based on project complexity and risk. UND also proposed changes to public bid advertisements to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement rules, an increase in the direct-hire design threshold, and a higher legislative-consent threshold for privately funded projects. The task force supported having UND work with counsel and OMB to develop bill drafts, and that motion also passed. The Department of Public Instruction concluded with proposed cleanup to credentialing and education statutes. DPI recommended reviewing its credential categories for relevance, possibly transferring credentialing authority to the Education Standards and Practices Board, removing outdated school safety patrol language, clarifying waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so the statute reflects current practice. Members focused mainly on whether the dyslexia reporting requirement should remain, and DPI said the screening itself would continue even if reporting language were revised. No votes were taken on DPI’s suggestions, and the task force recessed after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And access to quality child care, affordable child care.
• It does not create a shield against housing access.
• You have access to JLAC if you want an audit.
• Access has failed every single one of those.
• Access has not passed an audit, and we have asked numerous times for them to remove Access Rule 1301

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2079, which authorizes a memorial for Arizona journalist Don Bolles in Wesley Bolin Plaza. The sponsor described the memorial as a no-cost way to preserve Arizona history and honor Bolles, who was assassinated in 1976 while investigating corruption and drug cartels. The bill was moved and passed unanimously, 7-0, for a due pass recommendation. Members then considered HB 2080, a strike-everything amendment addressing deed and title fraud. The bill would require photo identification for certain county recorder filings, add identifying measures for deeds and real property documents when notarized, create an assessor alert system tied to property addresses, and increase penalties for knowingly filing false claims or forged real property documents from a misdemeanor to a class 4 felony. Testimony from county assessors, the Attorney General’s Office, and a fraud victim emphasized the scale of the problem and the need for layered protections. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 7-0. HB 4064, concerning municipal improvement districts, drew more debate. The bill would move the petition requirement earlier in the process before a city or town adopts a resolution of intention for an improvement district. Supporters from Camp Verde, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, a developer, and the Yavapai Apache Nation said the change would improve transparency, reduce wasted planning costs, and help finance sewer and infrastructure projects in rural areas. Opponents argued it could force property owners into infrastructure they do not want and infringe on property rights. The bill passed 5-2. The committee also approved HCR 2048, which would withhold pay for statewide elected officials and legislators if the general appropriations bill is not enacted by April 30 and send the measure to voters. Supporters said it would create a stronger incentive to finish the budget on time; opponents said more work was needed on session length and bill volume. The resolution passed 4-3. Later, HB 2324, allowing municipalities with their own fire codes to petition for county buildings inside city limits to be inspected under local code through an intergovernmental agreement, passed 7-0 after testimony from county and state fire officials who supported the concept but wanted technical amendments. The committee then passed HB 4087, authorizing a memorial plaque for former legislator Barbara Leff, with the family covering costs. Finally, HB 2239 created a child care grant program and infrastructure fund to expand child care in underserved and rural communities. Supporters described severe child care shortages, economic impacts, and safety concerns; the sponsor framed it as an investment in workforce participation and child well-being. The bill passed 5-0 with one present and one not voting. The committee then began hearing HB 2375 on historic districts and middle housing, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and<00:21:30.400> of<00:21:30.640> course,<00:21:30.880> access<00:21:31.280>
• to<00:21:31.760> adequate and of course, access to adequate and of course, access to adequate
• That's one of the reasons we asked for campus access road of our own.
• It gives rural areas equal access to counsel as urban and suburban areas.
• It gives rural areas equal access to counsel as urban and suburban areas.

Keywords: Opening and Roll Call 00:28 Public safety Cabinet 01:09 Juvenile justice MH Facility: 04:30 Department of Corrections Repair and Replacement: 10:29 Department of Criminal Justice Flat Track 19:05 KSP : 27:02 Department of Public Advocacy : 37:35, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard capital project requests from the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for fiscal years 2026-28. The cabinet described its large statewide footprint and said its facilities face significant deferred maintenance, with the governor’s budget proposing full funding for maintenance pool requests, including an additional $60 million for the Department of Corrections’ maintenance pool and cash funding through investment income. Officials said the projects were based on facility assessments and were presented as necessary public safety investments rather than wish-list items. For the Department of Juvenile Justice, the main requests were $35 million for a high-acuity mental health treatment facility and $45 million each for two new female detention facilities. Officials said the mental health facility would fill a gap for youth needing psychiatric care, while the female facilities were needed to support a regional detention model and address overcrowding; they noted the current female population has grown by 50% since July 2024. Members asked about locations, and staff said they were considering western Kentucky abandoned mine land and available land in Fayette and Jefferson counties, with current female placements in Boyd County and Warren County. For the Department of Corrections, officials requested funding for critical mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roof, and structural repairs, including $15.78 million for Kentucky State Penitentiary utilities infrastructure and additional funding for North Point Training Center projects. They also highlighted two re-entry initiatives: a KCTCS partnership for a re-entry campus at North Point and the East Kentucky Applied Manufacturing Institute at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, both aimed at reducing recidivism through intensive training and job preparation. Members asked about the KCTCS re-entry model, and DOC explained it would be a more immersive, campus-style program than current prison-based vocational classes. The Department of Criminal Justice Training discussed projects at its Richmond campus and the planned Western Kentucky Training Center, including a replacement flat track and campus access road at Richmond and added training features in Madisonville. Officials said the Richmond changes were needed because EKU construction had removed the existing flat track and would affect access, while the Western Kentucky project would expand training capacity and reduce travel for law enforcement agencies. The Kentucky State Police then outlined the final phase of the statewide emergency radio system replacement, estimated at about $17.5 million, and said the system is being built in geographic phases; members asked how long completion would take, and staff estimated roughly four years after funding, assuming no major inflation spikes. No votes were taken, and the meeting remained informational with member questions and staff responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is HB 293, preventing miners from accessing obscenity on certain electronic devices with internet
• As a basic proposition, I don't think minors should be accessing pornography.
• of limiting miners ability to get access of limiting miners ability to get access to<00:31:06.320
• I don't think minors should be accessing I don't think minors should be accessing pornography pornography
• <00:32:33.039> the Suzy uh saw you know did access the Suzy uh saw you know did access the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by explaining that the meeting was a work session and that votes would only be taken where there was clear consensus. CACR 6, the proposed constitutional amendment on a “right to compute,” was discussed first but not acted on because the prime sponsor was absent. Members raised concerns about whether the issue belonged in the constitution and what the amendment would mean in practice, and the chair recessed the matter for a future meeting. HB 74, concerning the definition of “citizen” for the right-to-know law and disclosure of preliminary drafts circulated to a quorum or majority of a public body, drew little support. Members noted the Senate’s prior rejection of a related bill and agreed the proposal was unlikely to advance. A motion to ITL the bill passed unanimously by roll call, 15-0, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. HB 232, dealing with rights of conscience for medical professionals, was also recessed. Members said they had not yet seen the amendment, which was described as narrowing the bill to abortion-related issues and limiting penalties. Several members said they could not judge the bill without the amendment and expected disagreement, so the chair recessed it. HB 253, on interest-bearing pooled trust accounts maintained by lawyers, was discussed at length; the chair said the bill did not address the underlying IOLTA issue and would likely create conflict with the bar and judiciary. Members cited existing Supreme Court procedures and suggested the bill was unnecessary. A straw vote showed support for interim study and ITL, and the committee ultimately voted 15-0 to place HB 253 on consent. HB 293, aimed at preventing minors from accessing obscene material on internet-connected devices, prompted substantial debate. Members generally supported the goal but objected to the bill’s private right of action, its focus on manufacturers rather than content providers or internet platforms, uncertainty about the filtering technology required, and concerns about defining obscenity on a national rather than community basis. The committee discussed forming a subcommittee to work on the bill further, and members volunteered to serve, indicating the issue would be revisited rather than voted on immediately.

Transcript Highlights:

• charge for the work that accessible charge for the work that they're<00:12:06.880> going<00:12
• is an accessible is an accessible uh<00:17:20.319> cost.
• Uh, and that means that if that body is accessible to carrion eaters, then the carrion eaters will get
• to uh the anti-coagulant access to uh the anti-coagulant rodenticides<00:27:34.000> as<00:27:
• > anti-coagulant have access to anti-coagulant have access to anti-coagulant rodenocides,<01:15

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:17.840> and integrity and providing access and integrity and providing access and continuity
• access to data on motans like how how access to data on motans like how how many<00:51:18.000> times
• full access to this report? full access to this report?
• Who has full access of make it simpler. Who has full access of the<00:59:50.799> report?
• So, I don't buy that answer because the question still is who has access?

Bills: HF3378

Keywords: human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• want to ensure that artists, historians, and culture bearers in our nations and communities have access
• <00:04:45.120> to<00:04:45.360> arts<00:04:45.600> and communities have access
• to arts and communities have access to arts and culture<00:04:46.160> funds<00:04:46.479>
• <01:18:44.159> and conservation stories in accessible and conservation stories in accessible
• as one of our recognized access programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every state also needs access to vote.
• Right now, states don't have free access Right now, states don't have free access to<00:27:14.320
• Republicans have jeopardized access to Republicans have jeopardized access to the<03:02:19.359> ballot
• from accessing certain campus pathways. from accessing certain campus pathways. to<03:47:58.160>
• People on Medicare are about to lose<04:35:44.480> access<04:35:44.799> to lose access

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 10, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Community land trust homeowners can also access conventional mortgage products, but the state has been
• > Community land trust home owners can Community land trust home owners can also<00:04:32.880> access
• <00:04:33.280> conventional<00:04:33.759> mortgage also access conventional mortgage
• Uh, as you all are aware, we're continually lose ground on affordable housing and access to affordable
• Thank you for the opportunity. access to affordable housing in our access to affordable housing in our

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• THE PUBLIC ACCESS RECLAIM WATER WILL MAKE UP ABOUT 30.
• ARE PUBLIC ACCESS RECLAIM PROGRAM STARTED IN 2004.
• THAT IS $750 MILLION AS FAR AS INVESTMENT IN THE PUBLIC ACCESS RECLAIM.
• WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT PUBLIC ACCESS REUSE.
• PUBLIC ACCESS REUSE OF THE DOWNSIDE WHEN I GET INTO WHAT WEATHER ISSUES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The team now has access to sensitive personal information of millions of Americans, including their social
• one would make it a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for the following individuals to access
• Before last week, it might have seemed absurd to pass legislation to limit access to Treasury's payment
• My colleagues may argue that the Federal Trade Commission Act is a strange mechanism to block access
• to Treasury's payment system, but that access creates the type of privacy, cybersecurity, and competition

Bills: SB161, SB195, SB216, SB245, SB246, SB257, SB258, SB260, SB278, SB281, SB283, SB93, SB98, SB99, SB306, SB314, SB315

Keywords: vehicle safety, crash test, crashworthiness, NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New Car Assessment Program, NCAP, motor vehicle safety standards, 49 CFR parts 571 and 572, THOR dummy, THOR-50M, THOR-05F, WorldSID, female crash test dummy, male crash test dummy, occupant protection, frontal impact, side impact, vehicle ratings, automotive safety

Transcript Highlights:

• looking to get access to. looking to get access to. Representative<00:05:00.560> Hicks.
• Well, access not access the cameras, but request the footage from the provider and be able to verify
• The department would be able to access The department would be able to access those<01:28:27.000
• access those cameras.
• Well, access not access those cameras.

Bills: HF3542, HF3819

Keywords: data privacy, investigative data, welfare system, public funds, transparency, child care, licensing, inspections, compliance, program integrity, 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3542, authored by Representative Hudson, and first adopted the February 25 minutes. Hudson explained that the bill, as amended in a DE1, would require agencies to disclose to the public, legislators, or the press the existence of certain investigations only after the subject has been notified and the agency has decided to reduce, suspend, or withhold payments. He said the amendment was intended to avoid tipping off subjects before notification while still increasing transparency about investigations involving public funds. A separate A3 amendment was withdrawn after the DE1 was adopted. Several members questioned the bill’s scope and timing, asking what “existence of an investigation” meant and whether the proposal would disclose information before findings were complete. Hudson clarified that the bill was aimed at identifying who is being investigated, not revealing investigative details. The committee then heard extensive public testimony from child care providers and advocates, who opposed the bill and argued it would expose providers to harassment, threats, and stigma before any findings were made. Testifiers described recent threats, ICE-related disruptions, audits, overpayment findings, and the burden of CCAP compliance, saying the bill would punish providers for paperwork errors and worsen safety concerns, especially for Somali and other providers of color. A board member of the Minnesota Child Care Association also opposed the bill, saying providers had been chilled from speaking publicly because of death threats and harassment, and warning that disclosure of investigations could intensify that climate. In response, Hudson said the bill was not about targeting child care providers generally and was limited to confirmed ongoing investigations after notice to the subject. The committee then heard from Inspector General Keys, who explained that CCAP investigations are administrative, not criminal, and are based on evidence of repeated errors or financial misconduct rather than intentional fraud. He said the office looks for patterns beyond simple mistakes and that the bill’s notice requirement would not impede investigations. The discussion ended amid a brief procedural dispute over comments directed at Hudson, after which the chair returned to the bill and the Inspector General’s testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Private schools, access to it.
• Senate... ...is the access point to private and homeschool students.
• those funds to access their right to dual enrollment.
• Equal opportunity and equal access.
• How many rural families have access to private schools?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:27.400> With<00:21:27.600> the accessing uh Kentucky history.
• With the accessing uh Kentucky history.
• <00:48:14.360> to be able to let folks have access to be able to let folks have access to
• So, thank access to that all the time. So, thank you. you. you.
• <00:50:39.560> to um our graduates having access to um our graduates having access to programs

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:01:12 America 250KY: Impact and Legacy: 00:03:15 America 250 Events in Lexington: 01:02:13, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for an interim update from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, with presentations from the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Arts Council. Secretary Lindy Casebier reported that Kentucky tourism has posted record growth for four straight years, with $14.6 billion in economic impact, 97,000 tourism-related jobs, and 81 million travelers spending more than $10.4 billion in 2025. He said the Historical Society and Arts Council help create visitor experiences that support those tourism gains. The Kentucky Historical Society focused on America 250, the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Staff described a community-driven approach built around themes such as “Revolutionary Experiment,” “We the People,” “Power of Place,” “Crossroads in Kentucky,” and “Doing History,” organized under heritage tourism, education, signature events, and legacy projects. They said the effort has included Liberty Tree plantings in nearly every county, partnerships with local organizations and KET, grants to cabinet agencies and historic sites, and preservation projects in 19 counties. They highlighted Harrodsburg 250 as an early kickoff, along with grant-supported events, exhibits, and educational programs across the state. The Historical Society also described public engagement events tied to the commemoration, including Two Lights for Tomorrow, a food drive in Franklin County, a July 8 historic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State Capitol, and planned participation at the Kentucky State Fair. They said the General Assembly’s support enabled a grant program that has funded 250 events and programs in 43 counties, totaling more than $720,000, and that the work is intended to build a lasting legacy beyond 2026. The Kentucky Arts Council said it received America 250 grant funds to support artists, arts organizations, communities, and nonprofits for public art, artwork creation, and related programs. The council reported 55 funded projects and $466,000 awarded statewide, with examples including a Burkesville summer arts and history camp and a Fayette County community singing project. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we haven't turned any back, but we can't access it without that.
• It is one of our biggest areas that we'll have for access to those programs and stuff.
• And those would be all secure access again.
• And those would be all secure access again.
• And I was surprised that it's still not accessible to the general public. access it then, and I was surprised

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• connecting, and giving families access connecting, and giving families access to<00:25:50.720>
• We also have accessibility issues.
• We also have accessibility issues.
• The Sturgeon Lake Road is the only reliable access road on and off our reservation.
• The Sturgeon Lake Road is the only reliable access road on and off our reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, my biggest concern is that the public has access to reports.
• <00:19:47.679> to sure the average person has access to sure the average person has access
• <00:20:18.640> So<00:20:18.960> can<00:20:19.200> you and access.
• So can you and access.
• <00:20:54.640> them page, but I believe you can access them page, but I believe you can access

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, access to real-time recommendations.
• If that student moves to Hennepin County, we don't have any of that access.
• It's about removing barriers so students can access their education.
• removing barriers so students can access removing barriers so students can access their<01:33:47.679
• Um, the county has access to home visit.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Charles County that we're concerned about perhaps too limiting of language for folks that may need access
• to you. ...of language for folks that may need access to water in various different forms quickly for
• alternative from... ...making sure we always include a, you know, accessible alternative from a price
• standpoint, from an accessibility standpoint.
• So I applaud the bottle industry, the jobs that they have, that they provide our state, the access to

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources first took up House Bill 3193. Members adopted a committee amendment adding an exception for health, safety, and compelling human need, then rolled the amendment into a new substitute and adopted the substitute as amended. The committee then voted the House Committee substitute for HB 3193 do pass by a vote of 8 ayes and 3 noes. The committee then heard House Bill 3366, sponsored by Representative Michael Burton, which would establish Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day on April 22. Burton described the growth of Missouri’s black bear population, the history of black bears in the region, and the need to educate the public on avoiding conflicts with bears, including using bear bells, bear spray, proper food storage, and not feeding bears. He also noted the bill’s connection to a separate effort to make the black bear the official state mammal. Members asked questions about public safety, bear behavior, picnic basket theft, bear bells, and other bear-related topics, with the sponsor emphasizing that the goal was awareness and coexistence rather than fear. No one testified in favor, opposition, or for informational purposes during public testimony, and the hearing on HB 3366 was concluded. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• are born, no matter what zip code you live in, no matter how much your parents make, you deserve access
• We want access to books that challenge us and help us see different perspectives and teach us how to
• It is a cornerstone of our democracy, and that includes the right to access information and ideas, even
• We filed legal action to enable access to blocked internet resources and for vulnerable students.
• We deserve safe and welcoming school environments, not more laws that embolden dangerous usage and access

Summary: Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) held an advocacy day at the Texas Capitol with more than 300 young Texans and allies to press lawmakers on education policy. Speakers framed the event around student visibility in policymaking and criticized recent Texas actions on school vouchers, book bans, and legislation affecting LGBTQ students and classroom content. Representative Donna Howard briefly attended and voiced support for students having a seat at the table, citing a prior effort to add a student to a school board as an example of the kind of participation SEAT is seeking. Several student speakers described how voucher expansion threatens public schools and argued that public education is being underfunded and undermined rather than failing on its own. Others focused on LGBTQ inclusion, saying bills such as SB 12 and SB 13 would erase queer students’ experiences and make schools less safe and welcoming. One speaker also condemned book bans and censorship, arguing that students need access to diverse books and honest, inclusive education to think critically and feel represented. SEAT executive director Cameron Samuels closed by describing the group’s earlier organizing against book bans and internet restrictions and by connecting that work to broader demands for public schools, student rights, and safety. The event did not include any legislative vote or formal committee action; it was an advocacy press conference aimed at influencing lawmakers during the session.