Transcript Highlights:

• And three, because the intent behind this bill, the driving force behind it, is Christian nationalism
• two Islamic schools received taxpayer funds via school vouchers without saying anything about the Christian
• I don't, I'm a diehard Christian, not a Christian nationalist, but a Christian that believes in the 66
• I don't, I'm a diehard Christian, not a Christian nationalist, but a Christian that believe in the 66

Summary: The committee first heard SJR 1104, a proposed constitutional amendment on voluntary religious expression in public schools. Senator Massullo said the measure would protect students and school personnel from discrimination for lawful religious expression, while not requiring prayer or religious activity. Questions focused on whether the proposal would change existing law, whether it could be used to protect coercive conduct by school officials, and whether the staff summary accurately reflected the bill. Public testimony included support from religious-freedom advocates and opposition from American Atheists and some senators who said the measure could make minority-faith students uncomfortable. The committee voted to report SJR 1104 favorably. The committee then took up SB 1738 on educational facilities, which directs state education offices to review facility requirements and recommend design and construction practices to improve safety and accountability. Senator Yarborough offered and the committee adopted an amendment removing crime-prevention-through-environmental-design language and adjusting the bill to preserve safe spaces during emergencies. The bill was reported favorably after brief discussion about balancing transparency, access control, and emergency safety. The committee also adopted a delete-all amendment to SB 824 on charter schools, replacing it with a transparency measure requiring districts to submit annual reports on unimproved land holdings to the Department of Education, which would publish a statewide report; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee next approved confirmation recommendations for appointees on tabs 7 and 8, then took up SPB 7036, a committee bill sponsored by Chair Simon. The package included school turnaround and early literacy changes, updates to school safety and health policies, early learning revisions, instructional changes, and educator pipeline provisions. The most contentious part was a proposal to let the state develop instructional materials; several senators questioned costs, guardrails, and whether the state should enter the textbook business. Simon said that portion was still being considered and that the bill would need safeguards if it moved forward. The committee adopted a motion to submit the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1620 on public education, described by Senator Leak as a “school board members’ bill of rights.” The bill would give individual board members direct access to district documents and staff, limit district attorneys’ ability to represent both the board and administration, strengthen nepotism rules, and prohibit nondisclosure agreements for employees. Testimony from Volusia County board members, educators, and advocates was sharply divided: supporters argued the bill would improve transparency and protect minority board members, while opponents warned it could undermine superintendent authority, expose confidential student or personnel information, and create confusion in district operations. After debate, the committee voted to report SB 1620 favorably. The committee then heard SB 1170 on cameras in self-contained special education classrooms, with an amendment changing the proposal from a statewide mandate to a district policy allowing parents of students with disabilities to request cameras. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, centered on protecting non-speaking and vulnerable students and documenting abuse; one witness opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate. The committee was still in debate on the bill when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then after that, we've got Christian Walden and Scott Bennett.
• Thank you. >> Sonya Christian Scott, you hear that one of you. Sorry.
• I'm a white Christian straight and mother of 4 in a critical care physician.
• Of course, my name is Christian. Will your Christian Walden okay and then echo.
• White senior citizen and a Christian. These are point that was not obvious.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then after that, we've got Christian Walden and Scott Bennett.
• I'm a white, Christian, straight mother of four and a critical care physician.
• My name is Christian Walden. You're Christian Walden. Okay. And then Echo Nova.
• I am a white senior citizen and a Christian.
• John Labriola, representing the Christian Family Coalition, Florida, waves in support. Adam D.

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service, with the motion adopted and the confirmation recommended favorably. Members then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded actuarial liability, and allows certain elected officers to elect a DROP accumulation; a technical title amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably as a committee bill. The committee then heard extensive debate and public testimony on SB 1710, which would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion-related policies, trainings, and activities in state agencies, state-funded contractors and grantees, and medical institutions of higher education. Sponsor Senator DiCeglie said the bill is intended to prevent state agencies and contractors from using state funds for DEI programs and to limit state agencies from adopting DEI-related official positions; he also said the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s breadth and how it would affect health-related grants, public universities, historically Black institutions, recruitment, and contractor training. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and inclusion; a few supporters said DEI is ideological, can undermine merit, and should not be used by state agencies or publicly funded institutions. After debate, Senator Polsky argued the bill was confusing, overbroad, and harmful to serving diverse communities, while Senator Arrington said it was an overreach into private business and could have significant fiscal impacts. Chair Fine closed by saying DEI is political ideology and that the bill is meant to ensure government focuses on talent rather than identity. SB 1710 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote, with Senator Arrington voting no and the remaining members voting yes. The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, and heard the sponsor’s explanation of a delete-all amendment that would expand and clarify state restrictions on dealings with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, including certain nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, and grants; the amendment was adopted, and the sponsor and a witness began answering questions when the transcript cuts off.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair would like to take this opportunity to introduce guests of the Chair from Florida: Nick, Christian
• The Chair would like to take this opportunity to introduce guests of the Chair from Florida: Nick, Christian
• The Chair would like to take this opportunity to introduce guests of the Chair from Florida: Nick, Christian

Summary: The House took up several routine matters and local bills. The Committee on Rules reported and the House adopted resolutions congratulating Lewis Gurfrey and Stephen Heckney on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended consideration of Senate No. 3133, amending the membership of the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee, and House No. 5476, amending the Provincetown town charter; the House suspended Rule 7A, gave both bills second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. The House also acted on additional local legislation. It concurred in the Senate amendment to House No. 3911, the bill amending the charter of the town of Millis, after the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading reported the amendment was correctly drawn. The House then passed to be engrossed Senate No. 3052, authorizing the town of Dighton to use a portion of conservation land for public way purposes, and House No. 5449, relative to amending the Traffic Commission in the City of Westfield. Before adjourning, the House adopted an order to meet again the following Wednesday at 11 a.m. in formal session. The meeting also included a brief recess and a welcome to guests of the Chair from Florida.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, you may begin when you’re ready, Chancellor Christian. Great.
• Christian. Great. Well, good morning, Chair Perez, members of the subcommittee.
• Thank you, Chancellor Christian, for your presentation.
• Christian for your presentation. I appreciate the information that you've provided today.
• Chancellor Christian, thank you. Good afternoon, Madam Chair Perez and members.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Hannah Christian, with CEO Blazing Goliath's office, waving in support.
• John Labriola from the Christian Family Coalition, waves in support.
• John Labriola from the Christian Family Coalition, waves in support. He's here. Oh, okay.
• John Labriola from the Christian Family Coalition, Christian Family Coalition, Waves in Support.
• I'm Christian, and when I think about this legislation, the only word that comes to mind is evil.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The committee first heard CS/HB 1263 on insurance regulation. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen the Office of Insurance Regulation’s tools to oversee property and auto insurance markets, including market conduct and solvency exams, mitigation discounts, storage of mitigation inspection forms, and clearer oversight of pharmacy benefit managers. An amendment narrowing fingerprinting requirements was adopted, and the bill passed favorably after supportive testimony from OIR and others. Members then considered CS/HB 527, which would require a qualified human review before an insurance claim can be denied or reduced when artificial intelligence is used in the process. After an amendment removing the word “algorithm” was adopted, insurers and trade groups testified in opposition, arguing current law already covers claims handling and that the bill could create duplicative work and slow innovation. Supporters, including a consumer and labor representative, said human judgment is needed to protect claimants. The bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/HB 637 on farm equipment “lemon law” rights, with an amendment clarifying consumer definitions, refund rights, repair-period extensions, and a July 1, 2026 effective date. CS/HB 107 on data centers also passed after an amendment narrowing the five-mile siting restriction to data centers over 50 megawatts and adding noise-study requirements; business groups supported a framework but opposed the NDA ban and siting limits, while several members raised competitiveness and local-impact concerns. Later, the committee passed CS/HB 1291 on NICA funding and solvency, CS/HB 185 on a sales tax exemption for home-hardening products, CS/HB 425 on historic African-American cemetery preservation, CS/CS/CS/HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations, CS/CS/CS/HB 657 on community associations and HOA/condo reforms, and CS/CS/HB 1221, the DFS package. The final major item discussed was CS/HB 1001 on local government DEI restrictions, which drew extensive questioning about definitions, exceptions, cultural and religious observances, advisory councils, and contracting rules; the transcript cuts off before the bill’s final disposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a faith-based Christian organization, our concern, as it should be for all Christians, is not centered
• As a faith-based Christian organization, our concerns, as it should be for all Christians, is not centered
• For Christians, this is not metaphor or suggestion.
• My name is Christian Welp.
• Now, you might say, well, Christian, that will never happen.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, you were pointing out Senator Christian. Uh-huh. Senator Christian.
• Oh, you were pointing out Senator Christian. Uh-huh.
• Senator Christian, you had a lot of folks looking out for you up here, and I really appreciate that.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, you were pointing out Senator Christian. Uh-huh. Senator Christian.
• Oh, you were pointing out Senator Christian. Uh-huh.
• Senator Christian, you had a lot of folks looking out for you up here, and I really appreciate that.

Summary: The Transportation Committee met in executive session on Gross Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation resources measure, after a staff walkthrough of the Senate striking amendment S-5820.4. Staff explained that the striker largely replaced the bill with provisions from Senate Bill 6352 and related transportation revenue and policy changes, including updates to mobile driver’s licenses, account interest provisions, recreational vessel and luxury vehicle tax clarifications, peer-to-peer tax administration changes, fuel tax timing changes, aircraft fuel tax and account changes, bicycle education grants, ferry payment-card fee authority, traffic safety camera revenue and rebuttable presumption rules, online driver education regulation, transit annexation tax/liability clarification, Sound Transit 75-year bond authority limits, stolen copper protections for light rail and DOT communications infrastructure, and a highway contracting threshold change. Staff also reviewed fiscal impacts, including revenue gains from trade-in value clarifications and aircraft fuel changes, and losses from the diesel tax delay, motorhome exemption, and repeal of the luxury aircraft tax. Members asked several clarifying questions, including the luxury RV tax threshold, how trade-in value is treated under the luxury vehicle tax, whether ferry debit-card fees are authorized, and the legality of passing card-processing fees to customers. Staff and counsel said the luxury vehicle tax applies to value over $100,000, trade-in value is added back for the luxury tax calculation, and the ferry provision is intended to clarify that both credit and debit card surcharges may be passed through. On the traffic safety camera section, staff described a revised approach that would require stronger proof from registered owners to rebut presumed responsibility, and on Sound Transit bonds, staff clarified that bonds over 40 years would be limited to federal transportation loan purposes and would affect eligibility for certain state grants. After caucus, the committee returned to executive session, waived the amendment posting deadline under Senate Rule 45, adopted the striking amendment, and then voted to advance ESHB 2711 as amended with a do pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. The motion carried, and the chair thanked staff before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sitting here this morning, I think a lot about the Christian legacy of Dr. King.
• But I think he also really showed how you can do that as a Christian, as.
• you know, a great American. piece of art, where he's really wrestling with the question of, as a Christian
• You know, as a leader, as a Christian, as someone who wants to bring about positive change in the times

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Christian sector and the public sector.
• There is also Christian Camping International. Sure.
• The chair now recognizes the gentleman from Christian County.
• Gentleman from Christian, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman from Christian. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The House met with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 133-0. The session then included many introductions of interns, guests, and a Teacher Appreciation Day statement. A committee report recommended passage of Senate Bill 903, and the chamber moved into third reading and amendment action on Senate Bill 1421 and related measures. Members debated and adopted a long series of amendments covering public safety, criminal justice, schools, and corrections. Topics included drone enforcement authority for law enforcement, a Missouri Ranger school safety program and school bus stop-arm penalties, Clean Slate automatic expungement language narrowed to drug offenses, an Alzheimer’s task force and dementia training for law enforcement, fire hydrant testing, pseudoephedrine access, banning portable electronic devices in prisons, hands-free cell phone law fixes, critical infrastructure protections, parental accountability for minors’ offenses, fentanyl trafficking, attorney general firearms authority, support for St. Louis and Kansas City police boards, DNA collection on arrest for additional crimes, a 25-foot buffer around first responders, a domestic violence registry, squatter and notary fraud fixes, gift card fraud, and post-conviction death penalty procedures. Several amendments drew opposition over civil liberties, school safety, prison penalties, and death penalty concerns, but most were adopted. The most contested item was the death penalty post-conviction relief amendment, which members argued either would streamline appeals and risk wrongful executions or would provide needed finality for victims; it ultimately passed 75-68 after a roll call vote. Another notable debate centered on the St. Louis Police Board amendment, with members disputing who should pay for police overtime and liability costs. The transcript ends amid discussion of a corrections-related amendment on good-time credit and rehabilitation programming, with the amendment to the amendment being supported by members from both parties.

Transcript Highlights:

• Christian Pertillo was killed by a friend at the friend's house who knew where his parents' firearms
• He was showing other boys his dad's gun, and it went off, and Christian was killed.
• I do believe that the Pretio family deserves this bill to be heard, that honors their son Christian and
• Regarding Christian law, for years I have not heard Christian... Point of order has been called.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and heard introductions of guests. Members then adopted several procedural motions, including extending the second regular session, suspending the seven-bill limit for Representative Livingston on budget-related measures, and requesting the Senate return SB 1786 on artificial intelligence content verification for reconsideration. The House also moved into Committee of the Whole to consider calendar items. In Committee of the Whole, the House recommended do pass on SB 1057, SB 1171, SB 1424, and SB 1515, while retaining SB 1178 on the calendar. SB 1171, dealing with fingerprinting and fraud prevention in health and human services, was amended and received supportive comments about accountability and Medicaid fraud. SB 1424, concerning firearm safety instruction in schools, drew extensive debate: a proposed Gutierrez amendment modeled on “Christian’s Law” to require secure firearm storage measures was defeated by division vote 23-31, and the bill itself was defended as age-appropriate firearm safety education while opponents argued it was an unfunded mandate, a parents’ rights issue, and an improper burden on schools. SB 1515, creating a public safety parity fund for DPS and corrections bonuses from rainy-day fund interest, was amended and recommended do pass. The House then considered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1552, adopted a floor amendment, and recommended the bill do pass as amended. In third reading, SB 1021 failed 22-35, while SB 1215, SB 1345, SB 1456, and SB 1493 all passed, with SB 1345 drawing a floor explanation about an added regulatory requirement for health care facilities. The House also received first readings of several appropriations bills and announced a special Joint Appropriations Committee hearing on the budget the next morning before adjourning until Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judeo-Christian ethics and religious beliefs were interwoven into our system of laws.
• going to do that for all these other religions, but there's some religions, there are one religion, Christian
• religion is consistent with the religion at the founding of the nation, and I took that to mean Judeo-Christian
• you felt that this prohibition in the statute would apply to all other religions, but not to the Christian
• My reference to Judeo-Christian principles of morality was meant to be historical in nature, and the

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• In support, Christian Pereira. In support, Christian Fern of OPA. In support, Lee John Williamson.
• </c><00:15:06.000><c> Christian</c> Pereira. Okay. In support. Christian Pereira. Okay. In support.
• Christian Fern<00:15:06.880><c> of</c> Fern of Fern of OPA.<00:15:09.519><c> Okay.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The Labor and Technology Committee met on April 4, 2025, to consider four governor’s messages involving nominations to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board and the Hawaii Workforce Development Council. Barbara Creek, nominated to the Retirement Savings Board for a term ending June 30, 2029, testified that she had already served two years on the board, had prior experience with deferred compensation plans, and wanted to help operationalize the program quickly and efficiently. In response to a question about Senate Bill 855, she explained that an opt-out auto-enrollment model is the gold standard for retirement savings programs, would increase participation and contributions, and would help Hawaii avoid being an outlier and improve the chances of joining a multi-state compact for a cost-effective program. Amber Aana, nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, emphasized her maritime-industry background and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and training opportunities for women and underrepresented groups. Scott Collins, nominated to the same council for a term ending June 30, 2028, said he had served on the board since 2022 and could contribute public-sector and union experience to help address government workforce challenges. Pane Mayonga II, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, was absent due to union travel, but the committee heard extensive testimony in support from labor, industry, and community representatives. Support testimony was recorded for all four nominees, including from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, United Public Workers, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, and other organizations and individuals. For Pane Mayonga II, the committee noted support from a broad coalition including labor unions, maritime and construction groups, and community advocates. No opposition testimony was presented, and members did not raise substantive questions on the Workforce Development Council nominees. After a brief recess, the committee reconvened for decision-making and voted to recommend advice and consent on all four governor’s messages: GM 727 for Barbara Creek, GM 744 for Amber Aana, GM 717 for Scott Collins, and GM 728 for Pane Mayonga II. Each recommendation was adopted unanimously, and the committee congratulated the nominees before adjourning with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• from Hanalani High School, we have the following: Dakota Tavares, Shay Thomas, Haley Love Silva, Ed Christian
• from Hanalani High School, we have the following: Dakota Tavares, Shay Thomas, Haley Love Silva, Ed Christian
• Tavares shayy Thomas Haley love Silva Ed Tavares shayy Thomas Haley love Silva Ed Christian<00:08:44.200
• ><c> Austine</c><00:08:45.200><c> Nathaniel</c><00:08:46.600><c> custodia</c> Christian Austine Nathaniel
• custodia Christian Austine Nathaniel custodia Chrissy<00:08:48.120><c> Perez</c><00:08:49.519><c> Martinez

Transcript Highlights:

• naming Almighty God as the Lord of Conscience, Robert Morris, a lifelong member of the Anglican Christian
• naming Almighty God as the Lord of Conscience, Robert Morris, a lifelong member of the Anglican Christian
• United States Constitution and explicitly rejects both biblical moral authority and the longstanding Christian
• Well, if the intention is to hold back Sharia law, we know through history that Christian Europe held
• There are many American laws and ideas and cultural values that come directly from Christian cultural

Transcript Highlights:

• We will actually change our name to Mississippi Christian University.
• We are Christian by heritage, and perhaps that is more important than it's ever been in the history of
• So, we're so proud of Mississippi College, Mississippi College, now Mississippi Christian University.
• Mississippi College, Mississippi College, &gt;&gt; now<00:19:55.520><c> Mississippi</c><00:19:55.919><c> Christian
• </c> &gt;&gt; now Mississippi Christian University. &gt;&gt; now Mississippi Christian University.

Transcript Highlights:

• My husband and I are both Christians and devoted to our faith.
• As Christians, we believe that abortion is wrong.
• My name is Michelle Freitas, and I'm a Christian mom of two.
• Am I not worthy to do that because I am a Christian?
• My Christian faith, while very personal to me, My Christian faith, while very personal to me, can be

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing on several vaccination-related bills, including proposals to eliminate non-medical or religious exemptions for school immunizations (notably H. 2554 and S. 1557), a bill to require or improve reporting and administration of immunization data and exemptions (described as the Community Immunity Act, S. 1618), and H. 2431, which would prohibit COVID-19, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccine requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2463, which would classify funeral directors as public health workers for vaccine-priority purposes during emergencies. The chair reviewed testimony rules and repeatedly asked speakers to keep comments orderly and brief so the committee could hear as many people as possible. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony on H. 2554 and S. 1557 was sharply divided. Pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, public health advocates, and groups such as the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Massachusetts Medical Society, March of Dimes, Massachusetts Families for Vaccines, and several parents supported eliminating religious exemptions, arguing that vaccination protects medically vulnerable children and adults, improves herd immunity, and helps prevent outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other diseases. They cited local school data showing pockets of lower coverage and incomplete reporting, and several speakers referenced outbreaks in other states and the need for stronger, more consistent reporting and exemption management. Opponents argued the bills would infringe on religious freedom and parental rights, force families to choose between faith and education, and unfairly target a small number of families; some also said Massachusetts already has high vaccination rates and that the real issue is incomplete data or the gap population rather than religious exemptions. H. 2431 drew testimony from supporters who said COVID-era mandates caused job losses, privacy concerns, and harm, and that the bill would prevent future requirements for COVID, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccines in schools, workplaces, and public settings. Supporters described personal experiences with alleged vaccine injury or mandate-related hardship. H. 2463 was supported by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, which argued funeral directors work in infection-facing settings and should be eligible for vaccine priority during public health emergencies. The hearing featured extensive public testimony but no committee action beyond hearing the bills and taking questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:01.360><c> Fern</c><00:18:02.360><c> not</c> uh Christian Fern not uh Christian Fern not present
• </c> 130,000 people um Hawaii Christian 130,000 people um Hawaii Christian Coalition<01:56:06.280><c>
• <02:24:01.840><c> thank</c><02:24:01.960><c> you</c> Christian thank you Christian thank you yeah<02:
• I speak as a Bible-believing Christian.
• I speak as a Bible-believing Christian.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition. HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've taken out the Christianity aspect so that if somebody had a different belief, it... ...somebody
• I'm a Christian and have been and always will be, but I do respect other religions and other people who
• And then just for further clarification, you did take out the Christian values in the substitute.
• I mean, I am a Christian, but I know that I have Muslim friends.

Bills: SB278 , HB459 , HB61

Committee: House Education Policy