Transcript Highlights:

• This is in partnership with the Wyoming Future of Learning, the State Board of Education.
• The first is optimizing work-based learning and dual and concurrent enrollment.
• Kids cannot learn things seen at once.
• all to learn Rome. all to learn Rome.
• Kids can't learn things seen at to them.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee heard from Superintendent Megan Degenfelder on several interim topics centered on student-centered learning. She highlighted work-based learning and dual/concurrent enrollment, saying the state is updating accountability measures and should examine whether these programs are helping students progress, avoid duplicative costs, and reduce the need for remedial college coursework. She also discussed broader life-skills education, including financial literacy and soft skills, and said districts vary widely in what they offer. On gifted and talented programs, she noted that districts are statutorily required to provide them but the state does not have a clear picture of how consistently they are implemented, and she suggested the committee may want to study that area further. Members asked follow-up questions about whether dual enrollment should be evaluated only by time-to-degree, and Degenfelder said the analysis should also consider additional credentials and remedial coursework. Senator Schuler and others raised the idea of making financial literacy or other life-skills content more common, though Degenfelder said she did not favor a statewide mandate and instead preferred incentives and district-level implementation. The committee also discussed artificial intelligence in schools as an information-sharing topic, with Degenfelder saying the department is beginning a landscape analysis with districts and teachers. She then reviewed NAEP results, noting Wyoming performs strongly in fourth grade but drops sharply by eighth grade, and said the state wants to understand where students are falling off. Members also raised concerns about international comparisons and the need to improve literacy and math outcomes. The committee then moved to member-submitted topics. Representative Strock proposed reviewing the governance structure of state education, arguing that the current split among the Department of Education, State Board of Education, and other boards creates inefficiency and confusion, especially for licensure and programs like CTE. Senator Scott noted that turnover in the superintendent’s office could be a practical issue in any restructuring, and Strock responded that administrative staff could handle day-to-day operations. Representative Williams then introduced a discussion of common core standards and literacy, arguing that standards may be too broad and not specific enough, especially in early grades, and that Wyoming should emphasize phonics, basic reading, math, and civics more directly. Representative Guggenmos agreed that narrowing early-grade focus to math and literacy could improve outcomes. Finally, Representative Williams raised virtual education, saying it is growing quickly and the committee should study funding, accountability, and student support more closely; the chair opened that topic for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• exceptional students who are spending the day exploring the beautiful state Capitol building and learning
• We saw, you know, as you learn from other things that have gone ahead of you, like what to do and what
• We saw, you know, as you learn from other things that have gone ahead of you, like what to do and what
• As we have learned, a few mistakes that other states have made, we want to avoid those.
• I think he's learned a lot, and I think we've all had fun. Please make him feel welcome.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:56.520> teaching disrupts that learning teaching disrupts that learning teaching relationship
• <00:05:09.759> that nuanced conversation we learned that nuanced conversation we learned that
• kind of that robust um learning kind of that robust um learning experience<00:36:22.240> not<
• <00:56:57.960> how when they need to and are learning how when they need to and are learning
• stress and distracts them from learning stress and distracts them from learning this<01:01:07.720

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Education Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate File 508, a bill to restrict cell phone use in schools. Senator Mann said the proposal was based on roundtables with school districts across the state and on reports from other states, and argued that cell phones are harming student attention, mental health, classroom culture, and student-teacher relationships. She said K-8 restrictions are broadly supported, while high school policies should be more flexible, and emphasized that districts should control implementation. The bill also includes funding for education efforts around why the restrictions are being adopted and how students can use technology responsibly. Testifiers largely supported the bill or the general goal of limiting cell phone use. Dr. Anna Tyranny, a parent and licensed psychologist, said cell phones and social media can contribute to anxiety, poor concentration, cyberbullying, and inappropriate sharing, and urged a balanced approach that includes digital literacy education. St. Cloud Area Public Schools Superintendent Laori Pam and Tech High School staff member Molly Kenzie described their district’s policies, which keep phones away for the day in elementary and middle school and restrict them during class in high school. They cited U.S. Department of Education guidance, research on mental health and sleep disruption, and the need for age-appropriate, equitable, and consistently communicated policies. St. Cloud reported that its middle school policy, piloted and then expanded districtwide, led to a 50% reduction in cell phone discipline referrals and fewer classroom power struggles. The district said high school violations remain concentrated in certain grades, especially ninth and eleventh, and that it continues to address the issue through PBIS teams. No vote or final committee action on the bill was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• to read by third grade might learn to read by third grade might actually<00:35:48.359> prevent
• Be a supplement that just gets the kids so they are ready to learn.
• <00:43:15.880> right<00:43:16.160> addition and further to learn right addition and
• Yeah, and it sounded like the child was ahead as far as ready to learn. Yeah, what... Thank you.
• I support the idea of having additional reading readiness and learning readiness programs.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first addressed House Bill 415, which would remove the requirement that schools provide menstrual products. Members supporting an ITL said the mandate was unfunded, had been in place since 2019, and was already working without complaints from districts. Other members opposed the bill, arguing menstrual products are essential and that the requirement helps students, especially those with fewer resources. The committee voted ITL on HB 415 by a roll call of 17 yeas, 0 nays. The committee then took up House Bill 388, concerning public reports on special education. Supporters of ITL said they agreed with the goal of transparency but were concerned about student privacy, especially in small districts, and thought the bill’s information requests went too far. They noted that related issues could potentially be addressed in another bill, HB 557. The committee voted ITL on HB 388, 17-0. House Bill 730, which would require schools and some colleges to provide information on adoption, was also moved ITL. The sponsor said adoption is personally important to him but that the bill was not the right vehicle and involved entities such as colleges and the Attorney General unnecessarily; he said related ideas might be folded into other bills later. The committee agreed and voted ITL, 17-0. The committee then discussed House Bill 671, a preschool/early literacy proposal involving a statewide nonprofit digital program, likely Waterford. Members raised questions about who would be covered, data privacy, prior use of federal ESSER funds, whether the program had measurable results, and whether the bill’s nonprofit requirement was too restrictive. Department of Education witness Melissa White said the state had spent $400,000 in FY22 and $600,000 in FY23 on a Waterford contract using ARP ESSER funds, but she did not have participant counts and said the department could not measure literacy gains for that population. She also said the bill’s funding level would likely require an RFP and that, if enacted as written, the program would probably still be Waterford-based. The discussion continued without a final vote in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:01.920> sent<00:10:02.120> to respond to hazardous materials sent to respond
• to hazardous materials sent to election<00:10:02.640> officials<00:10:03.040> in<00:10
• Does it materially fix or change anything?
• You learn down here.
• value but I think from that material value but I think from that perspective<01:51:29.320> if

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1497, classical learning test examinations.
• SB 1567, sexually explicit materials, government prohibition. Government.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the prior journal, and welcomed several guests in the gallery, including Tom Walsh, Lisa Everett, Avery Franz, and Chief Elliot Sneezy. Members also extended well wishes to Senator Farnsworth’s wife, who was hospitalized. The President made a temporary committee appointment, naming Senator Fernandez to the Education Committee for February 4, 2026. The chamber then processed a large number of House messages and first-reading bill referrals covering a wide range of topics, including transportation, taxation, water policy, education, health care, public safety, housing, elections, immigration, behavioral health, and appropriations. Among the notable items were bills on religious institutions and charitable services, alternative fuel tax, school budgets, civics instruction, private school teacher certification, informed consent for medical interventions, rural groundwater management, and multiple appropriation measures for law enforcement, fire incident management, school safety, housing, and social services. Standing committee reports were also received and entered without being read. In other business, the Senate considered the Governor’s nomination of James McCain to the Arizona Board of Regents. The Education Committee recommended confirmation, and the full Senate voted to approve and confirm the nomination by voice vote. After a recess, the Senate returned, received additional first-reading bills and committee reports, announced committee meeting schedules for the following day, and then adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Learn something new every day. I didn't know you had one. I mean, I'm going to go park in it.
• House Bill 685 Materials out, SB 3071.

Bills: HB24, SB3038, SB3045, SB3065, SB3069, SB3071, HB2025, HB2149, HB3370, HB4205, HB4506, HB5424, HB5652, HB24, HB3687

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management, Fort Bend County, Municipal Utility District, MUD, special district, Rosenberg, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, ad valorem tax, bond issuance, assessments, fees, taxes, eminent domain, road district, storm drainage

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:50:24.080> financial board member has a material financial board member has a material
• in financial gain unless the material in financial gain unless the material financial<01:50:30.880
• That the term material financial interest is not defined.
• is<02:43:22.720> not material financial interest is not material financial interest is not
• Vote yes and then learn more information and make changes. That's not a shameful thing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what I have come to learn in the last few years is half of our permanent supportive housing is funded
• I<00:37:36.640> have<00:37:37.000> come<00:37:37.160> to<00:37:37.280> learn
• And what I have come to learn Committee.
• And what I have come to learn in<00:37:37.560> the<00:37:37.640> last<00:37:37.880>
• the federal government making choices that affect the Finance Committee here in the Senate in some material

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's remember SAIL reference to strengthening alignment between industries and learning.
• Service learning is in our DNA from the first day we opened our door.
• Service learning also provides research projects for our students.
• Being able to apply those things that you learn in the classroom...
• Cartwright that one thing is that we encourage our students to learn but also practice.

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary held an informational hearing focused on how Florida’s public colleges and universities are aligning bachelor’s degree programs with workforce needs and improving student outcomes. Chancellor Kathy Hebda described Florida College System enrollment growth, the state college system’s workforce-oriented bachelor’s degrees, approval and accountability processes for those programs, and outcomes data showing strong completion and wage results, especially in health care. Emily Sykes of the Board of Governors outlined the State University System’s program review practices, performance-based funding metrics, strategic emphasis programs, and the MyFloridaFuture tool that lets students compare earnings, debt, and employment outcomes by major and institution. University and college leaders then described campus-level workforce initiatives. Florida Gulf Coast University highlighted employer-driven microcredentials, digital badges, internships, career fairs, service learning, and partnerships with regional employers. UCF discussed its career navigator requirements, major industry partnerships such as Lockheed Martin, nursing and faculty career-integration efforts, and a centralized career development center. Northwest Florida State College and the University of West Florida emphasized their bachelor’s programs, transfer pathways, teacher and nursing outcomes, military and defense-related workforce pipelines, cybersecurity training, and stackable credentials tied to regional labor needs. During member questions, senators asked how microcredentials and military experience translate into college credit, whether credentials transfer across institutions, and what legislators can do to help. Witnesses said the state’s common course and articulation systems already support transfer, and they encouraged continued legislative support for innovation, faster curriculum alignment, internships, and specialized transfer degrees. No bills were voted on, and the meeting ended with no public comment and an adjournment motion adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• It promotes project-based learning.
• Whereas I was not a math lover, Senator, I learned quickly how important math is.
• I work in CTE and career-connected learning across the state of New Mexico.
• They learn at an early age. I do happen to teach my nephews and all my bonus kids.
• It's a shape; it's not an actual material, it's a shape of a firearm.

Transcript Highlights:

• "House File 931 requires disclosure statements on envelopes and materials such as sample ballots and
• "House File 931 requires disclosure statements on envelopes and materials such as sample ballots and
• "House File 931 requires disclosure statements on envelopes and materials such as sample ballots and
• "House File 931 requires disclosure statements on envelopes and materials such as sample ballots and
• "The voter must be contacted, a new form must be sent out, and in some cases balloting materials are

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I love when the agencies come forward and start off the session, and we learn a great deal from what
• I love when the agencies come forward and start off the session; we learn a great deal.
• If there are shortages of building materials, that could also impact costs.
• of materials and labor could increase across the country.
• If there are shortages of building materials, or labor as California rebuilds, prices of materials and

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences.
• including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences.
• including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences.
• um striking that um material um striking that um material non-performance<02:16:28.320> is
• We said for material we did was strike.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from April 16, 2026, and then moved to announcements and introductions. Representative Woodro welcomed fifth grade students from Denver Academy and recognized his son Ari on his 12th birthday, leading the chamber in singing happy birthday. The House then agreed to take up a memorial out of order. Senate Joint Memorial 1, honoring the late Senator Faith Winter, was read at length and supported with remarks describing her legislative work on transportation, climate, paid family and medical leave, environmental justice, women’s leadership, and bipartisan efforts. Representative Wilford and others spoke emotionally about her public service and personal impact. The memorial was adopted on a 50-10 vote, with 15 excused, and Representatives Rutinel and Lindsay were listed as co-sponsors. The chamber then considered committee reports and special orders. The Appropriations Committee reported several bills favorably, and the majority leader moved a slate of bills to special order. House Bill 1317, creating a unified system of post-secondary talent development and a transition plan for workforce development programs, was amended in committee to remove travel reimbursements, clarify adult learners’ inclusion, adjust advisory committee membership, and preserve type one status for affected departments; it passed the House. Senate Bill 85, concerning military protection orders in domestic violence cases, also passed after Judiciary Committee amendments clarifying law enforcement database checks. Senate Bill 95, supporting victim survivors of certain crimes, passed Judiciary but drew floor opposition from several members who argued the bill’s jury-related provisions conflicted with confrontation rights and due process; despite those concerns, the bill advanced after further debate continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now you learn how to spell geek—with a double E. Thank you so much. Appreciate it.
• Chair, I think that I'm here for you to learn from me rather than the other. Well, Mr.
• Chair, I think that I'm here for you to learn from me rather than the other way around.
• They need drills, saws, welding material.
• I absolutely love learning. My kids love to learn, but they learn in such a different way.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• establishes a temporary solid waste management working group in the office of the governor to examine materials
• 59:42.559> governor<00:59:43.280> to<00:59:43.520> examine<00:59:44.000> materials
• of the governor to examine materials of the governor to examine materials management<00:59:45.040
• And particularly as we've continued to learn the costs of transporting soil and soil materials across
• And particularly as we've continued to learn the costs of transporting soil and soil materials across

Bills: SB2309, SB2317, SB2318, SB2319, SB2321, SB2323, SB2332, SB2405, SB2485

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• student designed service learning student designed service learning opportunities.<00:04:40.479>
• > reported service learning projects reported service learning projects reported increased<00:
• to rehab, learned his new life, and learned to come to terms with what his future is.
• <00:45:49.520> to next three months where he learned to next three months where he learned
• Senator Abeler. learning. The issue of absenteeism learning.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A test alone cannot make up for years of interrupted learning.
• I think teacher pay was one of them, some of the things with LEARNS and access.
• traditional barriers to learning for students.
• I have one more quick question about the alternative learning environment.
• Why is there funding for students in alternative learning?

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard an interim study proposal on Arkansas adult education and the Excel Center model, presented by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities. Witnesses argued that about 300,000 Arkansas adults lack a high school diploma or GED and described the Excel Center as a diploma-granting public charter option for adults 19 and older, with wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, tutoring, life coaching, and career services. They said the Arkansas campuses are not state-funded, highlighted growth in enrollment and graduation outcomes, and cited research showing improved employment, earnings, and reduced criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members discussed the role of Goodwill’s nonprofit mission, the need for multiple adult education pathways, and the relationship between adult education challenges and broader state efforts such as LEARNS and ACCESS. The committee then debated the interim study proposal procedure, including whether questions should have been taken before the vote. The motion to adopt the ISP passed, and members noted that the study would broadly examine adult education, GED testing, high school diplomas, charter schools, in-person adult education, and funding allocation. Several members asked for follow-up information on current adult education funding, the availability of Excel Centers, and the criminal justice study results. After that, staff from the Bureau of Legislative Research gave a detailed adequacy funding overview for Arkansas K-12 education. They reviewed national funding principles and then explained Arkansas’s revenue streams and distribution system, including general revenue, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, local property-tax revenues, and facilities partnership funding. They also walked through the state’s foundation formula, categorical aid, supplemental aid, and additional funding, including the per-student matrix amount of $7,771 for 2025 and how funds are allocated to districts and charters. Members asked about student support staff, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the Excel Center’s treatment in funding totals; staff said some of those questions would be addressed in a later spending presentation. The meeting ended after the committee was told the department was present mainly to answer questions and no further business remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please try to keep your materials so that we will be able to reuse them tomorrow.
• Are we just learning as we go? If that's the case, by all means, I'm okay with that.
• And so we are learning every day as we go.
• Some of that justice has come because of the fact that Small World Learning Center had cameras.
• I'm the owner of Iron Range Learning Center.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• reimbursement rates that are being paid to health providers, prescription drugs, pharmacy costs, material
• reimbursement rates that are being paid for to health providers, prescription drugs, pharmacy costs, material
• And we already kind of covered some of this material, but we have some data here on enrollment trends
• funded in this first phase and move more towards initiatives that encourage more integration of those learnings
• and the later years of the program to... ...encourage more regional planning and collective shared learning

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing focused first on Oregon Medicaid coordinated care organization (CCO) finances and rate setting. Oregon Health Authority staff explained how 2025 CCO financial results will inform 2027 capitation rates, including reserve requirements, subcapitation arrangements, and major cost drivers such as behavioral health, pharmacy, rural hospital costs, and dental directed payments. They said the Legislature’s added 2025 funding materially improved CCO margins and that, without it, the program would have been negative overall. Members asked about retained earnings, subcapitation, behavioral health utilization, ABA therapy, and whether outcomes are being evaluated; OHA said rate setting is actuarial and that CCOs, OHA, and other partners all play roles in monitoring efficacy and access. OHA also reviewed House Bill 4039 changes intended to increase transparency and give CCOs earlier access to rate information and reconciliation exhibits. CCO representatives then testified that the system is under significant financial pressure and that behavioral health state-directed payments, benefit changes, and federal uncertainty from H.R. 1 are reducing flexibility. CareOregon said it has lost more than $500 million over the last couple of years and is now making provider terminations and other network changes to align spending with available funding, while emphasizing that CCOs must make hard decisions about which services and providers can be sustained. Eastern Oregon CCO said rural and frontier factors, cost-based hospitals, air ambulance needs, and statewide efficiency adjustments are not fully reflected in rates, and that dental funding is especially strained. Trillium similarly warned that state-directed payments and benefit expansion pressures are constraining the global budget model and that H.R. 1 could worsen acuity and volatility. Members pressed the witnesses on who is responsible for evaluating treatment effectiveness, especially for ABA and psychotherapy, and on how utilization limits and reimbursement changes are being used to control costs. The committee then shifted to an overview of the Affordable Care Act and Oregon’s commercial insurance market. Department of Consumer and Business Services staff explained actuarial value, metal tiers, premium tax credits, medical loss ratio rules, and the main drivers of premium rates: cost trend, utilization trend, and administrative costs. They said mandates have likely added only a limited amount to premiums over the past decade, though the exact effect is difficult to isolate, and they gave examples of how high-cost, low-volume services versus broad, high-utilization services can affect rates differently. Staff also noted that Providence Health Plan and PacificSource Health Plans are withdrawing from the individual market, though consumers should still have at least three insurer options in every county and may have four in many counties. The division said it is in the middle of reviewing proposed 2027 rates and will continue its public rate review process, including hearings and written comment.