Video & Transcript Research : 'Class 5A'
Page 170 of 415
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Despite her disability, Ellie really enjoys learning and being social, and she loves to be in class with
- standalone course in the 11th or 12th grade, and it's not embedded or sprinkled throughout other classes
- And I have a question as well between elective and core classes and the point you were making.
- Mitchell, if you could tell us what you were going to say about the difference in an elective and a core class
- So I started trying to get them financial literacy-type classes. This is basic ones. Correct.
Summary:
The Committee on Education K-16 heard several bills focused largely on special education transparency, school safety, and student support services. Senate Bill 1908, by Senator Zaffirini, would direct the Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the feasibility of a statewide system for coordinating clinical training placements, including regional portals for healthcare clinical slots, with a report due by December 1, 2026. A representative of the Texas Nurses Association and the Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition testified in support. The bill was left pending subject to the call of the chair.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 111, by Senator Hall, which in its committee substitute was narrowed to a reporting bill requiring school districts to disclose legal proceedings involving special education due process complaints when legal fees exceed $10,000, rather than capping spending. Several parents and advocates testified that districts spend large sums on litigation against families of children with disabilities and that greater transparency is needed; some senators raised concerns about unintended consequences, including possible pressure to settle cases. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1551 on automated external defibrillators in public schools, Senate Bill 865 on CPR instruction requirements for certain volunteers, Senate Bill 1032 on the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and Senate Bill 571 on school employee misconduct reporting and access to the Do Not Hire Registry; each was reported favorably after committee substitute adoption and roll-call votes.
Additional bills discussed included Senate Bill 1884, which would formalize and expand dedicated staff support for the State Board of Education and give the board chair hiring authority over that staff; members questioned whether it duplicated TEA functions, while a witness argued the workload increase justified the change, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 625 would replace the current half-credit economics requirement with a half-credit in personal financial literacy; educators and advocates strongly supported making the course required, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 582 would make TEA settlement agreements in special investigations publicly available when sanctions are imposed, and Senate Bill 2600 would bar transportation fees for students living within two miles of campus unless districts do not receive state transportation funding; both were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2751, which would require TEA inspections of non-public special education programs to consider medical standards of care and crisis-prevention training; testimony from a program operator described severe student behaviors and the need for more flexibility, and the bill was left pending after the substitute was adopted.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Other - PSCOC Apr 14th, 2025
Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, kids are supposed to eat in salas or classrooms while classes are going on.
- What Hobbs did, they sent us basically a class schedule with their electives, and we saw the number of
- They do have these spaces that they utilize fairly regularly, and then almost every class period.
- What happens in middle school and high school is that students switch classes, and there are prep periods
- shrink some other spaces, like our primary classrooms, which are a little bit smaller because Our class
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- and training, and we may have to provide funding for substitute teachers if they have to be out of class
- and training, and we may have to provide funding for substitute teachers if they have to be out of class
- You know, they graduate four or five kids in a high school class, but they are so proud of their schools
- Four or five kids in a high school class, but they are so proud of their schools, and they are getting
- commend the Governor's commitment to fully implementing transitional kindergarten to ensure that classes
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students.
The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it.
The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The Federal Railroad Administration conducted safety culture audits on all of the Class 1 railroads this
- Department of Transportation has a corridor of approximately 100 miles, and this is geared towards Class
- A lot of that is subject to trackage agreements between the Class One railroads.
- "Just keep going" is the mantra of the Class One railroads.
- As I have my colleagues who are graduating, I believe we were the first class of the BAMD program.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment language also seeks to be more inclusive of protected classes under the Constitution, so
- for subsection two: substantial adverse impacts upon victims and witnesses should list protected classes
- The amendment language also seeks to be more inclusive of protected classes under the Constitution, so
- for subsection two: substantial adverse impacts upon victims and witnesses should list protected classes
- for subsection two: substantial adverse impacts upon victims and witnesses should list protected classes
Summary:
The committee opened its first hearing of the 2025 session with procedural instructions about testimony limits, Zoom participation, written testimony, and a reconvening date if needed. It then heard SB 200 on speedy trials. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it could create conflicts of interest for prosecutors, potentially make victims or witnesses quasi-parties to criminal cases, force traumatizing testimony on continuance motions, and unfairly delay trials for in-custody defendants. A World Care representative supported the bill and urged broader protections for minors, disabled people, and seniors. The chair also pressed the public defender to suggest improvements, emphasizing that the bill was driven by victims and families. No vote or final action was taken on SB 200.
The committee next took up SB 8 on jury duty exemptions for health professionals. Testimony was strongly supportive from nurses, physicians, and disability advocates, who said APRNs and other nurses are in short supply and that jury service can disrupt patient care, especially in rural and neighbor island areas. One witness suggested expanding the exemption to include registered nurses as well as APRNs, while a senator raised concerns about blanket exemptions for non-practicing APRNs and suggested a time limit. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported.
The committee then heard SB 144 on chiropractic, with the state chiropractic board offering comments and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supporting the measure as a way to address workforce shortages and provide students more hands-on clinical experience. A World Care witness also supported the bill after clarifying her remarks. The chair then moved to SB 107 on medical informed consent, where the Hawaii Medical Board opposed the bill and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and Queen’s Health System offered comments, citing concerns about duplicative standards. A support witness proposed expanding the bill to better address combined mental and physical health conditions. Finally, SB 189 on breast cancer screening drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Radiological Society, Queen’s Health Systems, and others, while the Insurance Division raised concerns about possible insurance mandate defrayment and the need for a sunrise analysis. Senators also asked about local demographic data and coverage impacts; the chair indicated decision-making would be deferred to another day.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Beds to Belonging Workgroup Jul 15th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I think the place that I’m confused, though, is we’re talking about a protected class.
- That I’m confused, though, is we’re talking about a protected class.
- young, you know, I mean, we do see that, Senator Gelser Blouin, related to other types of protected classes
- . ...this is why I think it is critically important when we talk about disabilities and protected classes
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They're staying away from ESL classes, staying away from job training classes.
- From the age of six, I was essentially a permanent student in his American world history class, learning
- And I was lucky throughout my time in the Lynn Public Schools to have every single class, from every
Summary:
The Senate convened with routine opening business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and the filing of several reports, such as the Parole Board’s 2023 annual report and a fiscal year 2025 prior-year deficiency report from the Comptroller. Those reports were ordered placed on file. The remainder of the session was devoted almost entirely to a series of brief statements by the Senate President and many senators responding to what they described as federal actions under the Trump administration, especially immigration enforcement without due process, court defiance, and broader threats to democratic norms.
Senators repeatedly condemned the detention and deportation of immigrants, students, researchers, and even some U.S. citizens, citing specific Massachusetts cases including Ramesa Ozturk of Tufts, Juan Francisco Mendez, Sunua Petrova, and others. Members also raised concerns about cuts to federal funding affecting Massachusetts, including NIH and university research, asthma prevention, education, climate resilience, and veterans’ services. Several senators tied these issues to the state’s economy, higher education, health care, and immigrant communities, and many invoked Massachusetts and American history to argue for due process, the rule of law, and resistance to authoritarianism.
A few policy responses were mentioned, including support for increasing funding for the Attorney General to handle lawsuits, and references to bills or proposals such as the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, the Dignity Not Deportation Act, the Safe Communities Act, and the Location Shield Act. The Senate President also referenced the chamber’s broader “Response 2025” initiative. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on during the statements themselves, aside from the adoption of an order to adjourn and the setting of the next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Jun 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, it's one thing to attend a class, right?
- I mean, it's one thing to attend a class, right?
- that part of the report, but for this section, classroom teachers are defined as those assigned to a class
- teachers not fully certified for their assignments, staff classrooms with substitute teachers, increase class
Summary:
The committee first approved the May 18 meeting minutes and then received a Legislative Audit presentation summarizing Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions for fiscal year 2025. Auditors said the department distributed about $4.6 billion in grants overall, including $3.2 billion from the Public School Fund, $1.1 billion in federal funds, and $268 million from other state and miscellaneous sources, across 56 Public School Fund programs, 14 other state programs, and 29 federal programs. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, master principal bonuses, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance funding; audit staff and Department of Education representatives explained that the report was only a distribution summary and not a recipient-level audit. Members also questioned why many districts showed lower funding, and staff said the decline was largely due to reduced federal and one-time COVID-related funds. Senators and representatives also discussed whether some incentive programs, such as master principal and national board bonuses, were tied to student outcomes, and whether Economics Arkansas was the sole entity named in special language for financial literacy funding; department staff said they would follow up on several details.
The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on consumer price index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global, with discussion of CPI-U and core CPI estimates for future fiscal years. Dr. Carlos Silva explained that the forecasts generally trend toward about 2 percent over time and that recent projections may have understated actual inflation because of recent shocks. Members asked about the accuracy of past projections, and he said he would provide more detail later if needed.
The bulk of the meeting focused on the final adequacy report on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. BLR staff reported that Arkansas had about 32,800 teachers and 473,000 students in 2025, with a statewide student-to-teacher ratio of about 14 to 1, average teaching experience of 11.9 years, and a slight increase in National Board Certified teachers. The report found that districts with higher poverty and minority concentrations generally had less experienced teachers, and that teacher shortages remained widespread, especially in special education, math, science, and foreign language. Members asked about licensure exceptions, alternative preparation pathways, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, and the cost and return on investment of traditional versus alternative routes. Staff said some licensure exceptions are being phased out under Act 304 of 2025 and that they would follow up on several requested details.
The report also found that teacher retention averaged 87 percent statewide in 2025, with districts retaining teachers at higher rates than charters, and that 30 percent of surveyed teachers were considering leaving the profession. Principals and teachers identified school leadership as the strongest positive factor in recruitment and retention, while workload and salary were the strongest negative factors. On salaries, BLR reported a statewide average teacher salary of $60,254 in 2025, with districts averaging $60,458 and charters $55,724. Arkansas ranked 45th nationally on average teacher salary in 2025, though its cost-adjusted ranking improved to 36th; among SREB states it ranked 12th, and among neighboring states it ranked fourth. Members asked about starting salaries, salary compression, district step increases, and whether the report should be shared more broadly with educators and school leaders. Staff said they would provide follow-up information on several questions, and the committee took no formal action beyond receiving the presentations and asking for additional data.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Jun 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, it's one thing to attend a class, right?
- that part of the report, but for this section, classroom teachers are defined as those assigned to a class
- teachers not fully certified for their assignments, staff classrooms with substitute teachers, increase class
- teachers not fully certified for their assignments, staff classrooms with substitute teachers, increase class
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Seven - Monday, May 11
Missouri House Floor Meeting
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Owen: There are different classes of these hybrid vehicles.
- I've been forced to look into that, and so there are different classes.
- So what's happening is you have basically four different classes of what you would identify as hybrid
- This sounds like a bevy of class action lawsuits waiting to happen.
Keywords:
property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, blighted property, derelict property, property tax exemption, local redevelopment plans, rehabilitation standards, ad valorem tax, community development, senior citizens, homestead exemption, Louisiana Constitution, motor vehicles, local fees, transaction fees, funding
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL Members Call for Vote on Affordability Legislation - 05/07/26
Transcript Highlights:
- , the Senate DFL majority has been focused on making improvements to the everyday lives of working-class
- In our state, we've accomplished a lot helping working-class Minnesotans afford their everyday lives.
- The Northstar Promise allows working-class families to put their kids through college with no tuition
- These are significant achievements that make a real difference for working-class Minnesotans.
Summary:
Senate DFL leaders held a press conference focused on affordability, federal cuts, and end-of-session negotiations. Senators Heather Gustafson, Erin Maye Quade, Liz Boldon, Grant Hauschild, and Majority Leader Erin Murphy highlighted prior DFL accomplishments such as universal school meals, North Star Promise, paid family and medical leave, property tax relief, the child tax credit, and Social Security tax cuts, while arguing that House Republicans have not shown enough urgency on current affordability issues.
A major theme was the impact of federal policy on Minnesota, especially cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, rising health care and energy costs, and cost shifts to counties and local governments. The senators said the state is spending heavily to backfill federal cuts and protect Minnesotans from higher costs, with particular concern for rural communities, hospitals, EMS, food shelves, and county property taxes. Hauschild emphasized that rural counties and seniors would bear added burdens from federal mandates, while Murphy said the Senate is trying to put money directly into people’s pockets through rental assistance, heating assistance, food support, and targeted property tax relief.
The leaders also discussed a Senate Tax Committee proposal for about $100 million in direct property tax refunds, and Murphy said the Senate’s position on HCMC funding is the strongest, while also needing support for rural hospitals and providers statewide. In response to questions, she said the Senate hopes to reach a global deal before the weekend and by Sunday midnight, described the Senate’s proposals as public and already passed, and said some items, including rental relief for people affected by an ICE operation, still have support and may move in the House. No votes were taken at the event.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- When cuts come, they fall directly on students through larger class sizes, fewer programs, and fewer
- to stifle that education, and I would like to work on freeing up opportunities for some of those classes
- that really challenge kids... ...to work on freeing up opportunities for some of those classes that
- How many do you graduate out of your class, do you think? Twelve hundred. Twelve hundred.
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and school levy/bond questions to the November general election, extend school board terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The bill sponsor argued the change would increase turnout, broaden parent and taxpayer participation, and better align school board decisions with the broader electorate. Supporters echoed those points, saying April elections have low turnout, campaigning is difficult in winter, and November voting would give more residents a voice.
Opponents, including school board members, parents, and the Missouri School Boards’ Association, argued the bill unnecessarily singles out St. Charles County, could politicize school board races, and might bury local issues on crowded November ballots. Several witnesses said school boards should remain nonpartisan and warned that four-year terms and the loss of staggered elections could reduce continuity and institutional knowledge. Others said limiting levy and bond questions to November could delay urgent district needs and reduce local flexibility. Some supporters and opponents also debated whether the bill should be statewide rather than county-specific.
After testimony, the committee moved into executive session and voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1002 “do pass” by a vote of 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present. The committee also voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1135 “do pass” by the same 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present margin.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 4th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Many of you know, and I've told the story of the hero of my life, my father, Sergeant First Class Donald
- Sergeant First Class Donald Strickland, who actually won the Bronze Star for Valor during the Tet Offensive
- But what truly set Stuart First Class Velar apart was his rare gift as an artist.
- As we adjourn today in his memory, we should remember Stuart First Class Vittaliano Victor Villar as
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor recognitions. Members welcomed the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and honored its leadership and civic service, including wildfire recovery work and local chapter anniversaries. The body also recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, with remarks tied to Cinco de Mayo and Latino resilience, followed by a series of resolutions and guest introductions.
Several resolutions were adopted, including SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week, SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 recognizing California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 designating Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and remarks emphasized cultural heritage, shared struggles for justice, veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement sacrifice, and persistent racial health disparities. Most resolutions passed by unanimous roll call votes.
The Senate also confirmed multiple Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, including Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson. Senators Grove and others voiced protest over CDCR appointments, arguing for consideration of Frank Silva, but the confirmations still passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber then approved several bills, including SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public meetings, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 expanding tied-house advertising rules for winery instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader and UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong and recognition of his family and colleagues.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- When cuts come, they fall directly on students through larger class sizes, fewer programs, and fewer
- to stifle that education, and I would like to work on freeing up opportunities for some of those classes
- that really challenge kids... ...to work on freeing up opportunities for some of those classes that
- How many do you graduate out of your class?
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and school bond/levy questions from April to the November general election, extend school board terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The bill sponsor and several supporters argued that November elections would increase turnout, broaden parent and taxpayer participation, reduce the influence of a small April electorate, and potentially save money. Supporters also said the change could make campaigning more feasible and help voters identify candidates’ general viewpoints.
Opponents, including school board members, parents, the Missouri NEA, and the Missouri School Boards’ Association, argued that the bill unnecessarily singles out one county, would politicize school board races, and could bury local education issues on crowded November ballots. They also warned that moving levy and bond questions to November could reduce districts’ flexibility to address urgent needs, and that four-year terms could make recruitment harder and reduce accountability or institutional continuity. Several witnesses said school boards should remain nonpartisan and focused on governance, budgeting, and student needs rather than party labels.
Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about why the bill applies only to St. Charles County, whether staggered terms would be lost, and whether partisan labels would help or harm voters. Some members expressed support for the concept as a pilot or model, while others objected to the county-specific approach and the addition of party affiliation. The transcript does not show a final committee vote or other action on the bill.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Murdoch, to recognize the Earl High School Bulldogs Boys Basketball Team as the 2025 and 2006 Class
- Resolution 18 to recognize the Earl High School Bulldogs' Boys Basketball Team as the 2025 and 2006 Class
- Senator Murdock, to recognize the Earl High School Lady Bulldogs Girls Basketball Team as the 2026 Class
- Senate Resolution 19 to recognize the Earl High School Lady Bulldogs Girls Basketball Team as the 2006 Class
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We're actually taking, admitting students right now to the class.
- When we this class in particular that we're trying to admit into the branch campus, they write an essay
- medical school and it's free tuition, but question I think it's an excellent question when we this class
- Ultimately, a jury of his peers found him guilty of all five class two felony charges, and he was sentenced
Keywords:
kinship care, child welfare, foster care, relative placement, child protection, vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, group homes, children's rights, safety protocols, employee training, mental health
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment (3-19-26)
Economic Development & Workforce Investment
Transcript Highlights:
- a consequence of House Bill 732 would be to incentivize misclassification by creating a new second-class
- 05:11.320>
creating <00:05:11.800>a <00:05:11.840>new <00:05:12.120>second-class - <00:05:13.040>
tier <00:05:13.360>of by creating a new second-class tier of by creating - a new second-class tier of employment<00:05:14.640>
that's <00:05:15.000>vaguely <00:05
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
On-time payment credit reporting option 3/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And this has created a credit-invisible class in which low-income families and communities of color are
- >
invisible And this has created a credit invisible And this has created a credit invisible class - > which<00:03:59.080>
low-income <00:03:59.680>families <00:04:00.240>and class - in which low-income families and class in which low-income families and and<00:04:00.840>
communities
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 05:55 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As one of the newest members of this body in last year's class, I remember the first 10 years of the
- When I was a senior in high school, I was class president, and for the yearbook we came up here to the
- We had a botany class at Marshall, and I sat in, of course, the back row.
- He has and always will be first class and someone that I truly consider a distinguished West Virginian
Summary:
The Senate first handled several House amendments to Senate bills and passed them, including SB 194 updating the definition of disabled veteran taxpayer, SB 499 requiring toxicology tests in auto accidents, SB 672 on Real Estate Commission licensing discipline, SB 724 on home confinement officers and the EMS retirement system, SB 897 on alcohol and drug counselor licensure, and SB 982 creating the Neighborhood Access Road Program. In each case, the chamber agreed to the House changes and then passed the bill, with some measures also given effective dates, including SB 724 effective July 1, 2026 and SB 648 effective from passage. The Senate also concurred in amendments to SB 197, doubling penalties for sex crimes against minors, and SB 648, which removed restrictions on foreign entities in the Strategic and Critical Resources Act.
The chamber then took up a series of additional bills and conference actions. It appointed a conference committee on HB 4588 after refusing to recede from its amendment. The Senate passed HB 4009, the Portable Benefit Account Act, after adopting a Banking and Insurance committee strike-and-insert amendment that moved the program to the Division of Labor, expanded portable benefit definitions, and made technical changes. Later, the Senate also passed SB 182 on annexation by minor boundary adjustment after amending the House changes to allow one annexation per year instead of one every two years, and it passed HB 5101 increasing strangulation penalties, HB 4364 on juvenile offender bail and counsel language, HB 4412 on age verification for certain websites, HB 5564 on deputy sheriff vacation carryover, HB 4138 on sex offender registration fees, HB 4951 after receding from its earlier amendment on continuing education, SB 4 after receding from its amendment, SB 389 after refusing to concur in a House amendment that would have stripped the bill, SB 927 on beekeeping and municipal regulation, and HB 5214 on drug testing for parents before reunification.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to Senate Resolution 67 honoring Senator Michael Andrew Woelfel and Senate Resolution 68 honoring Senator Charles Houston Clements. Numerous senators gave extended remarks praising Woelfel’s legal skill, candor, mentorship, and service, and Clements’s long service, institutional knowledge, steadiness, and friendship. Both resolutions were adopted by roll call votes, with SR 67 passing 34-0 and SR 68 passing 33-1. After the resolutions, the Senate recessed briefly to present the outgoing senators with resolutions and flags flown over the Capitol.