Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know how big of a barrier that is, but definitely open to learning more.
• The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.
• The parents took on more active roles in the learning partners.
• , as well as academic learning, were severely diminished.
• And TK-12 experiences on CTE pathways and work-based learning.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• things here, regional and district professional learning.
• We do learning walks the way we thought determine where we should be learning walk.
• Professional learning was created coaching was provided.
• They enjoy being challenged on their professional learning.
• And what needs to go on for students that are learning is certainly second to none.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That was really eye-opening for me, and so I did really get to learn more in detail about the breadth
• a lot over the and I feel like I learned a lot over the past<00:09:16.000> year<00:09:16.160>
• more in detail did really get to learn more in detail about<00:10:42.560> the<00:10:42.720>
• I think we can learn a lot from our 49 sisters and brothers.
• I I I think we can learn<00:21:39.200> a<00:21:39.360> lot<00:21:39.520> from<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees met on a 3:00 p.m. agenda that included House Concurrent Resolution 94 and several gubernatorial nominations. HCR 94, which asks the governor to proclaim Hawaii a Purple Heart State on August 7, 2025, drew support from the Hawaii Veterans of Foreign Wars and no opposing testimony. The chair recommended passage as is, and the committees adopted the recommendation without objection. The bulk of the meeting focused on nominations to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, along with one nomination to the Medical Advisory Board. Nominees and supporters emphasized experience, continuity, and service: Dana Alla Lopez, Beverly Lee, and others described prior commission work; Janet Sato and Marcia Deutsch highlighted long involvement in arts education, grants review, and public art; and Randall Francisco stressed arts advocacy and accessibility. Testimony in support also came from commission staff, the Association for Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development, the mayor of Kauai, and others. One nominee, Judy Kvel Kovville, had support from the Department of Transportation. Several committee members raised broader questions about sustaining arts funding amid possible federal cuts and changes in state project financing that could reduce revenue under the 1% for art law. The nominees for the arts-related posts said they were open to exploring new funding sources, including private philanthropy, community support, and learning from other states. After discussion, the committee voted to advise and consent on all listed nominations—GM506, GM507, GM508, GM556, GM654, GM740, GM742, and GM743—with no votes or reservations, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are looking forward to hearing testimony and learning more about these bills.
• One of my mentors from Boston Children's Hospital has supported me a lot in learning how to advocate
• This bill would help kids like me learn what we need to be safe when eating in school.
• That way, I can focus on schoolwork and learning.
• Thank you. ...to absorb the nutrients children need to grow, learn, and develop.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, S. 2927 and H. 5012, titled An Act Relative to Students Accessing Food and Nutritional Information, filed by Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Michelle Badger. The bills would require schools to make clear, centralized online information available about gluten-free and allergen-free meals, including menus, food safety procedures, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs. Committee members and the bill sponsors emphasized that the measure is intended to improve transparency, equity, and access within the Commonwealth’s universal free breakfast and lunch program. Testimony came from students, parents, physicians, and advocates, many of whom described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune condition requiring a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Witnesses said families often struggle to find reliable school meal information, and that lack of communication between school administrators, nurses, and food service staff can lead families to opt out of school meals even when safe options exist. Medical witnesses from Boston Children’s, Mass General, and Beth Israel said the bill addresses a real barrier identified in research and could help prevent health problems, missed school, and long-term complications from gluten exposure. Several witnesses also noted that the bill’s approach could benefit students with food allergies more broadly. Committee members praised the testimony, especially from young student witnesses, and discussed practical issues such as cross-contamination, 504 plans, and whether schools already have the underlying information needed to comply. One member suggested the Department of Public Health might be able to address some of the issue through regulations, similar to a prior restaurant allergy-protocol change. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee closed after hearing from all panels and the bill sponsors, who asked for favorable consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think it's important for us to understand that not every student learns the same way.
• And I think it's important for us to understand that not every student learns the same way.
• Not every student learns the same way.
• We support a professional learning center for in-service educators.
• for professional learning center for professional learning center for inservice<00:44:43.280>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation. Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing. Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is transformative social-emotional learning, and it should be a no. Thank you.
• Schools are going to have to learn this is an option.
• Uh, most of us when we were learning to handle a gun had a. Adults standing next to us.
• Because you want your son to learn how to use a gun safely or safely.
• And when you think about learning, attention is really the key.

Bills: HB6, HB27, HB123, HB210, HB213, HB222

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales

Transcript Highlights:

• To learn about our first honore of need.
• So therefore more likely to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic. Malo.
• So ordered. excited about learning. So therefore excited about learning.
• to learn reading, writing, and<01:18:09.040> arithmetic.
• Also, uh sounds like to learn in school.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• People will be talking about it, learning, asking questions; learning would happen.
• People will be talking about it, learning, asking questions; learning would happen.
• People will be talking about it, learning, asking questions; learning would happen.
• People will be talking about it, learning, asking questions; learning would happen.
• People will be talking about it, learning, asking questions; learning would happen.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 749, which would require high schools to provide at least one hour of instruction on the nature and history of communism. The prime sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns that students lack basic historical knowledge about communism and its effects, and argued that a short, flexible requirement could be embedded in an existing course without creating a new full class. He described communism as a totalitarian ideology and cited historical examples including the Soviet Union, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Cold War, and current events involving Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan as reasons students should understand the topic. Members asked whether the subject is already covered in current social studies standards, whether one hour is enough, and whether the bill would apply to public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The sponsor said he did not believe communism is specifically required in current standards, that he would prefer a full course but was proposing a minimal requirement, and that he intended the bill to apply broadly to schools under the Department of Education’s umbrella, though he acknowledged the wording may need clarification for charter schools. He also said the proposal was both reactive and proactive, based on anecdotal concerns and his teaching experience. A second supporter testified that he was born in the Soviet Union and favored the bill, but suggested the instruction should emphasize critical thinking and explain both why communism can appeal to some people and why it can have harmful consequences. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• learning<00:53:07.760> scholarships<00:53:08.200> are and early learning scholarships
• who have been awarded Early Learning who have been awarded Early Learning scholarships<00:59:46.119
• <01:09:02.960> scholarships funding of early learning scholarships funding of early learning
• to support and fully fund Early Learning to support and fully fund Early Learning scholarships<01
• directly to the provider Early Learning directly to the provider Early Learning scholarships<01:

Bills: HF2436, HF470, HF2643, HF2456, HF102, HF1367

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I also want to flexible learning.
• ,<00:25:00.559> responsive free professional learning, responsive free professional learning
• , students, whether it be online learning, students, whether it be online learning, whether<00:47
• created distance learning back in 2020. created distance learning back in 2020.
• their learning. their learning.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm in my learning that as I go along.
• What can I learn? And I think part of how I vote is I try to always learn.
• What can I learn?
• And I think part of how I vote learn?
• , in the middle to like help us learn, in the middle to like help us learn, help<00:46:50.240>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Simon: THE EARLY LEARNING COALITIONS ARE THE ONES THAT ARE MONITORING VPK PROGRAMS NOW.
• THAT NOW WILL FALL ON VPK PROGRAMS TO MONITOR THEIR OWN PROGRAMS NOT THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION AS
• HOW TO READ TO USING READING TO LEARN THAT THEY ARE BEST EQUIPPED TO MOVE FORWARD.
• THAT REALLY DIDN'T HELP ANY STUDENT LEARN.
• MORE AND LEARN BETTER AND NOT LOOK FOR SIDE DOORS .

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And every day, they learn about a different branch of government.
• Content management system that PBS has called PBS Learning Media.
• teacher learning experiences.
• So it's going to be a full immersive day of learning for those teachers.
• But just, guys, PBS Learning Media, like I said, it's free.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with quorum, approved the minutes from its previous meeting, and took several action items related to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LIAC). The commission unanimously approved the 2026-27 LIAC membership slate after reviewing recommendations from the selection committee, and it also approved the council’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, noting the only change was an updated IRS mileage rate. Members thanked the legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years when it relied on outside donations. The meeting featured presentations on civic education resources and America 250 programming. Brandon Burris, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s office, highlighted Louisiana state parks, the Checkout Louisiana library backpack programs for parks and museums, Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s anti-litter campaign, and Homework Louisiana. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national civics education trends, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and LPB’s “Louisiana’s Hidden History” videos and teacher resources on Bernardo de Galvez and Spanish Louisiana. LIAC members then reported on their work, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment concerns, and local civic engagement projects. Peggy Cotonia of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported 87 Law Day presentations and 287 total Law Day and Constitution Day presentations reaching about 9,400 students, along with updates on awards and a shortened but still free summer institute for teachers. Barry Irwin reported that legislation to clean up outdated commission membership and quorum language had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education, moving toward final passage. The commission adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think some of the successes we've had is we've learned how to hire.
• the ironworking trade, learn how to weld.
• We're big fans and supporters of the Big Bend, Early Learning Coalition, and we've learned a lot from
• Things happen, we learned that during the pandemic.
• And then that individuals also learning from the person who's actually coding.

Transcript Highlights:

• to read by grade three or four, and they read to learn thereafter, but they're not learning to read
• to read, and then after the third grade reads to learn.
• But that's where you learn it, through education.
• Teaching kids to learn to use their hands and what's your thoughts on that?
• We don't have enough skill-based learning.

Keywords: educational reform, federal grants, bureaucracy, wealth disparity, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting engaged in discussions focused primarily on educational reform, the influence of federal grants on local education systems, and the growing disparities in wealth and access to quality education. Members expressed concerns about the bureaucracy surrounding federal funding that hampers schools' ability to obtain necessary resources for improvement. Several members highlighted personal anecdotes from constituents, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to help students succeed in both K-12 and higher education environments. The meeting included public testimonies that provided insights into various community perspectives on these pressing issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• need to be in place for optimal learning need to be in place for optimal learning to<00:08:03.520
• <00:45:04.480> was programs the first thing I learned was programs the first thing I learned
• but our the conditions for learning but our the conditions for learning<00:53:53.880> must<00
• <00:54:11.200> are that the conditions for learning are that the conditions for learning are
• as we are here for student learning as we are here for student learning right<01:14:40.520> but

Bills: HF56, HF780

Keywords: HF56, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Hutchinson Area Transportation Services, Hutchinson, McLeod County, transportation facility, vehicle storage, equipment storage, fueling facility, temperate storage, local infrastructure, public works, general obligation bonds, education finance, school funding, state aid, appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• will come from while trying to learn will come from while trying to learn Hawaii's<00:40:18.240>
• <00:40:54.359> rather students to focus on learning rather students to focus on learning rather
• And so I think, because to me this is similarly, if we want our kids to learn and be ready to learn and
• similarly if we want our kids to learn similarly if we want our kids to learn um<01:43:36.320>
• driver and applied my newly learned driver and applied my newly learned Financial<01:54:59.320><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 707 on the College Savings Program. Members discussed a suggested amendment from the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities to include the Hawaii ABLE Savings Program. The chair said the Department of the Attorney General advised there was no title problem, so the bill could be broadened to cover both the College Savings Program and the ABLE program. The committee also noted technical, non-substantive changes and a defective date of July 1, 3000 for further discussion. HB 707 HD1 was then voted on and the recommendation to pass with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present, with two members excused. The committee then heard House Bill 424, which would provide free breakfast and lunch beginning the next school year to students who currently qualify for free and reduced-price meals. The Department of Education supported the measure, and testimony in favor came from teachers, public health and food security advocates, and several organizations. Supporters described students being denied meals because of unpaid balances, said school meals should not depend on family debt, and argued that the bill would reduce stigma and help hungry students learn. Committee questions focused on meal pricing, the impact of raising prices on families who pay full price, and whether portion sizes could be increased; DOE said breakfast costs less than lunch, full-price students would bear any increase, and portion sizes must follow USDA rules. Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute and Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network said many families above the free/reduced thresholds still cannot afford meals, citing estimates that the DOE collects about $20 million a year in meal payments and that federal reimbursement totals are much larger. The committee then heard House Bill 757, the universal free school breakfast and lunch bill. DOE and the Department of Health supported it, and testimony was overwhelmingly in favor from county officials, teachers, students, food banks, advocacy groups, and community organizations. Witnesses argued that universal meals would eliminate stigma, reduce paperwork and debt collection, and ensure students do not fall through the cracks because of income cutoffs, language barriers, or administrative hurdles. Several students from Castle High School described classmates asking for food and families struggling to keep meal accounts funded, while teachers said they regularly see negative meal balance notices and hungry students. Advocates also said the bill is the better equity vehicle because it avoids means testing and reaches students who are not currently receiving meals despite needing them. The hearing on HB 757 was still ongoing at the end of the transcript, and no final vote on that bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• He motivated an entire generation to get involved, ask questions, and learn to defend the principles
• “With a lot of money as he’s mentoring them and trying to teach them to learn more.
• We can all learn a lot. But he definitely didn’t use that tone inflection to drive divisiveness.
• I welcome you to go watch and learn.” “You get your news from one source.
• I welcome you to go watch and learn what Charlie Kirk had to say.

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability took up three bills. First, it heard Senator Gates’s employee protection bill, which would create whistleblower-style protections for people who file ethics complaints based on personal knowledge, allowing the Ethics Commission to investigate retaliation and, if probable cause is found, letting the complainant seek administrative or civil relief. The Commission on Ethics supported the measure, saying it had long recommended such protections and that implementation costs would be low. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the committee substitute for Senate Bill 92 favorably. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 60 by Senator McLean, which reclassifies certain district assistant regional counsel supervisor positions in the Florida Retirement System to the senior management class, aligning them more closely with comparable attorney positions in public defender and state attorney offices. A late-file technical amendment aligning class codes with Florida statutes was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. A representative from the regional council spoke in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 194 by Senator Martin, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. The sponsor argued the day would honor Kirk’s advocacy for free speech, debate, and civic engagement, and said it would not create a state holiday or require closures. The bill drew strong opposition from Senator Polsky and Senator Bracy Davis, who cited Kirk’s public comments on race, women, gun violence, and systemic discrimination and argued he was not a unifying figure worthy of state honor. Julie Keefe also spoke against the bill, while representatives from the Venezuelan American Republican Club and the Christian Family Coalition spoke in support. Despite the debate, the committee voted to report Senate Bill 194 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• through adversity, frustration, learn through adversity, frustration, learn how<00:24:23.920>
• it's it's been so fun to watch and learn it's it's been so fun to watch and learn about. about.
• As chair of the Fraud Committee, the one thing I've learned, well, I've learned a lot, but one of the
• And kids learn fairness in sports.
• And kids learn fairness in sports. And kids learn fairness in sports.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:52.560> in saying that what they are learning in saying that what they are learning
• learning.
• learning.
• learning.
• learning.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 78, which urges the Department of Education to strengthen natural health education and adopt a comprehensive menstrual cycle curriculum. The Department of Education said it supported the intent and had offered technical amendments to scaffold the curriculum by grade level. The Commission on the Status of Women and several advocates, including students and Ma'i Movement Hawaiʻi, testified in support, describing gaps in menstrual health education, stigma, and the need for more inclusive, age-appropriate instruction. No opposition was heard, and the chair moved on after no questions from members. The committee then took up SCR 194, urging the Department of Education to meet the criteria to recognize cheerleading as a Title IX sport. The Department supported the measure, noting recent expansion of girls flag football and surfing as recognized sports and saying cheerleading would create additional opportunities for students. The Commission on the Status of Women also supported the resolution, saying it could improve participation, resource allocation, and representation for female students. No opposition or further action was recorded in the excerpt. Finally, the committee discussed SCR 195, requesting the Board of Education and Department of Education to revise graduation requirements to include a standalone financial literacy course. The Board of Education and Department of Education both supported the intent but cautioned against a one-size-fits-all mandate, emphasizing school-level flexibility, existing stand-alone and online options, and the requirement that the class of 2030 must complete financial literacy before graduation. Hawaii Kids Can supported the resolution while raising questions about equity, access, quality, and how different delivery models compare; it also asked for more information on community survey data. Committee members questioned the department and board about asynchronous versus in-person instruction, standards, and how the requirement would be tracked in the personal transition plan. No vote or final action was taken in the provided portion of the meeting.