Transcript Highlights:

• So the early learning coalitions are the ones that are monitoring our VPK programs now.
• What will the early learning coalitions have...
• to read to reading to learn, they're best equipped to move forward.
• more and learn better and not look for side doors.
• That project-based learning really, really works.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 296, as amended by strike-all, on middle and high school start times. Senator Bradley explained that the amendment would repeal the statewide mandate for later start times and return scheduling decisions to local school boards, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic effects of sleep deprivation and to consider later start times when setting transportation schedules. Testimony and debate were largely in support, with several school district and education group representatives waiving in support, and members citing transportation, staffing, family logistics, and cost concerns under the existing mandate. The strike-all was adopted, and SB 296 was reported favorably by roll call vote, with Senators Berman, Osgood, and Chair Calatayud voting yes and Senator Gaetz voting no; other members were absent or not recorded in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senate Bill 356, which would designate January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. Senator Berman said the date matches the UN’s Holocaust Remembrance Day and would require the governor to annually proclaim it, while allowing public observance and instruction about the Holocaust’s harms and its impact on the Jewish community and humanity. There was no substantive opposition in the excerpt, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote with yes votes from Senators Berman, Gaetz, and Chair Calatayud. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 166 on administrative efficiency in public schools. Senator Simon described a broad deregulation package affecting student assessments, grade promotion, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, internal audits, facilities planning, cost-per-student-station limits, emergency make-up days, federal fund timing, and VPK oversight. Testimony was mixed: school district and education organization representatives generally supported the flexibility, while some groups opposed or urged changes to the grade 4 promotion and graduation-related provisions, arguing they could weaken academic standards. After debate focused especially on third-grade promotion and testing requirements, the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, members recorded their votes on SB 296 and SB 356, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• months under your International learn months under your International learn enough<01:04:47.520>
• Go ahead, Representative Miller. and she learned English very quickly I and she learned English very
• think the idea that people can't learn think the idea that people can't learn English<01:14:14.040
• you're not going to be able to learn you're not going to be able to learn English<01:14:22.000><
• and people suggest that they can't learn and people suggest that they can't learn things<01:14:32.800

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met in executive session on several House bills. HB 212, allowing a 180-day operation waiver when a vehicle fails an emissions test, was retained at the sponsor’s request for possible modifications. HB 249, which would have let bicyclists treat stop signs as yields and stop lights as stop signs, was recommended inexpedient to legislate (ITL) by a 9-7 vote, with a minority report expected. The committee then retained HB 298, creating an exception for removing VIN tags from pre-1981 vehicles when needed for repair or restoration, by a 15-1 vote. HB 411-FN, making handheld device use while driving a secondary offense, was recommended ITL by consent after members argued the current primary-offense law is more effective for enforcement and safety. On HB 414, which would have barred DMV license suspensions based on debts owed to private towing or storage companies, the committee rejected ITL and instead retained the bill 16-0 after members split over whether the current law unfairly ties driving privileges to private debt collection. HB 441, addressing visible diesel emissions and “rolling coal,” was recommended ITL 16-0 because members said the conduct is already illegal under existing state and federal law. The committee then took up HB 461, concerning Department of Safety and DMV training and testing materials, where members debated whether driver testing should be limited to English and whether multilingual materials are a safety necessity or discriminatory; the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the Director of Early Learning Policy at... ...Texans Care for Children.
• who've witnessed the barriers to early learning for children with disabilities.
• Meaningful social interactions, soft skills, learning outcomes, and the ability to focus are dropping
• In class, they're a constant distraction from learning.
• Instead, they're learning to be entertained, not to think critically.

Bills: HB322, HB126, HB3062, HB1481, HB2310, HB2674, HB121, HB2243, HB3627, HB1178, HB367, HB5515, HB126, HB121

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, higher education, mental health resources, substance abuse education, student policy, communication devices, school regulations, disciplinary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:36.640> EO for early learning professionals. EO for early learning professionals.
• <00:20:55.360> centers Kiki Okahina uh family learning centers Kiki Okahina uh family learning
• 37.039> we<00:23:37.360> promote thirdly, this learning that we promote thirdly, this learning
• So, helps the early learning workforce.
• Uh it is credit for prior learning.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1872, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program to help early childhood providers participate in approved apprenticeship programs, require annual reporting, and appropriate funds. Testifiers in support included the University of Hawaiʻi, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the City and County of Honolulu, Commit to Keiki, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, and Kīʻoka Family Learning Centers. Supporters said the bill would reduce financial barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, improve compensation and career pathways, and help address child care shortages and workforce instability. The committee then voted to pass HB 1872 with amendments, including an HD1 and a defective date to allow further discussion. The committee next took up HB 2489, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to establish a bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language interpretation, with a longer-term plan for a master’s program. Testimony in support came from the Disability Communication Access Board and the University of Hawaiʻi, and members also heard detailed support from DECAP and other advocates describing a statewide shortage of ASL interpreters, long waiting lists for ASL courses, and the need for locally trained interpreters who understand Hawaiʻi’s cultural and community needs. Witnesses said the shortage affects schools, courts, hospitals, emergency services, and other settings, and that the program could be expanded through articulation with other campuses. The committee voted to pass HB 2489 with amendments, again using an HD1 and defective date. After those two measures, the committee moved to HB 441 on campus safety, which would require students, including transfer students, to complete training on federal laws and university policies regarding sexual misconduct before initial registration and would change how often training is provided to students and employees. The University of Hawaiʻi stood on its written testimony, while supporters including IMUA Alliance and other testifiers urged passage, citing survivor experiences, national best practices, and the need for prevention before harm occurs. No vote on HB 441 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Credit for Prior Learning Investment, Vision 2030, prioritizes implementing credit for prior learning
• Currently, credit for prior learning... learning is applied at the margins of our operations.
• Learning is learning, and the learning ecosystem will be expanded with this investment to recognize applicable
• Christian, regarding the credit for prior learning.
• Credit for prior learning is a tool; it's an efficient tool.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is much to be learned.
• As an educator we are here for the benefit of all who are willing to learn.
• They don't learn. Many don't eat.
• And so let's send a powerful message that schools are a safe place for learning.
• Better coordination could expand credit for prior learning and other policies.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we have a lot to learn from COVID, but we have to be really careful that we're learning the right
• So, we have a<00:00:53.520> lot<00:00:53.800> to<00:00:53.920> learn<00:00:54.120
• to be really careful that we're learning to be really careful that we're learning the<00:00:56.440
• somebody can take the what they learn somebody can take the what they learn from<00:04:30.840>
• from the problems and prevent learn from the problems and prevent future<00:04:38.400> ones.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: State Auditor Julie Blaha discussed fraud in Minnesota, emphasizing that recent attention on fraud during COVID-19 should be separated from broader, ongoing fraud risks. She explained that the Office of the State Auditor oversees about $60 billion in local government activity, including school districts, cities, townships, counties, special districts, and port authorities, and works both to prevent fraud through audits and to investigate cases when they arise. Blaha said the biggest current challenge is workforce shortages in accounting and accountability fields, which makes it harder to provide oversight even as public demand for accountability increases. She urged legislators to involve her office early when drafting bills so the right oversight tool can be matched to the risk, rather than simply adding an audit requirement by default. She also said a proposed Office of the Inspector General would be a useful accountability discussion, but stressed that internal audit structures are often more effective than relying only on external audits. Blaha said the public plays a major role in detecting fraud because tips are the most common way fraud, waste, and abuse are uncovered. She encouraged public employees and local officials to report concerns, especially around unusual spending or misuse of purchasing cards, and noted that reporting can be confidential and is often required for certain public employees. In her closing remarks, she warned that COVID-era fraud often involved private-sector actors and said outsourcing government work requires careful risk analysis and added oversight. The segment ended with a reminder that allegations of state government fraud can be submitted to the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor online, by phone, or by mail.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to learn from them what's happening and what we can better develop.
• So lifelong learning has to be a component of the work that we do.
• We've expanded access to expanded learning opportunities programs.
• As we learn more, we will continue to find ways to improve the program.
• As we learn more we will continue to find ways to improve the program.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard an overview of the governor’s new Career Education Master Plan and related budget items. Labor Secretary Knox described the plan as an effort to reduce fragmentation across K-12, community colleges, workforce boards, and other systems by improving statewide and regional coordination, data sharing, skills-based hiring, career pathways, and wraparound supports such as child care, housing, food, and transportation. Members asked how success would be measured, how the plan would serve disconnected youth and adults, and whether the proposed data integration would rely on Cradle to Career; the secretary said it would. The Department of Finance said it was available to answer questions on the education side. The committee then reviewed existing CTE funding and oversight. The LAO, CDE, and Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office described the major ongoing programs, including CTIG, Perkins, K-12 Strong Workforce, and Community College Strong Workforce, and noted that many programs overlap in purpose and administration. Members repeatedly raised concerns about duplication, annual applications and reporting burdens, lack of clear outcome metrics, and whether funding incentives should be better aligned to regional collaboration. CDE and the Chancellor’s Office said they support alignment and dual enrollment, and Finance and CDE said LCFF/local match dollars are part of the funding structure. The committee also discussed child care as a barrier to participation and the need for better tracking of enrollment, completion, and job outcomes. On the consolidated application proposal, Finance proposed a study directing CDE to examine whether three long-standing CTE grant programs—Specialized Secondary Programs, CTIG, and California Partnership Academies—could be streamlined into a single application and reporting process. The LAO supported reducing administrative burden but noted that the largest programs, CTIG and K-12 Strong Workforce, were excluded from the proposal even though districts most often cite them as burdensome. CDE said it did not oppose the study but warned that statutory differences may limit consolidation. Members said the proposal should better address regional coordination, multi-year funding stability, and outcome measures rather than only simplifying paperwork. Finally, the committee heard a proposal for a $5 million ongoing California Education Interagency Council. GovOps said the council would provide a neutral venue for statewide coordination across education and workforce systems. The LAO opposed the proposal, arguing that existing bodies already provide coordination, the proposal does not change agency incentives, and the council would lack authority to implement decisions. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting a coordinating body and others questioning whether it would differ from past efforts. No votes were taken during the portions summarized here, and the committee indicated it would hold some items open for further discussion.

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:

• Second, while the Early Learning Personal Information Protection Act, or L.
• These AI-powered tools are built and improved using student-specific experiences, learning from what
• AI-powered tools are supporting tutoring, personalized learning, language translation, accessibility
• AI power tools are supporting tutoring, personalized learning, language translation, accessibility for
• And we also want them to help our kids grow and learn and be ready for the 21st century jobs they're

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard two bills. AB 1159 by Assemblymember Addis would update California student data privacy law to extend protections to college students, limit how ed tech companies can collect and use student information, and add restrictions around sensitive data and generative AI use. Supporters, including Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, CFT, labor, civil rights, and education groups, said students and educators need stronger safeguards against invasive data collection and misuse. Opponents, including College Board, TechNet, CalChamber, and ACT Education, argued the bill was overly broad, could interfere with legitimate educational services and AI development, and raised concerns about a private right of action and impacts on adult students and recruitment opportunities. AB 883 by Assemblymember Lowenthal would expedite deletion of personal information for elected and appointed officials under California’s data broker deletion system by having state agencies provide official lists to the privacy agency and requiring brokers to delete the information within five days. Supporters said the measure responds to rising threats, harassment, and violence against public officials and would help reduce exposure of their personal data. TechNet and TechC.A. opposed unless amended, citing concerns about exemptions for lawful data sharing, the five-day timeline, and litigation risk, while the author emphasized the bill does not create a new right but streamlines access to an existing deletion process. Both bills were advanced after committee discussion and roll calls. AB 1159 passed 11-2 and was sent to the Judiciary Committee. AB 883 passed 14-0 and was sent to the Appropriations Committee.

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:

• 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.