Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, and Representative Ferrary, they will test the lab in all fairness for whatever they test
• for a chemical test.
• , which only tests for.
• So my only avenue now to get a chemical test would be via, I mean, sorry, a blood test, which in this
• Now I have this chemical test supporting my belief.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The Oil Conservation Division is not responsible for any air quality testing.
• The operator subsection defines water testing requirements.
• So one of the, I guess it sort of leads me in two places around the testing, the water quality testing
• Water quality testing shall include testing for total dissolved solids, total petroleum hydrocarbons
• Determined list that the Water Quality Control Commission tests for?

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• , a blood test, or your analysis test.
• It's the same penalty whether you take the test or you don't take the test.
• </c> no incentive to say I'll take that test. no incentive to say I'll take that test.
• </c> have to take the test. have to take the test. &gt;&gt; Mhm. &gt;&gt; Mhm. &gt;&gt; Mhm.
• Don't take the test.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• This is all to sit for the test. So now you would sit.
• But do they do electricians and plumbers take the same test?
• And so if someone makes a 70% on a trigonometry test and a 70% on an Oklahoma history test, should they
• It is a residential-only version of that test.
• and test as a commercial electrician, or he could get even more hours and test as an industrial electrician

Bills: SR28 , SB201 , SB1379 , SB1525 , SB1966 , SB2112 , SB2170 , HB2749 , HB3262 , HB3265 , HB3673 , HB3781 , HB3040 , HB3076 , HB3369 , HB3982 , HB3462 , HB3465 , HB3521 , HB3796 , HB3800 , HB4095 , HB4298 , HB4316 , HB4338 , HB4408 , HB4454

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special family recitation of the Declaration of Independence by Senator Hamilton’s children. The chamber then adopted SR 28, recognizing May as Alpha-Gal Awareness and Prevention Month in Oklahoma and encouraging awareness, prevention, and research on alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergic condition. Senator Seifried also introduced constituents affected by alpha-gal. Later, the Senate heard a gallery introduction from advocates for victims of impaired driving, highlighting the toll of DUI-related crashes in Oklahoma. The Senate then took up several House amendments and final-passage votes on bills. SB 201, clarifying that a teacher pay raise applies to certified classroom teachers, passed 47-0 and was advanced as an emergency. SB 1379, SB 1525, SB 1966, SB 2112, and SB 2170 also passed after adoption of House amendments, with SB 1525 and SB 1379 advanced as emergency measures. SB 1525 raised the threshold for contracting to host a conference from $25,000 to $75,000, and SB 1966 served as the annual omnibus highway, memorial highway, and bridge designation bill. Among the House bills considered, HB 3262 increased the sheriff fee for service of process from $50 to $100 and passed 37-8. HB 3265 allowed a psychologist to make PTSD determinations for the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System and passed 47-0. HB 3781, a major insurance modernization bill changing rate-filing procedures for homeowners insurance and expanding the insurance commissioner’s review authority, passed 39-6 after extended debate over transparency, regulation, and market impact. HB 3040 expanded sex-offender loitering restrictions around businesses serving minors and passed 40-4, while HB 3076 authorized alternative teacher certification providers under OEQA oversight and passed 38-6 as an emergency measure. The chamber also passed HB 3369, a deregulation and efficiency bill affecting fire suppression and LP gas inspections, HB 2749, which shifted an intergenerational education program toward a Medicaid state plan amendment, HB 3982 on fleet vehicle titling, HB 3462 creating a shorter residential-only plumbing licensure pathway, HB 3465 extending the Oklahoma Emission Reduction Technology Rebate Program to 2029, HB 3521 modernizing money transmission law, HB 3796 as an Oklahoma Insurance Department omnibus bill, HB 3800 as a roofing-industry cleanup bill, and HB 4095 modernizing the 211 hotline advisory council. Several of these measures drew debate over regulation, workforce needs, public safety, or fiscal and policy impacts, but all of the listed bills ultimately passed by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• you're testing a DC device.
• We didn't have test equipment. Now there is test equipment available. >> Mr.
• We didn't have test equipment. Now there is test equipment available.
• We didn't have test equipment. Now there is test equipment available.
• We didn't have test equipment. Now there is test equipment available.

Summary: The committee met in a transportation work session and executive session, with the chair explaining the format change to allow fuller discussion and possible expert input before votes. The committee first took up House Bill 209, which would have allowed a new vehicle purchased in the model year or before to be inspected in the second year after purchase. Members said the bill was rendered unnecessary by the broader repeal of vehicle inspections, and the committee voted 16-0 to deem it inexpedient to legislate (ITL), with consent. The same outcome followed for House Bill 212, which would have allowed a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle failed an emissions control test, and House Bill 533, which concerned civilian employees and commercial truck inspections. In both cases, members said the inspection repeal made the bills unnecessary, and in the commercial truck bill there were also concerns that the language did not fit federal requirements and referenced state inspection laws rather than federal ones. Both bills were voted ITL 16-0 and adopted by consent. House Bill 298, dealing with vehicle identification number-related issues and antique vehicle authenticity, also received an ITL recommendation 16-0. Members said the proposal raised fraud concerns and could affect the value and authenticity of antique vehicles, and several said the bill needed more work before any future consideration. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 150, which would define electric vehicle charging stations and establish annual testing fees for the Division of Weights and Measures. That bill drew the most discussion: Representative Sykes described a personal experience with a malfunctioning charging station and a large, unclear bill, arguing that consumer protection regulation is needed. Representative Miller said the fee structure seemed high compared with other inspections and that third-party inspectors were not allowed, though he acknowledged some need for consumer protection. Senator David Watters, the sponsor, said the bill should be improved and suggested a lower annual fee and a fund-based approach to build an inspection program over time. Cheryl, the director of Weights and Measures, testified that the division needs authority, staffing, licensing categories, and expensive test equipment to oversee EV chargers, and that current rules do not adequately cover this emerging technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that test only occurs a couple of times during the year.
• So they actually only have one year to pass this test and sit for the test.
• The test is only offered twice a year, and they have to do it in person.
• there been any investigation or contemplation of the test?
• You said that there are specific times when the test is administered.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took testimony on each. SB 6013 would update ski lift terminology in State Parks law to include aerial tramways, tows, and conveyors; the sponsor and Washington State Parks said it is a simple technical update and a companion to a House bill previously passed by the committee. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the time a non-certified on-site wastewater inspector may work under supervision before becoming certified; the sponsor and local public health witnesses said the change would help retain staff because the certification exam is difficult, offered only twice a year, and often results in turnover if the deadline is missed. The committee also heard ESB 6246, which would change policy for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act. The bill would require Ecology to produce a new report on post-2034 allowance reductions and leakage risk, and would require EITEs to submit periodic assessments of technically and economically feasible emissions-reduction options, reviewed by a licensed engineer. Supporters said the bill is a necessary first step to plan for decarbonization while keeping industry in Washington; environmental groups urged stronger third-party verification and clearer reporting, while industry groups supported the general framework but asked for changes on leakage analysis, confidentiality, and penalties. Ecology supported the overall direction but raised concerns about implementation language and resource needs. Finally, SSB 5982 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to include port districts that distribute electricity and certain large self-generating or affected market customers, while preserving some exemptions for pre-existing cogeneration and certain PUDs. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes so all new generation is subject to clean electricity standards, especially as ports and data centers explore behind-the-meter or fossil generation. Opponents from industrial and business groups argued the bill could sweep in facilities that were not intended to be covered and could create additional costs during a period of tight power supply. Ecology and Commerce testified that the bill would clarify CETA but noted possible effects on no-cost allowance allocations under the Climate Commitment Act. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the end of it, they give them a test called the HESI A2 test. It's a very difficult test.
• At the end of it, they give them a test called the HESI A2 test. It's a very difficult test.
• if it's the first-time test taker.
• If you have one bad year of test scores, and you don't find out about your test scores until the January
• But you have to take that test.

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee heard and advanced several health care bills. HB 909, joining the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, was presented with a strike-all amendment and reported favorably as amended by a 13-0 vote. HB 911, the related public records exemption protecting certain biological information, was also adopted and reported favorably as amended by a 14-0 vote. CS for HB 597, allowing schools to procure and administer glucagon for students with diabetes under trained personnel, passed unanimously 14-0 after a technical amendment. HB 519, aligning state law with federal language on controlled substances administered by paramedics, passed as amended 14-0. The committee then took up HB 919 on nursing education programs. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf argued the bill would create accountability for underperforming nursing schools by requiring remediation, tuition refunds in the lowest-performing programs, and public reporting of passage rates. Supporters said it would improve quality and protect students from debt without licensure success, while opponents from private nursing schools warned it could close programs and reduce nurse supply. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably 15-0. HB 1553, which would require health care providers to submit identified uterine fibroid data so the Department of Health can implement the research database previously authorized by law, passed unanimously 15-0. The final bill, HB 883, would allow psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to practice autonomously; supporters said it would expand access to mental health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents raised concerns about quality and physician oversight. After lengthy testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably 14-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• We tested two different tolling concepts.
• We also tested... The existing configuration of a single-point toll.
• We also tested a hypothetical segment toll on SR-18.
• And remember, keeping in mind that we only tested that smartphone app.
• On SR-18, it was a different configuration of a test.

Bills: HB2347 , HB2410

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: luxury aircraft tax, tax reduction, economic impact, business aviation, state revenue, HB2410, commercial truck safety, commercial vehicle safety, trucking industry, truck driver training, driver education, highway safety, traffic safety commission, Washington State, commercial motor vehicles, vehicle registration fee, IRP fee, state patrol highway account, safety enforcement fee, public-private partnership

Transcript Highlights:

• Three major projects: the Clinton-Sherman Test Range.
• These are aircraft they're going to be testing out in western Oklahoma.
• They're taking a mobile MRO test unit from the United States Air Force.
• They're taking a mobile MRO test unit from the United States Air Force.
• So you have an engine in an MRO test cell to test that engine before it goes back on the final aircraft

Summary: The committee met for an oversight update on how one-time and recurring transportation-related appropriations are being implemented. Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Director Grayson Artees reviewed ARPA and PREP-funded airport and aerospace projects, including completed or nearing-completion work at Will Rogers, Woodward, Ardmore, Tulsa’s air traffic control tower, and multiple hangar, terminal, taxiway, utility, and UAS infrastructure projects statewide. He also discussed one-time FY25 and FY26 appropriations for airport development, the repurposing of an unneeded Lufthansa project allocation into other aerospace projects, and the department’s aerospace education grants, classroom labs, aircraft-build programs, and internship support. Members asked for lists of participating schools and for a clearer overall accounting of the funding; Artees said the department would provide those materials and estimated roughly $400 million has been invested in aerospace and defense since PREP and ARPA, with about $250 million directed to airport infrastructure. The committee then heard from ODOT Secretary Tim Gatz on the Retro Fund, lake and industrial access roads, ports of entry, and the PACT Fund. Gatz said Retro, created in statute and funded with $200 million in both 2024 and FY25, is helping accelerate rural high-impact road and bridge projects; he reported $249 million awarded so far, supporting about $1.4 billion in construction, with most projects expected to be awarded by September 2027. He also described lake and industrial access projects, including work at the Port of Inola, and updated members on ports of entry, internal way stations, and the replacement of the aging OkiPROS permitting system with ProMiles. On PACT, he said the county road and bridge allocations are being administered, but the Tax Commission’s role in distributing the county road share has created unnecessary bureaucracy; he urged a statutory fix so the money can go directly to counties. Members asked for lists of approved lake/recreational projects and for clarification on the Tax Commission issue; Gatz said ODOT would provide the project list and that he would welcome Tax Commission input on a legislative remedy. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the updates and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm sure many of you have heard of the Lemon test.
• The Lemon test, by the way, was the same test used later by federal courts to prohibit state-funded chaplains
• In some federal jurisdictions, that was prohibited under the Lemon test.
• Supreme Court finally abandoned the Lemon test once and for all.
• In place of the Lemon test, the Supreme Court now uses the history and tradition test, which considers

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Ones that were tested, cosmetics tested with animals prior to when this bill becomes effective, can still
• They did a survey. 90% of the cosmetic industry supports ending animal testing.
• So, Senator Kavanaugh, are these products that are animal-tested or not animal-tested?
• Testing is already banned. Yeah. A number of states have banned this.
• These substitutions are more cost-effective, more reliable, and more ethical than animal testing.

Bills: SB1005 , SB1202 , SB1278 , SB1279 , SB1280 , SB1287

Committees: Senate Natural Resources , Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Keywords: cosmetics, animal testing, prohibition, manufacturers, sales regulation, state preemption, groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, solar radiation management, environment, regulation, Arizona Revised Statutes, weather modification, licensing, environmental impact, public safety, cloud seeding

Transcript Highlights:

• They review the test items.
• And then they have a vendor that writes the test.
• There's a lot of states... a vendor that writes the test.
• I feel like for our high school test, that's number one.
• The testing window is actually going on right now.

Committee: Joint Special Education Funding Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We now have blood tests that are being used in specialty clinics as a triage to qualify patients for
• Those blood-based biomarker tests have now been deployed in the primary care setting as well.
• How do they know that these tests and diagnostics are available? And again, it's great.
• POINTER tested for us is we tested two cohorts of people. One was in a guided group.
• around the state that everybody should get a blood test, that's not how it works.

Committee: All ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL

Summary: The Arkansas Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council met with legislative members and agency, advocacy, and provider representatives present. The council adopted its rules and procedures, approved the prior meeting minutes, and authorized the co-chairs to approve special expenses. Members then heard an extensive update on the state Alzheimer’s plan and current developments in diagnosis, treatment, research, caregiving, and workforce issues. David Cook of the Alzheimer’s Association described major changes since the first state plan, including the growth of blood-based biomarkers, broader access to amyloid PET scans, and the availability of disease-slowing treatments such as Leqembi and Kisunla. He emphasized that Arkansas still faces major barriers in rural areas, including limited provider awareness, insurance coverage concerns, shortages of specialists, and long wait times for memory care and infusion services. He also highlighted caregiver burden, the need for better education and care navigation, and new efforts such as a dementia resource center pilot with UAMS, respite grants, and workforce training. Members discussed the importance of public education on brain health, diet, exercise, and risk reduction, as well as the need to collaborate with chronic disease partners and improve outreach to primary care providers. The council approved four proposed focus areas for the next state plan: advancing risk reduction, brain health, early detection and diagnosis; strengthening family caregiver support; improving access to diagnostics and treatment; and supporting access and quality of care, including workforce training and crisis response. Members also discussed possible legislative or statutory changes to keep the council active and engaged, and they agreed to pursue a future meeting in August, tentatively August 12 in Hot Springs, with additional meetings under consideration for later in the month. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, we have been doing network testing between our state crime lab network and those facilities
• One thing is we don't always want to be too ahead of the game because then no one has tested, you know
• I understand from talking to law enforcement that those tests we have to send off to another state.
• and I just a little background for me I grew up in the world of DNA testing and I began supervising
• Individuals that have utilized the private DNA testing, like Ancestry, for ancestry testing, a lot of

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the grand state test is the primary test the grand state test is the primary test with<00:34:37.159
• State test.
• </c><00:38:08.680><c> and</c> need a new test who creates the test and need a new test who creates the
• /c><00:39:22.760><c> it</c><00:39:23.040><c> considers</c> test is an adequate test it considers test
• </c> granite state test was an adequate test granite state test was an adequate test so<00:41:22.599>

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> owners required to report orthal testing owners required to report orthal testing results<00:01:
• </c><00:03:45.000><c> uh</c> that food manufacturers do testing uh that food manufacturers do testing
• </c> food manufacturers to do a thite test food manufacturers to do a thite test once<00:04:04.239><c
• </c> and safe the labeling and testing and safe the labeling and testing requirements<00:13:31.440><c
• </c> I believe that they have uh some of test I believe that they have uh some of test my<00:42:09.800

Bills: HF44 , HF2102 , HF2279 , HF2280 , HF2281

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF44, Casey Jones State Trail, Pipestone Trailhead, Currie Loop, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, trail rehabilitation, trail reconstruction, recreational trail, bike trail, hiking trail, infrastructure, state trail, Pipestone, Currie, bonding authorization

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, how many acres of land are going to be tested?
• But it'll be a full-fledged testing of it.
• Yeah, you have to test your land before you spread it.
• Yeah, you have to test your land before you spread it.
• They do have a machine, and they do have to test the water.

Summary: The Natural Resources A and B Subcommittee considered nine bills, with members asking questions on funding sources, program structure, and implementation. HB 3915, by Rep. Dallens, would direct existing animal-friendly tag revenue to a spay-and-neuter grant program overseen by the Department of Agriculture to address pet overpopulation; it passed 5-4. HB 3311, by Rep. Eves, would raise the cap on the Commerce P3 program from $200 million to $250 million; members discussed whether the program was nearing its limit, and it passed 8-1. HB 3465, by Rep. Bowles, would extend the sunset on the mission tax credit to July 1, 2029, with no new funding requested; it passed 9-0. HB 3786, by Rep. Adams, sought a 15% pay raise for park rangers to address turnover and vacancies; the committee heard that rangers were paid about $20-$23 per hour and that turnover was around 20%, and the bill passed 9-1. HB 3403, by Rep. Pascowski, proposed a five-year biosolids pilot study involving OSU, DEQ, and a private entity; debate focused on whether the practice is already unsafe, the scope of testing, and the role of the private participant, and the bill passed 9-2. HB 4333, by Rep. Moore, would modernize and streamline Commissioners of the Land Office operations by removing outdated language and clarifying authority; concerns were raised about outside property managers, and it passed 10-1. HB 3177, by Rep. Archer, would remove a statutory cap on Corporation Commission court reporter pay to improve retention; members discussed staffing levels and compensation comparisons, and it passed 9-1. HB 3126, by Rep. West, would create a CLO revolving fund for concurrent enrollment, modeled on an existing stabilization fund, to help support that program over time; it passed 8-2. The chair then adjourned the meeting and announced the committee would meet again the following Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> why my local oncologist ordered the test why my local oncologist ordered the test without<00:15:
• </c> my insurer denied coverage for the test my insurer denied coverage for the test based<00:15:38.759
• Yeah, the test cost $9,600.
• such as a fecal occult blood test or a Cologuard test, which you may have heard of.
• </c><00:26:34.000><c> which</c><00:26:34.120><c> you</c> test um or a colig guard test which you test

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees. The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know of two or three that don't have the state police and permit testing and skills test, but how
• testing testing &gt;&gt; for<00:31:31.679><c> for</c><00:31:32.000><c> testing?
• </c> &gt;&gt; for for testing? Uh-huh. &gt;&gt; for for testing? Uh-huh.
• </c> have the state police and permit testing have the state police and permit testing and<00:32:11.360
• </c> they do all the testing in Louisville. they do all the testing in Louisville.

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum and first received a maintenance update from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials James Ballinger and John Moore. They described how repeated disasters, including floods, tornadoes, and ice storms, have strained routine road maintenance and forced crews to focus on emergency response, snow and ice removal, pothole patching, ditching, signal repairs, mowing, striping, sign work, and other day-to-day upkeep. They said snow and ice costs have averaged about $60 million to $61 million annually in recent years, disaster response has totaled hundreds of millions of dollars over five years, and the cabinet often must carry those costs until FEMA or FHWA reimbursement arrives. They also said maintenance work is increasingly contracted out because of staffing and resource limits, and that competitive pay is needed to retain employees and contractors for around-the-clock emergency work. Members then discussed traffic roundabouts and other intersection designs. Senator Hickden asked about their cost savings and safety benefits compared with traffic signals, and cabinet staff said they would provide life-cycle cost figures later. They emphasized that roundabouts and related designs reduce serious injuries and fatalities, with serious injuries down roughly 70% to 80% and fatalities over 90% in their experience. Chair Douglas and others asked about roundabout sizing for trucks and farm equipment, and staff explained that designers tailor the inscribed diameter to local traffic needs and context. The committee also briefly discussed red-light running and traffic-light cameras, with members stressing the safety risks of drivers ignoring signals. The committee adopted the minutes from the prior meeting by motion and voice vote. It then heard from Sarah Jackson and Matthew Cole on the Real ID and driver licensing transition. They said the cabinet has expanded from almost no regional offices to 35, grown driver licensing staff from 89 to 400, and now issues about 1.3 million credentials annually. They reported improvements in office capacity, queue management, staffing, and compensation, including added workstations, new or expanded offices in Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown, and the use of contract staff. They said statewide average wait times have fallen to just under 30 minutes, and Kentucky’s Real ID adoption rate has risen to 42.9%. Members asked follow-up questions about driver testing and CDL scheduling. The presenters said all permit and CDL testing is coordinated through Kentucky State Police, with written tests available in most regional offices and CDL testing at a smaller number of KSP locations. Senator Douglas asked when the driver testing requirements were last updated, and the presenters said that was set by KSP. The discussion ended with additional questions about which regional offices lack KSP testing presence, but no further action was taken before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• They review the test items.
• Given the same test, right?
• They do take the test 3 through 8. So it's both.
• The testing window is actually going on right now.
• The testing window is actually going on right now.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then received a lengthy DPI presentation from Stanley Schauer on statewide reading and math assessment data for students with and without disabilities. He explained the assessment systems used over time, the absence of 2019-20 data, and how North Dakota’s standards are set by educators. Members asked about alternate assessments, cohort trends, the apparent drop in proficiency in higher grades, and the new NDA+ assessment. Schauer emphasized that the biggest pattern in the data was the relative stability of students with disabilities, the post-pandemic drop and partial recovery, and the need to focus on reducing the novice category. He also said the state plans to revisit high school standard setting and that future data could be broken out by program, disability category, and schools using science-of-math or other initiatives. Public testimony from special education staff suggested that the flat performance of students with disabilities during COVID likely reflected continued services and intensive supports, and committee members discussed whether the current disparity goal is realistic and whether growth measures would be more useful than simple proficiency buckets. After the presentation, the committee took a short break and then moved into discussion of special education funding models. Chair Richter said members should contact Schauer directly with ideas for additional data views and noted that the committee would continue its work on funding and possible model changes. Brandon Bomback of Grand Forks Public Schools began a presentation arguing that the special education funding formula, especially the weighting factor, should be reconsidered if the committee wants a system that better reflects accountability and student needs. He said his comments were based on the perspective of a larger district and focused on the special education weighting factor rather than other parts of the formula. The remainder of his presentation was not included in the excerpt.