Transcript Highlights:

• create new computer science educator certificates for grades K through 5 and grades 6 through 12.
• Please don't educate your caucus on how this works. We'll be in trouble.
• And Reagan Miller, who's the guru on education. She'd give Tim Elwell a run for his money.
• competence like a traditional educator certification would require.
• Funds from the educational enrichment allocation may be used for this.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:27:18.720><c> much</c> of public library or even education much of public library or even education
• </c><00:42:17.599><c> network</c> uh a global cities education network uh a global cities education network
• </c> or a private business or an education or a private business or an education institution,<00:44:07.440
• </c> this fine school district and educating this fine school district and educating the<01:07:05.119
• </c> to hire almost nearly 90 PAR educators to hire almost nearly 90 PAR educators because<01:07:57.200

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not aware of a formal education plan. Senator Rousan.
• I'm not aware of a formal education plan. Senator Rousan.
• He was soon after appointed to the State Board of Education.
• represent and advocate for our students on the State Board of Education. Mr.
• A bill to be entitled an act relating to educator preparation.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing interns, guests, and advocates. The Rules Chair added CS for CS for SB 622 to the special order calendar, and SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills when the measures were identical or nearly identical. The Senate passed SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, requiring DEP to develop a recycling and waste diversion roadmap by 2026; SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking, after adopting amendments related to mitigation credit use and former phosphate mine lands; and SB 494/HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, which increases sentencing consequences and creates a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, with an amendment clarifying the database language. The Senate also passed SB 500/HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, SB 524/HB 1089 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 592/HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education, SB 936/HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, and SB 1156 on a home health aid program for medically fragile children. Most of these bills were adopted after brief sponsor explanations, questions, and in some cases amendments or House-substitute motions. Debate centered on several policy issues. Senators raised concerns about the constitutional and environmental implications of mitigation banking credits in SB 492, the scope and privacy implications of the animal abuse database in SB 494, the funding and eligibility details of the condo resilience program in SB 592, and the public-school/charter-school balance in SB 822, which drew extensive questioning about enrollment, governance, discipline, accountability, and data sharing before being placed on the third-reading calendar after amendments. The Spectrum Alert bill drew support from members who compared it to the Purple Alert and emphasized the risks faced by children with ASD. The medically fragile children home health aid bill also drew strong support, with senators describing it as a long-needed fix to help families provide in-home care without losing Medicaid coverage. Votes on the measures reported in the transcript were overwhelmingly favorable, with bills passing by margins such as 38-0, 35-3, 37-0, 36-0, and 35-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• a caucus of the whole here in the House chamber at 11:15 to get an update on the budget, uh, the education
• They are both passionate about public education and the education fund.
• Members, we will begin with House Bill 931, which is an act relating to miscellaneous changes in education
• </c> miscellaneous education bill this year. miscellaneous education bill this year.
• The House Education Committee supported the new changes on a vote of 11-0.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from individuals and organizations that say we need to spend more money for health care, for our education
• , public education, where, and then we increase those educational freedom accounts, if they continue
• we'll continue to increase the amounts as needed and as requested by the people of Arkansas for educational
• , or our country, in quality of life, and in good-paying jobs, to lead our region and health and education
• kids in Arkansas whose parents are desperate for them to have an opportunity for early childhood education

Summary: The Senate convened, took leave requests, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved into the morning business agenda. Senator Irvin announced a Hunger Caucus fundraiser, Serving Up Solutions, and invited members to sign up to wait tables. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1, which would reduce income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations, continuing a series of tax cuts begun in 2013. Senator Dismang presented the bill, explaining that it would lower the top individual rate from 3.9% to 3.7% effective January 1, 2026, and reduce the corporate rate to 4.1% starting next year. In questions, senators discussed local sales tax limits, the impact of the cut on funding for Medicaid, education, and educational freedom accounts, and whether federal fiscal uncertainty should affect the state’s decision. Supporters argued Arkansas’s conservative budgeting and reserve set-asides made the cut sustainable and that returning money to taxpayers was the best use of surplus funds. Senators Tucker and Leding spoke against the bill, saying the state should prioritize early childhood education, health care, maternal health, and public schools over tax cuts, and that the reduction would mainly provide small benefits to most taxpayers while reducing resources for other needs. Senator McKee spoke in favor, arguing the money should be returned to the people who earned it. The Senate then passed Senate Bill 1 by a vote of 29 yeas to 6 nays and transmitted it to the House. After the vote, members were told the Revenue and Taxation Committee would meet after House adjournment if the House version of the tax bill was transmitted. The Senate then announced it would adjourn subject to clearing the desk and reading a House bill across, with the body set to reconvene the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...and to remind us that we must properly fund public education.
• SB 1169, appropriations, graduate medical education program.
• SB 1210, private secondary post-education.
• SB 1210, private secondary post-education non-domiciled institutions.
• SB 1264, ESA program performance review determination, Education.

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer by Rabbi Mendel Soup of Lake Havasu and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senator Carroll, then completed an electronic roll call and approved the journal for January 20, 2026. The chamber recognized several guest groups and visitors, including CRNA Capital Day participants, rural electric cooperative representatives, AEA Retired members, March of Dimes advocates, students and school officials, and other invited guests. Senators used points of personal privilege to highlight the work of these groups and to introduce visitors in the gallery. The body then read a long list of bills on second reading, covering a wide range of topics including child welfare, public school safety, health insurance, water policy, taxation, housing, elections, public safety, transportation, and abortion-related measures. The Senate also received first-reading introductions and committee referrals for additional bills on subjects such as motor vehicle booting fees, traumatic event counseling, election procedures, assisted living, short-term rentals, and various appropriations and policy changes. No substantive debate or votes on the bills were recorded in the transcript. After committee reports were noted and the Senate briefly recessed for bill assignments, the chamber returned to order and continued with first reading and reference of more bills and resolutions. At the end of the session, the Majority Whip moved to adjourn, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...and to remind us that we must properly fund public education.
• SB 1169, appropriations graduate medical education program.
• SB 1210, private secondary post-education non-domiciled institutions.
• SB 1210, private secondary post-education non-domiciled institutions.
• Education. S. 1265 weights, measurements, food appropriation. Natural resources.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In public education, the subcommittee was judicious in their spending, allowing us the opportunity to
• include additional funding for the various public education bills.
• , early childhood education, and virtual education.
• education more affordable and accessible for Texas students.
• We added approximately 364 million across 6 financial aid programs at the Higher Education Coordinating

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon and welcome to the House Education Committee. We have the House Education Committee.
• And you've had some amazing experiences over your education, your kids' educational happens fast and
• kids' educational education, your kids' educational happens<00:52:27.280><c> fast</c><00:52:27.599><
• </c> schools exist to educate children. schools exist to educate children.
• </c> versus Pocutello um education versus Pocutello um education association<01:45:40.639><c> which</

Bills: SF0035, SF0090, SF0072

Keywords: education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse

Transcript Highlights:

• A long-time teacher and educator, I have been part of the UC system since 2007.
• A long-time teacher and educator has been part of the UC system since 2007.
• I stand for CFT, a union of educators and classified professionals, who is a proud co-sponsor.
• Lucy Salcedo Carter with the Alameda County Office of Education, in support. Thank you.
• I'm Michelle Corpus, Chief of Staff at the Menopause Education Center. I strongly support.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Elections and Elections Education Appropriations; SB 1683, Line Ownership; SB 1754, Education and Special
• Education.
• We don't have a license to lose because we are not necessarily all educators.
• And we're looking for education for intentional and unintentional violations Looking for education for
• And we're looking for education for intentional and unintentional violations Looking for education for

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This highlights the urgent need for better driver education about dangerous work. work zones.
• This continuing education requirement can help them identify signs of potential use when interacting
• Requires continuing education. an asset by commission rule for all elevator mechanics, and stipulates
• That is why proper training and education for elevator personnel is so critical.
• The safety of Texans should be a high priority for all and while continuing education is required by

Bills: HB679, HB1764, HB1788, HB2186, HB2204, HB2418, HB2885, HB2983, HB2996, HB3250, HB3352, HB3756, HB3816, HB3913, HB3928, HB4077

Keywords: environment, regulation, land use, public health, community development, alcohol, Sunday sales, local option election, Texas, business hours, alcohol sales, liquor, off-premise consumption, alcoholic beverages, CPA, Certified Public Accountant, licensing, accountancy, state regulation, continuing education

Transcript Highlights:

• Education. SB 1489, Ballot Measure Circulators Revenue Disclosure. Judiciary and Elections.
• Education. SB 1497, Classic Learning Test Examinations. Education.
• Education. SB 1509, Campaign Finance Lobbyist Reporting. Judiciary and Elections.
• SB 1521, Appropriation, Dine College Remedial Education.
• Appropriations, Transportation and Technology, and Education.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge of allegiance, and an electronic roll call showing 26 members present and four excused. The journal for January 29, 2026, was approved, and the chamber recognized Lucid Motors Day at the Capitol, highlighting the company’s Arizona operations, investment, and job creation. The Senate also received a gubernatorial nomination for Troy L. Campbell to the State Liquor Board, which was referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency. A large number of bills were introduced and read for the first time, covering topics such as commerce, E-Verify, municipal self-certification, voter registration text notices, immigration enforcement training, school eligibility and testing, campaign finance, vulnerable adults, temporary vehicle plates, tribal flags, water projects, public works apprenticeships, housing and water supply, special plates, controlled substances research, and election-related resolutions. One bill, SB 1429, was further referred to the Committee on Finance. The Senate also placed many measures on second reading, including bills on roads, labor and collective bargaining, tax relief, education data, assisted living, liquor policy, public pensions, housing, utilities, and election and redistricting proposals. The President noted that it was the final day to submit bills by the 5:00 p.m. deadline and announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings for February 3. During a personal privilege statement, the Majority Leader criticized the Attorney General’s recent remarks as dangerous and confusing, argued she should retract them, and said elected officials should lower the temperature around rhetoric that could contribute to violence. The Senate then adjourned by motion until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• ON DRIVERS LICENSE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS BY SENATOR COLLINS.
• SB 994 OR DRIVERS LICENSE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS, THE BILL AIMS TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• THE DRIVERS LICENSE AND ALERTNESS DRIVEN SCISSUM BY ENHANCING THE FOCUS OF ENCUMBRANCE OF DRIVER EDUCATION
• FOR DL 18 YEARS OR AGE OF OLDER MUST COMPLETE SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION COURSE UNLESS THEY PREVIOUSLY
• APPLICANT FOR A LEARNERS PERMIT MUST COMPLETE A DRIVERS EDUCATION TRAFFIC SAFETY CLASSROOM COURSE APPROVED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that this encompasses more than just the educational part of it.
• The Senate Education public hearing on a couple of bills.
• </c> purview of the Department of Education purview of the Department of Education to<01:14:48.600><c
• </c><02:37:04.359><c> not</c> gamut of publicly financed education not gamut of publicly financed education
• </c> hearing on uh from the Senate education hearing on uh from the Senate education committee<02:42:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what that is is education.
• Education throughout communities means education for fire departments, education for the citizens, and
• education for the elected officials that are there.
• I talked a little bit about this point, but the education has to go beyond just fire prevention education
• It has to be education for every element of the community.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• We provide recreation education, outdoor recreation education, such as Junior Angler classes, snowshoeing
• We provide recreation education, outdoor recreation education, such as Junior Angler classes, snowshoeing
• We provide recreation education, outdoor recreation education, such as Junior Angler classes, snowshoeing
• We provide recreation education, outdoor recreation education, such as Junior Angler classes, snowshoeing
• <01:26:22.320><c> agree</c> education agree education agree Perman<01:26:25.400><c> permitting</c><01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• between California and Armenia, including new investment and business opportunities, job creation, educational
• and In West, innovation, agriculture, tourism, education and investment promotion.
• It will educate visitors about genocide prevention, immigration, and civic participation, and generate
• And we do this a lot in policy, whether it be on clean energy or education or health care: what do we
• And we do this a lot in policy, whether it be on clean energy or education or health care, what do we

Summary: The inaugural meeting of the Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange focused on strengthening California-Armenia ties through trade, investment, education, culture, and diplomacy. Chair Harabedian and Assemblymember Caloza opened by emphasizing the importance of the Armenian-American community in California and the committee’s goal of expanding opportunities for business, job creation, cultural preservation, and academic exchange. The Republic of Armenia’s ambassador and the Armenian Consul General both described Armenia as a growing strategic partner for California, highlighting recent peace and connectivity developments, Armenia’s diversification strategy, and the role of the Armenian diaspora in linking the two places. The first panel featured Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Go-Biz trade specialist Trisha Utterback. Kounalakis reviewed the 2019 California-Armenia framework agreement and the opening of the California trade and services desk in Yerevan, noting growth in academic ties and California’s support for Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Utterback outlined Go-Biz’s trade and investment programs and reported that California-Armenia two-way trade has more than doubled since 2019, with exports rising sharply; she cited examples of California companies expanding into Armenia and Armenian businesses seeking California opportunities. Members asked about future priorities, and panelists pointed to tech, clean energy, agriculture, and continued outreach through trade and investment programs. A second panel centered on Glendale’s role as a gateway for the partnership. Mayor Ara Najarian described Glendale’s large Armenian-American population, the Armenian American Museum, sister-city relationships, and the city’s role in cultural and economic diplomacy, while also raising concerns about Artsakh, displaced Armenians, detainees, and discrimination against Armenian Americans. Vahe Kozoyan of ServiceTitan shared his company’s growth from a Glendale startup to a global firm with major operations in Armenia, and Armina Galstian of SmartGate VC and Hero House Glendale described a California-Armenia innovation corridor supporting startups, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and neuroscience. Committee members discussed how the state can further support the partnership through investment, delegation visits, education, innovation hubs, and ensuring Armenian-owned businesses are not excluded from supplier diversity and anti-discrimination protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are still number one for education, health care, and innovation, largely due to the strong foundations
• And it puts them on the path for some form of post-secondary education, which will help them be more
• successful in this state, and wraps financial education around the child and the families, which has
• about $220 million going into the Education and Capital Innovation Fund.
• Now, you mentioned health care, but these roles also live a lot in higher education and in our finance

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate and House Ways and Means chairs opened the FY 2027 consensus revenue hearing by emphasizing the need for a balanced, fiscally responsible budget amid federal funding cuts, health care cost pressures, and uncertainty around the federal tax law changes referred to as OB3. They also noted the state’s current revenue performance is slightly above benchmark and paid tribute to the late Representative Anne Margaret Ferranti. Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorkowitz echoed the call for caution, saying Massachusetts has protected core services while building reserves and that the FY27 budget process begins with a careful revenue estimate. Department of Revenue Commissioner Jeff Snyder, along with DOR staff, presented FY26 and FY27 tax forecasts and identified major drivers and risks: OB3’s negative impact on state revenue, surtax collections, labor market conditions, capital gains, and corporate/business excise taxes. DOR estimated OB3 would reduce FY26 revenue by about $664 million and FY27 by about $282 million, while surtax and capital gains were expected to remain strong in FY26 but soften in FY27. Members questioned the outlook for surtax, capital gains, and the potential fiscal effect of a ballot question reducing the income tax rate from 5% to 4%; DOR said that proposal could cost roughly $4.2 billion to $4.8 billion annually, with a smaller but still significant impact in FY27 because of phase-in timing. Treasurer Deb Goldberg testified next on the stabilization fund, lottery, PRIM, unclaimed property, and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. She reported the rainy day fund at about $8.1 billion, said the lottery was on track for $1.5 billion in FY26 net profit and projected $1.25 billion in FY27, and highlighted that iLottery is expected to launch in summer 2026 with revenue beginning in FY27 and dedicated to child care initiatives. She also described strong PRIM performance and record unclaimed property returns, while members asked about the child care use of iLottery revenue, multilingual outreach, and the economic impact of expanded liquor licensing. Mass Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate and Tufts’ Evan Horowitz then offered differing revenue outlooks and policy warnings. Howgate projected modest growth, cautioned against overusing reserves for ongoing obligations, and urged caution on federal tax conformity changes and health care spending pressures. Horowitz projected higher FY26 and FY27 revenues than other witnesses, warned that the surtax and capital gains make the tax system more volatile, and said a 4% income tax ballot question could reduce FY27 revenues by roughly $800 million to $1 billion. He also flagged the rent control ballot question as a potential risk to municipal finance and suggested the state consider giving a permanent home to the independent revenue model used by Alan Clayton-Matthews.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of you probably are aware that today is Home Family Education Day here at the Capitol and probably
• She is the Home Family Education Coordinator for statewide.
• She is the Home Family Education Coordinator for statewide.
• The bill would change two definitions in the law: the definition of eligible educational institution
• The purpose of this bill is to educate on this issue. It doesn't mandate.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 11, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest and page introductions, including school groups, prayer caucus visitors, and advocates for Home Family Education Day and Women in Blue Day. The chamber then took up committee reports and a large number of House bills, most of them on third reading, along with several resolutions and referrals. Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day, was adopted after remarks emphasizing the value of athletic trainers in preventing injuries and tragedies in school sports. Several other resolutions and concurrent resolutions were referred to the Committee on Rules or laid over under the rules. The Senate passed a wide range of bills addressing economic development, public safety, health, licensing, and state administration. Measures approved included bills on the West Virginia Collaboratory at Marshall University, the Business Ready Sites program, volunteer fire company spending authority, the Load Forecast Accountability Act, funeral service licensure, work zone fines, biennial business reporting, correctional officer retirement law, the Right to Try Act, quick claim deed tax exemptions, an ibogaine drug-development grant program, aggravated vehicular homicide sentencing, 529 savings plan definitions, opportunity zones, barber apprenticeship, municipal and county hotel occupancy fund uses, criminal-record licensing standards, intimate image disclosure remedies, executor training materials, contempt penalties, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS information, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, capitation rate review expansions, convention and visitors bureau board membership, peer support services, cosmetology licensure compacts, natural resource police retirement, DNR fee indexing, ALS care services, the Neighborhood Investment Program, oil and gas well plugging and carbon capture-related provisions, DUI technical changes, abuse intervention program terminology, and a youth summer employment and career readiness program. Most bills passed overwhelmingly, with a few closer votes, including the Load Forecast Accountability Act and the DNR fee-indexing bill. Several bills were amended on the floor, including title amendments and strike-and-insert changes. The Senate also debated the work zone penalty bill, with supporters citing worker safety and fatalities and opponents arguing the bill increased fines too much without requiring removal of outdated work-zone signs. On the energy-related load forecast bill, senators discussed the inclusion of provisions from Senate Bill 420 and concerns about coal plant utilization and utility impacts. After debate, the Senate adopted amendments and passed the bill. In most cases, after passage the Senate ordered the bills communicated to the House, and for a few measures it also adopted title amendments or made bills effective from passage or on a specified date.