Transcript Highlights:

• And so when we ask for students having more than one year to learn the English language and learn all
• the English language and year to learn the English language and learn<00:13:43.200> all<00:13
• learned a language abroad when we were learned a language abroad when we were living<00:35:20.640>
• They're learning a new language.
• They're learning a new language.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met in September 2025, established a quorum, introduced new member Larry Forester, and approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. The main presentation came from Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Johnson, who discussed the district’s work serving English language learners and multilingual students, including immigrant and refugee families. They said Warren County now serves roughly 5,500 multilingual students out of about 19,000 total, representing about 92 languages and 90 countries, with 57 certified multilingual teachers, a GO Center, migrant and refugee advocates, and the state’s first international high school. The presenters emphasized that the district welcomes immigrant families and that students and parents generally value public education, but they described major challenges tied to accountability and funding. They explained that multilingual students are tested after one year in the system, even though many need more time to become proficient in English and grade-level standards, and they argued that current graduation-rate rules can unfairly penalize schools when transient students enroll briefly and then leave. They also said the cost of serving this population has risen sharply, with special revenue and especially general-fund spending increasing substantially over the past decade, prompting the district to reallocate resources from EL teacher assistants toward translation technology and additional certified staff. Committee members asked questions about how long-term multilingual students compare with the general student body and whether the district’s data show similar graduation outcomes. Clayton said he did not have the specific comparison data at hand but believed students who stay K-12 generally reach proficiency. He and Johnson asked legislators to consider giving students more time before accountability measures apply and to shift some graduation accountability from individual schools to the district level for highly transient populations, while still maintaining accountability. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're continuing to meet with the Early Learning Committee to look at these programs.
• And I think it's good to have this update around the state-supported early learning program, and that's
• Do we have the right level of support for early learning?
• Do we have the right level of support for early learning?
• So, for example, English learners or alternative learning environment funds.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the previous minutes and then focused on an update from the Department of Education on early childhood programs, especially the state-funded Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program. Secretary Jacob Oliva and Deputy Commissioner Stacey Smith said Arkansas had received a federal Preschool Development Grant and described ongoing work to review ABC slots, which have been flat for years at about 23,800 slots and roughly $114 million. They said about 1,000 slots statewide are currently unfilled despite a waiting list of more than 2,000 families, and the department is shifting toward paying based on enrollment rather than guaranteed slots. Members asked about school choice, income eligibility, year-round access, curriculum flexibility, transportation, and whether funding should be increased or rebalanced; the department said it is collecting data, may survey providers more formally, and is considering whether to modernize income thresholds, daily rates, and other program rules. The committee agreed to form an early childhood subcommittee and asked the Bureau of Legislative Research to help gather historical information on income limits and other program details. The second major portion of the meeting was a legal presentation on the framework for Arkansas school adequacy by BLR education attorney Taylor Lloyd. She reviewed the constitutional basis for a “general, suitable, and efficient” public school system, the Dupree and Lake View cases, and the principle that adequacy and equity are different but related: adequacy asks what resources are needed, while equity asks whether those resources are distributed fairly. She explained that the General Assembly must define adequacy, study it, and react to evidence over time, and that the current adequacy definition includes curriculum and career/technical frameworks, the 38 mandatory Carnegie units, state testing standards, and sufficient funding. She also described the matrix as a funding tool, not a spending mandate, and noted that categorical funds are separate from the matrix. BLR’s Elizabeth Bynum then gave the historical framework, tracing legislative responses from Dupree through Lake View and into the present. She highlighted major changes such as the creation of equalization funding, fiscal distress and academic distress laws, the adequacy study process, the Educational Adequacy Fund, facilities and transportation changes, declining enrollment and student growth funding, and later adjustments to teacher salaries, isolated funding, and categorical programs. She explained that the adequacy study has evolved through committee hearings, surveys, site visits, and outside consultants, and that recent changes include updates to accountability references and the addition or removal of certain funding categories. Members asked follow-up questions about how the matrix is used, whether homeschool or private-school funding raises comparable issues, whether stakeholders include private and homeschool participants, whether school board members should be surveyed, and whether the state should revisit average daily membership versus attendance-based funding. No votes were taken on the adequacy presentations, but the committee did agree to continue the early childhood discussion in a future subcommittee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Students may learn about the Civil War in their U.S. history class, but they also will learn about it
• Students may learn about the Civil War in their U.S. history class, but they also will learn about it
• Students may learn about the Civil War in their U.S. history class, but they also will learn about it
• <00:56:28.920> Peter I learned the history behind St.
• Peter I learned the history behind St.

Bills: HF1458, HF2063, HF2164, HF1377, HF927, HF1059, HF1910, HF2232

Keywords: CPA, certified public accountant, public accounting, accountancy, licensure, license mobility, substantial equivalency, interstate practice, out-of-state accountant, NASBA, Uniform CPA Examination, board of accountancy, attest services, audit, tax preparation, financial advisory, consulting, accounting education, master's degree, bachelor's degree

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:59.439> about summer, but they are also learning about summer, but they are also learning
• > the farm. to learn through doing, learn the farm. to learn through doing, learn the science,
• And so that's a lesson learned.
• <00:18:42.480> The And so that's a lesson learned. The And so that's a lesson learned.
• I discovering CSAs, learning about CSAs.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he spent several years delivering pizza and learned his way around town.
• He said he spent several years delivering pizza and learned his way around town.
• I am aware that there are other Earn While You Learn programs out there.
• there are other earn as you learn there are other earn as you learn programs<01:01:34.160> out
• I love the concept of earn-while-you-learn.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What aspects of this role present the greatest learning curve for you?
• And I didn't mean to the... ...greatest learning curve for you?
• EM grants, I would say, was a steep learning curve.
• That is something that would be a learning curve for me.
• You can learn legislative procedure or you can stay quiet.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Continued learning helps me build confidence and move toward a promotion.
• His feet were barely touching the ground, so he didn't learn that...
• They learned from us. Thank you. I think that's also an excellent point.
• I learned a lot from them.
• I probably learned the most from you.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, with without that These options for using the tax credit to support summer learning or tutoring will
• So on page three under the list of qualified expenses, line 15, summer learning programs.
• A summer learning program is a summer learning program.
• So, what I'm trying to understand is the summer learning program isn't necessarily at that school, is
• But certainly, summer camp is not a summer learning program, although you can learn a lot at summer camp

Bills: SB683, SB1579, SB1389, SB1387, SB1390, SB1391, SB2063, SB1829, SB2060, SB1842, SB1398, SB1212, SB2158, SB102

Keywords: education, tax credit, student support, private school, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, financial assistance, homeschooling, qualified expenses, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, school choice, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, sales tax, motor vehicles

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm like, oh my gosh, I learned that when I was 17 or 18 years old.
• And because of his presence, it motivates and inspires me, and I learn a lot from him.
• So, I've learned a lot about space.
• That's one thing I've really learned. ...are very small, right? So I like that.
• How she taught herself to learn the esoteric jargon of the investment community.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You learn and come back, session hires.
• Um a lot of some kind of lesson learned.
• Uh but thank you still learning that.
• the process with learning. the process with learning.
• So, I in the room, listen in, and learn.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I want you to learn how to naturally project your voice. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And if you project it
• I<00:05:43.199> want<00:05:43.280> you<00:05:43.440> to<00:05:43.520> learn
• No, I want you to learn time management.
• No, I want you to learn how<00:05:43.840> to<00:05:44.000> naturally<00:05:44.400> project
• Many of us have learned how to braid since we were about 5 years old.

Bills: SB183, SB160, SB183, SB160

Keywords: tribal police, law enforcement, reservation safety, Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe, indigenous rights, sales tax, use tax, sales and use tax, local tax exemption, county tax, municipal tax, county commission, municipal ordinance, resolution, Alabama Department of Revenue, tax administration, fiscal year, September 1 effective date, local government, tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• importance of agriculture, and how they share their perspectives with elected officials, all while learning
• importance of agriculture, and how they share their perspectives with elected officials, all while learning
• importance of agriculture, and how they share their perspectives with elected officials, all while learning
• tuition as we have consistently worked on in this Chamber, but in the basic dignity of being able to learn
• tuition as we have consistently worked on in this Chamber, but in the basic dignity of being able to learn

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior Journal, and then handled several introductions and resolutions. Senator Bailey introduced Jayson Fefami, described as the Bronx-based creator of the “quarter zip” trend, and the chamber welcomed him with applause. Senator Cooney presented a privileged resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim July 1, 2026, as Canada Day in New York, emphasizing the state’s economic, cultural, and border ties with Canada; the resolution was adopted. Senator Hinchey also spoke on a previously adopted resolution designating February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week, with Senator Helming and visiting FFA students and advisers offering remarks in support of agricultural education and youth leadership. The Senate then took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, including measures related to a fiscal task force, environmental conservation, urban development, education, workers’ compensation, elder law, real property, general business, state finance, insurance, tenant protection, and public health. Several bills passed unanimously, while others drew limited opposition; for example, the Environmental Conservation and Education measures had a handful of negative votes, and the real property bill drew more substantial opposition. Senator Webb explained her vote on a bill addressing college student food insecurity by exempting certain meal-share donations from sales tax, saying students should not have to choose between class and hunger. Senator Palumbo also explained his vote on the kratom labeling bill, supporting the measure while urging future action on the synthetic opioid 7-OH. The chamber also discharged several identical Assembly bills from Rules and substituted Senate versions earlier in the day, and later passed those measures on the floor. At the end of the session, the Senate completed the calendar, reported no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• accessible to all Minnesotans of all ages and backgrounds to grow knowledge and to promote lifelong learning
• promote lifelong learning. promote lifelong learning.
• I learned from Mary on how to lead a committee and to be very collaborative in the approach and really
• And so, you know, from that day, I just really learned and picked up a lot from Mary Murphy and really
• And so, you know, from that day, I just really learned and picked up a lot from Mary Murphy and really

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I just want to learning experiences.
• Um that we're looking at oral language or how we learn how to speak is very different than how we learn
• We learn that through immersion. We don't do that with reading.
• learn how to read. Speaking is innate. learn how to read. Speaking is innate.
• <01:31:18.480> We We learn that through immersion. We We learn that through immersion.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to be in the schools working with the schools, collaborating with the schools, the businesses, to learn
• to be in the schools working with the schools, collaborating with the schools, the businesses, to learn
• to be in the schools working with the schools, collaborating with the schools, the businesses, to learn
• to be in the schools working with the schools, collaborating with the schools, the businesses, to learn
• to be in the schools working with the schools, collaborating with the schools, the businesses, to learn

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:13 SB 15 Discussion 00:45 SB 15 Vote 08:40 SB 103 Discussion 11:12 SB 103 Vote 29:49, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Committee for Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor heard two bills. Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Sen. Amanda Bledsoe, was presented with testimony from Major League Baseball in support of exempting minor league baseball players from Kentucky wage-and-hour treatment. Witnesses said the bill would preserve the negotiated collective bargaining structure for players, avoid impractical time-tracking requirements, and keep Kentucky aligned with other states. Senators discussed minor league salary levels, the importance of baseball to Kentucky communities, and the bill’s relationship to minimum wage law. The committee then took a roll call vote and passed the bill with unanimous support from members present. The committee next heard Senate Bill 103 from Sen. Danny Carroll, which would require the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to adopt regulations under Chapter 13A, limit reciprocal agreements with other states until in-state provider contracts are exhausted, establish procedures for service fee memos before a new fiscal year, and require an annual report with operating and financial information. Testimony from community rehabilitation providers and disability advocates emphasized that the bill would increase transparency, protect local providers, and improve services for people with disabilities seeking competitive employment. They said Kentucky has a large disability population, that many working-age individuals with disabilities are not employed, and that better oversight could help address workforce shortages and reduce reliance on public assistance. Senators asked about the disability population, age ranges served, funding, and recent changes to provider rates and selection processes. The committee then voted to pass Senate Bill 103 unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:09:20.959> environment<00:09:21.560> has<00:09:21.720> not inclusive learning
• environment has not inclusive learning environment has not only<00:09:22.200> fostered<00:09:
• 22.680> a<00:09:22.839> love<00:09:23.000> of<00:09:23.160> learning<00:09
• :23.880> but<00:09:24.040> has only fostered a love of learning but has only fostered a
• love of learning but has also<00:09:24.600> cultivated<00:09:25.279> a<00:09:25.440>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “But yeah, it’s important that I think people learn and understand and build.
• And so I learned about our roles.
• And I've come to learn that it got mailed to Kim Gordon's law firm.
• And so when I learned about AEJG’s dashboard, that was very new to me.
• I didn't know a lot of things that I've learned recently.

Summary: The hearing resumed in the Legislative Ethics Board matter involving Tara Simmons after the board confirmed no ex parte communications had occurred overnight. Respondent’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she violated ethics rules by combining legislative support for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and personal dealings were intertwined. After a recess for deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss, and the hearing moved into the defense case. The first defense witness was Sharon Navas, executive director of the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC). Navas testified that she met Simmons in 2018, later hired her, and took steps to separate Simmons’s legislative duties from her work for EEC. She said Simmons was never paid for lobbying or legislative acts, that her compensation came from unrestricted funds, and that the organization used written ethics-compliance language and a formal scope of work. Navas also described the proviso-funded dashboard project involving Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley, testifying that Simmons was not involved in the project’s day-to-day work, did not attend the meetings about the dispute, and was not part of the alleged contract disagreement. On cross-examination, staff focused on the contract documents, the dashboard work, and whether the scope of work matched the parties’ understanding. Tara Simmons then testified in her own defense. She described her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics guidance from House counsel and board-related materials before taking outside employment or supporting provisos. She said she relied on prior ethics advice when separating her legislative role from outside work and when seeking provisos for AEJG and EEC. Simmons also addressed her relationship with Anthony Powers, describing it as a friendship rooted in criminal justice reform work and prior collaboration. The hearing was still in the middle of Simmons’s direct testimony when the transcript excerpt ended, with no final ruling on the merits or disposition of the allegations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everything is always new and complicated, and you had to learn it as you went.
• And what I learned about Tony. is. So you better go talk to Tony.
• And what I learned about Tony that I think a lot of us can learn from is that he can be in a position
• But that was one of the very first lessons I learned from you.
• I’m new, still learning.

Summary: The House met on sine die and began with prayer, pledges, quorum verification, and a series of announcements and recognitions. The chamber received Senate messages reporting adoption of conference committee reports on SB 268 and SB 2972, and Senate concurrence in House amendments to SB 1637. Members also referred several resolutions and announced the signing of numerous House and Senate measures by the presence of the House. Technical correction resolutions were adopted: HCR 171, authorizing corrections to HB 46, passed 138-0, and SCR 55, making a wording correction in SB 1964, passed 126-12. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to memorials and recognitions. The House honored Pastor Dave Welch, with several members offering condolences and reflections on his work organizing pastors and engaging in civic life, followed by a moment of silence. Members also recognized the Ganado High School Maidens for winning the 2025 UIL 2A Division I softball state championship, Waco police K-9 Andor after being shot in the line of duty, Region 7 DPS for Capitol Complex security, and various restaurants, staff members, interns, caucus staff, and caucus freshmen of the year across Republican, Democratic, Black, Progressive, LGBTQ, IT, Energy and Climate, and Mexican American Legislative Caucuses. The chamber also heard a retirement-style address from Rep. Tony Tinderholt, who reflected on his six sessions in the House, his military service, and his decision to step aside to focus on family, while colleagues from both parties praised his service, discipline, and willingness to work across differences. The House then continued with additional staff and caucus recognitions, including committee staff, district office staff, and interns, with members repeatedly thanking their teams for their work during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• enrolled in school until age 22 to learn enrolled in school until age 22 to learn vital<00:15:07.199
• This may be the year where they learn perhaps more language, ...where they learn perhaps more language
• I I learned a jargon taking my question.
• learn that we don't have better data. learn that we don't have better data.
• Um, so that has its learning to read.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No, one thing I've learned is shut up. So y'all got it. All right. Representative Roarx. Thank you.
• <00:15:46.440> So<00:15:46.720> y'all thing I've learned is shut up.
• So y'all thing I've learned is shut up. So y'all got<00:15:47.120> it.
• And as a former mayor, I can tell you how important it is that our city officials learn more about how
• <00:21:19.040> more encourage local officials to learn more encourage local officials to learn

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:01 Roll Call 00:00:21 SB 141 Discussion 00:03:21 SB 141 Vote 00:10:57 HB 755 Discussion 00:13:08 HB 755 Vote 00:17:55 SB 20 Discussion 00:19:36 SB 20 Vote 00:21:53 SB 40 Discussion 00:23:31 SB 40 Vote 00:26:25 HB 851 Discussion 00:28:53 HB 851 Vote 00:31:53 Adjournment 00:33:26, 958, all