Transcript Highlights:

• difficult it was during the pandemic and, and having to, uh, you know, uh, in the middle of everything go virtual
• , all virtual, and then some virtual and, and, uh, in addition to all the difficulties of the pandemic
• OK, uh, and, and Ms Mesa, after this proceeding, they'll, they will give you instructions on how to pay
• I'm, um, I'm gonna trust that you'll follow my instruction. Raise your right hand, please.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were setting up virtual sessions with the students, in some cases.
• We were setting up virtual sessions with the students.
• Instruction, Chairman Richter, members of the committee.
• I'm the director of the office of specially designed instruction at the Department of Public Instruction
• Adam Tesher, school finance officer with the Department of Public Instruction.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2830, fetal and prenatal development instruction — Health and Human Services.
• HB 2313, teacher strike prohibition remote instruction.
• It virtually requires that all law enforcement, It virtually requires that all law enforcement agencies
• Secretary is instructed to record the action and transmit the memorial to the House.
• Secretary is instructed to record the action and transmit the bill to the House.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several guest introductions, including the Doctor of the Day, realtors visiting for Realtor Day, and a representative from Home of Hope. The Senate then handled a large number of bill referrals and second-reading items before moving into Committee of the Whole on multiple calendars. Several bills were advanced with committee and floor amendments, including SB 1494, SB 1497, SB 1503, SB 1535, SB 1544, SB 1580, SB 1582, SB 1584, SB 1585, SB 1602, SB 1632, SB 1723, and SB 1798. Many of the amendments were described as technical cleanups, but some made substantive changes, such as SB 1535’s provisions on sealing records for sex-trafficking victims and SB 1723’s domestic-violence release and monitoring provisions. The Committee of the Whole also adopted a report recommending several bills do pass as amended. The chamber adopted House Concurrent Resolution 264 honoring former Senator Barbara Leff, followed by a moment of silence and remarks from her family. The Senate then returned to Committee of the Whole for Calendar 1, where it retained SB 1332 and advanced SB 1654, SB 1711, SB 1743, SCR 1047, and HB 2993. HB 2993 drew the most debate: opponents argued it had a single-subject problem, relied on funding from the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Fraud Fund, and could create unnecessary outside-counsel costs for DPS, while supporters cited the need for the supplemental and defended the funding approach. The motion to report HB 2993 do pass carried by division, 16-13. In third reading, the Senate passed HB 4115 and a series of Senate bills, including SB 1012, SB 1213, SB 1416, SB 1474, SB 1511, SB 1549, SB 1573, SB 1634, SB 1647, and SB 1649, with several passing on close 16-13 votes. Debate centered heavily on immigration enforcement, concealed carry in businesses serving alcohol, CDL and driver-license issues, campaign finance disclosure, and a digital asset reserve fund. Members on both sides repeatedly explained votes on constitutional, public safety, fiscal, and civil-rights grounds. The session ended with bills transmitted to the House after passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those were generally virtual at the time. And then again in 2023.
• demographics, and there will be a lot held during this special session, both in the Senate, both virtually
• And that's precisely what the DOJ letter is asking, or instructing—rather, instructing Texas to do: to
• And instead, I think, it forces us to look at what the letter is in fact instructing Texas to do.
• Whatever its intent, what the letter is instructing Texas to do is to dismantle these districts that

Summary: The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting held its first regional hearing, focused on South and Central Texas, including Bexar County, Travis County, and the Rio Grande Valley. After establishing a quorum, the committee adopted its rules on a 6-3 roll-call vote, with Senators Alvarado and Miles voting no. Chair Phil King explained the regional-hearing format, the use of 2020 census data, the online testimony process, and the availability of written comments and future hearings. Several members then gave opening remarks, with Republicans emphasizing public input and Democrats arguing the special session and mid-decade redistricting were unnecessary and aimed at minority districts. A major procedural issue arose over whether the committee should invite or subpoena the DOJ attorney who authored the July 7 letter that prompted the redistricting discussion. Senator Miles moved to subpoena the attorney; the motion was seconded but then set aside after the chair said the committee could not take formal action on a non-procedural matter during a regional hearing under the adopted rules. The chair said he would consult legal counsel about issuing an invitation, and members discussed the August 7 deadline referenced in the DOJ letter. The committee then moved on to public testimony. Witnesses, including Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, law professor Ellen Katz, and Texas NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, argued that the DOJ letter misread the law and that the targeted districts were lawful opportunity or coalition districts. They said the Fifth Circuit’s Pettway decision was limited to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and did not declare coalition districts unconstitutional, and they cited Bartlett v. Strickland as warning against intentionally dismantling effective minority districts. Garcia and Bledsoe said the hearing was politically motivated and would harm Black and Latino representation; Katz said Texas would act illegally if it followed the DOJ letter’s instructions. Members asked questions about the legal status of coalition districts, the 2021 map-drawing process, and the difference between opportunity, coalition, and crossover districts. The hearing continued with additional public witnesses, including labor representative Emily Amps, who said workers and communities of color were being harmed by the proposed redistricting effort.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much, Josie, and thank you to the commission members for being here today virtually and
• I also want to thank the commission staff and LIS for making this virtual meeting a possibility.
• Like sending a patient with very specific instructions. That's a great solution. So thank you.
• Like sending a patient with very specific instructions, that should be doable.
• And on Monday, March 9th, we are scheduled to meet virtually. ...to finalize the report before sending

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Xylazine convened its second meeting, approved the minutes from its June 23 meeting, and reviewed its timeline and working groups. The co-chairs said the commission’s final report is due to the House and Senate clerks by March 30, 2026, and outlined three working groups focused on regulation/oversight of xylazine, treatment and outreach for exposed patients, and education/training for first responders, clinicians, treatment providers, and people who use substances. Staff will schedule working group meetings, with group presentations planned for December 11, followed by commission meetings in February and March to review and finalize the draft report. Public comment centered on research and practical responses to xylazine contamination in the drug supply. Dr. Tracy Green of Brandeis reviewed recent studies showing severe xylazine-related wounds and amputations in Philadelphia, withdrawal symptoms, the value of wound identification tools, and the usefulness of drug checking in detecting xylazine even when users did not suspect it was present. She urged expanded low-barrier wound care, more access to medications for opioid use disorder, overdose prevention sites, housing, and trauma-informed care, while cautioning that stricter controls could push the market toward other dangerous alpha-2 substances. Commissioners asked about early wound identification, dilution/cutting strategies, supplier engagement, and how to reduce stigma and improve treatment access. Tia Johnson of Boston Medical Center and Boston Health Care for the Homeless testified that xylazine contamination still requires naloxone for overdose response, but sedation can last longer and may require low-dose naloxone, oxygen support, and low-threshold monitoring spaces. She emphasized that xylazine-associated wounds can heal with consistent care, but patients often lose access to services when sent to hospitals unnecessarily. Commissioners discussed reimbursement barriers, especially in MassHealth and behavioral health settings, and the need for wound care to be available within detox and treatment programs rather than requiring transfers. The meeting ended with agreement to continue working group planning and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill increases the penalties for drivers who fail to obey traffic control instructions or exceed
• The bill would impress the importance of obeying traffic instructions in work zones and help improve
• This bill increases the penalties for drivers who fail to obey traffic control instructions or exceed
• The bill would impress the importance of obeying traffic instructions in work zones and help improve
• new name, to permit the program to be located in a physical facility or delivered live through a virtual

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the bill modifies virtual instruction to allow school districts to receive full-time equivalent
• student completions through virtual programs, similar to FLVS.
• We're modifying the school recognition program, limiting the bonus to only instructional personnel rather
• Further, the bill requires that anyone who receives state money to instruct students undergo a background
• We've had some conversations about this. ...instruct students undergo a background check.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill). The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Virtual at the time, and then again in 2023.
• There will be a lot held during this special session, both in the Senate, both virtual as well as in
• What it is instructing Texas to do would be illegal.
• And that's precisely what the DOJ letter is asking, or instructing, rather, instructing Texas to do:
• Whatever its intent, what the letter is instructing Texas to do is to dismantle these districts that

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because I can get your verbal instructions and written on paper, but I learn by doing, which I think
• and written on paper, but I instructions and written on paper, but I learn<00:32:06.000> by<00
• impossible to make that virtually impossible to make that happen.<00:36:08.400> So,<00:36:09.520
• We have<00:44:25.839> provided<00:44:26.319> virtual<00:44:26.800> training<00:44
• :27.119> to<00:44:27.280> all<00:44:27.440> of We have provided virtual training

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• on Public Health, HB 1800 by Garcia Bah relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction
• offenses for the Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, HP 1911 by shots sign relating to the instruction
• materials for certain curriculum on public education, including certain instructions prohibiting and
• HB 2196 by Bella Kaufman relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and certain
• HB 2259 by Diala relating to the instructions of the application form for an early voting ballot for

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to—he's watching virtually. He's not here.
• The Clerk is instructed to record the action of the House. Reconsideration.
• The clerk is instructed to record the action of the House.
• The clerk is instructed to record the action of the House.
• The clerk is instructed to record the action in the House.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several introductions of guests, including two young mayors visiting the chamber. Members then adopted House Resolution 2008 unanimously, honoring Daniel Cade Blackman, with extended remarks from his family and colleagues about his service, faith, and legacy. The House also took up a motion to reconsider SB 1456 from a prior date and proceeded into Committee of the Whole on multiple Senate bills. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and amended SB 1170, SB 1496, SB 1511, SB 1016, SB 1335, and SB 1683, with each ultimately receiving a do pass recommendation. The discussion included a correction to SB 1170 to remove an unintended section, a municipal improvement district process change in SB 1016, an ag-to-urban water permitting fix in SB 1335, and a land-sale restriction involving China in SB 1683. The committee reports were adopted, and the bills were ordered for third reading as appropriate. On third and final reading, the House passed SB 1188, SB 1560, and SB 1723, with recorded votes of 38-0-10, 48-2-10, and 51-0-9 respectively. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to HB 2265, HB 2404, HB 2950, and HB 2986, then passed those bills on final reading; members speaking in support highlighted court-fee policy, mental health crisis response, tourism improvement areas, and water infrastructure savings. The chamber then announced a Republican caucus meeting and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And on this one, as Karen said, since it was through the bond, we were instructed not to put it in ASIS
• And on this one, as Karen said, since it was through the bond, we were instructed not to put it in AIS
• , which now with everything going into AISS, We were instructed not to put it in AIS, which now, with
• antenatal and neonatal guidelines education and learning system and the stroke assistance through virtual
• antenatal and neonatal guidelines education and learning system and the stroke assistance through virtual

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was very common that the instructions given were to ignore every phone call from the VA trying to
• And also, in my reading, I saw some questionable practices that it was very common that the instructions
• And so while they agree with virtually almost everything was stated already,...
• And so while they agree with virtually almost everything that was stated already, there needs to be more
• I know a number of people, as I do represent San Diego, which is a military town, who have been instructed

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met with a quorum and first approved its consent calendar, which included AJR 15, SB 56, SB 296, and SB 855, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then heard SB 694 by Senator Archuleta, a bill aimed at protecting veterans from unaccredited claims representatives and other for-profit entities that charge fees to assist with VA disability claims. The author and supporters, including county veterans service officers and veterans organizations, argued the measure would curb predatory practices, restore accountability, and steer veterans toward free, accredited assistance through CVSOs and other authorized representatives. Testimony in support emphasized that veterans are often targeted online and may pay large fees for services that are available for free, while supporters said unaccredited firms lack transparency and can exploit vulnerable veterans. Opposition witnesses, including representatives of claims-assistance companies and individual veterans, argued the bill would eliminate choice and that some contingency-based firms provide useful services, better outcomes, and faster claims processing. Committee members debated whether the bill would unlawfully bar legitimate assistance or whether it was needed to stop illegal business practices, with several members noting the issue is also being litigated in federal court and that an accreditation process already exists through the VA. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 694 and refer it to the Committee on Judiciary. The final vote was 6 ayes, with some members not voting. The committee then completed the consent calendar vote, which passed with eight votes, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a list view, there's a map view I have instructed staff that this must be up and operational
• Thank you for the virtual academy update.
• I do think it's important to note that since deploying the virtual academy in May of 2004, dispatchers
• So, I think we've touched a lot of dispatchers through the virtual academy that we probably wouldn't
• Again, 39,915 hours of training on the virtual academy since we launched it in May of 2024. 988 updates

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• how difficult it was during the pandemic and having to, you know, in the middle of everything, go virtual
• all the virtual and then some virtual and in addition to all the difficulties of the pandemic. seem
• We'll give you instructions on how to pay that and we'll work with you on the. the timing of that.
• I'm going to trust that you'll follow my instruction. Raise your right hand, please.

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, HB18, SB12, political contributions, civil penalties, Attorney General, criminal election offenses, legislation

Summary: In the latest meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, significant discussions centered around newly passed legislation, specifically HB18 and SB12. HB18 introduces a civil penalty for members who accept political contributions while absent from the state, addressing potential obstructions to legislative actions. Senators and commissioners engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the implications of this bill, with many expressing concerns regarding enforcement and compliance. In contrast, SB12 expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal election offenses, further tightening the oversight of election activities. The meeting concluded with acknowledgement of the efforts put forth by previous commission chairs, highlighting their contributions to the commission's success.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE WILL GET STARTED, MEMBERS WE WILL NOW TAKE A HB505 VIRTUAL CURRENCY KIOSK BY REPRESENTATIVE OWEN AND
• VICE CHAIR RANKING MEMBERS IT IS A HONOR TO BE HERE TO PRESENT HB505 WHICH RELATES TO VIRTUAL CURRENCY
• ONE COMMON THEME AND COMMON THREAD THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE PROCESS AS THEY ARE USING THESE VIRTUAL ATMS
• TRANSACTION LIMITS, TOO THOUSAND DOLLARS PER CALENDAR DAY SOMEONE WAS TRANSACTED WITH THE OWNER OF THE VIRTUAL
• IT WILL REQUIRE A REFUND TO THE CUSTOMER FOR THE FIRST VIRTUAL CURRENCY TRANSACTION.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a bunch of members who are online virtually: Senators Joanne Comerford, Senator Julian Cyr, Senator
• We have a bunch of members who are online virtually: Senators Joanne Comerford, Senator Julian Cyr, Senator
• you who have come out to testify on this very important issue, and all those who are joining us virtually
• Oh, we have two other virtual. Oh, we have two other virtual.
• How about, is it okay if we do the in-person and then do the virtual after you guys?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains. Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue. Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our institutes virtual reality assets, which will speak about in a little bit will also be integrated
• So I guess, as I mentioned, we provided the virtual reality technology and support around simulations
• And so we had heard that there used to be virtual house that folks could go into to learn where they
• We have also shifted our recruitment tactics to include virtual hiring fairs and have partnered with
• So we have incorporated virtual virtual reality opportunities. Simulations.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• value setting process to ensure the state has adequate time to fully consider the implications of virtual
• SB 19 provides time because virtual education is a complex issue, with real consequences for students
• Many charter schools use virtual or hybrid instruction to serve students who are caregivers, primary
• Virtual charter schools operate under two levels of accountability from the Public Education Department

Bills: SB83, SB106, SB107, SB123, SJR1

Keywords: ecological monitoring, sustainability, tribal engagement, education, research funding, graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, out-of-school programming, education funding, youth programs, affordability, nonprofit organizations, defibrillators, public schools, health and safety, emergency response, school elections

Transcript Highlights:

• But when students and families feel targeted, we see that they withdraw from on-site instruction, school
• ,<00:04:20.160> school from on-site instruction, school from on-site instruction, school activities
• Today, 16% of our students are now enrolled in virtual learning. cancel in-person classes on January
• We did not have a virtual learning program at the beginning of January because they either do not
• We are standing up virtual learning overnight. We are patrolling our neighborhoods.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the impact of recent ICE enforcement activity in Minnesota, especially on schools, students, and families. Speakers, including legislators, superintendents, a school board chair, teachers, parents, and a student, described fear in immigrant and non-immigrant communities, increased absenteeism, disrupted school routines, and broader trauma affecting children’s mental health and learning. Several speakers said students were staying home, families were avoiding bus stops and public places, and educators were taking on extra duties such as transporting students, delivering food, and helping with housing and remote learning options. Testimony included specific examples from Columbia Heights, Fidley Public Schools, Rochester, and Maple Grove. Speakers reported detained students and family members, canceled in-person classes in some districts, expanded virtual learning, and sharp attendance declines; one superintendent cited more than 530 additional daily absences in Rochester and large increases in excused absences among multilingual, low-income, Asian-American, and Latino students. A parent and student speaker described organizing neighborhood safety efforts and a planned student walkout to demand safe busing, suspension of a policy that unenrolls students after 15 consecutive absences, and a pause on standardized testing. The speakers repeatedly called for ICE to be removed from schools and from Minnesota, and urged elected officials to act to protect children and educators. One senator reflected on democracy, liberty, and freedom from fear, linking the situation to the purpose of public education. No formal committee vote or legislative action was taken during the excerpt; the session ended with a transition to questions and a call for community responsibility and support.