Transcript Highlights:

• Our West Virginia state constitution entitles every child to a free education, a free public education
• I do have thoughts because West Virginia is a diverse state.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its prior meeting and then took up House Bill 5537, a bill to repeal several obsolete or outdated code sections. Counsel explained that the bill would remove provisions related to professional development, a behavioral interventionist pilot program, county lists of facilities for child daycare, and high school graduation rates, with a proposed amendment adding another outdated education code section from 1923. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 5537 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee then considered House Bill 4656, which would shift truancy policy toward chronic absenteeism and earlier intervention. Counsel said the committee substitute would replace punitive status-offense treatment with wraparound services, student support specialists, and a new child-in-need-of-supervision process, while also ending compulsory attendance at age 18 and removing criminal penalties for 18-year-olds. Members questioned how the new thresholds would work, including the role of attendance directors, prosecutors, judges, and the Department of Human Services, and whether the bill would change current diversion funding or court authority. Witnesses from Fayette County, Greenbrier County, and Taylor County largely opposed the bill or urged caution. The Fayette County attendance director said current truancy procedures, including school-based probation and court involvement, help secure family participation and services, and warned that removing the status offense would weaken enforcement. A Greenbrier County probation officer said diversion programs are effective and that court involvement often leads to needed services. A Taylor County juvenile prosecutor said status-offense jurisdiction gives courts meaningful leverage and flexibility, and asked that counties be allowed to keep existing approaches that work locally. After testimony, the committee voted to report HB 4656 to the full Senate without recommendation and with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the Committee on Education, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our West Virginia state constitution entitles every child to a free education, a free public education
• I do have thoughts because West Virginia is a diverse state.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, if I could just tell you just this, I'm from West Virginia, and we forevermore have been an energy
• morning every day, you went to work, you took a lot of risks by going to work, and many seams and West
• Virginia, you were in a seam of coal all day long that you couldn't possibly stand up.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Keywords: nominations, Undersecretary of Energy, Undersecretary of Science, Preston Griffith, Dario Gil, energy policy, scientific innovation

Summary: The meeting was convened to discuss several significant nominations, particularly focusing on Preston Wills Griffith III for Undersecretary of Energy and Dr. Dario Gil for Undersecretary of Science. The committee underscored the importance of these roles in shaping American energy policy and scientific innovation. The discussion highlighted the nominees' backgrounds, with Griffith having extensive experience at the Department of Energy and the White House, and Gil bringing expertise in quantum technology and energy research. Members expressed a strong desire to understand the nominees' perspectives on current challenges facing the energy sector, including regulatory mandates and national security concerns. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensuring thorough evaluations of the candidates and their proposed approaches to pressing issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia, Mr.
• ,</c> recognizes the gentleman from Virginia, recognizes the gentleman from Virginia, Mr.<00:37:11.040
• James Monroe carried that Virginia legacy from soldier to statesman.
• Dennis did that with clarity, fairness, and a deep understanding of the West.
• </c> deep understanding of the West. deep understanding of the West.

Bills: HB6955 , HB8800 , HR1118

Keywords: CACFP, Child and Adult Care Food Program, National CACFP Week, child nutrition, school meals, after-school meals, Head Start, child care, day care, adult day care, emergency shelters, military child care, nutrition assistance, food reimbursement, meal reimbursement, food inflation, low-income families, working families, anti-hunger, USDA

Transcript Highlights:

• Michael Goldfarb of Mlean, Virginia. Uh, for what purpose does the gentleman from Ohio, Mr.
• For what purpose does the gentleman from Virginia seek recognition?
• </c><01:52:32.400><c> seek</c> does the gentleman from Virginia seek does the gentleman from Virginia
• Thanksgiving week, we saw what happened with the West Virginia National Guard service member, Specialist
• </c><03:41:31.200><c> Virginia</c> what happened with the West Virginia what happened with the West Virginia

Bills: HB3668

Keywords: pipeline, natural gas, Natural Gas Act, FERC, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, NEPA, environmental review, permitting reform, LNG, liquefied natural gas, certificate of public convenience and necessity, section 7, section 3, Clean Water Act, section 401, water quality certification, state authority, interagency coordination, pipeline safety, pipeline security

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> on this on this floor about the Virginia on this on this floor about the Virginia Minnesota<00:54
• Um, Representative Kisa Watun and Representative West really pushed those things.
• Thank you." ">> I recognize a member from Anoka, Representative West. >> Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• </c> Representative West. Representative West.
• Virginia is converting from a steam plant to natural gas. They don't have a way to pay for it.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the percentage scoring proficient or above ranged from 31% in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and West Virginia
• eighth grade math, the percentage scoring proficient or above ranged from 17% in Oklahoma to 29% in Virginia
• And then in eighth grade reading, the percentage ranged from 21% in Alabama and West Virginia to 33%
• Virginia to 33% in Maryland, with the average at 26%.

Summary: The committee received a lengthy Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on Arkansas academic standards, accountability systems, and adequacy-related requirements. Staff reviewed the history of state curriculum and accreditation laws, the current standards for grades K-12, required high school units and graduation pathways, and recent changes such as career-ready pathways, embedded instruction requirements, and the distinction between courses required to be offered versus courses actually taken by students. Members asked for a chart comparing the 1997, 2003, 2015, 2017, and later law changes, and staff agreed to provide one. The presentation then turned to the federal ESSA plan and Arkansas’s state accountability system. Staff summarized ESSA requirements, Arkansas’s long-term goals for proficiency, English learner progress, and graduation rates, and recent data showing that 2025 proficiency rates remained well below the 80% goal, while English learner progress and graduation rates were also below long-term targets. The committee discussed school support and improvement, equitable access to educators, report cards, and the apparent lack of evidence that equity labs are currently being conducted. Members requested follow-up from the Department of Education on equity labs, report card data, and whether the ESSA plan can be changed. The presentation also covered state assessment results under the Arkansas Accountability Act, including ATLAS, DLM, ELPA 21, ACT, and NAEP data, along with teacher access measures and geographic shortage districts. Staff reported that Title I and high-poverty schools tend to have more emergency/provisional teachers and less experienced staff, and that shortage districts are concentrated in parts of the state. Members asked for additional information on test highs and lows, the number of assessments students take, dropout data, and whether higher teacher salaries have affected shortage areas. The committee also discussed district levels of support under the state accountability system, including the possibility of state intervention at the highest level of support.

Transcript Highlights:

• You mentioned a site in West Virginia that's a Superfund site you're getting ready to do at the McElroy
• The majority of the nation, it's in Arizona, it's about the... eyes of West Virginia, the Navajo Nation
• I will note that a lot of the West faces very similar issues to what we're seeing on the Navajo Nation

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: presidential nominations, EPA, environmental policy, Fish and Wildlife, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• A RECENT STUDY BY VIRGINIA'S JOINT LEGISLATION AUDIT AND REVIEW COMMISSION IN VIRGINIA THE LARGEST DATA
• I HAVE AN EXAMPLE IN VIRGINIA THE LARGEST MARKET GLOBALLY FOR EVERY 1 DOLLAR AND PUBLIC SERVICES THE
• THERE HAS BEEN BIGGER FOCUS IN PLACES LIKE VIRGINIA AND ARIZONA AND CALIFORNIA ONE OF THE THINGS ONE
• YOU ARE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST I BELIEVE. >> IN THE MOUNTAIN WEST. OKAY. THANK YOU MR.
• THEY HAVE HUMBLE STATS OUT THERE WHEN IT COMES TO INDUSTRY WATER USE INCLUDING IN VIRGINIA IN THE WATER

Transcript Highlights:

• She's in the West Gallery up there, in a blue suit and white shirt.
• She's in the West Gallery up there, and a blue suit, white shirt.
• President, wanted to mention a few folks that I believe are with us in the West Gallery.
• On the right side, I'm still confused in Eastern West Gallery.
• On the right side, I'm still confused in Eastern West Gallery.

Transcript Highlights:

• of management reform bill. the state of management reform bill. the state of Kentucky, the state of West
• Virginia, Kentucky, the state of West Virginia, Kentucky, the state of West Virginia, and I understand
• There's no drugstore on the west side of the the west side of the the west side of the county and the
• business store that's in business there named there named there named Carmax outside about five miles west
• of Carmax outside about five miles west of Carmax outside about five miles west of Nota and that's the

Bills: SCR 13 , SCR 24 , SB 1 , SB 12 , SB 15 , SB 17 , SB 24 , SB 57 , SB 65 , SB 213 , SB 371 , SB 372 , SB 378 , SB 379 , SB 388 , SB 400 , SB 402 , SB 427 , SB 495 , SB 499 , SB 502 , SB 509 , SB 535 , SB 583 , SB 610 , SB 621 , SB 650 , SB 706 , SB 740 , SB 840 , SB 854 , SB 856 , SB 875 , SB 893 , SB 918 , SB 925 , SB 974 , SB 995 , SB 1006 , SB 1018 , SB 1025 , SB 1061 , SB 1073 , SB 1106 , SB 1121 , SB 1194 , SB 1252 , SB 1253 , SB 1268 , SB 1300 , SB 1343 , SB 1362 , SB 1447 , SJR 36 , SJR 12 , SJR 57 , SCR 25 , SCR 22 , SCR 12 , SCR 24 , SCR 8 , SB 565 , SB 372 , SB 765 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 707 , SB 888 , SB 687 , SB 847 , SB 1248 , SB 740 , SB 14 , SB 1006 , SB 504 , SB 925 , SB 1121 , SB 995 , SB 857 , SB 305 , SB 296 , SB 284 , SB 815 , SB 1379 , SB 1300 , SB 1497 , SB 1499 , SB 1498 , SB 1061 , SB 65 , SB 241 , SB 304 , SB 402 , SB 499 , SB 621 , SB 974 , SB 1023 , SB 1024 , SB 1025 , SB 1106 , SB 686 , SB 112 , SB 371 , SB 204 , SB 400 , SB 609 , SB 1447 , SB 670 , SB 502 , SB 427 , SB 850 , SB 854 , SB 413 , SB 1555 , SB 1362 , SB 1346 , SB 1033 , SB 1220 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 987 , SB 1539 , SB 893 , SB 447 , SB 875 , SB 406 , SB 509 , SB 985 , SB 965 , SB 1119 , SB 1505 , SB 24 , SB 57 , SB 1194 , SB 1253 , SB 1215 , SB 1532 , SB 1268 , SB 1302 , SB 856 , SB 650 , SB 583 , SB 673 , SB 840 , SB 213 , SB 681 , SB 1172 , SB 1252 , SB 378 , SB 610 , SB 918 , SB 1343 , SB 608 , SB 487 , SB 955 , SB 957 , SB 988 , SB 990 , SB 1019 , SB 1021 , SB 1120 , SB 251 , SB 958 , SB 535 , SB 761 , SB 1 , SB 541 , SB 315 , SB 379 , SB 1018 , SB 1737 , SB 266 , SB 1415 , SB 57 , SB 499 , SB 974 , SB 1025 , SB 1061 , SB 1268 , SR 302 , SR 303 , SR 304 , SR 305 , SB 30 , SB 1333 , SB 1666 , SB 30 , SB 1333 , SB 1666

Transcript Highlights:

• HCI College, which is in West Palm Beach, the West Palm Beach campus, also received a 100% pass rate.
• that failed than passed in Nebraska, Kansas, Delaware, South Dakota, Missouri, Mississippi, Iowa, West
• Virginia, Montana, Idaho.
• that failed than passed in Nebraska, Kansas, Delaware, South Dakota, Missouri, Mississippi, Iowa, West
• Virginia, Montana, Idaho.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard three bills. HB 919 on nursing education programs would tighten accountability for nursing schools with low NCLEX pass rates by shortening the probation period, requiring remediation plans, mandating free remediation for students who fail, and requiring tuition reimbursement for programs with very low pass rates. The sponsor argued Florida’s nursing pass rates are unacceptably low and that stronger consequences are needed; opponents warned the bill could shut down programs, worsen the nursing shortage, and unfairly target private schools, while supporters said it would protect students and improve outcomes. After debate, the bill was reported favorably by a vote of 18-0. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1261, the “Smart Living Act,” a student-driven proposal from Jefferson High School in Hillsborough County to expand personal financial literacy and practical life-skills instruction in high school. Students and school officials testified that the bill would better prepare graduates for adulthood by covering topics such as budgeting, credit, loans, FAFSA, resumes, interviews, and basic household skills. Members praised the students’ work and the bill’s practical focus, and the PCS was reported favorably 18-0. Finally, the committee considered HB 809, which would exempt school social workers from educator certification requirements for general and subject-area knowledge. Supporters from Lee and Broward counties said the current testing requirement is unrelated to social work, creates financial and recruitment barriers, and has contributed to staffing shortages. Members from both parties supported the measure as a simple way to remove an obstacle to hiring and retaining school social workers. HB 809 was also reported favorably by a vote of 18-0, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls Shuler White, Virginia Palacios, Cyrus Reed. and Tom Daniel.
• If y'all would join us, Shuler White, Virginia Palacios. Cyrus Reed, and Tom Daniel.
• Virginia, you're recognized. Thank you.
• Virginia Palacios, Executive Director of Commission Shift Action, and I'm testifying. on Senate Bill
• Thank you Virginia. questions of this panel? Okay. I have a few. Mr.

Bills: SB1150 , SB763 , SB1061 , SB1146 , SB1198 , HB279 , HB310

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Virginia in April of 1990.
• > of</c> University in West Virginia in April of University in West Virginia in April of 1990<00:10:48.519
• </c><00:19:43.640><c> along</c> women last year I honored Virginia along women last year I honored Virginia
• The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by the gentleman from Virginia, Mr.
• For what purpose does the gentleman from Virginia seek recognition?

Bills: HR125 , HCR11 , HR122

Keywords: committee membership, House of Representatives, government structure, ethics, political appointments, concurrent resolution, President communication, Congress assembly, meeting date, government procedure, joint session, Congress, President's address, H.Res. 122, HR122, H.R. 77, midnight rules, Congressional Review Act, CRA, resolution of disapproval

Transcript Highlights:

• West Minister Economic Development West Minister Economic Development Initiative,<00:24:02.000><c> better
• ,</c> Comr and the gentleman from Virginia, Comr and the gentleman from Virginia, Mr.<02:17:57.200><c
• ><c> is</c> The gentleman from Virginia is The gentleman from Virginia is recognized. recognized. recognized
• </c> the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. the gentleman from Virginia, Mr.
• ><c> is</c> The gentleman from Virginia is The gentleman from Virginia is recognized.<02:54:50.640><c

Bills: HB9238 , HB8340 , HB8467 , HB8464 , HB8312 , HB7892

Keywords: financial management, accountability, government oversight, taxpayer funds, federal agencies, budget, performance metrics, improper payments, fraud prevention, payment integrity, government waste, waste, fraud, and abuse, financial loss, federal spending, federal programs, OMB Circular A-123, Do Not Pay Initiative, Treasury Department, Office of Management and Budget, Inspector General

Transcript Highlights:

• Rural counties across the West, 2024.
• In Colorado and in the West, we don't measure water by what comes out of a faucet.
• </c> water in the West. water in the West.
• ><c> are</c> Across the West, communities are Across the West, communities are experiencing<03:34:18.800
• , Virginia, Virginia, who<04:15:57.359><c> we</c><04:15:57.520><c> sadly</c><04:15:58.000><c> lost</c

Bills: HR432 , HR312 , HR311 , HR310 , HR309 , HR308 , HB1676 , SB356 , HR1372 , HB2175 , HB1461 , HB2466 , SB2283 , HB1830 , HR1009 , HR1008 , HR323 , HB5131 , HB4503 , HR573 , HB2916 , HB2306 , HB2290 , HB2389 , HB2388 , HB3857 , HB2293 , HR655 , HB4285 , HR1276 , HB2302

Keywords: federal labor relations, executive order, labor management, federal oversight, government reform, wildlife conservation, Pittman-Robertson, state plans, environment, approval process, Secretary of the Interior, Secure Rural Schools, reauthorization, federal land payments, county payments, state payments, payments in lieu of taxes, PILT, rural counties, forest counties

Transcript Highlights:

• Patel, who is a new appointee to the Board of Trustees of the University of West Florida. Kishan J.
• Patel, who is a new appointee to the Board of Trustees of the University of West Florida.
• name is Kishan Patel, and I'm honored to be considered for the Board of Trustees at the University of West
• And I'm really looking forward to your commitment and what you bring to the University of West Florida
• I came to Florida via West Virginia. I come from very humble beginnings.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a large slate of confirmations and reappointments to boards of trustees for Florida’s colleges, universities, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Chair Harrell opened by emphasizing the importance of trustee appointments to maintaining Florida’s higher education system, and the committee heard brief testimony from each nominee about their background, ties to the institution, and priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, and community partnerships. Several nominees highlighted personal connections to their schools, including alumni status, family legacy, or prior service on the board, while others emphasized experience in business, law, education, health care, or public service. Testimony focused heavily on workforce development and institutional growth. Speakers cited nursing, dual enrollment, applied programs, military and veteran support, broadband access, agriculture, law enforcement, and technical training as key areas for colleges to meet regional labor needs. University nominees discussed research expansion, affordability, strategic planning, and partnerships with industry and government, with Florida Atlantic, Florida Polytechnic, the University of West Florida, and the University of South Florida each described as being in periods of growth or transition. Miami-Dade College, Tallahassee State College, Polk State College, and other state colleges were praised for enrollment, economic impact, and job placement outcomes. The committee also heard from the Florida Prepaid College Board reappointee, who described the program as a long-term promise backed by public trust and reported recent technology and customer-service improvements. After testimony, the committee took up the nominations as a group. One nominee, Drew Weatherford, had withdrawn and was not voted on. The remaining trustees were approved unanimously by roll call and reported favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the United States Marine Corps, serving with the Marine Corps Security Force Company in Yorktown, Virginia
• Scott commenced his career in law enforcement in 1996 with the Norfolk Sheriff's Office in Virginia before
• Betsy was born in West Covina in 1934 and raised on a ranch in Pasadena, an upbringing that shaped her

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I yield one minute to the gentleman from West Virginia, Mr. Moore.
• The gentleman from West Virginia is recognized for one minute. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• ><c> seek</c> gentleoman from Virginia seek gentleoman from Virginia seek recognition?
• Her great-grandfather taught in a one-room schoolhouse in West Virginia.
• Her great-grandfather taught in a one-room schoolhouse in West Virginia.

Bills: HB2056 , HR4 , SB331

Keywords: immigration, sanctuary jurisdiction, federal compliance, District of Columbia, law enforcement, House of Representatives, election, Speaker, Clerk, Congress, fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Please stand up in the West Gallery. It's great to see you, friends.
• She's in the West Gallery up there, in a blue suit and white shirt.
• She's in the West Gallery up there, and a blue suit, white shirt.
• President, wanted to mention a few folks that I believe are with us in the West Gallery.
• On the right side, I'm still confused in Eastern West Gallery.