Transcript Highlights:

• And education funding.
• </c> Education. That is misplaced priorities. Education. That is misplaced priorities.
• for special education.
• </c> But, special education isn't optional. But, special education isn't optional.
• </c> K-12 education system. K-12 education system.

Bills: HF3493, HF4114

Keywords: safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, special education, funding, education finance, appropriations, budget, cross subsidy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Their mission is to emphasize providing an outstanding education grounded in biblical truth, academic
• I look forward to this fundamentally changing Oklahoma education for many years to come. Thank you.
• House Bill 3002 extends the sunset to 2031 on the mission on county government personnel education and
• Madam Leader, House Bill 3003 extends the sunset to 2031 for the board of chiropractic examiners.
• House Bill 3004 extends the sunset to 2031 for the board of examiners and optometry.

Bills: HB1675, HB3242, HB1739, HB3320, HB3047, HB4434, HJR1089, HB4432, HB3718, HB3705, SR43, HB1933, HB4248, SB1847, SB1778, HJR1086, HB3001, HB3002, HB3003, HB3004, HB3005, HB3007, HB3008, HB1590, HB1242, HB3818, HB4305, HB1979, HB1225, HB3931, HB4454, HB3849, HB1746, HB3720, HB4275, HB4300, HB3586, HB2268, HB3755, HB4117, HB4294, HB3650, HB4298, HB3270, HB3145, HB3056

Keywords: emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan

Transcript Highlights:

• Their mission is to emphasize providing an outstanding education, grounded in biblical truth, academic
• House Bill 3003 extends the sunset to 2013 for the Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
• House Bill 3003 extends the sunset to 2013 for the Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
• House Bill 3004 extends the sunset to 2031 for the Board of Examiners in Optometry.
• House Bill 3008 extends the sunset to 2031 for the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence.

Bills: HB1675, HB3242, HB1739, HB3320, HB3047, HB4434, HJR1089, HB4432, HB3718, HB3705, SR43, HB1933, HB4248, SB1847, SB1778, HJR1086, HB3001, HB3002, HB3003, HB3004, HB3005, HB3007, HB3008, HB1590, HB1242, HB3818, HB4305, HB1979, HB1225, HB3931, HB4454, HB3849, HB1746, HB3720, HB4275, HB4300, HB3586, HB2268, HB3755, HB4117, HB4294, HB3650, HB4298, HB3270, HB3145, HB3056

Keywords: emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and pledges, and recognized several visiting groups and honorees, including students from Wesleyan Christian School, Claremore Day participants, and a tribute to Dr. J. Craig for his Marine Corps service, chiropractic career, and aid to first responders after the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber also welcomed a Cricket Oak High School AFJROTC unit and the Lincoln Christian wrestling team, both recognized for recent achievements. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 43 commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and honoring victims, survivors, and first responders. The Senate took up House Bill 1933, first rescinding prior action and then adopting a floor amendment to correct a drafting error and shift a penalty provision; the bill then passed 47-0. House Bill 4248, which would require purchasers of hemp beverages to be 21 and treat them similarly to beer for age purposes, passed 45-0 after brief discussion about whether it had medical implications. The Senate also adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1847, described as a compassion bill that would have saved the state money, and passed it 35-11 before later approving it as an emergency measure with 43 ayes. The chamber next adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1778, a major literacy bill adding early intervention, teacher training, and optional early ELA testing for second graders, along with good-cause exemptions; it passed 43-2 and then as an emergency measure. The Senate also passed House Joint Resolution 1086, approving rules from several agencies, by 42-4. Finally, the Senate advanced and passed a series of sunset-extension bills for boards and councils, including the Child Death Review Board, county government training commission, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Board of Examiners in Optometry, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, several environmental advisory councils, and the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, with most later receiving emergency passage. The Senate concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until April 25, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Treasurer of various boards and committees throughout Oklahoma City.
• Doctor Kip is also a sitting member of the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
• I believe we have some other board members. If the other members will stand, go ahead and stand up.
• who's with Red Castle Gun Club, Nick Tisco, who's with the NRA, and Stuart Hourray from the actual board

Bills: HR1037, HR1043, SB1491, SB1451, SB1286, SB1581, SB1521, SB201, SB1290, SB169, SB1377, SB1991, SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB722, SB3

Keywords: National Poetry Month, poetry, education, cultural celebration, arts and humanities, child abuse, prevention, community support, family safety, child welfare, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, voter registration, election integrity, Secretary of State, cancellation of registration, gender neutrality

Transcript Highlights:

• He has served as president, chairman, and treasurer of various boards and committees throughout Oklahoma
• Kipp is also a sitting member of the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
• I believe we have some other board members. If the other members will stand, go ahead and stand up.
• who's with Red Castle Gun Club, Nick Tiscoe, who is with the NRA, and Stuart Hooray from the actual board

Bills: HR1037, HR1043, SB1491, SB1451, SB1286, SB1581, SB1521, SB201, SB1290, SB169, SB1377, SB1991, SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB722, SB3

Keywords: National Poetry Month, poetry, education, cultural celebration, arts and humanities, child abuse, prevention, community support, family safety, child welfare, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, voter registration, election integrity, Secretary of State, cancellation of registration, gender neutrality

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, pledge, and a series of ceremonial recognitions and introductions. Chaplain Ronnie Wilson delivered the invocation, and the chamber honored Veteran of the Week Bobby Joe Floyd for his Army service and decades in Oklahoma law enforcement. Members also recognized a visiting youth performer, Nova Williams, and adopted House Resolution 1037 recognizing April as National Poetry Month and House Resolution 1043 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month. The House also featured several special presentations tied to Caregivers Day, including introductions of Dr. Mukesh Perrek as Doctor of the Day, Dr. Colby Kipp as Psychologist of the Day, and Cynthia Cothram as Nurse of the Day. Additional guests from Stillwater Medical Center and Share Medical Center were welcomed, and Representative West presented Metropolitan Library System poet laureate Hallie Waugh, reading one of her poems in honor of Poetry Month. Representative Hill then recognized the week’s pages, highlighting students from across Oklahoma and their academic and extracurricular achievements. In floor action, Representative Schreiber moved to request further conference on House Bill 1851, and the motion was adopted without objection. The House also reassigned measures according to the Majority Floor Leader’s list. After announcements, Representative Kennedy hosted a special presentation for the Oklahoma Rifle Association and NRA-related guests, and the House adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I feel more educated on the subject. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Rep.
• to provide for board membership, to provide for board member qualification, to provide for the domicile
• of the board, and to provide for related matters.
• on the board.
• It changes that the board shall be sued in East Baton Rouge Parish instead of May.

Bills: HB207, HB267, HB300, HB464, HB618, HB853

Keywords: Louisiana Auctioneers Licensing Board, auctioneer licensing, professional licensing board, board membership, gubernatorial appointments, consumer members, public at large, Public Service Commission district, East Baton Rouge Parish, venue, domicile, licensure requirements, licensed auctioneer, occupational licensing, state board governance, Act 138, home inspectors, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board

Transcript Highlights:

• :24.320><c> with</c> Taber Samuelson, veteran educator with Taber Samuelson, veteran educator with 30
• </c><00:21:11.960><c> So,</c> better education there. So, better education there.
• </c> levels of education. levels of education.
• of Education.
• </c> education finance. education finance.

Bills: HF3776, HF3557, HF3585

Keywords: screen time, preschool, kindergarten, early childhood education, digital media, tablets, smartphones, educational technology, EdTech, classroom devices, publicly funded preschool, school policy, child development, special education, IEP, 504 plan, IFSP, Minnesota education law, climate literacy, education

Transcript Highlights:

• SB1360 is a numeracy bill for the Department of Education. For questions. This was part of this.
• Since 2009, the fee structure for the Construction Industries Board has remained flat.
• We have mandated provisions for continuing education requirements.
• Also, we have increased the obligations of the board to have to meet regarding regulatory enforcements
• It does adjust the fee structure for the Construction Industries Board.

Bills: SB44, SB237, SB248, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB1360, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1427, SB1428, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB2143

Keywords: sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, ad valorem tax, manufacturing facilities, exemption, battery energy storage, employment, payroll, state tax regulation, tourism, revolving fund, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, real property, fund management, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement

Transcript Highlights:

• authorize the Board of Elementary Secondary Education notify certain decisions of the Appeals Council
• Jordan, pharmacy, education, support, fee licenses and permits issued by the Board of Pharmacy, reported
• and Brass, dual enrollment, responsibilities of the Board of Regents, public post-secondary education
• institutions, and education management boards, provide for a uniform statewide application process,
• education institutions, and education management boards, provide for a uniform statewide application

Bills: HR46, HR47, HR48, HR49, HR50, HR51, HR52, HR53, HR54, HR55, HR56, HR57, HCR31, HB20, HB21, HB166, HB494, HB710, HB795, HB985, HB986, HB987, HB988, HB989, HB990, HB991, HB992, HB993, HB994, HB995, HB996, HB997, HB998, HR42, HR43, HR44, HR45, HCR22, HCR23, HCR24, HCR25, HCR26, HCR27, HCR28, HCR29, HCR30, SCR13, HB894, HB983, HB984, SB19, SB23, SB26, SB30, SB39, SB45, SB46, SB50, SB51, SB55, SB69, SB71, SB73, SB84, SB85, SB89, SB96, SB98, SB101, SB110, SB148, SB150, SB160, SB164, SB303, SB340, HB28, HB36, HB50, HB52, HB56, HB62, HB68, HB92, HB110, HB117, HB119, HB124, HB140, HB147, HB160, HB171, HB174, HB182, HB193, HB196, HB198, HB203, HB228, HB234, HB237, HB260, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB289, HB316, HB351, HB393, HB400, HB413, HB446, HB469, HB486, HB534, HB551, HB552, HB574, HB576, HB634, HB649, HB677, HB735, HB739, HB779, HB784, HB796, HB807, HB842, HB850, HB919, HB474, HB487, HB503, HB606, HB633, HB707, HB720, HB728, HB733, HB846, HB852, HB856, HB868, HB875, HB129, HB130, HB287, HB489, HB545, HB553, HB555, HB570, HB854, HB952, HB221, HB148, HB331, HB149, HB901

Keywords: HR 46, House Resolution 46, water well drillers, water wells, well drilling, driller licensure, licensing requirements, Department of Conservation and Energy, R.S. 38:3098.1, LAC 46.LXXXIX.507, professional references, two years drilling experience, workforce development, barriers to entry, water infrastructure, natural resources, groundwater, public health, state water resources, occupational licensing

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, leave granted for one member, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Women Shaping Industry Day, Louisiana Agriculture Week, and CODOFIL Day at the Capitol. The chamber also received Senate messages concurring in several House concurrent resolutions and adopting SCRs 14 and 15, which designated Flood Awareness Month and recognized the bond between Quebec and Louisiana. Numerous resolutions and bills were introduced and referred, including measures on retirement systems, juvenile justice districts, carbon sequestration in St. Helena Parish, tax administration, election procedures, education, criminal justice, and state property transfers. The House adopted several resolutions without objection, including commendations for Thrive Academy, Bishop Lonnie Welder, Pastor Aaron Holloway, World Down Syndrome Day, and others. Members also heard committee reports on a wide range of bills, with many reported favorably or with amendments. In morning hour, the House discharged and withdrew two bills from committee, and later returned some bills to the calendar with notice to call them on later dates. The chamber then took up a series of floor bills, passing HB 474 to create an income tax checkoff for the Grambling State University National Alumni Association, HB 487 on penalties for unsafe red-light passing maneuvers, HB 503 on utility terrain vehicles in Golden Meadow, HB 606 on personal delivery devices, HB 633 on estimated income tax filing timing, HB 707 on the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission Advisory Board, HB 970 on tacit dedication of public roadways, HB 728 on out-of-state tow truck requirements, HB 846 on license plate coverings, HB 852 on a domestic violence donation checkoff, HB 856 on DOTD indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity construction contracts, HB 221 naming the proposed Mississippi River bridge the President Donald J. Trump Expressway, HB 148 designating a highway memorial, and HB 331 creating a Louisiana GOP specialty plate. Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition, though HB 221 drew debate and passed 68-26. The House adjourned after announcing committee meetings for the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education.
• Education.
• authorize the Board of Elementary Secondary Education notify certain decisions of the Appeals Council
• by the Board of Pharmacy.
• by the Board of Pharmacy.

Bills: HR46, HR47, HR48, HR49, HR50, HR51, HR52, HR53, HR54, HR55, HR56, HR57, HCR31, HB20, HB21, HB166, HB494, HB710, HB795, HB985, HB986, HB987, HB988, HB989, HB990, HB991, HB992, HB993, HB994, HB995, HB996, HB997, HB998, HR42, HR43, HR44, HR45, HCR22, HCR23, HCR24, HCR25, HCR26, HCR27, HCR28, HCR29, HCR30, SCR13, HB894, HB983, HB984, SB19, SB23, SB26, SB30, SB39, SB45, SB46, SB50, SB51, SB55, SB69, SB71, SB73, SB84, SB85, SB89, SB96, SB98, SB101, SB110, SB148, SB150, SB160, SB164, SB303, SB340, HB28, HB36, HB50, HB52, HB56, HB62, HB68, HB92, HB110, HB117, HB119, HB124, HB140, HB147, HB160, HB171, HB174, HB182, HB193, HB196, HB198, HB203, HB228, HB234, HB237, HB260, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB289, HB316, HB351, HB393, HB400, HB413, HB446, HB469, HB486, HB534, HB551, HB552, HB574, HB576, HB634, HB649, HB677, HB735, HB739, HB779, HB784, HB796, HB807, HB842, HB850, HB919, HB474, HB487, HB503, HB606, HB633, HB707, HB720, HB728, HB733, HB846, HB852, HB856, HB868, HB875, HB129, HB130, HB287, HB489, HB545, HB553, HB555, HB570, HB854, HB952, HB221, HB148, HB331, HB149, HB901

Keywords: HR 46, House Resolution 46, water well drillers, water wells, well drilling, driller licensure, licensing requirements, Department of Conservation and Energy, R.S. 38:3098.1, LAC 46.LXXXIX.507, professional references, two years drilling experience, workforce development, barriers to entry, water infrastructure, natural resources, groundwater, public health, state water resources, occupational licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• We started our public hearing in the Joint Committee on Education.
• I come to you as an education attorney who works to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.
• I’m an independent educational watchdog and forum initiative.
• So I go district to district, and I ask many different families involved with special education what
• It also falls back on DESE, who continually does not apply the same standards across the board.

Bills: H3895, H5157

Keywords: career education, technical training, Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, pilot program, youth education, school safety, education, mental health, children, security measures, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• members, for allowing me to lay out House Bill 1876, the Country Centennial Career and Technical Education
• House Bill 1876 seeks to establish a career and technical education reporting grant program administered
• by the Texas Education Agency.
• They should receive credit for industry-based experience outside of education.
• So I work for the Texas Education Agency. I haven't been in contact with anyone from TRS. Okay.

Bills: HB 1057, HB1876

Keywords: teacher salary, retirement benefits, career education, work experience credit, Texas Education Code, technical training, workforce development, grants, education funding, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I call the Education Finance Committee to order.
• I would like to welcome the Assistant Commissioner from the Minnesota Department of Education. of Education
• and Standards Board, to the Minnesota Department of Education.
• public access to board meetings.
• with educators.

Bills: HF2430, HF2433

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation

Transcript Highlights:

• state chartered credit unions to disallow geographic or membership overlap consideration allows the board

Bills: SB1623, SB2067, SB2132

Keywords: credit union, Oklahoma State Credit Union Board, membership, loans, investments, board compensation, financial regulations, financial exploitation, protected adults, financial institution, notification, temporary hold, credit card, surcharge, discounts, consumer protection, payment methods

Summary: The Banking, Financial Services, and Pensions Committee heard three bills. Senate Bill 2132, presented by Rep. Geis, would raise the allowable credit card processing fee cap from 2% to 3% and preserve consumer protections requiring notice to customers. During discussion, members raised concerns about whether 3% was enough to cover actual merchant costs; Geis said she had spoken with the Senate author and was prepared to amend the bill to 4%, which she said would better match average costs and cover most businesses. The committee agreed to let the language be handled before Oversight, and the bill passed 8-0. House Bill 1623, also presented by Geis, updates the state charter for credit unions to give state-chartered institutions more flexibility similar to federally chartered credit unions. It revises field-of-membership rules, removes geographic or membership overlap considerations, and allows the board to add association categories for individuals in underserved areas below 150% of the poverty level. The bill received no questions and passed 8-0. Senate Bill 267, presented by Rep. Lepak, carries the same language previously passed in House Bill 3020 and deals with protection of vulnerable adults. Lepak said bankers and credit unions were working together on the measure. The committee took no substantive debate and passed the bill 8-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• courses, driver's education, and CPR lessons.
• . in early education to ensure that I could bring the best attention possible.
• I have earned a BA and a master's in early childhood education.
• I'm a caregiver and a former e-board member of SEIU 775 for caregivers' union.
• Cutting education funding under these circumstances is indefensible.

Bills: SB5808, HB2254, HB2385, SB6006, SB6351, SB6198, SB6260, SB6353, SB5949, SB6129, SB6228, SB6231, SB6229, SB6173

Keywords: health insurance, premium assistance, funding, healthcare access, state budget, HB 2254, Washington, Health Care Authority, partnership access line, psychiatric consultation line, first approach skills training, behavioral health, mental health, assessment, administrative costs, health carriers, self-funded plans, multiple employer welfare arrangement, MEWA, employers

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:04:58.400><c> reappointed</c><00:04:58.920><c> to</c><00:04:59.000><c> the</c><00:04:59.080><c> Board
• </c><00:04:59.360><c> of</c> Young who is reappointed to the Board of Young who is reappointed to the
• Board of Agriculture<00:05:00.120><c> and</c><00:05:00.280><c> Biosecurity.
• Also with us from the Agribusiness Development Corporation Board are GM 606 David Hinozumi, GM 607 Jason
• Uh, we also have GM 680 Michael Faye, who is appointed to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Bills: SCR47, SCR21, SCR163, SCR169, SCR170, SCR50, SCR75, SCR149, HCR83, HCR111, HCR110, HCR122, HCR118, HCR61, HCR162, HCR36, HCR19, HCR106, HCR14, HCR178, SB3022, SB3102, SB3144

Keywords: sister-state, Hawaii, Okayama, Japan, cultural exchange, economic partnership, tourism, agriculture, international relations, healthcare, rural clinic, feasibility study, access to care, community health, Volcano community, Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, emergency services, health assessment, Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Legislative Cooperation

Transcript Highlights:

• So what is the board? What does the board look like? We have 15 members on the board.
• So the board votes on that.
• So the board votes on that.
• No, I mean, the board—these are board policies, right? The board is in charge of all of this.
• The board did that last year.

Bills: SB5439, SB6109, SB6304

Keywords: investment, thermal coal, divestment, state investment board, fossil fuels, environmental impact, renewable energy, detention facilities, state funds, privatization, criminal justice reform, Washington State Investment Board, responsible investment, sustainability, corporate governance, 904, all

Summary: The committee first received a work session from the State Investment Board. Staff described the board’s structure, its roughly $230 billion in assets, and its mandate to maximize returns at prudent risk for pension and other public funds. Officials said the board generally invests public equities passively through low-cost index funds, manages a diversified mix of asset classes, and has produced strong long-term returns that help stabilize contribution rates and the state budget. They also outlined the board’s sustainability program, including ESG integration, proxy voting, engagement with companies, climate and DEI blueprints, and a stated view that divestment restrictions can reduce returns and increase costs. Senators asked about deferred compensation, private equity, digital assets, and whether the legislature has altered investment policy in the past. The committee then held a public hearing on SB 5439, which would prohibit new thermal coal investments beginning in 2026 and require full divestment by 2030, with limited exceptions. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with advocates arguing coal is a poor long-term investment, a major climate and health harm, and a small share of the portfolio that can be phased out without major disruption. The hearing also covered SB 6109, which would prohibit investments in private detention facilities and require divestment by 2030; supporters said public funds should not profit from immigrant detention, while staff confirmed the board currently has a small investment in Geo Group. The committee then heard SB 6304, a broader responsible investing bill that would require the board to incorporate ethical principles related to human rights, environmental degradation, corruption, and similar harms, and to adopt proxy voting guidelines and annual reporting. Supporters from labor, faith, civil rights, housing, and Palestinian advocacy groups said the bill would align investments with state values and address harms tied to weapons, detention, surveillance, fossil fuels, and alleged genocide-related investments. Finally, the committee received a briefing on Substitute SB 5945, which would exclude most juvenile convictions from counting as strikes under the state’s persistent offender law, except for first- and second-degree murder and serious sex offenses, and would apply retroactively with resentencing for affected people. Fiscal estimates discussed ranged from about 10 to 48 cases, with costs for public defense, courts, and local prosecution. Public defense officials said the cases would be complex and resource-intensive. Prosecutors and sheriffs opposed the bill, especially retroactive resentencing, citing victim impacts, workload, and public safety concerns, and asked that retroactivity be removed if the bill moves forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fifth and finally, the Professional Educator Standards Board must revise standards for teacher endorsements
• According to Pew, 79% of educators, according to the National Education Association, say they're disruptive
• On the educator side, the Professional Educator Standards Board adopted endorsement competency standards
• Let boards do their job. Okay. John Hill, citizen. Let boards do their jobs.
• We want our children engaged, educated, and present.

Bills: SB6192, SB6206, SB5346, SB6125, SB5841, SB5907, SB5951

Keywords: education, reading, mathematics, student intervention, instruction, academic standards, child care, first responders, incentives, pilot program, mobile phones, cell phones, smartphones, school phones, classroom distraction, digital citizenship, media literacy, internet safety, cyberbullying, student mental health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education-related bills. Senate Bill 6192 would require structured literacy and numeracy programs, add math interventions similar to the existing third-grade reading “gate,” create annual STAR teacher bonuses for selected math and ELA teachers, and revise literacy endorsement standards. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to refocus schools on core academics and use research-based instruction, while OSPI and ESD representatives supported the goal but raised implementation concerns about data access and the teacher award process. Testimony was mixed: some parents and students said the bill could help struggling readers and math students, while others, including WEA and several witnesses, opposed merit pay, grade retention, and what they viewed as overreliance on standardized testing or a single reading approach. Senate Bill 6206 would create a Commerce-run pilot program to incentivize child care providers serving children of first responders, especially during nonstandard hours, on short notice, and when children are ill. The sponsor and multiple law enforcement, dispatch, and labor witnesses described child care as a major barrier to recruitment and retention, particularly for women and shift workers. Committee questions focused on how the proposal would relate to existing DCYF child care subsidies and nonstandard-hours bonuses, and whether Commerce was the right agency to administer the program. Testimony was strongly supportive overall. Senate Bill 5346 would direct OSPI to incorporate mobile device use into digital citizenship instruction and report on school phone policies and barriers, with final recommendations due in 2028. Supporters, including students, parents, educators, and researchers, said phones distract from learning, contribute to social and mental health problems, and can be addressed through bell-to-bell restrictions. Opponents argued that local school boards should decide policy, that phones can be important for safety, communication, and medical needs, and that the bill was too vague. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6125, which would stabilize school funding for districts, charter schools, and tribal compact schools if enrollment-based state revenue falls below prior-year levels; the sponsor and witnesses said it would provide short-term stability amid declining enrollment and budget uncertainty. The committee then moved into executive session on Senate Bill 5841, which would require evidence of a financial aid application in high school and beyond plans.

Transcript Highlights:

• , but make basic education impossible.
• that our public education be fully funded?
• I'm the school board president of the Sequim School District, and I'm president of the Washington Education
• My testimony comes from three perspectives: educator that sees the need, a board director that manages
• up... ...funding education.

Bills: SB5992, SB5918, SB5951, SB6042, SB5952, SB5961, SB5969

Keywords: youth development, funding, positive programs, youth services, community programs, school funding, education, supplies, operating costs, K-12 education, albuterol, access, public schools, private schools, healthcare, school safety, emergency preparedness, mapping, local education policies, curriculum requirements

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 5992, which would create a non-appropriated Youth Development Fund account at OSPI to support grants for positive youth development programs serving ages 5 to 24. Staff explained the fund could receive gifts, grants, endowments, federal funds, legislative appropriations, and other receipts, and that grants could go to nonprofits, tribal entities, and parks and recreation organizations, with school districts and ESDs eligible in limited circumstances. Senator Krishnadasan and several members described the bill as a way to expand access to mentoring, after-school, summer, arts, sports, STEM, and other wraparound supports, especially for youth facing mental health, poverty, homelessness, or other barriers. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, including from students, youth-serving nonprofits, tribes, and state agencies, though one tribal witness asked for consultation, reserved tribal access, and data sovereignty protections. No vote on SB 5992 occurred in the portion provided; the committee moved on to other bills and later returned to testimony on it. In executive session, the committee acted on three bills. For Senate Bill 5952, which would have created a standardized process and form for excusing high school students from PE, the committee adopted Senator Wellman’s substitute, which instead requires districts to honor a prior excusal if a student transfers, and then gave the substitute a due pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. For Senate Bill 5961, which transfers the Imagination Library of Washington program from DCYF to OSPI, the committee adopted Senator Wilson’s substitute adding a directive for OSPI, subject to appropriations, to contract with a nonprofit experienced in early literacy through pediatric office visits, and then sent it to Ways and Means with a due pass recommendation. For Senate Bill 5969, concerning IEP transition plans and high school and beyond plans, the committee adopted Senator Cortez’s substitute removing student election language and instead directing OSPI to minimize duplication in the statewide IEP system, then sent the bill to Ways and Means with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5918, which would increase materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC) funding by $100 per student or $100,000 per district, whichever is greater, starting in the 2026-27 school year. Staff said the bill had no limiting language requiring the money to be spent only on MSOC, and the fiscal estimate projected significant state costs. Supporters from school districts, administrators, PTA, rural education groups, and labor organizations said districts are using local levies to cover basic operating costs such as utilities, insurance, curriculum, and supplies, leaving less for enrichment and forcing cuts to programs. One remote witness opposed the bill on tax and affordability grounds. The sponsor emphasized that MSOC is part of the state’s paramount duty and that districts are using enrichment dollars simply to keep schools open. The transcript then moved on to Senate Bill 5951 on stock albuterol in schools and Senate Bill 6042 on school mapping for first responders, with testimony beginning on both bills but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The education is great. The education is great.
• Okay, the board is clear.
• Department of Education.
• Everybody is educated. Everybody's educated, has been educated. We need oversight.
• We're not going to eliminate our local school boards, and we're going to continue to provide education

Bills: HCR14, HB201, HB218, HB352, HB626, HB636, HB738, HB749

Keywords: Department of Education, federal overreach, education policy, Tenth Amendment, local control, fine arts, high school diploma, arts education, capstone project, academic achievement, student recognition, Louisiana education, food insecurity, hunger, student hunger, school meals, free lunch, community eligibility provision, McKinney-Vento, homeless students