Transcript Highlights:

• Mackey is the superintendent of the state board of education. Uh, Dr.
• The Department of Education is required by statute to investigate and manage...
• So the subpoena power that you have is not the subpoena power held by education.
• So the administrative court can issue the summons, not the Department of Education.
• or the state board of education has the authority to administer or regulate.

Bills: SB324 , HB395 , HB222 , HB310 , HB285 , HB144 , HB251 , HB380

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: Morgan County, judge of probate, legal qualifications, equity jurisdiction, constitutional amendment, campaign finance, electronic notifications, civil penalties, Fair Campaign Practices Act, Secretary of State, sex offenders, treatment programs, electronic media, post office box restrictions, Class C felony, parole, probation, human cloning, criminal penalties, embryo

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> platform for visitor education, platform for visitor education, particularly<00:05:18.320><c> with
• </c><00:29:58.480><c> the</c> the idea is to help educate the the idea is to help educate the public<
• Those same assets can be used to educate school kids, their education program.
• We find that if you're educate them.
• </c><00:34:46.960><c> We</c> kids, their education program. We kids, their education program.

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.

Transcript Highlights:

• relaying the eligibility of a trustee of certain school districts for employment by those districts to education
• to Eligibility for the Gifted and Tabled student allotment under the foundation school program to education
• Bill 1619 by Zaffirini relaying the use of an epinephrine delivery device by certain entities to Education
• proposing a constitutional amendment Fund to provide funding to eligible institutions of higher education
• to education K through 16. 65 by Hinojosa Vidalgo proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the

Bills: SJR60 , SJR62 , SJR65 , SJR66 , SJR67 , SJR68 , SCR27 , SCR28 , SCR29 , SB1576 , SB1577 , SB1578 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1581 , SB1582 , SB1583 , SB1584 , SB1585 , SB1586 , SB1587 , SB1588 , SB1589 , SB1590 , SB1591 , SB1592 , SB1593 , SB1594 , SB1595 , SB1596 , SB1597 , SB1598 , SB1599 , SB1600 , SB1601 , SB1602 , SB1603 , SB1604 , SB1605 , SB1606 , SB1607 , SB1608 , SB1609 , SB1610 , SB1611 , SB1612 , SB1613 , SB1614 , SB1615 , SB1616 , SB1618 , SB1619 , SB1620 , SB1622 , SB1623 , SB1624 , SB1625 , SJR60 , SJR62 , SJR65 , SJR66 , SJR67 , SJR68 , SCR27 , SCR28 , SCR29 , SB1576 , SB1577 , SB1578 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1581 , SB1582 , SB1583 , SB1584 , SB1585 , SB1586 , SB1587 , SB1588 , SB1589 , SB1590 , SB1591 , SB1592 , SB1593 , SB1594 , SB1595 , SB1596 , SB1597 , SB1598 , SB1599 , SB1600 , SB1601 , SB1602 , SB1603 , SB1604 , SB1605 , SB1606 , SB1607 , SB1608 , SB1609 , SB1610 , SB1611 , SB1612 , SB1613 , SB1614 , SB1615 , SB1616 , SB1618 , SB1619 , SB1620 , SB1622 , SB1623 , SB1624 , SB1625

Keywords: SJR 60, Texas constitutional amendment, property tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, rainwater harvesting, graywater system, water conservation, water reuse, residential tax incentive, local government finance, county commissioners court, appraisal value, environmental incentive, November 2025 ballot, Article VIII, tax relief, healthcare workforce, education funding, higher education, economic growth

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Lukens. equal to state public K12 education equal to state public K12 education funding
• But when it comes to pitting the whole TABOR issue versus education, education, education, I think it
• </c><02:52:30.240><c> and</c> and we want to see kids educated and and we want to see kids educated and
• , our public education systems.
• It's a special education teacher.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , from even educating our scholars.
• , from even educating our scholars.
• And like I said, education from even educating our scholars.
• I mean, Department of Education and secondary education, you could throw whatever underneath that.
• doing our part to educate our scholars on everything.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the House Journal by a 121-0 vote, and a brief suspension of business for the Speaker to sign HB 2014. Members also observed a moment of silence for Butler County Fire Protection District Sergeant Commander Jatin Warren, who died in the line of duty, and the chamber introduced several guest groups, including Missouri Council on Aging representatives and county clerks. A resolution was also presented honoring former state representative K. H. Steinmetz for her 18 years of service in the Missouri House. The House then received committee reports recommending passage of HB 2934, HB 1800, and HB 1707. On third reading, HB 2974 passed 136-0 on telehealth and licensure reciprocity; HB 2934 passed 121-24 on consolidating St. Louis convention center governance; HB 2057 passed 137-10 on entertainment districts for Osage Beach and Chesterfield; the combined HB 1839/2921/3015 passed 120-19 on age verification for harmful online content; HB 1707 passed 149-0 to bar the Department of Revenue from taxing credit card processing fees; HB 2819 passed 145-0 to set rounding rules as the penny is phased out; and HB 2600 passed 148-0 to allow ambulance districts to combine resources for coverage. HB 1800, which reduces the inflationary growth factor for certain taxing districts from 5% to 3% and adjusts assessment ranges, drew the most extended debate over its effect on schools, fire districts, and taxpayers; it ultimately passed 82-61. Members also perfected HB 2774, which bars state and local governments from restricting equipment sales or use based on fuel source, and HB 2383, a utility infrastructure protection bill adding wired/copper infrastructure to existing critical infrastructure protections and setting penalties for theft or damage; HB 2383 was amended to align with the Senate version and then perfected. Finally, the House began debate on a combined bill package including HB 1664, 1610, 1645, and 2182, which would extend the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse civil claims while also shortening the general personal injury statute of limitations from five years to three; the child sexual abuse provisions drew broad support, while the tort-reform portion prompted sharp disagreement over access to justice versus business certainty.

Transcript Highlights:

• “You restricted diversity programs and academic freedom in higher education.
• It has also been one of the most educational experiences I have had.
• At public institutions of higher education.
• Political discourse is a fundamental aspect of higher education.
• Members, drowning prevention education is a small bill with huge impact.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and adoption of the special order report for the day. Members observed a moment of silence for several service members killed in the Middle East conflict, and the chamber also recognized visiting students, law enforcement, and later several guests in the gallery during farewell remarks. The House then moved through the special order calendar, taking up a series of bills on third reading. The first major measure was CS for CS for HB 981 on tributaries of the St. Johns River, which sponsors described as a community-driven plan to restore the Ocklawaha River while balancing conservation, recreation, and economic concerns. Representative Sapp opposed the bill, arguing it would harm rural communities, Rodman Reservoir interests, freshwater resources, property values, and local jobs without adequate funding or certainty. Representative Cross supported the restoration effort and its long-term environmental and community benefits. The House adopted an amendment updating planning references and expanding the advisory council, then passed the bill 107-3. The chamber next passed CS for CSHB 1389 on affordable housing and the Live Local Act after debate over state preemption of local authority, accessory dwelling units, and the removal of local opt-out provisions; supporters emphasized the statewide housing shortage and the need for more housing supply, while opponents argued the bill further limited local control. The bill passed 70-29. The House also passed CS for CSHB 1085, codifying the local government cybersecurity grant program and giving preference to fiscally constrained counties, by a unanimous 109-0 vote. CS for HB 273 on special districts passed after extensive questioning about downtown development districts, rural areas of opportunity, budget approval, and administrative caps; an amendment to remove the downtown district provisions failed, and the bill ultimately passed 88-? yeas as announced on the floor. CS for HB 989 on motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers passed 109-1 after sponsor testimony that it would prevent manufacturers from concentrating new vehicle inventory with one dealer group and protect competition and small businesses. CS/CS for HB 1329 on local government spending and budget transparency passed 82-28 after a lengthy debate over whether the bill would impose costs on local governments; a Cheney amendment to provide hardship assistance for smaller governments was adopted, and supporters framed the bill as improving public access to local budget information while opponents argued it duplicated existing transparency and could require new software or staff. The House then began consideration of CS/CS/CS/CS HB 1417, the Department of Environmental Protection package, with the sponsor outlining provisions on environmental regulation, septic systems, solar facility stormwater controls, coastal resiliency partnerships, and air-pollution permit timing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and school safety. ...excellent education and school safety.
• supporting public schools, educators, and school leaders across Arizona.
• supporting public schools, educators, and school leaders across Arizona.
• As I said, with the Arizona Educational Foundation, I also have a career in education and am the parent
• As I said, with the Arizona Educational Foundation, I also have a career in education and am the parent

Bills: SB1041 , SB1050 , SB1131 , SB1138 , SB1249 , SB1267 , SB1272 , SB1317 , SB1461 , SB1488 , SB1504 , SB1517 , SB1523 , SB1580 , SB1582 , SB1584 , SB1585 , SB1602 , SB1630 , SB1654 , SB1672 , SB1673 , SB1718 , SB1761 , SB1819 , SB1826 , SB1827

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, veterans, lifetime pass, state parks, Arizona, access, disabled veterans, cardiac arrest, defibrillators, school safety, emergency response, CPR training, Arizona education funding, automated license plate readers

Transcript Highlights:

• And CDC has been supporting us in that as well. can expand education efforts to other regions across
• Do we still have someone from Texas Education Agency here? Mr. Delgado. Thank you.
• Members, any questions for Texas Education? Representative Jones. I've got a question.
• We've developed continuing education for health care providers. We've done this individually.
• How would we compare to states that need to have more prevention, but also education.

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has also been one of the most educational experiences I have had.
• At public institutions of higher education.
• An act relating to political activity at public institutions of higher education.
• Political discourse is a fundamental aspect of higher education.
• educational information and save lives.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum call, and several recognitions, including a moment of silence for service members killed in the Middle East conflict. The chamber adopted the special order report and then took up several bills on the special order calendar. Early action included passage of CS/CS/HB 981 on tributaries of the St. Johns River and Ocklawaha River restoration after debate over environmental benefits versus concerns about impacts to Rodman Reservoir, rural communities, property values, and long-term uncertainty. The bill passed 107-3. Members then considered CS/HB 1389 on affordable housing and the Live Local Act. The bill would expand multifamily and mixed-use allowances, limit local setback/stepback restrictions, remove local opt-out authority, address accessory dwelling units, and waive sovereign immunity for certain land-use discrimination claims. Supporters argued it would increase housing supply amid a statewide shortage; opponents objected to further state preemption of local control and the ADU provisions. The bill passed 78-29. The House also passed CS/CS/HB 1085, codifying the local government cybersecurity grant program and prioritizing fiscally constrained counties, by a unanimous 109-0 vote. The chamber next debated CS/HB 273 on special districts, which would allow certain agreements in rural areas of opportunity and impose new transparency and budget rules on larger downtown development districts. Questions focused on the meaning of “directly benefit,” the 10% administrative cap, budget approval authority, and the bill’s effect on downtown development authorities. An amendment to remove the downtown district provisions failed, and the bill passed 88-0. The House later returned to the temporarily postponed CS/HB 989 on motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers, which limits allocation of new vehicle lines to any one dealer group; it passed 109-1. Finally, the House took up CS/HB 1329 on local government spending transparency. The bill requires tentative budgets to be posted 14 days before hearings, final budgets to remain online for five years, and budget data to be searchable and downloadable, with waivers for smaller governments. Members debated whether the bill would impose costs despite the sponsor’s claim of zero fiscal impact. An amendment by Representative Cheney would have added hardship assistance for small governments and CFO support, but the transcript ends during debate on that amendment before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, so it's possible that the board of education sees it around cont. >> Yes, sir.
• </c><00:08:33.519><c> wants</c> Rowan County Board of Education wants Rowan County Board of Education
• The first three are with the Department of Education.
• </c><00:17:09.039><c> Kentucky</c> is the Department of Education Kentucky is the Department of Education
• </c><00:18:23.039><c> approved</c> Council of Postsecary Education approved Council of Postsecary Education

Keywords: Reuploaded tor restore the roll call and minutes approval 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:20 Approval of Minutes 0:00:50 Information Items 0:01:39 Project Rpt from Eastern KY University 0:06:54 Lease Rpt from University of KY 0:11:33 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:18:50 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:29:33 OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority 0:38:27 OFM – Debt Issues 0:46:27 Louisville Arena Authority 1:24:30 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the November minutes and received information items on University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts reporting upcoming bond issues with no additional tax levies needed, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues for fiscal year 2026. It then considered an appropriation increase for a University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. University officials said the project is 100% federally funded and will construct a terminal building tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school. Members asked about the relationship to aviation expansion and whether the flight school would be publicly operated; the witnesses said EKU would operate it, public appropriations had already been applied, and student revenue would help offset costs. The committee approved the item by roll call vote. Next, the committee approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for property at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead, Rowan County, for $6.4 million. UK said the property, which includes an 85,000-square-foot facility on 9.6 acres, is directly across from UK St. Clair and was offered by the Rowan County Board of Education after it moved to a new location. Members questioned why the payment schedule was structured as quarterly installments and why the price was below two appraisals; UK said the board requested the arrangement and did not want the full amount upfront, and there was no interest on the purchase price. The committee also approved this item. The deputy state budget director then reported three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Ballard Wildlife Management Area pump station project, Lake Barkley State Resort Park emergency repairs, and Lake Barkley lodge wing exterior repairs. After questions, staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies because bids came in close to available funding. The committee approved the action items, then heard four no-action pool projects: HVAC upgrades at the FFA leadership training center in Hardinsburg, Kentucky School for the Blind’s McDaniel Scoggin building, KSD’s Brett Brady Hall, and a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation for the School of Engineering Technology. Finally, the committee heard two real property items: a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the high per-square-foot cost and whether another county location could be used; CHFS said it maintains offices in every county seat, this lease would replace an existing 1977 office, and the new construction was negotiated down from a higher initial bid. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing space, with renovation costs partly absorbed by the lessor and the remainder amortized over the lease term.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:46.480><c> um</c> Kentucky Department of Education um Kentucky Department of Education um
• </c> of what is ongoing continuing education of what is ongoing continuing education for<00:21:38.000
• Um, and I think better outcomes usually are going to come when we have better education.
• So anyway, there's a lot of issues, but I think it goes back to education and nutrition.
• We have better education.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Again task force held its first meeting to set interim priorities rather than take formal action. Co-chairs and members said the group’s goal is to identify practical policy ideas to improve Kentucky’s poor health outcomes, with an emphasis on prevention, and to gather input from members and outside stakeholders. Roll was called, several members were present, and the co-chairs noted the meeting would be limited in length and would not include a lunch break. Members identified a wide range of possible focus areas, including childhood and adult obesity, nutrition in schools, food deserts, agriculture and support for local farms, health responsibility, physical activity, mental health, and provider education on nutrition. Several speakers stressed that Kentucky’s health care costs are rising unsustainably and that prevention is cheaper than treatment. Others emphasized that the task force should work with agencies, hospitals, universities, and experts, and should narrow its work to a few actionable areas rather than “chase every rabbit.” There was also discussion of food as medicine, improving the quality of food in schools and hospitals, and making healthier choices more accessible and affordable. Members referenced conversations already underway with industries, the Kentucky Department of Education, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and agricultural leaders. No votes or formal motions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; the main action was the exchange of priorities and direction for future task force work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so again, I think this is the way we want to fund education through the education trust fund, not
• </c><02:58:45.600><c> through</c> way we want to fund education through way we want to fund education
• 58:46.960><c> not</c><02:58:47.120><c> general</c> the education trust fund, not general the education
• I have my doubts as to education.
• </c><03:09:31.680><c> because</c> disability or special education because disability or special education

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• do for the state of Texas with our education system and non-profits.
• As an early childhood education provider, I am facing significant challenges.
• Senior director of education for children at risk.
• We expanded that fund to also cover a driver's education fund. programs.
• Of our educational workforce programming.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> health, substance abuse, uh education health, substance abuse, uh education programs.<00:15:07.280
• </c> is going to relate over to education is going to relate over to education problems<00:15:23.160>
• Co-parenting education.
• Co-parenting education.
• </c> care of a lot of our issues in education care of a lot of our issues in education particularly,<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting was a discussion of fatherhood and a possible response to Senator Robby Mills’ Resolution 112, which had proposed a task force on fatherhood initiatives. After approving the June meeting minutes and confirming a quorum, the committee heard a presentation from Mark Ludwig, executive director of the National Council for Equal Shared Parenting, who argued that fatherhood is often left out of public policy and that stronger father involvement is linked to better outcomes in crime, education, substance abuse, and family stability. He cited Kentucky’s 50/50 shared parenting law as a model and urged fatherhood classes, employment support, mentoring, co-parenting education, and partnerships with community organizations, schools, and social workers rather than relying solely on state spending. He also said fatherhood engagement could save the state money by reducing incarceration and related costs. Members then raised concerns that the presentation did not sufficiently address structural causes of fatherlessness, especially incarceration, racial disparities, gun violence, poverty, housing, transportation, and sentencing policy. Senator Berg and Representative Kulkarni emphasized that Black and brown families are disproportionately affected by incarceration and violence, and questioned whether fatherhood programs alone can solve the problem without broader reforms. Ludwig responded that some fathers are pushed out by the court system or lack legal resources, and said reintegration programs and legal, financial, and community supports are part of the solution, though he had focused mainly on the need for fatherhood programming in this presentation. No bill was voted on and no formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes. The discussion appeared to be an initial policy conversation to gather ideas and perspectives for possible future work on fatherhood-related initiatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• be entitled in acts relating to the linking industry to nursing education fund.
• be entitled an act relating to the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund.
• be entitled an act relating to the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund.
• When we debate public education, a child's future is being shaped.
• We educate our children and provide for We choose our own leaders, we educate our children, and provide

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum and journal business before taking up the special order calendar. Several bills were explained and moved through amendment and final passage, including CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters’ child-abuse reporting violations, which was clarified on the floor to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. CS/SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to align with the House version and passed 111-0. The chamber also recognized Spina Bifida Week and guests in the gallery before considering additional measures. Members then passed CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), described as preserving the program’s actuarial soundness, by a 112-0 vote; CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund, expanded to support broader health science education programs and non-health-care partner contributions, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care facility standards by 111-0; CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, including transfer-of-ownership and MAT-related provisions, by 168-0; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, allowing limited coach support for student welfare with parental consent and other guardrails, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts, limiting use of ADS-B data for airport billing, by 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, modernizing licensure and exclusivity rules, by 111-0. The House also took up CS/SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related restrictions. The sponsor argued the bill would prohibit counties and municipalities from official DEI actions and related funding while preserving numerous exceptions for holidays, observances, public safety, and other activities. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect local programs, events, and offices, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing two prongs; debate centered on vagueness, enforcement, and local-government impacts. The transcript cuts off during consideration of that amendment, so no final action on the bill is shown. The session also included lengthy farewell remarks from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf, reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• be entitled: An act relating to the linking industry to nursing education fund.
• be entitled: An act relating to the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund.
• When we debate public education, a child's future is being shaped.
• We educate our children and provide for we choose our own leaders, we educate our children, and provide
• Education, understanding, and not banning conversations about who we are about.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Megan Wargacki, counsel to the Education Committee.
• of Washington's K-12 public education system.
• An institution of higher education that discontinues operations or that discontinues the educational
• access to special education evaluation reports.
• I represent Seattle's special education PTSA.

Summary: The committee first heard Substitute House Bill 1128, which would create a Child Care Workforce Standards Board within the Department of Labor and Industries to study child care workforce conditions and make recommendations on employment standards. Staff explained that the proposed second substitute narrows the board’s role from setting enforceable standards to making recommendations, with estimated ongoing costs for L&I staffing and smaller costs for board member stipends and possible DCYF support. Supporters, including child care providers, SEIU 925, and labor representatives, said the bill would help address understaffing, low wages, and retention problems; opponents, including child care industry groups and private schools, argued it duplicates existing work, adds bureaucracy, and creates unfunded costs. No vote was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard Second Substitute House Bill 1634, which would direct OSPI and ESDs to develop a technical assistance and training framework to help schools coordinate student behavioral health supports. Staff said the bill aligns with the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan and could largely be implemented with existing work and limited additional costs, though DOH would need some support. Testifiers from behavioral health and school counseling fields described severe youth mental health needs and urged passage, and OSPI said the work is doable with current resources. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2636, which would create a public education review advisory council to recommend K-12 policies and funding provisions for JLARC review; staff described JLARC, OSPI, and State Board costs, and no public testimony was offered. The committee next heard House Bill 1316, which would expand the Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness program so additional university campuses can access funding. The sponsor said the program has strong retention outcomes, and student advocates testified that campuses such as UW Bothell need access to already appropriated funds for emergency aid, food pantries, and case management. Staff then briefed Substitute House Bill 2474, which would allow the Student Achievement Council Tuition Recovery Trust Fund to be used for refunds tied to broader consumer protection violations, with no expected fiscal impact; there was no testimony. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2365 on digital equity, which would expand the Broadband Office’s role, revise the digital equity forum, and rename the grant program; supporters emphasized rural access, affordability, and the loss of federal digital equity funding, while staff estimated significant Commerce staffing costs and some additional agency impacts. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2401, creating a Washington State Boys and Men Commission contingent on non-state funding, with staff outlining OFM startup and fundraising costs and an estimated operating budget if fully funded. Supporters said boys and men face mental health, education, and mentorship gaps and that the commission would improve coordination; the bill drew testimony from rural school leaders, nonprofit advocates, and community members. The committee then heard Substitute House Bill 2475 on language access, which would require the Office of Equity to develop uniform language-access guidelines and a report on interpreter and translator shortages; staff said the office could absorb the work but other agency and local government impacts were uncertain. Substitute House Bill 2517, on permitting for high-capacity transit, would let regional transit authorities apply for permits earlier and streamline land-use processes; Sound Transit and the sponsor said it would speed delivery of major projects, while staff estimated Commerce technical-assistance costs and possible local government impacts. The last bill heard was Substitute House Bill 2145 on the 340B drug pricing program, which would bar manufacturers from restricting contract-pharmacy access and require reporting to DOH; supporters said it protects safety-net providers and patient services, while opponents warned of higher costs for employers, state health plans, and litigation burdens. No final committee action or votes were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes unspent contingent appropriations of $5.4 billion for public education, education savings
• So moving to higher education, still on slide six.
• Since 1971, JPCA has been proudly receiving grant funds dedicated to judicial education.
• However, as you've heard all day, we continue to meet these educational needs.
• However, as you've heard all day, we continue to meet these educational needs.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held its first hearing of the 89th regular session, adopted nearly identical committee rules from the previous legislature by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the budget framework, emphasizing conservative spending, a $332.9 billion all-funds budget, and major priorities including property tax relief, public education, border security, health and human services, transportation, energy, and water infrastructure. She also introduced committee and leadership staff and described the hearing schedule and public testimony procedures. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending, including a $23.8 billion ending balance, but warned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid using temporary spikes for ongoing commitments. Senators questioned him extensively about the Economic Stabilization Fund cap, sales tax trends, inflation, and whether the state should consider raising the cap or using severance-tax revenues differently. Hager said the Rainy Day Fund is expected to hit its cap, which would leave more severance-tax revenue in general revenue, and he stressed that infrastructure needs remain significant. The Legislative Budget Board then gave a detailed overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major components. LBB staff explained that the bill includes continued funding for the Foundation School Program, $850 million for the Texas State Technical College endowment, $1.3 billion for the Texas University Fund, $6.5 billion for border security, salary increases for correctional officers and state troopers, $3 billion for dementia research, higher community attendant wages, expanded community-based care, $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, and funding to clear volunteer fire department grant backlogs. They also outlined supplemental priorities such as water infrastructure, retirement legacy payments, rail grade separations, wildfire aircraft, and emergency facilities, and said the current controlling budget limit is the tax spending limit. A major portion of the hearing focused on property tax relief. LBB explained that prior-session relief grew from an expected $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher-than-anticipated property values and interactions among hold-harmless provisions, and that SB 1 continues and expands relief with $51 billion in total property tax relief, including $3 billion more for compression, $3 billion to raise the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, and a $500 million placeholder for business tax relief. Senators discussed the automatic nature of some of these costs, the effect of the non-homestead circuit breaker, the role of federal COVID funds, and the need to maintain school finance commitments if the state continues to compress school tax rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> individuals who participate education individuals who participate education programs<00:39:35.839
• </c> corrections that perhaps the educational corrections that perhaps the educational re<00:58:30.720
• ><c> out</c><01:14:40.800><c> to</c><01:14:40.960><c> the</c> education that we go out to the education
• </c> special education was duplicative. special education was duplicative. presumably<02:39:45.520><c
• and in special investing in education and in special education<02:42:06.800><c> is</c><02:42:07.200>

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, only 19 education entities are authorized to prepare CTE teachers for the classroom.
• Assembly Bill 2392 by Assembly Member Fong and others, an act relating to higher education.
• Assembly Bill 2526 by Assembly Member Marc Berman and act relating to education finance.
• So this is another way in which we can get people into higher education and keep advancing them.
• Assembly Member Berman and others and acculating the post-secondary education.

Keywords: 988, house, all