Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for high performing academic programs. for high performing academic programs. we<00:28:38.320><c
• </c> the rural health transformation program. the rural health transformation program.
• </c><01:12:23.520><c> Expectant</c> for emergency treatment. Expectant for emergency treatment.
• </c> the $20 co-pay or don't get treatment. the $20 co-pay or don't get treatment.
• </c> through his radio program, I have hope. through his radio program, I have hope.

Keywords: Several minutes after the convene vote and before the introduction failed to properly steam. This version was pulled from a local back up., 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 97 members present, declared a quorum, approved excusing absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal for February 25, 2026 was approved. The clerk also reported that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 98 and 122 and requested concurrence. The House then received second-reading reports on a range of bills, including measures on prison educational programs, respiratory care, dietitians, wildlife depredation, temporary structures, military families, civil rights, local boards of education, light pollution, controlled-substance prescribing licenses, youth health services, class sizes for exceptional children, the athletic trainer compact, limited commercial driver’s licenses, and Senate Bill 145 relating to the Department of Agriculture and Alcohol Beverage Control. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including the main budget bills House Bill 500 and House Bill 504, along with measures on workforce investment, data centers, domestic violence, guardians ad litem, domestic relations, health delivery and “food is medicine” initiatives, state personnel, open records, and fish and wildlife resources. House Bill 500 and House Bill 504 were taken from the Rules Committee and placed on the orders of the day. House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill, was then taken up for third reading and explanation. Members presented extensive floor explanations of House Bill 500 and House Committee Substitute 1, describing it as a “good first draft” of the executive budget. Supporters said the proposal emphasizes restrained spending growth, base reductions with exemptions for key areas, employee salary increments, and deposits to the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future one-time investments. They highlighted funding for K-12 education, postsecondary aid and workforce training, Medicaid and behavioral health, public health infrastructure, pensions, veterans, public safety, economic development, tourism, and state technology and facility maintenance. The budget substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the discussion continued with detailed descriptions of the bill’s provisions; no final passage vote was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• and other financial aid programs.
• programs?
• can be enrolled in the program.
• , these programs, especially Florida Forever, for water and land conservation programs, these programs
• or this program to be impactful.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Don Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber announced it would take up 11 budget conference committee reports, with no third-reading bills or special-order calendar items. Members were reminded that conference reports were subject to debate but not amendment, and that the required review periods had been satisfied. The first major action was on HB 7031E, the tax package. Representative Duggan explained that the conference report included a mix of retained, modified, and new tax provisions, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related changes, reductions in certain gaming and carbon-related taxes, changes to child care and documentary stamp tax credits, a new refund process for public works construction tax paid by universities and colleges, and other tax administration changes. Debate focused on the bill’s consumer impact, the reduction of the child tax credit from three years to one, the inclusion of firearm accessories in a sales tax holiday, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the homestead exemption provision for certain deployed diplomatic and foreign service personnel. Critics argued the package favored niche or corporate interests over broad affordability relief, while supporters said it provided targeted tax relief and reflected conference negotiations. The House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11. The House then began presenting the conference report for HB 501E, the state budget, which totaled $114.5 billion for fiscal year 2026-27 and was described as below the prior year’s spending level while maintaining reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major budget areas: pre-K-12 funding included an increase in FEFP, salary increases for veteran teachers, stabilization funding, and support for declining enrollment; higher education included full Bright Futures funding, workforce programs, college operating support, university initiatives, and school guardian expansion; IT funding focused on Palm, ACCESS, APD’s I-Connect replacement, corrections systems, emergency management systems, and cybersecurity grants; health care funding covered Medicaid, nursing home rates, waiver provider increases, ADAP funding and restructuring, child welfare, and behavioral health; transportation and economic development included housing, cultural grants, jobs and rural infrastructure, Visit Florida, Space Florida, highway patrol equipment, and local transportation projects; justice funding included correctional construction, juvenile justice facilities, law enforcement grants, and clerk and due process reimbursements; state administration included fire stations, constrained counties, building maintenance, and Safe Florida Home; and agriculture/natural resources funding emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality, land acquisition, Florida Forever, state parks, and citrus research. Members then began questioning the budget details, including school voucher accountability, school funding formulas, public defender parity, prison technology, wastewater monitoring in prisons, ADAP policy, SNAP fraud controls and AI-assisted verification, Florida Forever funding, school lunch funding, and coral reef restoration. No final vote on HB 501E appears in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• psychiatric condition who has been determined dangerous, incompetent, and non-restorable for care and treatment
• Representative Biasiucci, so there are provisions for out-of-state treatment if there's not anything
• Madam, what members, as passed the House, House Bill 272 creates an optional state certification program

Summary: The caucus primarily discussed HB 2307, which as amended would allow the Arizona Department of Health Services to place a dangerous, incompetent defendant in a secure setting at the Arizona State Hospital when no in-state secure mental health bed is available. Members and the sponsor explained that the bill is intended as a temporary fix while the state works toward building a secure facility, and that it also directs DHS to study costs and options for a new secure state mental health facility and possible interstate compacts. The sponsor said the measure is needed to ensure such defendants are treated in a secure environment and receive mental health services aimed at restoring competency so they can stand trial. Questions focused on where the individual would be housed, whether the placement would be secure, and whether treatment would address mental health needs; the sponsor said the person would be in a guarded, separate room at ASH and receive treatment there. The caucus also took up HB 272. Staff explained that the House bill originally created an optional state certification program for lactation care providers and a related advisory committee, but the Senate adopted a strike-everything amendment that instead repeals Dr. Cesar Estrada Chavez Day and makes the bill an emergency measure. It was noted that Representative Fink concurs with the Senate amendments. No votes were taken during the discussion, and the meeting ended after the caucus concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we created this program.
• It's just a matter of 10% less toward recycling programs right now.
• We're trying to get the program up. We're trying to get the program up and going. We have it going.
• It's an award-winning program.
• Busson pointed out, that's a lot of programs and services. Sure.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , mental health treatment, SUD treatment, things like that.
• , mental health treatment, SUD treatment, things like that.
• , mental health treatment, SUD treatment, things like that.
• , mental health treatment, SUD treatment, things like that.
• , mental health treatment, SUD treatment, things like that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have this program, a similar program.
• Program.
• That's a new program.
• Montana has programs that utilize AI. Montana has programs that utilize AI.
• Any of your programs deal with addiction, opioid abuse, treatment, or trying to help your folks get treatment

Summary: The committee first heard the Office of State Treasurer’s FY27 budget presentation from Treasurer Vivek Malik. He highlighted record investment earnings, growth in MOBUCK$ linked deposits, record unclaimed property returns, expansion of the MOST 529 plan, and changes to the MoABLE disability savings program. Members then focused heavily on two budget requests: $750,000 for the Show Me My Retirement Savings program and additional spending authority for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MOST Scholars) program, along with a staffing request for compliance and communications positions. Much of the discussion centered on MOST Scholars’ rapid growth, how applications are prioritized, whether income is reverified, how funds flow through educational assistance organizations, and concerns about marketing, geographic distribution, and the use of public dollars for private schools. The treasurer also answered questions about the 529 plan, the pending lawsuit over the ESA general-revenue transfer, and whether funds should be swept back to general revenue when unused. Several members raised policy objections to MOST Scholars, including concerns about discrimination by participating private schools, the lack of annual income requalification, and whether the program shifts money away from public education. Other members defended the program as a parent-driven choice option and asked about expanding access, improving outreach, and ensuring the program is fully funded. The treasurer said the office was following the statute as written, that the program’s demand could exceed available resources, and that the office would continue to seek more funding and better outreach. The committee then concluded the treasurer’s budget hearing. The committee next began the FY27 budget hearing for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Commissioner Bennett Boggs introduced the department’s leadership team and gave a brief overview of the department’s role in aligning postsecondary education with workforce needs through its coordinating board and strategic planning. The hearing had just started when the transcript ended, and no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would be a pilot program.
• </c> process that it is a in uh a treatment process that it is a in uh a treatment that<01:04:33.440>
• this program is that if you're working this program is that if you're working as<05:02:29.440><c> a</
• </c> and see how their program is set up. and see how their program is set up.
• So we had developed this program, and somebody gets put in the program, and let's say they get cancer

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bill would create an opt-in process for manufactured homeowners to have their homes titled, tax treatment
• A prime example is how CalHFA had, or sorry, CalHFA had the CalAssist Mortgage Relief program in the
• These families are not asking for special treatment.
• These families are not asking for special treatment.
• Patterson. ...reporting on this program and passed out of the Legislature pretty routinely.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills. SB 996 by Senator Padilla would let manufactured homeowners opt to title their homes as real property, with supporters saying this would improve access to conventional mortgages, consumer protections, and lower-cost financing. SB 866 by Senator Blakespear would require cities and counties to include homelessness-related information in their annual housing element reports, with supporters saying the bill would improve transparency, regional coordination, and accountability around homelessness funding and services. The committee also heard SB 1090 by Senator Perez, which would impose a temporary moratorium in Altadena on certain state housing density laws after the Eaton Fire. Supporters, including Supervisor Catherine Barger and many Altadena residents, argued the bill would protect fire survivors from speculative investors and give families time to rebuild and return home. Opponents argued the bill could limit tools that homeowners need to finance rebuilding and could reduce future housing production. After extensive testimony, the committee passed SB 1090 to the Assembly Local Government Committee on a 10-0 vote. SB 1388 by Senator Durazo would create an Affordable Housing Risk Reduction Program to help affordable housing providers reduce insurance costs through technical assistance and risk-mitigation support. Supporters said rising insurance premiums are threatening the viability of affordable housing developments and existing units. The committee also reconsidered and then voted on SB 1092, which was taken up only for reconsideration and final vote; after a split vote, the bill ultimately passed the committee. Final recorded votes showed SB 866 and SB 996 passing unanimously, SB 1388 passing with one no vote and one not voting, and SB 1092 passing 7-5 after reconsideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• the same name, and they are responsible for the direction and consistency of administering those programs
• Although we are a little short of our objective in that large tracts program, the timber companies have
• Yes, but only for limited treatments.
• Yes, but only for limited treatments.
• For limited treatments.

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee heard an update from Idaho Fish and Game Director Jim Fredericks on agency performance measures and current issues. He reported strong access numbers, website traffic, and personnel retention, but noted a slightly elevated violation rate and ongoing work on a website overhaul. Fredericks also described the new nonresident deer and elk tag draw, which he said was successful and drew more than 40,000 applications, and he reviewed wolf management, including reduced harvest due to a federal injunction on trapping in grizzly bear areas. He also outlined a planned elk depredation response in the Big Willow drainage, involving removal of about 100 resident elk through a mix of translocation and lethal control, with meat donated to food banks. Committee members asked about translocation sites, survival, public communication, access agreements, depredation funding, and endowment land access. The committee then heard an American Falls FFA Ag Issues presentation on the 2001 federal roadless rule and its 2025 rescission. Students presented arguments for and against the change in a mock court format, focusing on forest health, wildfire risk, tribal consultation, timber and mineral access, recreation, and ecosystem protection. Committee members praised the students’ preparation and presentation. In legislative business, the committee held RS 33185 at the sponsor’s request, introduced RS 33168 related to Clean Water Act standards and the Sackett wetlands case, and introduced RS 33194 to recognize county expertise in federal consultation. The committee also advanced House Bill 587, which would provide spending authority for the Idaho Department of Agriculture to carry out grazing improvement work tied to prior legislation, after testimony from the sponsor and a Western Landowners Alliance representative in support. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 26 supporting wildlife crossings where locally supported, with testimony from the Idaho Wildlife Federation and Idaho Sportsmen, Access and Opportunity in favor. The motion to send HCR 26 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation passed despite several dissenting votes, and the meeting adjourned after the bill was assigned for floor carry.

Transcript Highlights:

• the same name, and they are responsible for the direction and consistency of administering those programs
• Although we are a little short of our objective in that large tracts program, the timber companies have
• Yes, but only for limited treatments.
• Yes, but only for limited treatments.
• For limited treatments.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A man who had his own parole hearing had not completed meaningful sexual offender treatment specific
• A man who had his own parole hearing had not completed meaningful sexual offender treatment specific
• A man who had his own parole hearing had not completed meaningful sexual offender treatment, specifically
• I initially learned about the elder parole program from my friend and former Sacramento District Attorney
• I initially learned about the elder parole program from my friend and former Sacramento District Attorney

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several privileges-of-the-floor recognitions, including birthday wishes for Senator Archuleta and tributes to former Senator George Runner and visiting guests from Portugal in connection with Portuguese Heritage Month. The body then proceeded to governor appointments, beginning with multiple confirmations to the Board of Parole Hearings. Debate on the parole board nominees focused heavily on public safety, transparency, and recent high-profile parole decisions involving violent sexual offenders, with opponents arguing the board had been too lenient and lacked public accountability, while supporters said commissioners were applying the law as written and using structured risk assessments. William Muniz and Michael Ruff were both confirmed after roll-call votes, despite opposition centered on parole outcomes and board transparency. Rosalind Sargent Burns and Mary Thornton were also confirmed after similar debate. The final parole board confirmation, Jack Weiss, drew the most extended discussion, including a failed request to read material into the record and repeated disputes over whether comments were on topic; Weiss was ultimately confirmed as well. Throughout these confirmations, senators on both sides referenced elder parole, the unreasonable-risk standard, victim input, and the need for either reform or deference to existing law. After the appointments, the Senate took up SCR 179 by Senator Niello, designating May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Niello described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune disorder, emphasized the challenges of gluten exposure and cross-contamination, and called for greater awareness, labeling, and education. The resolution passed unanimously, 31-0. The session concluded with committee announcements and adjournment-in-memory tributes for Marty Arnold, Jim McAulian, and Pat Gagoscos, followed by remarks from the pro tem noting bipartisan legislation on parole transparency and announcing the next session for June 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, but only for limited treatments.
• Yes, but only for limited treatments.
• Current conditions include beetles, heavy, Yes, but only for limited treatments.
• of us were at the lunch this afternoon, and we saw firsthand the kind of leadership that this FFA program
• This afternoon, and we saw firsthand the kind of leadership that this FFA program teaches, and it really

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a section supervisor for our forest health program.
• forest</c> section super visor for our forest section super visor for our forest health health health program
• 34.599><c> yes</c><00:02:34.800><c> please</c><00:02:35.599><c> good</c><00:02:35.760><c> morning</c> program
• ready yes please good morning program ready yes please good morning and<00:02:36.360><c> I</c><00:02
• wells for their water, but even a lot of our communities will have wells that they use in their treatment

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:04 Introduction of Guests 00:54 HB 640 Discussion 01:15 HB 640 Roll Call Vote 05:16 HB 641 Discussion 06:11 HB 641 Roll Call Vote 11:49 HB 790 Discussion 12:47 HB 790 Roll Call Vote 14:23 Chair Comments regarding SB 89 16:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up House Bills 640, 641, and 790. HB 640 would authorize the Energy and Environment Cabinet to adopt regulations to control invasive non-native plant species, with testimony focusing on the threat posed by species such as callery pear/Bradford pear to native plants, forest health, and the economy. Members asked whether the bill itself would ban Bradford pears; the sponsor clarified that it would not directly ban them, but would give the cabinet regulatory authority. The bill received a favorable expression by roll call. HB 641 addressed coal combustion byproducts, explaining that the bill would help preserve landfill space by allowing these materials to be reused as special waste in places such as abandoned strip mines or underground mines, and would clarify that reclaimed land could qualify for agricultural use such as pasture, hay, or crop production. Members raised concerns about groundwater and runoff; the sponsor and another member argued that placing the material under cover would reduce exposure compared with open piles currently sitting at power plants. After discussion, the bill passed with favorable expression, with a few members passing on the vote. HB 790, as amended by committee substitute, was described as substantially narrowed from its original form. The substitute removed setback requirements and instead required construction certificate holders for solar merchant electric generating facilities to report federal and state incentives used for siting, construction, and operation, with the cabinet compiling and submitting an annual report to the General Assembly. The committee approved the substitute and the bill passed with favorable expression. At the end of the meeting, members were also reminded of a later TVA energy update meeting and the chair noted ongoing work on Senate Bill 89, with possible future action and a special meeting if revised language is ready.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is going to treatment, this is going to remediation for Minnesota citizens right now.
• This is going to treatment, this is going to remediation for Minnesota citizens right now.
• This is going to treatment, this is going to remediation for Minnesota citizens right now.
• This is going to treatment, this is going to remediation for Minnesota citizens right now.
• </c> beginning for program beginning for program evaluation<01:21:23.920><c> um</c><01:21:24.120><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, please enjoy the gift on your desk and a program highlighting
• I rise in support of AB 446 and want to commend the author for his work on the discount programs.
• I rise in support of AB-446 and want to commend the author for his work on the discount programs.
• It's so burdensome that some patients give up treatment altogether.
• Treatment altogether. That's not just a bureaucratic issue, it's a health crisis.

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 35 recognizing May as AAPI Heritage Month, with extensive floor remarks from caucus leaders and members highlighting AAPI history, contributions, and solidarity with other communities. The chamber then honored 14 AAPI honorees from across the state, including public servants, advocates, artists, health professionals, and community leaders, before moving to the regular file. On the floor, the Assembly passed a series of bills on social media harms to minors, labor privilege, foster care family-finding, low-impact camping areas, student body association governance, drink-spiking prevention at music festivals, behavioral health access, greenhouse gas recapture, physical therapy access, housing enforcement, insurance licensing, density bonus clarification, water district proxy voting, park district updates, secured transactions, and property tax relief during emergencies. Most measures passed with broad or unanimous support; notable votes included AB 2 on social media platform accountability passing 59-0, AB 1109 on union communications privilege passing 45-4, AB 409 on student body association open meetings passing 55-6, AB 518 on low-impact camping passing 55-0, AB 668 on drink-spiking protections passing 72-0, AB 348 on behavioral health access passing 69-0, AB 663 on HFC recapture passing 71-0, AB 574 on physical therapy access passing 68-0, AB 712 on housing enforcement passing 57-1, AB 943 on insurance pre-licensing reform passing 63-0, AB 87 on density bonus law clarification passing 63-0, AB 523 on Metropolitan Water District proxy voting passing 62-1, AB 769 on park district code cleanup passing 68-0, AB 771 on secured transactions passing 69-0, and AB 1416 on property tax installment deferrals passing 66-0. The Assembly also took up AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Protection Act, which would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. Supporters described the practice as predatory and discriminatory, while noting ongoing concerns about preserving legitimate discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was presented as a consumer protection measure aimed at preventing hidden price discrimination and reducing cost-of-living pressures. The transcript ends amid repeated and partially duplicated readings of AB 446, without a final vote shown for that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:42.599><c> we</c> the water quality reducation program we the water quality reducation program
• </c> programs that we operate of this program programs that we operate of this program in<00:10:37.880
• program is a nation<00:17:36.320><c> leading</c><00:17:36.679><c> program</c><00:17:37.200><c> that<
• a water quality certification program a water quality certification program program program implements
• <c> but</c> so the program the programs worked but so the program the programs worked but the<01:24:22.360

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The cybersecurity grant program for local governments is one of the most successful IT programs in Florida
• The cybersecurity grant program for local governments is one of the most successful IT programs in Florida
• You restricted diversity programs and academic freedom in higher education.
• This does not limit the program to Medicare. It doesn't limit it to Medicare.
• The policy on the Early Steps Program, applying that to our elementary Policy on the Early Steps Program

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not a request for special treatment.
• This is not a request for special treatment.
• And so we don't want special treatment.
• When I know within USDA, we have a lot of grant programs.
• We have a lot of things through USDA that help them, you know... ...programs.

Summary: The committee met on April 1 and considered several health-related bills and one resolution. HB 933, by Rep. Charles Owen, would create commemorative birth certificates and adjust vital records fees; after adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 288, by Rep. Boyer, would require the term “miscarriage” to appear alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical documentation and billing; after an amendment changed the bill from mandatory “shall” language to permissive “may,” the committee heard emotional testimony both in support and opposition and then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 420, by Rep. Berault, would require criminal background checks and registry review for all DCFS employees, not just those with direct contact with children; it was reported favorably. The committee also voluntarily deferred HB 927 and HB 962. The committee then heard HB 971, by Rep. Stagney, which seeks to equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates for independent rural health clinics and hospital-owned provider-based clinics. Supporters, including clinic owners and practitioners, testified that independent clinics provide the same services under the same rules but receive far lower reimbursement, making it difficult to retain staff and avoid sale to hospital systems. The author said the bill is intended to prompt discussion and eventual parity without harming hospitals, and the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 815, by Rep. Carver, would allow federally insured financial institutions to receive death certificate information from vital records to reduce losses and help reconcile account issues after a death; credit union representatives supported the measure, and it was reported favorably. The committee also adopted HR 74, by Rep. Sterling, which urges the Department of Education and local school authorities to report on how schools accommodate students with seizure disorders. Sterling described personal experience with epilepsy and said the resolution is meant to gather data on implementation of existing seizure action plan law and identify gaps in access to rescue medication and training. Finally, the committee took up HB 915, by Rep. Dickerson, which would place Medicaid prior authorization and utilization management timelines into statute. After technical and substantive amendments, including changing some deadlines from five business days to seven calendar days, the bill drew support from providers and health groups concerned about delays in care, and the committee reported it favorably as amended. The committee also began consideration of HB 944, by Rep. Hilferty, creating a women’s consortium within LDH focused on menopause and related women’s health issues; technical amendments were adopted and testimony emphasized coordination of existing research and resources, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they've recently approved a similar bond program as well to support dementia research.
• Most recently, I received an early career training grant from NIDA through the Mosaic program.
• There has also been rhetoric suggesting that programs like Mosaic unfairly discriminate against certain
• Lucas O'Brien: We co-designed new treatments for youth and the clinicians that care for them to enhance
• patient-provider relationships, as well as digital tools that tailor those treatments to each patient's

Bills: SB6321, SGA9245, SGA9247, SGA9250, SGA9252, SGA9253, SGA9254, SGA9259, SGA9260, SGA9261, SGA9262

Keywords: scientific research, innovation, economic growth, Washington Institute, public funding, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• charter school, perhaps what you really needed that year was welding materials or a medical arts program
• And I see it as a pilot program potentially to get us there.
• And I see it as a pilot program potentially to get us there.
• I hate calling something a pilot program, but it is a little bit of an experimentation.
• So, in my opinion, us expressing that... ...loan program.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 883, which would give qualifying high-performing charter schools and traditional school districts more flexibility over spending and reduce certain state reporting requirements. The sponsor and Emily McClure of the Idaho Charter School Network said the bill is intended to reward strong academic, financial, and operational performance with greater local control, while preserving accountability and avoiding any threat to federal funding. Supporters from American Classical Schools of Idaho said the measure would help schools allocate funds more effectively and reduce redundant compliance work; a district witness opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment among public schools and conflicts with the idea of common schools. After questions about which reports would be waived and whether federal funds would be affected, the committee voted to send HB 883 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Joint Memorial 19, which expresses support for a federal effort to disband the U.S. Department of Education. Senator Den Hartog argued that education is not an enumerated federal power and said dismantling the department could reduce federal overreach while preserving student protections and shifting administration of programs elsewhere in the federal government. Testimony in support came from Idaho Family Policy Center, which said the department violates federalism and parental authority. Opponents raised concerns about uncertainty over where programs such as Title I, Pell Grants, special education, and school nutrition would be housed, and one witness warned that eliminating the department could worsen inequities and undermine civil rights and research functions. The committee ultimately voted to send HJM 19 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and then adjourned.