Transcript Highlights:

• thought we had walked away from the national certifications for teachers and it had to do with the budget
• , I thought we had walked away from the national certifications for teachers and it had to do the budget
• Just on behalf of CSOA, we shared gases, comments, and also on the request that was presented.
• It was a budget. I use a round number of $8 million that was cut to like $4 million.
• The other component in that task force was a request to have all the teachers receive a survey.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with enough members present to conduct business and approved the June 17 minutes. It first heard HB 459 with House Amendment 1, which would prohibit the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or school events. The sponsor and Department of Education explained that the bill targets beverages containing caffeine and marketed as energy drinks, not ordinary soft drinks or coffee/tea products. Public testimony from the Medical Society supported the bill on health grounds, while the beverage industry said its companies already voluntarily limit school offerings and that the bill does not reflect current practice. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then heard HB 461, a follow-up to prior legislation on New Castle County property reassessment and school tax rates. Senator Cruz said the bill would let New Castle County school districts adjust and reset tax rates to reflect reassessment changes without increasing projected operating revenue, and that it includes a sunset. DSEA supported the measure, saying fair property values are important to public education funding. The committee also heard HB 452, which would require additional background checks and training for DIAA sports officials and strengthen DIAA enforcement procedures. Members questioned how checks would be handled, who would see the results, and who would provide training; the DIAA compliance coordinator said the checks would be maintained through the state process and that associations would verify eligibility. The bill’s sponsor and DIAA said the goal was to align officials with existing child-safety standards. Next, the committee considered HS1 for HB 425, which raises the salary supplement from 6% to 12% for nationally certified school counselors, nurses, and school social workers, and allows DOE to identify additional qualifying positions by regulation. Supporters, including school social workers, nurses, and DSEA, argued the change would improve retention and recognize advanced credentials. Senator Hansen raised concerns that school psychologists were not included; sponsors said a broader study and possible future legislation or budget language would address other nationally certified school-based professionals. The committee then heard HS1 for HB 358 on student elopement notifications, inspired by Ace’s Law, but administrators and the chair raised concerns that the bill may be too prescriptive and difficult to implement in practice, especially when schools may not immediately know a student has left campus. Finally, the committee discussed HB 379 on the comprehensive school discipline improvement program; DOE said the substitute was intended to consolidate prevention and intervention supports and avoid competition for funding, while DASA asked that the bill be paused or tabled. The meeting ended before action on the remaining bill, and HB 443 was deferred to a future executive meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• For our budget requests this year, there were budget hearings In the House and the Senate, that you can
• But we requested a flat budget, meaning no increase or decrease.
• They ask a lot of questions About the agency, the need for the budget, and they hold us accountable for
• our budget.
• We didn't request these bills. These are bills that... Are moving through the legislature.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On today’s agenda, with over 40 people requesting to testify to the committee, and for many who signed
• On today’s agenda, with over 40 people requesting to testify to the committee, and for many who signed
• </c><00:42:01.920><c> of</c> parking necessities and the request of parking necessities and the request
• </c> disruptive in meetings by requesting disruptive in meetings by requesting excess<01:36:48.080><c
• On Section 17, it's not taking into consideration that some HOAs run on a very lean budget.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what I'm asking for on the budget process is to require the Department of Toxic Substances Control
• , you know, we've faced over the last few years around budget.
• The board isn't consulted on budget change proposals or programmatic strategic decisions that affect
• the budget and ultimately affect future fee rates.
• One of the things that I'd like to mention is in 2022 to 2023, the budget change proposal, DTSC asked

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I saw another one, like $24 million in another budget book. Like, why not?
• That said, the problem we have moving forward is that we requested the court issue a no-bond warrant
• committee, and everybody knows we're in tough times, but agencies are coming to the budget committee
• committee, and everybody knows we're in tough times, but agencies are coming to the budget committee
• So by that, we are simply part of the Secretary of State's budget.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1087 from Senator Joe Nicola, which would update limited driving privileges and create a process to suspend licenses after repeated failures to appear or pay for minor moving traffic violations. Nicola said the bill was intended to improve public safety and municipal court compliance without restoring the pre-2015 system of fines and fees. Supporters, including officials from Independence, O’Fallon, and the Missouri Municipal League, argued that municipal court reform had sharply reduced citations and increased failure-to-appear rates, leaving courts with too little leverage to ensure compliance and creating safety problems for repeat offenders. They said the bill would preserve discretion, protect work and basic travel needs, and help law enforcement and courts address chronic noncompliance. Opponents, including the State Public Advocate, argued the bill would restore a cash-cow system, burden low-income residents, and create harsh consequences for missed notices or address problems. The hearing closed without a vote on SB 1087. The committee then moved into executive session and reconsidered House Bill 2288, ultimately voting to reconsider and then voting the bill due pass by a 10-5 margin. The committee also adopted a substitute and passed House Bill 3006 due pass by 13-1, passed House Bill 2289 due pass by 10-3 with one present, and passed House Bill 2906 due pass by 13-1 after adopting an amendment and rolling it into a substitute. Members discussed procedural issues about quorum and the reconsideration motion during the HB 2288 vote. Later, the committee heard House Bill 3491 from Representative Don Mayhew, which would codify English-language proficiency requirements for commercial driver’s license holders and impose penalties on drivers and motor carriers when those requirements are violated. Mayhew and a Lincoln County prosecutor described a recent Highway 61 incident involving a Minnesota CDL holder who could not communicate in English, could not identify his location, and was taken out of service after a Highway Patrol proficiency test. Supporters said the bill would mirror federal rules in state statute, improve safety, and hold both drivers and carriers accountable. Some members questioned whether the bill was redundant with federal law, whether it would be enforceable before an accident, and whether the language was too broad, especially the phrase about conversing with the general public. The prosecutor said the current tools are mostly reactive and that the bill would help remove dangerous drivers and penalize carriers, but no final action was taken on HB 3491 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I request unanimous consent to strike the title without objection. That will be the order.
• Guilt for questions and requested do pass. Will there be questions on the bill as amended?
• And what I mean by that is we all know that when we do budgets there's a lot of horse trading that goes
• And often those at this building who are involved in those budget decisions have worked their way up
• I do think there's a flaw There, when you look at geographical conditions, I guess that's my request.

Bills: HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, SB2184, SB171

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Coulter, what's the higher ed budget for this biennium, a rough guess?
• What's the higher Ed budget for Mr.
• I will be requesting a roll call vote, and I will be asking members to vote yes for this.
• I was going to request a recall, but you beat me to the punch, Mr. Chair.
• I was going to request a recall, but you beat me to the punch, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Unanimous consent has been requested to refer to pending legislation. Please, Mr. Chairman.
• Unanimous consent has been requested to refer to pending legislation. Is there an objection?
• , which I believe would be more equitable given the current budget-cutting climate and indicate that
• There was no request for a roll call. The motion passes. That concludes our business for today.
• There was no request for a roll call. The motion passes. That concludes our business for today.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The witness said the select board chair’s wife had requested them.
• The witness said they found that out through a right-to-know request.
• </c> wife's chair chair's wife had requested wife's chair chair's wife had requested them<00:43:13.200
• ><c> be</c><02:01:28.760><c> fine</c> given this budget season I'd be fine given this budget season I'd
• </c><04:52:11.280><c> training</c> judicial branch I requested training judicial branch I requested training

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on CACR 7, a proposed constitutional amendment to explicitly state that defendants are innocent until proven guilty in all cases and suits brought by the state. The prime sponsor argued the amendment would strengthen due process, prevent government overreach, and extend the presumption of innocence beyond criminal cases into civil and administrative matters such as forfeiture and family court proceedings. In testimony and questioning, the sponsor cited New Hampshire constitutional provisions, historical examples, and concerns about courts shifting burdens onto individuals. Committee members raised questions about the amendment’s wording, its relationship to existing law, and whether it would have practical effect if current statutes already place the burden on the state. The hearing was then closed without further witnesses. The committee next moved to executive session on House Bill 480, which establishes a procedure for restoring competency and creates a pilot forensic liaison position in Merrimack or Strafford County to assist with that process. After discussion about prior concerns, including an email from the Disabilities Rights Center and whether enough members were present, the committee voted to adopt Amendment 2025-61H and then voted ought to pass as amended. The amendment passed unanimously, and the bill passed on a 10-1 roll call, with Representative Andrew voting no. The chair noted the bill would not go on consent and that no minority report was planned. Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 666-FN, which would add restitution for violations of library-use confidentiality and expressly include library cards and membership status among confidential records. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen privacy protections after a local dispute and to provide a remedy and deterrent for improper disclosure. Committee questions focused on whether the restitution penalty would apply to accidental disclosures, how the bill interacts with existing exceptions such as court orders or investigations, and whether the language was consistent with current confidentiality law. The hearing remained open at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> conscious uh in this tight budget year. conscious uh in this tight budget year.
• </c> And so we request an I vote. And so we request an I vote.
• A division has been requested.
• </c><02:10:36.639><c> challenges,</c> Taber and ongoing budget challenges, Taber and ongoing budget challenges
• You as Colorado citizens from budget.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cycle or budget area.
• cycle or budget area.
• </c> within the education budget. within the education budget.
• </c> of the uh some of MDE's budget. of the uh some of MDE's budget.
• Um but this budget is is just do that. Um but this budget is is just not<01:41:28.239><c> workable.

Bills: HF4893

Keywords: education finance, student support, aid allowances, appropriation, school funding, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor’s budget recommendations include a lot of changes in the behavioral health space.
• The governor's<00:15:14.240><c> budget</c><00:15:14.639><c> recommendations</c> governor's budget recommendations
• I do think the governor has very prescriptive recommendations in the budget.
• We encourage the legislature to remove this budget item from this policy bill and reject the proposal
• </c><00:30:19.679><c> item</c> legislature to remove this budget item legislature to remove this budget

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, Senator Rosapepe: Maryland budget taxation.
• Number one: Senator James Aberdine: Railroad Heritage Center budget and taxation.
• They are headed to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. Uh, we have a message from the House.
• Uh we request that the report be accepted as issued. Yes. >> Excellent. All right.
• Uh, Chair of Budget and Tax. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, guess right after session.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, February 27, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a request for information that the agency issued in September more than 100 respondents for that
• We have that the I budget waiver.
• So I feel like you Os a timeline because we have to prepare for the budget.
• We continue to receive input from from stakeholders going to have that request for information.
• This requirement was passed in the 2023 budget and originated from a bill that I originally sponsored

Transcript Highlights:

• So House Bill 254 has been rolled at the request of the sponsor, and we will move along to House Bill
• Is it already in the budget? Madam Chair, and Representative, I think it is. Okay, thank you.
• Of course, they promised us 40% of our special ed budget.
• So there's no request in the budget for an increase. We're ready for questions. Thank you.
• And these self-audits allow them to identify some of their areas of need and then request support.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 124, which would create a permanent Office of New Americans within the Department of Workforce Solutions. The sponsor and supporters said the office would help immigrant and refugee workers access training, licensing, language support, and other workforce resources, while also helping employers fill labor shortages in industries such as construction, agriculture, oil and gas, health care, and child care. Support came from advocates, business groups, faith organizations, and immigrant-rights groups; there was no opposition. Members asked about data protection, the number of other states with similar offices, and whether the office could help recruit and credential foreign-trained medical professionals. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with several yes votes and some no votes recorded, and the sponsor explained the vote as a way to support families and workforce integration. The committee then considered House Bill 314, which would authorize zero-interest loans through the Local Government Division for political subdivisions to repair flood- and debris-damaged public infrastructure and remove debris from the October 19, 2024 storm event. There was no public testimony in support or opposition. Members briefly asked about the $150 million appropriation and whether it was already in the budget, and the sponsor said it was. The bill received a do-pass motion, a second, and was approved without opposition. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 64, as amended, to codify the Office of Special Education and a deputy secretary position within the Public Education Department. The sponsor and department officials said the bill would formalize an office already created by executive order, improve statewide coordination, support compliance with IDEA and the Yazzie-Martinez case, and develop a statewide IEP template to reduce inconsistency across districts. They emphasized that gifted education would remain in Curriculum and Instruction and that the bill would not add new paperwork or mandates for districts. Supporters included education leaders, disability advocates, vocational rehabilitation, and special education professionals; there was no opposition. Members raised questions about parent understanding of IEPs, monitoring and enforcement, funding, charter school coverage, and the treatment of gifted and twice-exceptional students. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with unanimous support from those present.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would like to request a moment of silence. Thank you very much.
• Thank you, President Pro Tem, and I'd like to request a present...
• President Pro Tem, and I'd like to request a presentation of the Arizona State flag.
• The House requests consent to adjourn the 57th Legislature, second regular session, after its labors
• I move that the Senate accede to the request of the House of Representatives for the 57th Legislature

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then completed roll call, approved the prior journal, and welcomed several guest groups to the gallery, including CSG West and NCSL visitors, Tucson Electric Power/UniSource Native BRG members, Pascua Yaqui constituents, Marcos de Niza High School students, and guests from Payson. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Senator Hatathlie read a proclamation honoring the life and service of Amaya Curley, a Navajo woman and Navy veteran, and the chamber recessed for presentation of an Arizona state flag flown in her memory, with her family present. The President Pro Tem announced extended deadlines for opening Senate folders and for Senate bill intro set preparation, and the Senate received House messages regarding adjournment. The chamber voted to accede to the House request to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026. No substantive bill debate occurred; instead, the body moved a large number of measures to second reading, including election, education, health care, firearms, immigration-related reporting, cryptocurrency, transportation, and various memorial and appropriation bills. Committee and caucus announcements were made for Thursday, January 15, including Rules Committee and both party caucuses. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118A to allow Assemblymembers Alanis, Barragan,
• Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to withdraw SB 119, committee.
• Budget and Fiscal Review from the Budget Committee and order the bill to the third reading file.
• Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to refer the following bills to committee,
• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 63 to allow the author to take up this bill today

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> audience in in the proposed budget audience in in the proposed budget that's<00:32:27.240><c> in
• And so, Senator, you had requested a fiscal note.
• And so, Senator, you had requested a fiscal note.
• There's a fiscal note requesting a fiscal note, right?
• </c> governor's budget governor's budget proposal<02:29:51.840><c> jackets</c><02:29:52.840><c> um</c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand that people could come in, like a person of means can request at a higher level.
• their own households, budget, make house payments, they have to, so this is fair.
• Thank you. that we don't even have a say on those budgets.
• What this is though, and again, I know you're not on budget with us, but there are several...
• Your Committee on Budget will resume hearing testimony in Hearing Room 3 at 5 p.m.

Summary: The House first established a quorum after several members were absent, then moved into bills for perfection. House Bill 261, dealing with anti-Semitism in public schools and higher education, drew extensive debate. The sponsor described rising anti-Jewish incidents and said the bill would require educational institutions to adopt nondiscriminatory policies, use the IHRA definition as a guide, and treat failures to address harassment as Title VI issues. An amendment from the gentleman from Pulaski was adopted to clarify that protected First Amendment speech, religious expression, and political viewpoints would not be reported or cataloged. Supporters said the bill was needed to protect Jewish students; opponents argued it singled out one group, could chill speech about Israel and Palestine, and created unequal reporting requirements. The House ultimately ordered the bill perfected and printed as amended. The chamber then took up House Bill 2384 on housing affordability and building codes. The sponsor said the bill would lower housing costs by rolling back energy-code mandates to 2009 standards, setting clearer permitting timelines, and allowing certain multifamily buildings to use a single staircase. Supporters argued current codes raise costs, discourage builders, and contribute to Missouri’s housing shortage. Opponents raised concerns about local control, preemption of municipal energy standards, and public safety, especially the single-stair provision; the sponsor responded that the design has been used safely in other states and cities. A Pulaski amendment requiring municipalities with online ordinances to keep only one hard copy available was adopted, and after debate the previous question was moved and approved. The House then adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. House Bill 1766, addressing personal property tax, was also perfected and printed. The sponsor said the bill would apply Hancock/CPI-style tax limitations to personal property tax growth, arguing that rapidly rising vehicle values had created a windfall for political subdivisions and unfairly increased taxpayer burdens. Supporters said the bill would slow growth without eliminating it, while opponents argued local governments need revenue to keep up with inflation and that the measure would reduce resources for schools and other services. Finally, the House began consideration of House Joint Resolution 154, which would place into the Missouri Constitution a Medicaid work requirement mirroring federal policy. The sponsor said adults ages 19 to 64 would need to work, volunteer, participate in a work program, or attend school for 80 hours a month to remain eligible, and the discussion began with questions about whether the constitutional change was necessary and how documentation requirements would work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislative Budget Board, the question was, why was it optional?
• Budgeting is one of the areas, is that correct? Budgeting is one.
• aspects of budgeting are actually provided as part of the training.
• We've cut our operating budgets. We've cut 4% this year.
• So I would argue, and I would request that those things continue.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum, adopted its interim rules on a 6-0 vote, and heard opening remarks from members and staff introductions. The chair emphasized higher education’s role in workforce development and noted a Legislative Budget Board survey issue that was resolved after a community college initially did not respond because the survey was marked optional. The committee then focused on monitoring implementation of Senate Bill 37, which governs public higher education boards, curriculum review, faculty senates/councils, training for regents, and the ombudsman office. Testimony from Chancellor Brandon Creighton of Texas Tech, Commissioner Wynn Rosser, UNT Chancellor Michael Williams, and Ombudsman Brandon Simmons described how SB 37 is being implemented. They said boards now have stronger authority, faculty senates are advisory, and institutions are reviewing general education curricula and other programs for rigor, relevance, and workforce value. Rosser said the statewide advisory committee is reviewing the core curriculum and board training requirements are being administered, while Simmons reported the ombudsman office has received 73 complaints, opened two investigations, and expects a third, with many complaints outside its jurisdiction or harassing in nature. Members questioned witnesses about transfer credits, board training content, auditing, conflicts of interest, curriculum decisions, and whether any institutions were missing deadlines. Rosser said non-transferable credits have declined since reporting began under earlier law, and that the most common reason is courses outside degree requirements. Witnesses said they were not aware of institutions missing the SB 37 review deadlines. Senators also raised concerns about an appearance of impropriety in a Texas Tech-related matter and about whether a Dred Scott case should be taught in law school, with Creighton saying the curriculum review process did not prohibit teaching Supreme Court cases and that he would follow up. Later testimony from University of Houston, Texas State, UT, and Texas A&M system officials said their systems had updated policies, abolished prior faculty senates, created compliant advisory councils, and completed or were completing core curriculum reviews and related governance changes.