Video & Transcript : 'parent education' :
Page 280 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education (2-5-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:13.040><c> and</c> parents and parents and caregivers<00:04:14.799><c> according</c><00:04:15.120
- Many of you probably have a passion for education, or you love children.
- </c><00:15:39.560><c> or</c> probably have a passion for education or probably have a passion for education
- </c> coming together it to me as an educator coming together it to me as an educator as<00:18:48.600>
- Educator witness: The district can't do them every year.
Keywords:
The previous live stream for this committee experienced a technical issue. This is the complete meeting recording recovered from backups., 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 44, “Landon’s Law,” sponsored by Rep. Candy Massaroni. The bill would allow schools to keep anti-choking devices such as LifeVac on hand while limiting liability. Testimony from Equal First Aid and LifeVac emphasized that choking is a leading cause of death for children, that the devices are noninvasive and FDA-registered, and that updated Red Cross guidance allows their use when standard rescue protocols fail or are not feasible. Lauren McCubbins, Landon McCubbin’s mother, gave emotional testimony about her 8-year-old son’s death from choking at school and urged the committee to give schools an added rescue option. Members asked questions about how the device works, whether the Heimlich maneuver remains part of the protocol, and whether the bill is limited to LifeVac or applies to similar devices. The bill was reported favorably, with a roll call vote showing unanimous support from members present.
The committee then heard a bill sponsored by Rep. J. Baker aimed at reducing administrative burdens in schools and supporting teacher recruitment and retention. The measure would lengthen the required evaluation cycle for tenured teachers from every three years to every five years, provide teachers a copy of their employment contract upon request, streamline professional development provisions, update continuous school improvement plan filing requirements, restore schools’ ability to use Title II funds for certain programs after an unintended consequence of prior legislation, and require KDE to review reporting requirements and eliminate those not required by law. Rep. Baker said the bill was developed with teachers and administrators through a working group and is intended to reduce “check-the-box” tasks so educators can focus on instruction. Amanda Butler of Spencer County Schools and other educators testified that the changes would save time, preserve funding for mentor and induction programs, and reduce repetitive paperwork. Rep. Fleming asked for clarification on the longer evaluation cycle, and an educator witness explained that each evaluation involves pre-observation, observation, and post-observation time and that districts would still retain flexibility to evaluate more often if needed. No final vote on this bill was included in the transcript excerpt.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- I have seen cases where it is lack of supervision, I would say, and parents need some education on what
- So just continuing to educate people on what's out there.
- I'm not saying not oversight, but a parent.
- Why is a person in transition without any parent? I'm not saying not oversight, but a parent.
- Education release, work release.
Committees:
Joint Judiciary , Joint Judiciary Committee
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 113 May 7th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Page seven, line one, higher education.
- Senator Marchman. >> In education, we added a reasonable accommodation to parents with disabilities seeking
- public education, the term local<02:13:15.280><c> education</c><02:13:15.840><c> provider</c><02:13:
- Um, this amendment clarifies the process by which LEPs communicate with the parent so that the parents
- /c><02:15:06.800><c> can</c> parent so that the parents can parent so that the parents can meaningfully
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 11, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Children, parents, grandparents, and friends have come through these doors to...
- Alli not only helped in the spheres of education services, he was a proud U.S.
- Your efforts to give a blank check to ICE and to pass an education bill to ICE and to pass an education
- bill that would gut funding for schools and education institutions.
- ... ...the Fort Worth Education Association, and many, many others.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a wonderful group of students, leaders, and parents in the gallery, and I want to welcome Scouting
- So all the scouts, Will you please stand, and the leaders and the parents?
- , Marcus Widmire, Joseph Branch, Jacob Branch, Olin Pebble, Kaylee Mock, and Thomas Mock, and the parent
- Through education and research, the center will address the public health and economic problem that valley
- happens to be on food stamps. ...rob a child of a birthday cake because their parent happens to be on
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 29 present, and several guest introductions, including Scout groups from Phoenix/Levine, Dr. John Galgiani for Valley Fever Awareness, and Dr. Sarah Lee Davidson as Doctor of the Day. Senator Kavanagh read a proclamation recognizing Valley Fever Awareness and the work of the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence. The chamber also adopted a death resolution for Victor E. Hardy and observed a moment of silence.
The Committee of the Whole considered SB 1036 on unemployment insurance, SB 1056 on reporting vacant state positions, SB 1236 on AHCCCS enrollment verification and presumptive eligibility, and SB 1238 on the physician assistant licensure compact. SB 1036, SB 1056, and SB 1238 were approved in Committee of the Whole, with SB 1036 and SB 1238 amended. During floor debate, SB 1036 drew criticism from Democrats as adding burdens and reducing benefits for unemployed workers, while supporters said it was aimed at preventing fraud; it later passed the Senate 17-12. SB 1056 also passed 17-12 after debate over whether automatic elimination of long-vacant positions would improve efficiency or harm agency staffing. SB 1238 passed with a conforming amendment and later the House version HB 2190 was substituted and passed.
The Senate then took up several third-reading bills. SB 1126 on educational records passed 29-0. SB 1189 on campaign expenditures passed 27-2 after debate about political violence and campaign-related expenses. SB 1211 on sentencing passed 29-0. The chamber also reconsidered and substituted House bills for identical Senate bills: HB 2206 for SB 1333 and HB 2396 for SB 1368, both related to SNAP. HB 2206 passed 17-12 after debate over a proposed SNAP error-rate penalty and its impact on food access, and HB 2396 passed 17-12 after debate over restricting SNAP purchases. Finally, HB 2796 was substituted for SB 1236 and passed after debate over AHCCCS enrollment barriers. The Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Education. HB 2482, building renewal grant job order contracting. Education.
- HB 2610, schools clubs organizations parental consent. Education.
- Education. HB 4033, school bonding ballot language. Education.
- HB 2662, parenting time expert testimony qualifications.
- Here is the Education Committee amendment. Mr.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a series of personal privilege introductions recognizing guests including the Doctor of the Day, realtors visiting for Realtor Day, and the family of former Senator Barbara Leff. The chamber also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 264 honoring Barbara Leff, followed by a moment of silence in her memory. The Senate then moved through a large number of bill introductions and first readings, as well as Committee of the Whole consideration of several measures.
In Committee of the Whole, senators considered and advanced multiple bills, often with technical or negotiated floor amendments. Among those reported out as do pass or do pass as amended were SB 1494, SB 1497, SB 1503, SB 1535, SB 1544, SB 1580, SB 1582, SB 1584, SB 1585, SB 1602, SB 1632, SB 1723, and SB 1798. The amendments addressed topics such as technical corrections to mining and pension language, classical learning tests, sex trafficking record sealing, probation reporting, school safety funding, kinship foster care stipends, DES credentialing, domestic violence release conditions, and a school safety/threat identification pilot program that was revised into a FAFSA awareness recognition program. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted.
The Senate then took up third-reading votes on several bills. HB 4115, SB 1012, SB 1213, SB 1416, SB 1474, SB 1511, SB 1549, SB 1573, SB 1634, SB 1647, SB 1649, SB 1664, and SB 1725 were considered, with most passing on party-line or near-party-line votes; SB 1416 and SB 1664 passed unanimously, while SB 1549 passed with broader support. Several members explained votes on immigration enforcement, concealed carry in establishments serving alcohol, commercial driver licensing, campaign finance, and a digital asset reserve fund. HB 2993, dealing with DPS legal representation funding, passed 16-13 after debate over constitutional concerns, funding sources, and the use of the Attorney General’s consumer fraud fund. The session ended with the Senate adopting the Committee of the Whole report and transmitting the passed bills to the House.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And I urge, I implore that you do the best you can in terms of education, educating young people to make
- I'm a Jewish resident of Massachusetts and an educator.
- My name is Shana Gosanski, and I'm a Jewish parent in Massachusetts.
- My parents faced Jewish quotas when applying to colleges and jobs.
- As an educator, I train students who will work abroad.
Summary:
The commission held a public comment hearing as it continued work toward a November 30 statutory deadline for its final report. The co-chairs reviewed logistics for the hybrid format, two-minute testimony limit, respectful conduct, and the plan to alternate between in-person and virtual speakers. The commission approved the minutes from its previous September 8 meeting by motion and vote, with no nays. Much of the testimony focused on how the commission should define antisemitism, especially whether to adopt the IHRA definition and whether it improperly conflates antisemitism with criticism of Israel or Zionism.
Many speakers, including Jewish educators, rabbis, academics, students, and legislators, described personal experiences with antisemitism and urged the commission to address hate while protecting free speech, academic freedom, and the ability to criticize Israeli government policy. Several called for the commission to reject or narrow the IHRA definition and instead consider the Jerusalem Declaration or other frameworks that distinguish antisemitism from anti-Zionism. Others emphasized that antisemitism should be addressed alongside racism, Islamophobia, white nationalism, and other forms of bias, and some urged broader anti-bias training in schools. A smaller number of speakers supported stronger action against antisemitism in schools and public institutions, including concerns about antisemitic materials in education and about organizations or events they viewed as promoting hate.
A recurring theme was the conflict in Gaza and its impact on the debate: some speakers condemned Israel’s military actions as genocide, apartheid, or colonialism and said criticism of those actions should not be treated as antisemitic, while others defended Israel, rejected genocide claims, and argued that anti-Israel activism can fuel antisemitism. Several speakers also raised concerns about campus discipline, union materials, and state facility rentals, and one speaker asked that state resources not be used by groups they viewed as inciting hate. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes and hearing public testimony.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And there's... education just not even with higher education.
- Our education plan for human papilloma education and prevention Representative Davis moves that House
- admission applications submitted to public institutions of higher education. education during certain
- Most of them had parents. Parents working at home. They were filing as dependents.
- To truly ensure educational equity, I urge you to support House Bill 1784. to require higher education
Bills:
HB232
Committee:
House Higher Education
Keywords:
disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Four - Tuesday, January 13 - Afternoon Session - State of the State
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Carla Eslinger, Director of Health and Human Services Sarah Wilson, Commissioner of Higher Education
- Families deserve options, and students deserve an education that actually fits their needs.
- Students across our state have a brighter future because their families were given educational choice
- Again, open enrollment is not about weakening public education. It's about strengthening it.
- Although funding education is a priority for me, the current formula simply does not work.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 5, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- As an aside, in addition to the great work we're doing with the education and training that we provide
- Resource sharing and education, funding flexibility, and peer support services.
- A parent or family member is usually just requesting guidance on accessing behavioral health services
- I think it is a great resource for teachers to convey to the parents.
- I think it is a great resource for teachers to convey to the parents.
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive an update from the Florida Department of Children and Families on implementation of House Bill 7021, which revised the Baker Act and Marchman Act and was funded with a $50 million appropriation. Deputy Assistant Secretary Bill Hardin reported that the department has updated reference guides, training, administrative rules, and forms; launched regional behavioral health collaboratives; and created the Office of Children’s Behavioral Health Ombudsman. He said early data show continued declines in Baker Act use, high diversion rates from involuntary examinations through 988, mobile response teams, and care coordination, along with generally positive provider feedback on changes such as allowing psychiatric nurses to initiate emergency treatment orders and clarifying the 72-hour examination period.
Hardin also described Marchman Act changes, including a streamlined petition process, remote testimony, improved discharge planning, and a new annual data report. He said the department has completed or is completing multiple training courses for providers and law enforcement, and has adopted or is finalizing numerous rules and forms. He reported that the regional collaboratives are identifying common statewide needs such as service capacity, resource sharing, funding flexibility, and peer support, while the ombudsman office is handling complaints and helping families navigate services.
Members asked about whether the current funding is sufficient, future budget needs, outreach for the new ombudsman office, and services for juveniles. Hardin said DCF has posted legislative budget requests for additional forensic FACT services and short-term residential treatment beds, including children’s beds, and noted the ombudsman office is staffed with two FTEs and supported through existing complaint-management and regional systems. He said outreach is being done through regional collaboratives and coordination with other agencies, especially the Department of Education, and that juvenile transport and placement issues have improved with the new law. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- However, unlike traditional foster homes, treatment foster parents receive specialized training to care
- businesses and legacy farms and citrus producers; and expand access to employment opportunities, education
- Jessica Janice Seawitz, waving in support, representing the Heartland Educational Consortium.
- It touches on so many areas from health care, education, transportation.
- It touches on so many areas from health care, education, transportation.
Committee:
Senate Fiscal Policy
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and first considered CS/SB 7012 on child welfare, presented by Senator Graal. The bill addressed three areas: child welfare workforce shortages, higher-acuity children in out-of-home care, and services/data for commercially sexually exploited children. It would create a CPI and case manager recruitment program aimed at former public safety and service workers, convene a workforce work group, establish a four-year treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits identified by DCF based on removal and placement data, and require more detailed, extractable child-level data on commercially sexually exploited children along with a bed capacity study and service gap analysis. Two amendments were adopted: one clarified record retention for redacted assessments, and another attached the appropriation.
The committee then heard CS/SB 110 on rural communities from Senator Simon. The bill proposed a broad rural development package, including a state office of rural prosperity, a Renaissance grant program for counties with declining populations, increased housing support, major rural road funding, school consortium funding, and additional health care resources for rural facilities and training. A delete-all amendment was adopted that expanded and refined several provisions, including local sales tax trust fund distributions, county connectivity projects, agritourism marketing support, disaster-impacted rural infrastructure eligibility, insurance and provider eligibility changes, and increased funding for critical access hospitals and rural medical education reimbursement.
Both bills drew broad support from local government, education, health care, housing, and rural advocacy representatives. Supporters said the rural bill was especially comprehensive and would help small counties, schools, roads, housing, and health care, while one witness cautioned that road expansion should be balanced with protection of agricultural and natural lands. Senator Bradley and Senator Simon emphasized local control and the importance of strengthening rural Florida without imposing mandates. CS/SB 7012 and CS/SB 110 were both reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/12/2026 - House Floor Session - Opening Day Ceremony
Arizona House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- excellence, merit-based policies, and recognition of Arizona educators.
- He raised me and my brother as a single parent. ...parent.
- Rubio is leading Arizona in bilingual education. and Dr.
- Okay, 2019 tax exemption, tax exemption; HB 2020, education, education is a disruption.
- HB 2020, education and judiciary; HB 2021, KT reading, the program requirement, education; 2022, election
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Nov 13th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I was already a parent at the time, so...
- How can we best support this effort to get education into the schools?
- Part of what we do is like a peer-to-peer education model.
- And so there's a lot of layers that go into that education. ...education too, and so it's really just
- So it would be trying to educate, like Rachel was saying earlier, educating the community is going to
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Nurse Licensure Compact discussion 2/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> and decide what kind of education and decide what kind of education different<00:08:49.760><c> practitioners
- </c><00:10:26.880><c> that</c> amounts of continuing education that amounts of continuing education that
- </c> parents an opportunity to opt out of it. parents an opportunity to opt out of it.
- </c><00:15:22.880><c> policy</c> re-refer this to the education policy re-refer this to the education
- They need to continue their education.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/21/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> involuntary termination of parental involuntary termination of parental rights.<01:53:16.400><c>
- </c> termination of parental rights. termination of parental rights.
- </c> parental rights. parental rights.
- </c><02:37:38.479><c> um</c> criminalizing is that the parent um criminalizing is that the parent um
- </c> check uh state department education check uh state department education decided<03:53:47.520><c>
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- When we debate public education, a child's future is being shaped.
- I want to thank my entire family, Eileen's parents, Tony and Maria.
- While I'm mentioning Eileen's parents, they are the best parents a husband could have.
- Mentioning Eileen's parents, they are the best parents a husband could have.
- 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 established. Members approved the journal and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber also recognized Sheriff Mike Chitwood as law enforcement officer of the day and later held several introductions and farewell remarks, including lengthy closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service and legislative priorities.
The House then took up and passed a series of Senate bills, often after adopting House strike-all or conforming amendments. CS/SB 590 on mandatory child abuse reporting was clarified to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism was amended to incorporate House language, including blue-envelope provisions, and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) was amended to preserve House provisions and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund was amended to expand eligible health science programs and allow certain non-health-care contributions, then passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care passed 111-0.
Later bills also advanced with broad support: CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences passed 168-0 after debate over medication-assisted treatment; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools passed 112-0 after amendments allowing limited coach support for student-athletes with parental consent; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts passed 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services passed 111-0 after an amendment on exclusive arrangements. The chamber then began debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, which would restrict counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and contracting practices. Members questioned its scope and exceptions, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The House Education Committee is called to order. The Secretary will note the roll.
- I think... ...for Mike and the parents of that community was evident.
- . ...so they have multiple pathways via the county or the Department of Education.
- I had been educated in it. I had been down here a lot already by that time.
- And I think having a backstop of the State Department of Education is excellent.
Committee:
House House Education Committee of Reference
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several school-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on governance, transparency, and accountability in school districts. House Bill 2318 would impose term limits on school district governing board members in districts with at least 250 students, while allowing county superintendents to appoint a term-limited member to fill a vacancy. Supporters argued it would bring fresh ideas and prevent entrenched leadership; opponents said voters should decide. The bill received a due pass recommendation after a divided roll call.
House Bill 2312 would allow certain patriotic youth groups to address students during school hours and require equal access for those groups in school forums. The sponsor said it was intended to promote programs such as FFA, Scouts, and similar organizations. Some members objected that it would take instructional time and was not truly permissive if access was granted to one group, and the bill nonetheless received a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2320 would require school districts to hire a registered independent municipal advisor before calling a bond election and for each successful bond issue. The sponsor and supporters said this could reduce underwriting fees and save taxpayers money, while some members raised questions about costs if a bond failed and whether the bill should be narrowed; it passed with a due pass recommendation after several members voted present or no.
The committee also approved House Bill 2376, which would bar districts from buying or leasing school property while a charter or private school is still operating there, and House Bill 2378, which tightens conflict-of-interest rules for the School Facilities Oversight Board by barring the architect and engineer members from having school-construction business. Both were framed by the sponsor as responses to concerns raised in Tolleson Union-related testimony and reporting. House Bill 2379, as amended, requires school board members to complete biennial training approved by the Auditor General, to be offered by county superintendents or ADE, with counties able to contract with others; supporters called it needed training, while opponents raised concerns about unfunded mandates, inclusion of ASBA, and charter schools. It received a due pass recommendation. Finally, House Bill 2380 would require board and subcommittee meetings to be held in-district, preserve online access to materials, and require public approval of out-of-state travel, with reimbursement if retroactive approval is denied. Rural districts and others raised concerns about flexibility, executive-session confidentiality, and administrative burden, but the bill was discussed with amendments and public access concerns rather than a final recorded action in the excerpt.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I've done a lot of foster parenting throughout my life.
- My wife and I were therapeutic foster parents. My wife and I were therapeutic foster parents.
- standards, court processes, child safety, and parent collaboration.
- And House Bill 918 was referred to the Education Committee. March 17, 2026, Mr.
- The House Education Committee will not meet Wednesday, March 18. Hawkins, chairman.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- What is this educator in order to get experience?
- What is this educator in order to get experience?
- Education, you don't have that choice. It's not a paid internship.
- That was a part of a required educational program that I had to do.
- Not a single time have I mentioned that a parent is, ...raise it.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 702, as amended by a strike-all amendment on digital content provenance and authenticity. Senator Burgess said the bill would require generative AI providers to add provenance data to content wholly generated by AI, allow provenance tags on AI-modified images, require social media platforms to retain and display provenance data in an accessible format, and apply content credentials to online election advertisements. He also described a two-year pilot program for the Division of Emergency Management to test provenance data in emergency communications, and said the bill would be enforced only by the Attorney General with no private right of action. Supporters from Microsoft and Adobe waived in support, while TechNet and the James Madison Institute raised concerns about broad definitions, implementation burdens, and the possibility that the rules could be easily circumvented. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 702 favorably.
The committee next considered CS for SB 282 on home and service warranty association financial requirements, which would allow extended warranty companies to use multiple insurance policies to back obligations and let companies with a $100 million net worth satisfy proof requirements through SEC filings or an audited financial statement. The Florida Service Agreement Association supported the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also passed CS for SB 678, which allows pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; the Florida Pawnbrokers Association and a business representative supported the change, the amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 1132, the Portable Wireless Device Repair Act, which would require manufacturers to provide diagnostic tools, repair information, and parts to owners and independent repair providers, and would also extend right-to-repair concepts to agricultural equipment through an amendment. Supporters argued the bill would expand consumer choice and repair access, while opponents including TechNet, the Repair Done Right Coalition, the James Madison Institute, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance warned about privacy, cybersecurity, trade secret, safety, and compliance concerns. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 1132 favorably.
Finally, the committee took up SB 676, which would create a framework for employees to knowingly and voluntarily waive the Florida minimum wage in certain internship, apprenticeship, and work-study settings, with a parent or guardian sign-off for minors. The sponsor said the bill was intended to expand job training and first-job opportunities for young people and others seeking experience, but multiple speakers and senators argued it conflicted with the Florida Constitution and existing case law, could be exploited by employers, and would undermine the voter-approved minimum wage. The committee continued extensive debate on the bill, with strong opposition testimony and questions about constitutionality, definitions, and enforcement.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (03/25/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:44:54.480><c> alimony</c> case types divorce and parenting alimony case types divorce and parenting
- </c><00:59:59.799><c> rights</c><01:00:00.000><c> and</c> terms like parental rights and terms like parental
- </c><01:01:58.960><c> plan</c> out a final decree and a parenting plan out a final decree and a parenting
- Child but there has to be a way to keep both parents in these children's lives.
- </c><01:24:03.679><c> these</c> children back to the other parent these children back to the other parent
Summary:
The subcommittee on the Children and Family Law Committee met organizationally to continue work on family court issues, building on a prior special committee’s report and taking a collaborative approach with the Judiciary. The chair said the group would focus on solutions rather than rehashing public complaints, and identified three main topics for early study: specialization and training of family court judges, the extent to which judges should be bound by the rules of evidence, and whether mediation in family cases should be mandatory or voluntary and what qualifications mediators should have. A fourth concern was also raised about overlap between superior court domestic violence cases and family court custody/support matters, and whether one judge should hear both. Members discussed whether to divide into smaller subcommittees, but the prevailing view was to work as a committee of the whole at first. Most members agreed that additional public testimony was unlikely to add much, though recent concerns could still be emailed to the committee.
The committee then heard from Attorney Erin Krian, general counsel for the judicial branch, and Judge Michael Mace. Krian said the judicial branch could provide additional witnesses on mediation and judicial training, including Judge Kissinger, and noted the branch was preparing materials on how other states handle the issues. Mace described the history of the Family Division and said he had reviewed older reports going back to the 1990s. He also outlined current judicial branch efforts, including expanded shadowing for new judges, monthly family-law trainings, and a year-long focus on family law topics. He reported that court rules had been updated to clarify notice requirements for minor guardianship changes, and that the branch had received positive feedback on the family access motion, which provides a statutory timeline and listed remedies for parenting-time disputes.
Members also discussed prior committee work on rules of evidence and family court procedures. One member recalled recommending quiet review of any judges who appeared to apply evidence rules inconsistently, and Krian said the administrative judge can review complaints even if they come from a single person. The committee also received a status update on prior initiatives, including a federal grant for guardian ad litem services for indigent litigants in four locations, testing of redesigned court forms, and continued training improvements. The chair scheduled the next subcommittee meeting for April 1 and the full Children and Family Law Committee for April 8, with further documents from committee research and NCSL to be circulated.