Video & Transcript : 'stem education' :
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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Education (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So we're educators.
- </c> this thing because we want to educate this thing because we want to educate and<00:20:40.320><c>
- </c> funds down for funding that education funds down for funding that education the<00:34:26.440><c>
- </c> clearly states that that is an education clearly states that that is an education related<00:37:
- Education use 10 or fewer Education use 10 or fewer non-traditional<00:57:55.319><c> instruction</c><
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:01:04
Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:12
Senate Bill 3 (Sen. Wise): 00:05:28
Senate Bill 6 (Sen. Givens): 00:32:17
House Bill 241 (Rep. Truett): 00:52:18
Senate Bill 268 (Sen. Reed): 01:11:57
Adjournment: 01:24:48, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Education met and first handled introductions of guests and visitors from several school districts and education groups. The committee then took up Senate Bill 3, which relates to student athletes and includes an emergency clause. The bill sponsor and invited witnesses, including athletics directors from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, said the measure is intended to update Kentucky’s NIL laws in light of the House v. NCAA settlement and other national changes in college athletics.
Supporters said SB 3 would let Kentucky universities directly compensate student athletes, help them secure third-party NIL deals, require reporting of deals over $600, and create guardrails and fair-market-value review to reduce pay-for-play concerns. They emphasized that the bill is meant to keep Kentucky institutions competitive, align with expected national standards, and prepare for changes expected around July 1, 2025. Witnesses also discussed the need for more uniform rules nationally, the role of the Power Four conferences in developing governance and clearinghouse systems, and the desire to preserve both athlete mobility and continuity in college sports.
Several members raised concerns about the transfer portal, NIL incentives, and the broader effect on college athletics, with one senator saying NIL and the portal have damaged the sport but acknowledging Kentucky must compete. Witnesses responded that tighter portal windows and clearer national rules would help, while still preserving student-athlete transfer rights when needed. After discussion, the committee moved to a vote on SB 3; the roll call was taken, and the bill advanced out of committee, with at least one senator explaining a reluctant yes vote because of competitive pressures on the Commonwealth.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- How is a board to move the educational process along?
- Counts in 1991: Special Report on Education Indicators*.
- plans of the Idaho State Department of Education.
- the strategic plans of the Idaho State Department of Education.
- Welcome to the Senate Education Committee, Chairman Hawkins.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1339, sponsored by Senator Dave Lent, which would replace the existing continuous improvement plan with a more locally driven, results-focused accountability system for public schools. Lent said the bill is intended to reduce reporting burdens, emphasize measurable student outcomes, reward excellence, and provide escalating support for schools that struggle over a three-year review cycle. Support came from the Idaho School Boards Association, which said the bill aligns accountability with local priorities, though it raised a small concern about possible limits on local authority over calendars and budgets. One witness opposed the bill, arguing it repeats the flawed logic of No Child Left Behind and overemphasizes outcomes while ignoring inputs and broader school improvement processes. The committee voted to send SB 1339 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 516, a cleanup bill related to last year’s law restricting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. The sponsor and bill drafters said the measure simply removes an “age appropriate or developmentally appropriate” phrase that was left in by mistake when the law was expanded from K-3 to K-12, and that the change is meant to clarify that the prohibition is absolute. Several opponents argued the removal would eliminate useful age-appropriate instruction, create confusion for teachers, and potentially affect classroom discussion of literature, history, and current events involving LGBTQ people. Supporters, including Idaho Family Policy Center, said the bill is needed because districts have not consistently adopted policies and that schools should not provide such instruction. After extended discussion about possible conflicts with existing code and the scope of the prohibition, the committee initially considered a due pass motion but then adopted a substitute motion to hold HB 516 at the call of the chair.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a shortage of educators. This is a way for us to recruit and retain educators.
- It's been negotiated and vetted through the Education Interim Committee.
- It's been negotiated and vetted through the Education Interim Committee.
- That's a bit frustrating on the education side when, as the education chair and one of the main groups
- We've not really grappled with the true cost of virtual education.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 47, the school employee insurance “80-20” bill, which would require school districts and charter schools to pay 80% of employee health insurance premiums, bringing K-12 employees into parity with other public employees. Supporters from school superintendents, school boards, charter schools, teachers, AFT, NIA, and labor groups said the bill would improve recruitment and retention, reduce the burden of rising premiums, and increase take-home pay, especially in rural districts. One amendment proposed by Senator Ramos would have expanded the bill to require a cooperative purchasing process and more insurance options, but it was opposed as a structural change not vetted for this bill and was withdrawn. The committee then approved HB 47 on a roll-call vote and sent it to the Senate floor.
The committee next took up House Bill 253, the public education changes bill, which focuses on full-time virtual education and related funding issues. The sponsor and education officials said the bill preserves virtual learning options, requires districts and charters to report virtual enrollment, creates an evaluation/certification process for full-time virtual programs, and includes a temporary funding fix to address budget shortfalls caused by virtual enrollment growth. Testimony from school leaders and boards supported the compromise, noting the need to avoid a statewide loss in unit value while also addressing the Gallup-McKinley situation and other funding distortions. Several senators raised concerns about impacts on small rural districts, out-of-state students, and the treatment of full-time virtual students in rural-unit calculations, but officials said emergency supplemental funding could address shortfalls and that a broader study would be done in the interim. The committee then passed HB 253 on a roll-call vote and advanced it to the Senate floor.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jan 13th, 2026
Privacy and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Over a decade later, Educational privacy law kept pace with technology.
- AB 1159 ensures all the ...in order to get an education.
- As a nonprofit education organization that partners with schools and higher education institutions to
- or public or private educational institutions.
- or public or private educational institutions.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Education is called to order. The Secretary will note the role.
- And teacher education is a huge part of that.
- programs compared to the least successful education programs.
- You know, here we are in the education committee, and if the goal of education policy is to help students
- picture of who's educating students in Arizona.
Summary:
The Committee on Education first heard a presentation from Dr. Victoria Dyson Homer on the Arizona Teacher Residency Program. She argued that Arizona faces a teacher retention and certification crisis, with high attrition and many uncertified or underprepared teachers, and said research shows practice-based residencies improve retention, teacher confidence, and student outcomes. She described the Arizona Teacher Residency as a year-long, cohort-based, district-partnered program with mentoring, coursework, and induction support, and said its early data show very high retention and positive student and teacher feedback. Committee members asked about how the program differs from traditional student teaching, salary schedules, and whether residency graduates outperform traditional preparation pathways; the presentation was generally well received.
The committee then took up SCR 1006, a ballot referral dealing with school restroom and locker room accommodations and pronoun/name use for students. The sponsor framed it as a parental rights and student safety measure, while opponents from education, legal, and advocacy backgrounds argued it was discriminatory, unnecessary, and harmful to transgender and non-binary students. After public testimony and member debate, the committee approved SCR 1006 on a 7-5 vote. Members then considered SB 1126, which would require schools to provide certain student records and information to Department of Child Safety caseworkers and prohibit schools from blocking staff from speaking with DCS during abuse or neglect investigations. DCS testified neutral, saying the bill would help clarify information sharing and support child safety; the committee passed the bill 10-0 with two members present.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1210, which would require certain out-of-state private postsecondary institutions offering fully online programs to Arizona residents to register with the state board unless they participate in a reciprocity agreement, and to comply with student tuition recovery fund requirements if they collect prepaid tuition. Supporters said the bill closes a regulatory loophole and protects students and the state’s oversight of online providers. The committee approved SB 1210 on an 11-1 vote. The meeting then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jan 27th, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- The requirement also for multilingual public health education is essential.
- We know that menopause literacy remains low across all education levels.
- Despite this, provider education is often inconsistent.
- Fewer than a third of GYN residents receive formal menopause education.
- Fewer than a third of GYN residents receive formal menopause education.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing during a snowstorm, with members participating both in person and via Teams, and the chairs said testimony would be kept open for an additional week. The first bill heard was H.4796, an act relative to organ transplant vehicles. NORA New England testified in support, arguing that dedicated organ transport vehicles need authority to use lights and sirens so time-sensitive organs can be moved more quickly and safely without relying on EMS systems already stretched by 9-1-1 calls. No opposition was heard and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next item.
The bulk of the hearing focused on H.4838, an act expanding access to perimenopause and menopause care. Chair Decker, who filed the bill, said it was the product of a year of meetings with dozens of individuals and organizations and was intended as a starting point to identify gaps in care, training, access, and coverage. Testimony overwhelmingly supported the bill and described widespread misdiagnosis, dismissal of symptoms, limited clinician training, insurance barriers, medication access problems, and workplace impacts. Speakers included patients, clinicians, advocates, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and out-of-state and international experts, many of whom urged better education, public awareness, research, and workplace accommodations.
Several witnesses emphasized that menopause affects whole-body health, including cardiovascular, bone, mental health, and work outcomes, and that Black women and other marginalized groups face greater barriers and worse outcomes. Some speakers noted the bill is important but largely a framework that will need further work to address coverage and access more directly. Blue Cross Blue Shield said it supports the bill and already covers menopause-related care and training, though the chair used the exchange to criticize broader insurer and state decisions on GLP-1 coverage for obesity. The committee took no vote during the hearing, and the chairs closed by thanking witnesses and stating that additional written testimony would be accepted.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Information Technology Oversight Committee (11-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- under the leadership of the Kentucky Department of Education.
- under the leadership of the Kentucky Department of Education.
- Education.
- continuity and educational outcomes across the Commonwealth.
- </c> Education, and we do that at no cost. Education, and we do that at no cost.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Michael McCurley, president of Zo Education and a senior vice president with Zo Group, about the company’s role in providing broadband and managed network services to Kentucky schools. He said Zo Education serves all Kentucky K-12 public school districts in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, offering more bandwidth at lower cost than the prior provider and also providing cybersecurity and network protection. He emphasized that reliable connectivity is essential for instruction, testing, remote coursework, and school administration.
McCurley also addressed the ongoing contract dispute involving the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Open Fiber Silicom, saying Zo Education is not a party to the litigation but is concerned about possible disruption to schools and students. In response to committee questions, he said the company incurred unexpected costs when it had to reroute connections and build alternate network paths, including one school move that cost more than $50,000 to serve a site generating under $2,000 per month. He said outages and incidents are more frequent when Kentucky Wired access is unavailable, and that Zo could not have bid at its current price without access to Kentucky Wired.
Committee members discussed the broader implications of the dispute and the state’s broadband structure. Senator Williams said the committee’s priority is avoiding disruption to students and noted concerns about infrastructure purchases and upgrades tied to the network, saying he had not seen clear contractual support for some of the expenditures. He also referenced a future audit and said the committee should preserve options and taxpayer funds. The committee then reviewed its report to LRC, including changes related to infrastructure purchases and water asset management technology, and agreed to submit the report without a committee vote. The chair announced the next meeting would be in January, with no December meeting scheduled, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to be before the State Board of Education.
- We were the only educational game in town up until a few years ago.
- Which students have an educational ID? I can't adjust... I'm so sorry.
- And we also know it costs more to educate kids. Those communities.
- And we also know it costs more to educate kids that don't come to school.
Summary:
The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met to review how Florida’s Education Finance Program (FEFP) works, receive an update from the Department of Education on the October 2024 FTE survey and third FEFP calculation, and hear from three county superintendents about forecasting enrollment and reconciling scholarship students. The chair explained that FEFP is funded by both state and local dollars, is recalculated multiple times during the year, and is now closely tied to school choice policy. Department staff said the third calculation was still being rerun but should be completed soon, and described the forecasting process as collaborative among districts, DOE, and the Education Estimating Conference.
Superintendents from Polk, St. Lucie, and Hendry counties said enrollment shifts, especially students moving to Family Empowerment Scholarships, homeschooling, or private schools, make budgeting and staffing difficult. They said districts often must hold back funds to protect against midyear losses, which affects collective bargaining, staffing, transportation, and classroom organization. Several members raised concerns about duplicate counting, transparency, and whether students receiving scholarship funds can also remain in district classrooms. DOE said districts can access scholarship information through a secure portal and that scholarship funding organizations are paid quarterly, with a new process requiring certification and possible future payment adjustments to reduce duplication.
The superintendents urged better real-time tracking of students through a statewide ID or student information system and suggested scholarship students should be funded separately from district FEFP calculations. Members also discussed whether more frequent or daily attendance-based calculations would improve accuracy, though some warned that daily attendance could create new problems for high-poverty districts. The committee also briefly discussed categoricals, including mental health and ESE funding, with DOE saying it evaluates programs through studies, reporting requirements, and legislative direction. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with a motion to rise and adjourn.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- It was about the children and the educators having the financial means to educate the children and make
- I don't want to Modify education is concerning.
- the Democrat Party, and where people stand on issues as they relate to education and educational philosophy
- the Democrat Party, and where people stand on issues as they relate to education and educational philosophy
- In fact, education is the reason I'm here.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Feb 18th, 2026
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- It dropped to 61 after they had a Missouri education.
- Another committee is working on physical education.
- It says that the special education teachers, regular education teachers, other professionals as needed
- , and the parents The special education teachers, regular education teachers, other professionals as
- educators.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 3239, which would make the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program permanent and move it into the MoCAP framework. Representative Hurlbert and supporters said the program has helped about 1,200 adults earn diplomas, mostly women with children, and that it improves employment and health coverage outcomes. Members raised concerns about funding, the use of the foundation formula, and how the program differs from existing adult education options. Supporters said it is tuition-free, pay-for-performance, and intended for adults with a short path to graduation; no vote was taken on the bill.
The committee then took up House Bills 2335 and 2230/2978 in executive session. HB 2335, dealing with teacher training, was amended and then given a do pass recommendation by a 19-0 vote. HB 2230 and 2978, as amended, were also approved do pass by an 18-1 vote after extensive discussion of the Student Screen Time Standards Act, including limits on screen time, a new advisory council, and a related cursive-writing amendment. Members generally supported the direction of the substitute, while some raised questions about local control, implementation, and the role of experts.
Later, Representatives Irwin and Steinhoff presented House Bills 2913 and 3228, which would provide legal protection for teachers who intervene in violent situations to protect students or themselves. Supporters said the bills would reduce fear of liability and encourage reasonable intervention, while committee members and witnesses discussed possible limits, training, whether the protection should extend to other school staff, and how the proposal interacts with existing discipline and restraint rules. Public testimony was largely supportive, with school and teacher groups asking for clearer definitions and coordination with federal law; no vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2304, which would require parental consent before major changes to a child’s special education placement or services. The sponsor and advocates said it strengthens parent involvement and collaboration, while members questioned delays, due process, safety exceptions, and the effect on school operations. Testimony from advocates and parents supported the bill, and the hearing concluded without action.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Feb 16th, 2026 at 10:00 am
A&B Education Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- So I've got a policy brief here from the Secretary of Education with the Oklahoma Center for Educational
- You see the profession of education, students majoring in education, is a profession that had gone down
- We need education specialists, literacy specialists. Education since that legislation went forward.
- We need education specialists, literacy specialists, and people committed to long-term careers in education
- So let's incentivize them to receive the education as opposed to just To receive the education.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Student career pathways framework established 2/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair. the gap by rethinking how education and the gap by rethinking how education and workforce<00:02
- </c> I am John Fanning, director of Education I am John Fanning, director of Education Partnerships<00
- </c><00:13:46.079><c> graduating</c> purpose in their education graduating purpose in their education
- </c><00:14:52.240><c> coming</c> Department of um education coming Department of um education coming
- </c><00:15:00.880><c> around</c> districts and higher education around districts and higher education
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/19/2026 - Senate Government
Senate Government Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- CAP supports all educational options in Arizona.
- that's public schools, charter schools, private schools, and home education.
- But my one huge concern is about special education.
- Special education services are especially at risk.
- So I'm deeply concerned about the impact of special education here.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Government considered only SCR 1032, along with a strike-everything amendment. The amendment would require school districts, subject to voter approval, to dedicate at least 60% of operational spending to teacher pay, with a phased-in increase beginning in FY 2028 for districts below that threshold. It also ties compliance to Classroom Site Fund eligibility, requires unexpended CSF monies to revert if a district is found out of compliance, and allows limited waivers from the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The sponsor argued the measure would correct what he described as a long-term misallocation of education funding and give voters a chance to prioritize teachers.
Supporters, including representatives from Heritage Action, the Goldwater Institute, and the Center for Arizona Policy, said district spending has risen while teacher pay has remained flat in real terms, and argued the measure would increase transparency and accountability and ensure more money reaches teachers. Opponents, including a representative of the Rural Arizona School Coalition, said the proposal would be difficult for rural districts to meet and would squeeze out other necessary costs such as fuel, insurance, facilities, and minimum wage increases. A committee member also raised concerns that the measure could harm special education and other student support services by forcing districts to shift funds away from those areas.
During discussion, the sponsor said charter schools were not included because he viewed them as private businesses, despite a member noting state law defines them as public schools. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then approved SCR 1032 as amended. The final vote was 4 ayes, 3 nays, and 0 not voting, sending the measure out with a do pass as amended recommendation.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- educ education, training, and vocational educ education, training, and restorative<00:25:31.120><c>
- 25:55.679><c> and</c> appropriations for education and appropriations for education and community-based
- ,</c> essential spaces for education, essential spaces for education, wellness,<00:26:21.520><c> and<
- State Procurement Office, Special Education Advisory Council, Board of Education, Board of Water Supply
- > Advisory</c> Office, Special Education Advisory Office, Special Education Advisory Council, Council
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee convened at 10:00 a.m. and opened with instructions about live streaming, one-minute testimony limits, and the possibility of reconvening on March 31 if technical problems interrupted the hearing. The committee then took up HB 300, which drew extensive testimony from state agencies, commissions, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Many agencies, including Budget and Finance, Education, Health, Housing, and others, said they stood on their written testimony and supported the measure. One witness from the Kohala Island Reserve Commission supported the bill and asked for funding for a CIP project at its Kihei site to consolidate offices and generate revenue for Maui. Several groups, including the Hawaii Oral Health Coalition and the Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis, supported funding for mandated oral health services and higher ABA provider rates for children with autism. In contrast, the Re-imagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition and Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice opposed $30 million for jail planning and additional incarceration-related spending, urging more investment in housing, mental health, youth programs, education, and restorative justice. The chair noted the testimony totals for HB 300: 186 in support, 91 opposed, and 52 comments.
The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 794 and HB 795. The Department of Budget and Finance supported HB 794, and the Tax Foundation was listed for HB 795 but was not present. No additional testimony was offered on either bill. After the testimony phase, the committee deferred all three measures—HB 300, HB 794, and HB 795—for decision making to March 31 at 10:00 a.m. in the same room.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- PA education is medical model-based.
- PA education is graduate-level education. You have to have a master's degree.
- PA education is graduate-level education. You have to have a master's degree.
- So PAs are educated as practice.
- </c> things about PA education and training. things about PA education and training.
Keywords:
absentee voting, disabled, blind, voter assistance, voting rights, SNAP, public assistance, nutritional standards, waiver, food regulation, 1136, house, all
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 30th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- , uh, um, prepared and certified educators in our classrooms.
- Education resource centers.
- In public education, and most people do not know this.
- We've seen this huge growth in special education.
- Gap in, uh, funding for special education prior.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- In the House of Representatives, House Bill 728 by the Education Committee, an act relating to education
- In the House of Representatives, Houseville 635 by Education Committee. Education Committee.
- In the Senate, Senate Bill 1291 by the Education Committee, an act relating to education, relating to
- In the Senate, Senate Bill 1288 by the Education Committee, an act relating to education to establish
- In the Senate, Senate Bill 1288 by the Education Committee, an act relating to education to establish
Summary:
The Senate convened with 31 members present, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal. Committee reports and House messages were received, including referrals of several bills and memorials, confirmation of a gubernatorial appointment to the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, and transmission of enrolled House bills for the President’s signature. The chamber also heard introductions of visitors in the gallery, including Senator Groh’s father, a World War II veteran, and other guests later in the day.
On third reading, the Senate passed several bills. Senate Bill 1276, dealing with the public employee retirement system and retired employees returning to work, passed 33-0 after supporters said it helps address teacher shortages and has no negative impact on PERSI. Senate Bill 1291, a Title 33 education code cleanup bill, passed 34-0. Senate Bill 1292, revising foster parent training requirements, also passed 34-0 after supporters said it would improve preparation and retention of foster parents while allowing exemptions for relatives and out-of-state training. Senate Bill 1293, correcting unintended effects of prior public benefits legislation on crime victims’ compensation and forensic exams, passed 34-0.
The most debated measure was Senate Bill 1288, creating the Idaho High Needs Student Fund to reimburse districts for especially costly special education cases above $30,000 per student. Supporters argued it would provide targeted relief, reduce local levy pressure, and help districts meet federally required services using one-time funds identified by the superintendent. Opponents raised concerns about creating a new ongoing expectation, the lack of structural special education reform, and the use of one-time money during a tight budget year. After extended debate and several questions, the bill passed 22-12 and was transmitted to the House. The Senate then moved to miscellaneous business, heard additional introductions and announcements, and adjourned until the next day.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- have somehow affected our ability to have a standard of education.
- So it says the right to educate their children without government regulation.
- Unless educated by other means as provided by law.
- So it says the right to educate their children without government regulation.
- , and through other innovative non-public educational options.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from February 23 and 24. It then heard H.J.R. 9, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Hawkins to remove the compulsory-attendance language from Article 9, Section 9 and add language stating that the right of parents to educate their children without government regulation outside the public schools shall not be infringed. Hawkins argued the change would align the Constitution with existing parental-rights law and protect families from future legislative changes. Supportive testimony came from the Idaho Family Policy Center and the Idaho Republican Party resolutions chair, both framing the measure as a protection of parental authority and educational choice. Some members questioned whether the added language was necessary or could create litigation, but the committee voted to send H.J.R. 9 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee next considered H.B. 720, which lowers the population threshold for requiring city council districts from cities over 100,000 to cities over 25,000. Representative Alfieri said the bill would improve local representation and make it easier for residents to run for office by reducing campaign costs. Opponents, including the Association of Idaho Cities, warned that the lower threshold would create very small districts, especially in college towns, make it harder to recruit candidates, and add costs and complications for cities. Several members raised concerns about whether the change was optional or mandatory and about uneven representation within districts, but the committee ultimately voted to send H.B. 720 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard H.B. 736 from Representative Haas, which lowers the threshold for ballot-name rotation from 100,000 registered voters to 25,000. Haas said the change would reduce the primacy effect and improve fairness and transparency in elections, especially in countywide and legislative races. The bill was described as preserving the Secretary of State’s discretion over how rotation is administered. The motion to send H.B. 736 to the floor with a due pass recommendation passed without opposition.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Development (1-20-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:01:26.400><c> Um</c> the education and labor cabinet. Um the education and labor cabinet.
- </c><00:01:30.240><c> and</c> fiscal management for education and fiscal management for education and
- </c> Kentucky Department of Education. Kentucky Department of Education.
- </c> at the Department of Education. at the Department of Education.
- </c> Department of Education. Department of Education. >> Thank<00:04:53.040><c> you.
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met without a quorum at first, so it did not approve minutes and instead heard agency capital requests. The Education and Labor Cabinet presented a $6.2 million reauthorization for renovation of the Charles W. McDow Center for the Blind in Louisville, which serves blind and visually impaired individuals through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. The project would update mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Members asked about the number of students served and the facility’s location; the cabinet said it would follow up on the enrollment figure and explained that prior funding had been redirected to expanded services for people with disabilities and employment needs.
The Kentucky Department of Education then presented its request to replace the SEEK system, the state’s primary school funding formula and calculation platform. Officials said the current in-house system dates to about 2008 and is increasingly difficult to maintain, especially as legislative changes require complex recalculations. They explained that a prior vendor contract was terminated after change orders and cost overruns made the project unworkable; the original contract was about $2.8 million, and the proposed change order would have more than doubled that amount. KDE said it is seeking additional funding while also trying to recover the prior vendor’s work product so it can potentially reuse parts of the code and proceed in modules if necessary.
Members questioned the cost, the statewide role of SEEK, and whether state staff familiar with the system would be involved in any new procurement. KDE officials said they had already assigned internal staff and a project manager to the earlier RFP process and would do so again. They also noted that SEEK calculations, tax calculations, and attendance data all feed into the system, making it critical for accurate and timely district payments and data requests. The meeting ended with no votes taken, and the chair announced the next meeting would be held the following Tuesday, the 27th, at 10:00 a.m. in the same room.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 will now come to order.
- This bill does not impact the educational curriculum schedule of the classroom at all.
- This bill does not impact the educational curriculum schedule of the classroom at all.
- What is educational about their pictures...
- Because this is not educational; it feels like it's symbolic.