Video & Transcript : 'support demonstration' :
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-30 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't support caps.
- For those reasons, I'm going to have to support the idea of a clean repeal and not support the amendment
- And I support you in that effort, sir.
- I appreciate your support.
- I'm grateful for your support and happy to support this today. Additional debate.
Summary:
The Florida Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness for sexual assault survivors, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a memorial proclamation for former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special-order bills, with senators also briefly discussing the session’s pace and thanking staff and colleagues for their work.
The first major bill, on driving and boating offenses, was amended and passed 37-0. As amended, it increases penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide/vessel homicide offenses, and adds notice requirements and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. Senators also passed SB 306 on Medicaid providers 37-0, requiring Medicaid managed care plans to offer more after-hours and holiday access and ensuring more primary care appointment availability outside regular business hours.
The Senate then passed a major condominium and cooperative associations bill, also 37-0, after extensive debate and multiple amendments. The measure extends deadlines for structural integrity reserve studies, adds flexibility for reserve funding and budgeting, tightens rules for managers and inspectors, limits certain requirements to buildings of three or more habitable stories, and extends the rescission period for condo purchases. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s sponsors for years of work responding to post-Surfside safety and affordability concerns.
The longest and most contentious item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendment petition procedures. Sponsors said the bill responds to fraud and abuse in the citizen initiative process by tightening circulator rules, requiring faster submission of signed petitions, adding voter notification, increasing penalties, and shifting costs to sponsors. Opponents argued it would burden volunteers and make it harder for citizens to qualify initiatives. The chamber adopted a series of amendments, including changes to the petition-circulator threshold, volunteer protections, submission timing, invalid-signature investigation thresholds, and notice/cure provisions, while debate continued over whether the overall package would protect election integrity or suppress citizen-led amendments.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:25:58.919><c> two-way</c><00:25:59.520><c> energy</c> support two-way energy support two-way energy
- He urged support for the bill.
- </c><03:47:48.920><c> of</c> colleagues I speak today in support of colleagues I speak today in support
- </c><04:19:58.000><c> an</c> control you would not support an control you would not support an amendment
- Voting stations are open for 30 seconds. green to support the itl thank you Mr green to support the itl
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Mar 18th, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- So we urge that you support policies that are grounded in reality and support this bill, S. 2680.
- Why I support Colby's Law.
- I'm here to support Colby's Law.
- I urge you to support the Protect Act, and please also support the S. 2-860. Thank you.
- I profoundly support this bill.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 13th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For all who suffer and struggle alone, may they receive healing and support.
- I'll just briefly add my voice in support, a proud co-author.
- Today we remember those who lost their lives during... ...support of SR 92.
- Thank you, and how they supported many of us in the African American community.
- So thank you for bringing this forward, and yeah, I stand in support.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation May 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- $12.5 million General Fund in 2025-26 for DWR to... $5 million General Fund in 2025-26 for DWR to support
- solution to shift $1.5 billion... ...from the General Fund to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to support
- All of us support rail. Many of us support the high-speed rail project.
- Dan Cha continued that the Port of Long Beach supports the Governor's proposal to allocate $228 million
- He said the program has provided support for disproportionately impacted communities by improving air
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision, especially the proposed extension of the cap-and-trade program to 2045 as “cap-and-invest,” the related greenhouse gas reduction fund (GGRF) spending framework, and several trailer bill proposals. Department of Finance staff outlined budget solutions including a $1.5 billion annual General Fund-to-GGRF shift for Cal Fire that would grow to $1.9 billion by 2029-30, continued support for high-speed rail, climate bond implementation, and various environmental and water-related statutory changes. The administration also described proposals affecting the Delta Conveyance Project, water quality planning, groundwater bulletin timing, Exide cleanup funding, and other agency-specific items, though the chair repeatedly asked staff to keep the presentation high-level and save details for the next hearing.
Members from both parties raised strong concerns about the cap-and-invest proposal, arguing that it could reduce or displace funding for transit, affordable housing, active transportation, wildfire prevention, zero-emission vehicles, and other previously committed programs. Several members questioned whether the administration was effectively shifting essential ongoing services like Cal Fire onto a temporary carbon market fund, how the General Fund backstop would work if auction revenues fall short, and whether the proposal would leave enough money for continuous appropriations and future awards. Members also criticized the inclusion of cap-and-invest reauthorization in the budget process and asked for clearer information on the impact to high-speed rail, transit, and other GGRF priorities.
The Delta Conveyance Project and related trailer bill language drew significant opposition from members and public commenters, who argued the proposal would fast-track the project, weaken CEQA-related review, and authorize revenue bond financing without sufficient legislative oversight. Public testimony also included support for maintaining or expanding funding for transit, affordable housing, AB 617 community air protection, offshore wind infrastructure, and ignition interlock programs, while environmental and community groups opposed cuts to wildfire prevention, housing, and school climate-related programs. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion and receive more detailed responses at the follow-up hearing on Tuesday.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-30 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't support caps.
- For those reasons, I'm going to have to support the idea of a clean repeal and not support the amendment
- But I wanted to at least put that" "Support the idea of a clean repeal and not support the amendment.
- I appreciate your support.
- I'm grateful for your support and happy to support this today. Additional debate.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a remembrance of former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special order bills. CS/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death was substituted for SB 138, amended to add warnings and penalties for refusal of breath or urine tests, and passed 37-0. CS/SB 306 on Medicaid providers, requiring broader after-hours access and network availability for Medicaid enrollees, also passed 37-0.
The Senate then took up CS/CS/HB 913 on condominium associations, a major post-Surfside reform bill. Senator Bradley explained that the measure was intended to provide financial relief and flexibility while preserving safety and accountability. The bill was substituted for SB 1742, amended several times to limit milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies to buildings three habitable stories or more, and then passed 37-0 after extensive debate. Senators from both parties praised Bradley, Pizzo, Garcia, and staff for years of work on condo safety and affordability, with several members describing the bill as a balance between protecting residents and avoiding financial hardship.
The final major item was CS/HB 1205, the bill on amendments to the state constitution and citizen petition drives. Sponsors Gates and Grohl argued the bill was needed to combat fraud, identity theft, and misuse in the petition process, citing a lengthy Office of Election Crimes and Security report. The House bill was substituted for SB 7016, and the chamber considered a long series of amendments and substitute amendments addressing petition circulator registration, volunteer participation, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and fiscal impact statements. Several amendments were adopted, while others were debated over whether they would protect access to the citizen initiative process or strengthen election integrity. The transcript ends during debate on the main substitute amendment, before final disposition on the bill is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- She waves in support. Tim Parsons, Sterling Fibers, is waving in support.
- Hannah Christian, CFO Blazing Goalya, waving in support. Anthony, you go. Golia waving in support.
- And I will support this bill.
- So we do support transparency and I support you. And I know that we're working on this.
- Maryland Farrow waives in support.
Summary:
The subcommittee first took up HB 387 on ADS-B airport billing. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would stop airports and third-party vendors from using federally required automatic dependent surveillance broadcast data to calculate landing or touch-and-go fees, arguing the technology was intended for safety and collision avoidance, not invoicing. An amendment clarifying touch-and-go landings and other fee calculations was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably 15-0.
Members then heard several local and policy bills. CS/HB 803 on private-provider building permits and inspections drew broad support from industry groups and was reported favorably 14-1. HB 451 and HB 4053, local fire-district assessment bills, were presented as relief for homeowners and churches facing higher non-ad valorem assessments; both were reported favorably after amendments, with testimony emphasizing impacts on houses of worship and local communities. PCS/HB 1329 on local government spending transparency prompted extensive debate over searchable budget formats, posting requirements, and possible unfunded mandates; supporters framed it as taxpayer access and accountability, while opponents argued many local governments already provide this information and that the bill could impose costs. It was reported favorably 8-4.
The committee also advanced PCS/HB 927 on local land planning and development, which would allow qualified professionals to assist with pre-application reviews; local government representatives raised concerns about preemption and environmental restrictions, but the bill was reported favorably 13-2. HB 929 on chickee huts, PCS/HB 4081 on expanding a local water and sewer district by referendum, and HB 489 conveying the Trenton Train Depot to the city and county all passed unanimously or near-unanimously. HB 1211, a Department of Military Affairs bill updating leave and assistance-program provisions, was amended and reported favorably. HB 1041, creating business incentives for veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses, also passed 13-0 after amendment and supportive testimony from members and veterans. The final item shown was HB 1001, a bill restricting county and municipal DEI-related actions and contracting; the sponsor described it as a response to division and waste, and members began questioning its definitions, scope, and potential effects on training and civil actions, but the transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on that bill.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- We support tenants all the way out in Great Barrington.
- We also need dedicated state funding streams to support public housing, to support housing solutions
- to support a $2.7 billion tourism economy.
- We also support the real estate transfer fee. We strongly support that fee.
- We are supporters of the real estate transfer fee.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held its second introductory hearing to frame the session’s housing agenda. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty described the hearing as a chance to hear a wide range of perspectives on Massachusetts’ housing crisis, including underbuilding, zoning and permitting barriers, rising costs, and the need for both state and local action. The committee heard from court, municipal, advocacy, and regional housing leaders, with recurring themes of increasing supply, preserving existing housing, preventing displacement, and expanding resources for renters and homeowners.
Chief Justice Diana Horan of the Housing Court said the court is handling more than 40,000 new filings annually with only 15 judges, and estimated the court would need about 21 judges to meet demand. She described complications from RAFT-related stays, mental health and guardianship issues, aging housing stock, and the new eviction sealing law, which she said was being implemented smoothly but may require additional resources if filings continue to rise. The Massachusetts Municipal Association and MAPC emphasized that municipalities need flexibility, funding, and better tools such as MassWorks, Housing Works, H-DIP, 40R reforms, inclusionary zoning changes, and a local option transfer fee; they also said local control concerns and long permitting timelines remain major barriers. MAPC and others stressed that supply growth alone will not solve the crisis and urged continued support for subsidized housing, access to counsel, and modular/off-site construction.
Advocates and housing providers focused on displacement, preservation, and tenant protections. Homes for All Massachusetts and Mass Law Reform Institute called for rent stabilization, stronger tenant protections, foreclosure prevention, elimination of junk fees, continued funding for RAFT and HomeBASE, and expanded access to counsel. Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants said the state needs far more extremely low-income housing, more operating subsidy, and major investment to repair public housing, while also supporting tenant technical assistance during redevelopment. Franklin County’s housing authority warned that rural communities are being left out of many state programs and asked for a rural LIHTC set-aside, a permanent rural credit boost, and a review of housing choice programs. A Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation researcher presented findings that communities that add housing generally see stronger municipal finances, and that housing growth can improve property tax and state aid outcomes.
Seasonal community representatives from Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket described extreme affordability pressures and the need for tailored tools. Nantucket’s housing trust chair said the island has made progress through local funding, inclusionary zoning, and deed-restricted units, but still needs a real estate transfer fee and faster ways to preserve year-round housing. Across the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly returned to the need for a mix of production, preservation, tenant protections, and local flexibility, rather than relying on any single policy solution.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (6-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We are a nonpartisan office that supports the General Assembly with anything health related to data,
- We are a nonpartisan office that We are a nonpartisan office that supports<00:21:18.400><c> the</c><00
- the general assembly uh with supports the general assembly uh with anything<00:21:20.640><c> health<
- There's the 1115 waivers, which are basically demonstration waivers, and 1915(b) waivers are a managed
- </c><00:34:27.359><c> Kentucky</c> uh but there is a supporting Kentucky uh but there is a supporting
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:00
Introduction of Board Members – 00:02:04
Overview of the Purpose and Goals of the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board – 00:12:46
Medicaid Legislative Update - 00:20:26
Discussion of Next Steps and Future Meeting Dates – 01:04:06
Adjournment – 01:06:37, 958, all
Summary:
The first meeting of the Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board opened with Chair Ken Fleming and Co-Chair Rocky Adams welcoming members, explaining the board’s purpose, and introducing the diverse membership of legislators, providers, advocates, and state officials. Fleming said the board would meet monthly, allow public comment at the end of meetings, and operate transparently with materials posted online and distributed in advance. Both chairs emphasized that the board’s work would focus on improving Medicaid outcomes, efficiency, and oversight, while preparing for possible federal changes and avoiding premature assumptions about what Congress may do.
Members then gave brief introductions describing their backgrounds in medicine, nursing, hospital administration, behavioral health, insurance, budgeting, pharmacy, and Medicaid administration. Several noted direct experience with Medicaid populations or managed care, including the Department for Medicaid Services commissioner, health plan representatives, hospital and clinic leaders, and legislators with health care backgrounds. The board also heard from Stephanie Bates of the LRC Office of Health Data Analytics, who said her office supports the General Assembly with health-related data, policy, and research and would serve as a resource to the board.
Bates then began a presentation on Medicaid basics, explaining that House Bill 695 created the board and that the presentation would cover eligibility, enrollment, covered benefits, waivers, managed care, the budget, and the federal reconciliation bill. She described Medicaid eligibility as complex, noted that Kentucky had more than 1.4 million enrollees, and explained enrollment churn and the unwinding of pandemic-era continuous coverage. She also outlined mandatory and optional Medicaid benefits, the requirement that services be medically necessary and provided by enrolled providers, and the main waiver types used in Kentucky, including 1115, 1915(b), and 1915(c) waivers. No votes or formal actions were taken at this meeting beyond organizational setup and receiving the initial informational presentation.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, with the privilege provided to me by my ancestors, I proudly support this resolution.
- NOW, WITH THE PRIVILEGE PROVIDED TO ME BY MY ANCESTORS, I PROUDLY SUPPORT THIS RESOLUTION.
- So, I'm proud to pass and support this resolution, not only as a time of reflection, but as a renewed
- Supporters of this bill claim that it is compassion.
- SUPPORTERS OF THIS BILL CLAIM THAT IT IS COMPASSION.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship.
The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to thank our clerk, Shenika Thomas, for her support.
- could just say a fish that measures a certain length and strikes in a fishing tournament unless demonstrable
Keywords:
DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- AI supports learning. AI supports learning. It never replaces the educator.
- This is a bill that's public safety and victim support.
- So I would definitely appreciate your support on this bill.
- Senators, I support this bill.
- The question for the Senate is: Shall Senate Bill 12— support.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 33 members present and one excused absence, then proceeded through prayer, the pledge, and approval of the prior journal. Members also received communications, including notice of a temporary substitute senator and a governor’s letter withdrawing a reappointment to the Idaho Human Rights Commission, which was referred back to State Affairs.
The chamber then considered several gubernatorial appointments. The Senate adopted committee reports and confirmed Brian Skigliano and Leighton Lining to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights, Gregory Donica and Nora Carpenter to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and later Salvador Cruz’s appointment was also taken up in the sequence of business. Senators highlighted each nominee’s background and qualifications, and the reports were adopted without recorded opposition. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 108, which urges federal action to protect Idaho livestock owners from adverse grazing-permit consequences when filing depredation claims; Senate Joint Memorial 106 was sent back to committee after a correction was noted.
On legislation, Senate Bill 1227 passed after debate over a framework for generative AI in education. Supporters said it would preserve human judgment, local control, and parent transparency while helping schools prepare for AI; opponents raised concerns about vague definitions, implementation, and possible overreach. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1226, expanding DNA sample collection to include misdemeanor sexual battery and misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, with supporters citing public safety and victim accountability and one senator noting budget concerns. Finally, Senate Bill 1225 as amended passed, codifying university presidential search procedures and changing public disclosure rules so only the sole finalist’s name is released, with a minimum 10-day public vetting period. The Senate adjourned after miscellaneous announcements and set its next meeting for the following day.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 31st, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill was brought to me by and has the support of Concho County Hospital District.
- So this local provider participation fund support has been supporting these 3 rural hospitals for about
- So I support it. Thank you. OK, thank you. Members. Any questions for Ms. Robinson?
- I'm here testifying this morning in support of HB 1845.
- So, um, but so y'all would be supportive of some of the drought opt-out language.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So we feel SB 1882 already has some practice involved there, and we ask for your support.
- So I appreciate y'all's support for this bill. Senator West. Yeah, thank you very much, Mr.
- The citizens of Kopppell certainly want to thank Senator Parker Parker for his support.
- Mayor Pro Tem in support of the bill.
- So I just want to thank you for your support.
Bills:
SB 32, SB 464, SB 996, SB 1163, SB 1173, SB 1277, SB 1452, SB 1453, SB 1548, SB 1882, SB 1883, SB 2016
Keywords:
ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, I'll be able to hold to waive our time in support. Thank you, waving in support.
- We are in support of SB 420.
- And so as a government body, we were looking at ways to support the economy and support job growth in
- Chair, I would ask for the support.
- I support that.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1134, which would extend and clarify the use of qualified private providers and computer-based tools in the building permit and inspection process for residential solar energy systems. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce long delays in solar permitting and make the process faster and cheaper; Senator Pizzo questioned whether the problem was limited to specific local governments, and a late-filed amendment clarifying the word “application” was adopted. After brief testimony from an industry representative supporting the measure, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Pizzo voting no.
Next, the committee considered SB 784, dealing with issuance of addresses and parcel identification numbers for plats and new development. The bill sets a 14-day timeframe, and an amendment was adopted that would allow use of a private provider if the deadline is missed and would bar fee collection if the local government fails to act within five business days. County representatives said they wanted to keep working on the bill and raised concerns about the private-provider language and the short deadlines, while several senators discussed whether the process should be handled earlier on the front end. The committee then reported the bill favorably.
The committee also passed SB 1738 on transportation concurrency, which would let counties that previously opted out of concurrency opt back in by maintaining current levels of service. SB 1080, a local government land regulation bill, was described as a measure to speed development approvals by setting stricter timelines, limiting repeated information requests, and imposing penalties for noncompliance; local-government testimony opposed it as a loss of local control, while builders supported it. After debate, SB 1080 was reported favorably. SB 1260, which clarifies county constitutional officer budget procedures and creates an appeal process for clerks and supervisors of elections similar to sheriffs, was also reported favorably after members discussed possible adjustments to avoid burdening county budget negotiations.
Finally, the committee took up SB 420, as amended by a strike-all, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from adopting or funding DEI-related ordinances, policies, programs, offices, or contracts, and would expose officials to misfeasance/malfeasance claims and local governments to lawsuits. The sponsor said the amendment removed retroactive language, delayed the effective date, and added definitions and contract-certification requirements, but many senators and public speakers argued the bill was overbroad, vague, and would chill local efforts such as Black History Month, women-owned business programs, minority contracting, and community outreach. Supporters said it would ensure merit-based government action and consistency with state standards. The amendment was adopted, but the bill drew extensive opposition testimony and debate over its scope and potential conflict with federal and state law.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee Jul 31st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- commission is currently undergoing an RFP process to identify qualified nonprofit operators with the demonstrated
- , we have limited these to three years, or three years conditional with deep technical assistance support
- Students don't feel supported. The future is unknown.
- So obviously, I support the motion that I made, but I want to be clear that at least our caucus does
- explained it very well, but it needs to be solidified to the standard of a rule, and that's why I'm supporting
Summary:
The Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee (JARC) met on July 31, 2026 to consider a citizen petition challenging the Washington State Charter School Commission’s April 2026 continuity of operations policy. Staff explained JARC’s authority under the Administrative Procedures Act and framed the issue as whether the Commission was using a policy in place of a rule, and whether that policy was within legislative intent. Staff also reviewed the Charter School Commission’s statutory framework, including limits on charter terms, transfer provisions involving the State Board of Education, and the Commission’s new process for identifying nonprofit operators to assume existing charter contracts when schools close or contracts are surrendered, revoked, or not renewed.
The petitioner, Cesar Harrison, argued the Commission had created a new transfer mechanism through policy rather than rulemaking, potentially bypassing statutory procedures and extending charter authority beyond the five-year framework. Commission Executive Director Marcus Hardin responded that the policy was only a procedural framework for evaluating proposals, not a transfer of contracts or creation of new authority, and said the Commission had used similar discretionary processes before. Public testimony from the Washington Education Association supported the petition, emphasizing that the policy should have gone through formal rulemaking for transparency and public input.
After discussion, committee members asked staff about the statute’s silence on contract continuation and the relationship between the Commission’s practice and legislative authorization. The committee then voted 7-0, with two members excused, to find that the Charter School Commission is using a policy or interpretive statement in place of a rule and that it is not within the intent of the Legislature as expressed by the statute. Staff explained that the finding will be sent to the agency, which must hold a hearing and then notify JARC of its intended action; JARC may later object to that action or take further steps. The committee then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Feb 24th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Transcript Highlights:
- I am testifying in support of Senate Bill 6258, which expands the license relinquishment... ...in support
- I’m a psychiatrist by training, and for the record, I am speaking in support of the bill.”
- Colleges must balance this flexibility with sustainable investments in faculty to support essential services
- shouldn't be surprised that our educators would have a presentation that was well developed and demonstrated
Keywords:
Washington Medical Commission, medical license, license relinquishment, voluntary surrender, nondisciplinary pathway, physician regulation, health professional licensing, disciplinary database, National Practitioner Data Bank, license renewal, license reinstatement, medical board, professional discipline, credential surrender, healthcare regulation, SB 5963, passport to careers, Washington College Grant, financial aid, higher education
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (02/10/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, I will support the amendment and I will support the underlying bill because I can see it as only
- Um, so I will support the amendment.
- I Um so I will support the amendment.
- Zman. >> As I said, I will not be supporting this. As I said, I will not be supporting this.
- </c> support the ITL motion. support the ITL motion.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/29/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> support ITL and House Bill 1122. support ITL and House Bill 1122.
- </c><04:55:24.718><c> with</c> wholeheartedly support this bill with wholeheartedly support this bill
- Um, I will not support the motion.
- I can't support that. Thank you.
- </c> that reason, I'll be supporting the ITL. that reason, I'll be supporting the ITL.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on House Bill 1571, which would direct the Department of Education to review and revise statewide academic standards and curriculum and make an appropriation. Representative Kristen Noble, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to update outdated standards, especially in math, and to have the department create a list of high-quality curriculum and materials aligned to the revised standards. She noted she would likely amend the bill to change a requirement that districts “shall” select from the list to “may,” and said a misplaced crossed-out section would need to be restored and moved by amendment. She also said assessments would need to be updated to match any new standards.
Testimony from Marie Banfield strongly supported the bill and the move away from a mandate, arguing that current standards are outdated and that Common Core and related standards have not improved student outcomes. She criticized the math standards for emphasizing multiple strategies and written explanations over computation, and said stronger standards would better support students, including those with learning or communication challenges. She also argued that New Hampshire should follow examples such as Massachusetts, which she said used rigorous standards successfully.
Nate Green of the Department of Education did not take a position on the bill but explained that the bill would affect statewide academic standards, state assessments, and potentially federal compliance. He distinguished academic standards from minimum standards in statute, said any standards revision would require work with content experts, State Board approval, and then a corresponding assessment update that could take about two years. He estimated assessment development costs could range from about $200,000 to $500,000 for minor revisions and $1 million to $2 million for a wholesale new set of standards. He also said the bill would apply to public and charter public schools, not private or homeschool students, and that the department does not currently provide a statewide list of curriculum materials because curriculum decisions have historically been local.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Please<01:27:45.560><c> support</c> Please support Please support the<01:27:47.600><c> Republican</c>
- . support. support.
- </c> in supporting our language. in supporting our language.
- </c> uh, [snorts] the Housing and Support uh, [snorts] the Housing and Support Services<02:19:36.880>
- </c> support it. Thank you. support it. Thank you.