Transcript Highlights:

• We include nearly $1 billion for education capital outlay.
• Thank you for your support of education in the state of Florida.
• And thank you for your support of higher education.
• Again, building the whole education workforce.
• for public education to the school districts that educate the students.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper and committee chairs highlighted major spending priorities including a 4% raise for state employees, continued health insurance contributions, investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and workforce development, along with reductions tied to long-vacant positions. Education funding was a major focus, with increases for K-12 public schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, nursing initiatives, tutoring, and university performance funding. Health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and agriculture/environment budgets were also outlined, including Medicaid, mental health, corrections staffing, affordable housing, beach restoration, citrus recovery, and water projects. Members then questioned several budget choices, especially K-12 funding. Senators Polsky and Smith raised concerns that the Senate’s AP and dual enrollment funding changes could disadvantage public schools, while Burgess argued the budget preserves the money in the FEFP and gives districts more flexibility rather than reducing support. Questions also addressed voucher availability, school stabilization funding, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted 171 consent amendments and three late-file amendments, then approved SPB 2500 as a committee bill. It also favorably reported implementing and conforming bills for state employees, retirement, natural resources, judgeships, K-12 education, higher education, and health and human services, along with SB 7022 on Florida Retirement System contribution rates and elected-officer DROP options, CS/SB 1320 on the Resilient Florida Trust Fund, SB 7014 ending the Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund, SB 7028 on cancer research, CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality and oversight, CS/SB 168 on mental health diversion and behavioral health data, SB 114 creating an insurance and risk management research center at FSU, and SB 180 on emergency preparedness and post-storm recovery. Most bills were reported favorably with little or no opposition, though SB 180 drew discussion about local-government authority after storms and the need to balance recovery speed with local safety and planning concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• But one way specific to education is the Public Education Reform Fund, which we're calling by its acronym
• way to study and pilot educational innovations.
• Education Secretary: Mr.
• Education Secretary: Mr.
• We need our school leaders to be in Education Secretary: Classrooms to support our educators to make

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:49.000><c> in</c> opportunities for public education in opportunities for public education
• </c><00:10:26.519><c> investing</c> high quality Early Education investing high quality Early Education
• </c> expanded also focusing on our Educators expanded also focusing on our Educators who<00:12:04.200
• </c><00:13:35.680><c> Foundation</c> receive a strong Educational Foundation receive a strong Educational
• Resuming the Committee on Education.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Over 90% of Arizona families choose public education.
• And we constantly have public education under attack.
• But the reality is, how can public education stay afloat?
• in Washington the Educational Choice for Children's Act.
• But if we just fund education properly, then we wouldn't have to have tax credits to fund education.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Sarah Coles. Members also introduced a number of guests in the gallery, including representatives from the Arizona LEND Program, Friends of the Salt River Wild Horses, and other visitors. The House then received communications from the Governor and moved into Committee of the Whole to consider Calendar One. In Committee of the Whole, members debated SB 1280, a bill concerning Mexican gray wolves and the use of public funds to transport them. An amendment offered by Representative Gutierrez, nicknamed the “Cruella DeVille Act,” was adopted after extended discussion about wolf conservation, ecosystem impacts, and whether the bill would interfere with wildlife recovery efforts. The underlying bill then received a due pass recommendation. The committee also recommended due pass for SB 1418 and SB 1785, and the House later adopted the Committee of the Whole report, placing SB 1280, SB 1418, and SB 1785 on third reading while retaining SB 1200 on the calendar. The House then considered Calendar Two. SB 1053, dealing with concealed carry permit fees, drew debate over whether the fee reduction was revenue-neutral and whether the bill should instead focus on training requirements; it received a due pass recommendation. SB 1259 also received due pass without debate. SB 1372, relating to health care provider recruitment and anesthesia access, was amended and then recommended do pass. SB 1475, which would bar students convicted of certain serious offenses from participating in interscholastic activities, prompted strong debate over student discipline versus second chances, and it too received a due pass recommendation. SB 1478 received a technical floor amendment changing its effective date and was then recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the committee report, sending SB 1053, SB 1259, and SB 1475 to third reading and properly engrossing SB 1372 and SB 1478. On third reading, the House passed SB 1078, SB 1107, SB 1123, and SB 1142. SB 1142, a federal education tax credit bill, generated the most debate, with opponents arguing it would divert resources from public schools and primarily benefit wealthier families, while supporters said it would not affect state revenues and would allow Arizona families to benefit from an existing federal credit. The final vote on SB 1142 was 33 ayes to 26 nays, and the House then adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It says we want to get rid of the Department of Education.
• So this puts the education back into where it should be, where it is defined in Idaho's Constitution
• Idaho is in a great position to educate our own kids.
• And so in education, With the federal guidelines than it does the state guidelines.
• And to Representative Dygart, who is also, you know, a public educator.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first considered RS 33584, introduced by Representative Tanner. He said the proposal would remove a current Idaho Code requirement that constitutional amendments and initiatives be separated from the ballot by a page break or separate form, allowing them to be printed in the next available space and potentially saving counties money on ballot printing. Representative Scott moved to introduce the RS, and the motion carried without opposition. The committee then heard RS 33633 from Representative Mitchell, a cleanup bill correcting election-related timelines from prior legislation. He said it would restore soil and water conservation districts to the same election schedule as other local offices, confirm mail-in ballot precinct timing at 45 days, and fix a canvassing deadline from 10 days to 9 days. Representative Scott asked about the odd-numbered November election timing, and Mitchell said it was intended to align with other elections. The motion to introduce the RS passed. Next, Representative Furman presented RS 33656, which would require youth service organizations to check the state and national sex offender registries for adults working with children, with limited exceptions for short-term or one-time volunteers. He said it was meant to protect children and align with practices already used by some organizations and insurers. Questions focused on churches, vacation Bible school, and the fiscal note; Furman said churches already doing background checks would generally satisfy the requirement and that there was no state budget impact, though private organizations might incur small training costs. The motion to introduce the RS carried. Finally, the committee debated RS 33683, a memorial supporting elimination of the U.S. Department of Education and greater state control over education. Representative Monks said the memorial reflected the governor’s office and the Trump administration’s agenda, and argued that education should be managed by the state without federal bureaucracy. Representative Church moved a substitute motion to introduce the memorial and hold a hearing, arguing the committee should examine the costs and practical effects of shifting federal responsibilities to the state. Several members discussed federal education mandates, special education, Title IX, and whether state bureaucracy would replace federal bureaucracy. The substitute motion to introduce RS 33683 passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• OK, members, the Senate Committee on Education K-16 will come to order.
• Government providers to address concerns from institutions of higher education.
• Okay, I want to say this is four times the average increase in public education.
• Education.
• is a well-funded and tremendous part of our educational system. ...a part of our education system, so

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to make educational decisions and informed choices with her health care provider.
• , and I serve as an education surrogate for children in foster care also.
• Immediate alerts and weekly updates keep educators informed and ready to respond.
• It expands the scope of... ...updates keep educators informed and ready to respond.
• efforts lead to improved education outcomes for kids.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing focused largely on DDS-related bills, with chairs Kennedy and Livingstone outlining strict time limits, accessibility procedures, and a 5 p.m. stop to preserve ASL and CART services. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a bill from Sen. Mike Moore to create a centralized electronic education records system for students in out-of-home placements, which supporters said would improve communication, preserve IEP continuity, and reduce missed services. Paul DePaulo also testified in support, describing the educational and justice-system harms that can follow when foster youth do not receive coordinated records and supports. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 242/S. 149, a bill to enhance standards of care for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rep. Garballey and many advocates, parents, clinicians, and disability leaders supported the bill, saying it would require provider training, statewide standards, and better emergency department practices to reduce misdiagnosis, trauma, and unnecessary ER boarding. Testimony described sensory and communication barriers in medical settings, lack of provider training, and the need for continuing education and license-related requirements. Related testimony also supported H. 213/S. 111, which would improve access to behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies by requiring better discharge planning, coordination with hospitals and agencies, and more appropriate post-hospital placements. The committee also heard strong support for H. 256/S. 102, requiring universal changing stations in public buildings, from parents, advocates, and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said current restroom accommodations often force unsafe or undignified changes on floors, in cars, or in inaccessible spaces, and argued the cost of adding changing stations to new or renovated buildings would be modest compared with the benefits to dignity, safety, and community access. Another major topic was H. 261/S. 155 on supported decision-making agreements for certain adults, which supporters described as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship that preserves autonomy while providing trusted support. Finally, testimony on Tommy’s bill (S. 168/H. 282) described a preventable death after a hospital discharge and urged clearer communication and training requirements for residential staff handling life-sustaining equipment; the bill was presented as a safeguard for people with disabilities relying on such equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to be educated and trained in that community, and so our distance education programs allow that
• Along these lines, we have multicultural education dispositions through our accredited teacher education
• in the education system but on a different facet.
• However, special education is always prevalent.
• But what's SNAP nutrition education?

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it’s our duty to educate that.
• and career and technical education.
• You're talking about career education or career exploration education, an increase of $20 million.
• We are paying twice to educate the same student.
• They are not being educated there; they are receiving that education somewhere else.

Committee: House A&B Education Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Stephen Profiter, Director of the Early Education Division at the California Department of Education,
• It's time to pay early educators what their work is truly worth.
• When educators live in fear, our workforce weakens.
• In education? We don’t know. Where’s the funding going to be cut in education?
• We became educators. We are educators, but sometimes people forget that we are not babysitters.

Summary: The hearing focused first on how wildfires and other disasters affect child care providers, families, and early education infrastructure. State officials from the Department of Social Services and Department of Education described disaster response and preparedness efforts, including shelter coordination, licensing outreach, emergency waivers, distribution of supplies, and the statewide child care disaster plan. Testimony from providers and advocates emphasized major gaps in recovery funding, insurance coverage, rebuilding support, mental health services, and coordination with local rebuild plans. Several witnesses urged more dedicated disaster-recovery funding for child care facilities and suggested statutory changes, including allowing greater flexibility for rebuilding costs and requiring early childhood programs to be included in local disaster planning. The second panel addressed immigration enforcement and its impact on child care. Advocates from the Children's Partnership, Every Child California, and CHIRLA said enforcement activity is causing families to keep children home, disrupting continuity of care, reducing enrollment, and creating fear and trauma for children and providers. They argued that immigrant and mixed-status families need clearer protections, privacy safeguards, legal support, trauma-informed guidance, and safe-haven policies for child care settings. Speakers also stressed that the child care workforce is heavily immigrant and that recent state laws such as AB 49 and AB 495 will require funding, training, and technical assistance to implement effectively. Public commenters, including child care providers, described personal experiences with fire damage, displacement, permit delays, lost income, and the emotional toll of serving families during crises. Others described how immigration enforcement has made parents afraid to attend events, drop off children, or remain connected to providers. Committee members repeatedly noted that child care is often overlooked in emergencies and asked state officials how child care systems are being integrated into disaster planning and how local and state agencies can better coordinate. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> director of Department of Education. director of Department of Education.
• </c> in paying for that education. in paying for that education.
• </c> for their education. for their education. &gt;&gt; Represent<01:28:59.520><c> Murray.
• </c> the students education, don't you think? the students education, don't you think?
• </c> of education. of education.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I take education seriously.
• When I read the requirements for parent-led driver's education, I didn't see a continuing education requirement
• approved sources from the State Department of Education.
• Driver education is not just about operating a vehicle.
• Driver education is not just about operating a vehicle.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard House Bill 628 from Representative Ron Mendive, which would allow urban school districts to offer both school-based driver education and parent-taught driver training, rather than forcing districts to choose one or the other. Mendive said the bill also removes a reference to IDLA as a listed online provider while leaving other approved online classroom options in place. He argued the change would help districts like Coeur d’Alene restart driver’s ed while still letting parents teach, and said insurance treatment and the state licensing test would not change. Several witnesses opposed the bill. Lisa Brady, Lori Salders, Tanya Hosvite of Phillips Driving School, and Marissa Keith all argued that expanding parent-led instruction statewide would weaken driver education standards, reduce professional oversight, and create safety risks for teen drivers and other road users. They emphasized that professional instructors receive continuing education, use dual-control vehicles, and are better equipped to teach hazard perception, defensive driving, and urban driving conditions. Mendive responded that parents already provide most of the required 50 hours of practice, that the bill only changes the six hours of instructor-led training, and that parents have their children’s best interests in mind. After discussion, Senator Kaiser moved to send HB 628 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, and Senator Hart seconded. Senators debated whether urban areas still needed the extra professional instruction, with some members citing local traffic safety concerns and others noting scheduling flexibility for families. The committee voted in favor of the motion, with three recorded in opposition. The hearing also included an interview of gubernatorial appointee Gaston Patterson for the Aeronautics Advisory Board, who described his aviation background and the board’s advisory role, and a brief introduction from new Senate page Olivia Earle. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• He has over 25 years of experience, serving ...in various capacities within education, including as a
• Her decades-long commitment to education, particularly her pioneering work in special education, continues
• Her decades-long commitment to education, particularly her pioneering work in special education, continues
• is used only for educational purposes and cannot be misused.
• meet minimum educational quality standards to prevent harm and fraud to our students.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors, community college delegations, students, caregivers, a retired Assembly staff member, and a championship high school football team. Members also observed an adjournment in memory for Alex Preddy, a VA nurse killed in Minnesota, and later for Kathy Wooten and Rowena Ramos. The chamber then moved through the daily file and third reading file, with several items passed, retained, or continued. Among the bills taken up, AB 34 on renewable portfolio standard exemptions for publicly owned utilities passed 55-0; AB 35 to accelerate implementation of Proposition 4 climate resilience funds passed 62-0; AB 52 on food and agriculture equity passed 50-6; AB 72 creating an EV economic opportunity zone passed 58-0; AB 96 removing a diploma requirement for Medi-Cal peer support specialists passed 55-0; AB 230 extending Pierce’s disease control programs passed 64-0; AB 277 requiring background checks for behavioral health employees passed 59-0; AB 647 clarifying a county RV disposal pilot passed 54-0; AB 664 authorizing limited bachelor’s programs at Southwestern Community College passed 60-1; AB 673 creating a support grant for unaccompanied homeless youth passed 55-1; AB 710 on dynamic electricity pricing passed 54-0; AB 748 streamlining pre-approved housing plans passed 65-0; AB 767 expanding protections around sexually violent predator placements near schools and daycares passed 65-0; AB 883 protecting officials’ personal information from data brokers passed 66-0; AB 946 expanding 30x30 conservation efforts to urban areas passed 65-0; AB 1054 creating a deferred retirement option program for CHP and Cal Fire passed 61-1; AB 1070 on missing middle housing code simplification passed 66-0; AB 1159 strengthening student data privacy passed 54-4; AB 1204 revising the Local Control Funding Formula passed 54-1; AB 1265 extending the historic building tax credit passed 64-0; AB 1349 banning speculative ticketing passed 61-0; AB 1359 allowing seniors 80+ to opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note passed 67-1; AB 643 on organic waste procurement credits passed 48-4; AB 685 creating a small business resiliency fund passed 63-0; AB 714 tightening oversight of commercial driving programs passed 65-1; and AB 805 establishing a youth apprenticeship bridge program passed 66-0. Several other items were passed and retained or continued without debate. Debate on AB 1054 drew the sharpest disagreement, with opponents warning about pension costs and supporters arguing it would help retain experienced CHP officers and firefighters. AB 767 also prompted strong comments about public safety and placement of sexually violent predators in rural communities. On AB 1349, supporters from both parties backed the anti-speculative ticketing bill as consumer protection, while AB 664 drew support from members emphasizing access to higher education in underserved regions. The Assembly then adjourned until January 29, 2026, after announcing upcoming session dates and recording a few vote changes from the dais.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 12 by Creighton, relating to parental rights and public education, to Education K-16.
• Senate Bill 12 by Creighton, relating to parental rights and public education, to Education K-16.
• of public institutions of higher education from soliciting or accepting gifts and grants, to Education
• , to Education K-16.
• Senate Bill 1127 by Middleton, relating to charter schools, to Education K-16.

Summary: The Senate met briefly and referred a large number of first-reading bills and resolutions to standing committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including hemp regulation, dementia research funding, parental rights and public education, municipal library funding, tax and local government issues, criminal justice, health care, education, transportation, natural resources, and election law. Several constitutional resolutions were also referred, including proposals related to the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and a severance tax revenue fund. Most of the transcript consists of the reading of bill captions and committee referrals, with no substantive debate or testimony recorded. The listed measures included proposals on school uniforms, charter schools, Medicaid fraud remedies, insurance practices, occupational licensing for people with criminal convictions, water and sewer utility cybersecurity, agricultural protections, public meeting broadcasting, and various local and state governance matters. No votes were taken on the bills in this segment. The only formal action reflected was referral of the bills and resolutions to the appropriate committees, followed by adjournment of the Senate until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to the Department of Education to the Department of Education Department<01:03:20.960><c> of</c>
• educator Education be Hawaiian educator practitioner<01:06:27.160><c> or</c><01:06:27.359><c> scholar
• The Department of Education is currently in a strategic planning process regarding kapuni education.
• </c> Education um Department of Education Education um Department of Education Department<01:13:05.400
• I've been an educator since 2005.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million. HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries. HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education is an important aspect of our state.
• education.
• The governor did leave out education completely out of any of those cuts.
• You know, education policy does not exist in a vacuum.
• And in the education realm, we're trying to figure out ways to educate their children as they see fit

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are 351 by Moody, recognizing April 9th, 2025 as Education and Sharing Day in honor of...
• We are honoring Education and Sharing Day today, and it pays tribute to Rabbi Levi Teldin.
• And there's no greater way that we can observe Education and Sharing Day.
• Making higher education more accessible and TRIO support services.
• Hours referred to the committee. on public education.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, with the education component, we can educate the people, our children.
• </c> education in in literature, philosophy. education in in literature, philosophy.
• </c> It's what higher education is all about. It's what higher education is all about.
• Education.
• . education. education.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2142, signed by the chair of the Committee on Education and Education Number Underconsuration
• We also saw how educators came together in 2020 to collect signatures for the Invest in Education Act
• The Protect Education Initiative would insist that the money is actually used for K-12 education, because
• We talk about education.
• Public education is so important, and public education is not just K through 12.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> is</c> not take an educational policy that is not take an educational policy that is being<00:29
• </c> they used for um special education they used for um special education services<00:47:40.640><c>
• </c> interest or manifest educational interest or manifest educational hardship<01:09:56.600><c> I.E<
• It's the child's education, so I'll support a child's education.
• No, um, 207, requiring the Department of Education to administer the education reform. I move it L.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all