Video & Transcript : 'Paul P. Mendes' :
Page 29 of 385
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, members of the committee, my name is Matt Paul.
- Paul. Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee.
- Share Grown Horse with P&M.
- P&M supports HB 27. Thank you. Thank you. Next. Alex. Alex. Good morning. Good morning, Mr. Chair.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on the committee substitute for House Bill 27, which would modernize New Mexico’s research and development tax credit. Sponsors said the bill would allow the credit to be stacked with industrial revenue bonds for qualifying facilities, exclude data centers and national laboratories, permit up to $50 million in transferable credits per year for 2026-2028, and extend the carry-forward period to seven years. Supporters from business, construction, labor, and economic development groups argued the changes would improve cash flow for startups, help attract and retain high-wage jobs, and encourage commercialization of New Mexico-developed technology in sectors such as advanced energy, aerospace, fusion, and advanced manufacturing. Several witnesses emphasized that the bill was intended to keep commercialization and capital investment in New Mexico rather than losing them to other states.
Committee members raised concerns about tax policy, fiscal impact, and whether the bill would truly lead to commercialization. Questions focused on the transferability provision, the $50 million annual cap, who could buy credits, whether data centers should be excluded, how the bill interacts with IRBs and other incentives, and whether the labs could benefit. Some members supported the bill’s goals but worried it was too narrowly tailored or could create winners and losers. The sponsors and administration witnesses responded that the bill was designed to tie R&D to physical infrastructure, provide capital to early-stage companies, and protect the general fund with caps and time limits. They also said the bill would not apply to national labs and would not change existing rural-area doubling provisions.
After extensive discussion and no opposition testimony, the committee did not advance the bill. Representative Cadena moved to table the committee substitute for House Bill 27, Representative Parra made the second, and the motion passed without opposition, so the bill was tabled.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #23
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #23
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative P. Contreras? Same question. I guess is the Association of Counties and the...
- Madam Chair, Senator Paul, I see that at the Senate unanimously. Mm-hmm.
Summary:
The caucus reviewed several bills on its calendar, mostly focused on Senate amendments and whether sponsors intended to concur. HB 2114 would alter Motorcycle Safety Fund distributions and motorcycle registration rules, including a Senate change requiring at least one registered owner to be licensed in Arizona; the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2729 would continue several boards and agencies, including the Board of Nursing, Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, Board of Physician Assistance, Department of Economic Security, and Board of Pharmacy; the sponsor also intended to concur.
Members discussed two agriculture property inspection bills, HB 2104 and HB 2105. HB 2104 would change rules for agricultural property classification and inspections, while HB 2105 would add notice and reporting requirements for inspections; both had Senate amendments that changed inspection timing and exemptions. Some members raised concerns about county assessors’ workload, opposition from county organizations, and possible inequities and insurance or disaster-related consequences for agricultural property owners.
HB 2477, the Arizona Education Savings Plan bill, drew the most discussion. The Senate amendment combined the 529-related provisions with several treasurer-related restrictions and investment rules, and members questioned the policy implications of allowing 529 funds to roll into Roth IRAs. HB 4117 would create or expand criminal penalties for interfering with religious worship, and some members expressed concern about civil liberties and equality issues, while the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2311 would require AI service disclosures to minors and, after substantial Senate amendments, to all account holders in some cases; members asked about effects on schools and government systems, and some noted concerns about the expanded scope and AG enforcement limits.
The caucus also heard SCR 1004, which would prohibit photo enforcement traffic programs after December 31 subject to voter approval, though existing programs could continue under certain conditions; law enforcement concerns were noted. SB 1110 would establish a home confinement and electronic monitoring program in the Department of Corrections. SB 1618 would revise the Military Affairs Commission’s membership and duties, but one member objected to adding defense-industry representation and warned about military-industrial-complex influence. The meeting ended with the chair noting that only the bills that had gone through rules were on the agenda and adjourned the caucus.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And let's see, today we have five RS hearings presented by PERS hearings presented by P...
- Chairman, Representative Paul. Any other questions? All right. Thank you, Representative Pohanka.
Summary:
The House Judiciary and Rules Committee met to open the session, take attendance, and review committee expectations and procedures. The chair welcomed members and a new page, reminded the committee about attendance, decorum, limits on testimony and cross-examination, and the courtesy of notifying sponsors before changing a vote. He then moved through several RS introductions for public hearing.
RS 32943, by Rep. Britt Raybould, would revise criminal solicitation penalties so that ages 18-20 could still be charged with a misdemeanor on a first offense, with felony treatment only after a second qualifying offense; those 21 and older would face a felony on the first offense. The committee discussed concerns about incarceration impacts, especially for women, and Raybould said the bill targeted the person doing the solicitation. RS 32929, by Rep. Marco Erickson, would add a county juvenile justice/detention probation representative to a board so county-level practitioners have a voice. RS 32930, also by Erickson, would extend Good Samaritan protections to people providing aid in mental health or suicide-related crises, with questions focused on whether the language covered psychological emergencies and how it would apply in unusual restraint situations.
RS 32931, by Rep. Pohanka, would allow reckless-driving citations in construction and school zones for extreme speeding, such as 25 mph over the limit, to address crashes and injuries; members confirmed officers would retain discretion. RS 32942, by Rep. Don Hall, would create an optional sentencing enhancement and/or fine when a person conceals their identity with a mask while committing or attempting serious crimes, intended to aid prosecution and deter intimidation and obstruction. Members raised concerns about religious head coverings and possible misuse, and Hall said intent and prosecutorial/judicial discretion would be key. All five RS requests were moved to introduction and approved unanimously.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 27th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Clerk will report the communication. of the state of Minnesota in the matter of Aaron Paul contestant
- Louis, the author of the bill, Representative Johnson P.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to thank Senator Paul Bettencourt, who has been instrumental in this effort through his work
- P&G ISD has been a wonderful support for me as a parent and has really helped her grow socially and emotionally
Summary:
This was a press conference calling on the Texas Legislature to increase and reform funding for special education, with speakers arguing that the current system leaves a roughly $1.7 billion gap and forces districts to stretch general education dollars to cover mandated services. Sabrina Gonzalez Ocedo of The Arc of Texas opened by framing the issue as one of equity and self-determination for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and noted support for legislative efforts including Senate Bill 568 and House Bill 2. She also thanked a coalition of advocacy groups and legislators involved in special education funding work.
Representative Steve Toth spoke in favor of investing surplus dollars in special education, citing high rates of functional illiteracy and dyslexia among prison populations and saying earlier intervention could change life outcomes. Amy Litzinger described how accommodations and assistive technology helped her succeed in school and urged continued investment so other students can access similar supports. Sarah Harden, a parent and disability advocate, shared her daughter’s positive experience in a well-supported district but warned that many Texas districts cannot provide comparable services because of funding shortages and that families are increasingly worried about cuts.
Rachel Hull, a special education director, said well-resourced special education is transformational and outlined the need for individualized services, therapies, vocational training, and college readiness supports. Jean Mayer, a school trustee, said districts are struggling to meet state and federal requirements because funding does not match actual costs, pointing to staffing shortages and the need for parent engagement and professional development. The speakers repeatedly urged lawmakers to fully fund Senate Bill 568 and broader special education reforms this session; no votes were taken, as this was an advocacy event rather than a committee hearing.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 26th, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, Clerk Paul, call the next bill. House Bill 24 by Representative Oliver.
- So, we will continue to do RFPs every three years for all other aspects of P.
Committee:
House Ways and Means Education
Keywords:
HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax, property tax relief, widow, widower, unremarried spouse, surviving spouse, senior exemption, elderly, disabled, permanently and totally disabled, blind taxpayer, deed ownership, principal residence, school tax, county tax, municipal tax, Alabama Department of Revenue
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 12:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we have Tina Paul, Town of Surfside, the vice mayor, is an opponent of the bill, and wishes to
- I'm Tina Paul, vice mayor of the Town of Surfside.
- Next, we have Tina Paul, Town of Surfside, the vice mayor, is an opponent of the bill.
- I'm Tina Paul, vice mayor of town of Surfside.
- Tina Paul, vice mayor of the Town of Surfside, continued her remarks in opposition to the bill.
Summary:
The committee heard five housing- and resilience-related bills. HB 793 would create an International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida to support aerospace research, workforce development, and commercialization; it was amended with a clarifying change and passed unanimously. C.S. for HB 411 would extend an affordable housing property tax exemption to certain nonprofit projects on leased land through a housing finance authority, such as Habitat for Humanity projects; it also passed unanimously. HB 701 would require local housing assistance plans to allow mobile home owners on leased land to seek help with lot rent, and it passed unanimously after an amendment and testimony from mobile home advocates and AARP in support.
The committee also considered C.S. for HB 393, which expands the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to help eligible condominiums fund hurricane mitigation projects, including roof-related work, with added eligibility and inspection requirements. The bill drew support from condo and housing groups and passed unanimously with committee substitute. The final and most extensive measure, HB 943, would significantly revise state land-use and development rules to promote affordable housing by limiting local restrictions, changing zoning and approval standards, adjusting parking and impact fee rules, and expanding accessory dwelling unit and mixed-use provisions. It generated extensive testimony, with many local officials, city and county groups, and preservation advocates opposing it as overly broad and preemptive, while housing and business groups supported it.
HB 943 was amended several times during the meeting, including changes related to church-owned property, parking, historic landmarks, manufactured homes as accessory dwelling units, and fair housing language. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was a work in progress and that additional changes would be made. After debate from members emphasizing both the need for more housing and the need to preserve local control, the committee approved HB 943 on a 14-1 vote, with Rep. Casello voting no.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- in political science from Texas A&M University, Senator Flores, back in 1972, predating even Uncle Paul
- Thank you for making Texas A&M, like the things that my good friend, Paul Bettencourt, mentioned: Los
- To be members of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection: James P.
- To be members of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection: James P. Malinger, Cedar Park; Sue A.
- DeVilles, Georgetown; Philip Paul Hamilton, Amarillo; John D.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with remarks highlighting UTRGV’s growth, degree production, research expansion, medical school, and role in serving the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. The chamber also recognized the doctor of the day and adopted additional resolutions, including one for Denton County Days at the Capitol and another recognizing Texas HBCU Day.
The Senate gave extensive recognition to outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp through Senate Resolution 368. Senators from both parties praised his long public career, leadership of the A&M System, support for regional universities, and bipartisan approach. The resolution was adopted after multiple members added their names. The chamber also heard from advocates with the Texas Streets Coalition, and received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
On legislation, the Senate passed several major bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to address teacher vacancies, bilingual certification testing, paid leave options, classroom removals, and appeal rights, then passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment on parents’ right to direct a child’s education, advanced on a 22-9 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, aimed at preventing foreign influence and intellectual property theft at public institutions of higher education, passed unanimously. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the business entities bill, also passed after debate over corporate governance and shareholder protections. Senate Bill 857, authorizing law enforcement to tow certain vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed despite some concern about towing abuses during disasters. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, but the transcript ends as that bill is being laid out.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- People wishing to Representative Paul and then Representative Reeb. Of REAP.
- Madam Chair, Representative Paul, this language is intended to clarify our existing understanding of
- But I and I'll represent a Paul for keeping this fight alive. I want to make something clear.
- Representative Paul, can I catch you while you're eating? I think that's the best time.
- And I know Representative Paul has worked in law enforcement in the past.
Committee:
House House Judiciary
Keywords:
constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, legislative session, even-numbered years, New Mexico Constitution, student behavior, physical restraint, seclusion, public schools, training, de-escalation, student safety, behavior interventions, criminal offenses, peace officer, Victims of Crime Act, law enforcement
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
MN House passes omnibus workforce, labor, and economic development policy and finance bill 5/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:05:21.800><c> First,</c> Johnson in P. Thank you, Speaker. First, Johnson in P.
- And take money from rob Peter to pay Paul. It's not going to happen.
- </c><00:52:22.920><c> International</c> Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Minneapolis-Saint Paul International
- </c><01:42:14.120><c> Paul</c> Minneapolis Foundation, the St. Paul Minneapolis Foundation, the St.
- Paul Foundation So Minneapolis and St.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 57 Jun 17th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair is delighted to welcome guests of Representative Grewar and Senator Paul Marks, the Chair is
- delighted to welcome guests of Representative Whipps, Representative Gregor, and Senator Paul Marks:
- And Senator Paul Marks, the Athol Highlander Murray West, Adam Laird, Alan Lenny, Stuart Cain, and Lewis
- AA1 from Moody's, AA plus from both S&P and Fitch, and this is not accidental.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed student ambassadors from Robinson Middle School in Lowell, and adopted several resolutions honoring the Gaudet family and Patricia Rappucci. Members also agreed to extend the reporting deadline for the Health Care Financing Committee on House No. 5505 and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send a condominium-related petition to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
The chamber then dealt with Senate No. 2619, the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act. The House did not concur with the Senate’s position and instead appointed a committee of conference. It also took up Senate No. 3064, the major climate and infrastructure bond bill known as the Mass Ready Act, which Ways and Means reported with a House amendment. After debate emphasizing resilience, clean water, PFAS remediation, coastal protection, agriculture, and municipal preparedness, the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading.
Later, the House considered and overwhelmingly approved a conference report on H. 5511, the early literacy and teacher preparation bill. Supporters said it would require evidence-based reading instruction, restrict three-cueing methods, expand educator training, and support paid teaching apprenticeships. The report was accepted 152-0. The House then returned to S. 3064, adopted a consolidated amendment, and passed the bill to be engrossed by a vote of 151-0, before adjourning to meet the next day in informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 57 Jun 17th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair is delighted to welcome guests of Representative Grewar and Senator Paul Marks, the Chair is
- delighted to welcome guests of Representative Whipps, Representative Gregor, and Senator Paul Marks:
- the Athol Highlanders, Murray... ...and Senator Paul Marks, the Athol Highlanders: Murray West, Adam
- AA1 from Moody's, AA plus from both S&P and Fitch, and this is not accidental.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Paul. Senator Pinto. Senator Pope. Senator Ramos. Senator Sanchez. Senator Scott.
- Senator Paul votes no. Senator Sedillo-Lopez votes no.
- Senator Paul (questionable) voting no. Senator Thornton (member_20848) voting no.
- Respectfully submitted, Senator William P. Soles, Chair.
- Respectfully submitted, Senator William P. Soles, Chair.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment panel hears bill to establish responsible foraging task force 2/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- In the East Gallery, a young man named Paul Haas, who is going to stand up now, a constituent of mine
- Paul, thank you for being here, my friend. Welcome to the Florida Senate.
- We mend fences. We repair equipment that breaks at the worst possible time.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, visiting groups, and special honorees in the galleries. The chamber then took up committee and executive appointment business, adopting a report confirming 42 gubernatorial appointments by a vote of 36-0.
The Senate next considered a long special-order calendar of bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Measures included public-records sunset reviews and trade secret/cybersecurity exemptions; a child-abuse reporting statute of limitations bill; commercial driving school oversight; human trafficking training for nurses; a new injunction for protection against serious violence and its related public-records exemption; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove protection; a chiropractic trust-funds cap repeal; specialty license plates; a waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill with multiple agriculture, biosolids, and enforcement provisions; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety reporting procedures for public postsecondary institutions; and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary critical-need practice certificates, and domestic animals.
The floor debate featured the most discussion on the farm bill, the HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill, the autism law-enforcement bill, and the school athletics bill. The HCSM bill drew extended debate over whether licensed insurance agents should be allowed to market faith-based health care sharing ministries, with supporters emphasizing consumer choice, free speech, and religious liberty, and opponents warning about unregulated products and commissions; it passed 32-5. The athletics bill, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater/Miami Northwestern situation, would let coaches provide good-faith support to student-athletes while requiring reporting and FHSAA oversight; it passed 38-0. Most other measures passed overwhelmingly, including the autism bill 38-0, the campus safety bill 37-0, the public school patriotic displays bill 36-2, and the farm bill 38-0 after amendments addressing Everglades lands and biosolids timing were adopted.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-19 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In the East Gallery, a young man named Paul Haas, who is going to stand up now.
- Paul, thank you for being here, my friend. Welcome to the Florida Senate.
- We mend fences. We repair equipment that breaks at the worst possible time.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of member and guest introductions recognizing visitors, local delegations, and honorees. The chamber then took up a report from the Committee on Ethics and Elections on 42 executive appointments; the report was adopted and the appointments were confirmed by a 36-0 vote. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the Ripple Project for childhood cancer awareness and fundraising.
The body then moved through a long special-order calendar of bills, largely focused on public records exemptions, public safety, education, agriculture, health care, and licensing. Measures passed included bills to extend or consolidate exemptions for aquaculture records, trade secrets, and cybersecurity information; a child-abuse reporting statute-of-limitations bill; regulation of commercial driving schools; human trafficking training for nursing graduates; a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and its companion public-records bill; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove infrastructure; chiropractic patient trust funds; specialty license plates; waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill/Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services package; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety policy transparency at public colleges and universities; and veterinary prescription disclosure.
Several bills drew debate or amendments. The Farm Bill received amendments protecting Everglades restoration lands from surplus sale and clarifying biosolids timing, and it passed 38-0 after extensive discussion. The HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill prompted debate over whether allowing licensed insurance agents to market faith-based health care sharing ministries would create consumer confusion or free-speech concerns; it passed 32-5. The patriotic displays bill also drew discussion and passed 36-2. The athletics bill allowing coaches to provide good-faith support to student-athletes, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater situation, passed 38-0. The affordable housing bill clarifying Live Local Act definitions to exclude farms from certain commercial/mixed-use/industrial categories passed 38-0 after a technical amendment. Several other measures were temporarily postponed, and the session concluded with the Senate continuing through the remaining calendar.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- In the East Gallery, a young man named Paul Haas, who is going to stand up now, a constituent of mine
- Paul, thank you for being here, my friend. Welcome to the Florida Senate.
- We mend fences. We repair equipment that breaks at the worst possible time.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-19 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In the East Gallery, a young man named Paul Haas, who is going to stand up now, a constituent of mine
- Paul, thank you for being here, my friend. Welcome to the Florida Senate.
- We mend fences. We repair equipment that breaks at the worst possible time.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of gallery introductions recognizing visitors, local officials, students, and public safety personnel. The chamber first took up a report from the Ethics and Elections Committee on 42 executive appointments; after Senator Gaetz explained that the committee had reviewed the appointees’ qualifications and suitability, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a 36-0 vote.
The Senate then moved through a long special-order calendar focused largely on open-government sunset reviews and other policy bills. It passed measures to continue or consolidate public records and meeting exemptions for aquaculture records, agency-held trade secrets, and cybersecurity information, with one technical amendment adopted on the cybersecurity bill. The chamber also approved bills extending the statute of limitations for failure to report child abuse, strengthening regulation of commercial driving schools, requiring human trafficking education for nursing graduates, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person, and making the related public-records exemption. Additional bills passed included a nature-based coastal resiliency measure with an amendment restricting dredge-and-fill in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, a chiropractic trust-funds bill, specialty license plates, a one-time waiver of late financial disclosure fines, public school personnel compensation changes, the annual Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services “Farm Bill,” homestead exemption clarification for long-term leaseholders, disability-presumption clarifications for first responders, reinsurance intermediary manager changes, patriotic displays in public schools, ADS-B fee restrictions, autism-related law enforcement training and a Blue Envelope program, campus safety policy transparency at public colleges and universities, and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary certificates for practice, and domestic animals.
The Senate also debated and passed a bill allowing licensed insurance agents to market health care sharing ministries, despite concerns raised by Senator Polsky about consumer confusion, commissions, and the sale of non-insurance products; supporters argued it restored free speech, religious liberty, and consumer choice. The chamber approved the bill 32-5 after debate. Most other measures passed with strong bipartisan support, often by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, and several companion House bills were substituted in place of Senate bills before final passage.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a P-PAC that addresses teachers...
- Chairman, we have Paul Bixler. Mr. Chair, before we...
- Then Paul, if you... I thought we had all three slots.
- While Paul is coming up, can I ask a question to Mr.
- My name is Paul Vixler. I'm here. Mr. Chair, Representative, my name is Paul Bixler.
Committee:
House House Education Committee of Reference
Summary:
The committee first heard Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horn’s annual State of Education address, which focused on school safety, academic outcomes, school choice, teacher pay, and opposition to DEI/CRT in schools and teacher preparation. Horn said the department has expanded school police officers, promoted Project Momentum and tutoring, supported cell phone restrictions in classrooms, and pushed for more phonics-based reading instruction and stronger university teacher-prep programs. Members questioned him about DEI complaints, cell phone implementation, ESA oversight, school safety funding, reading proficiency, and teacher compensation; Horn said ESA spending is reviewed and recovered when inappropriate, and argued teacher raises should come directly to teachers, not through districts. No formal action was taken on his presentation.
The committee then considered HB 2008, which would prohibit public school libraries from using public funds to pay dues to professional library associations. Sponsor Representative Cooper argued the bill would keep school libraries politically neutral and prevent taxpayer money from supporting ideological advocacy, while saying membership itself would still be allowed if paid privately. Opponents, including a former librarian, a school board member, and the ACLU of Arizona, said the bill would undermine professional development, local control, literacy support, and constitutional rights of association and petition. Supporters said associations promote ideological content and that free professional-development alternatives exist. After public testimony and debate, the committee voted to return HB 2008 with a do-pass recommendation.