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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Eight - Wednesday, April 8 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, every school in Miller County is represented today.
- Louis Public Schools, as well as Dr.
- For a GED, this comes in at $6,800 for a high school diploma.
- High school diploma so they can further their career.
- You need to have a high school diploma. If you want to make it.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 11th, 2025
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Fine: Well, I would presume in a school district it would be the school district.
- In the case of a public school, it probably would be the school board.
- When you go home, when you leave the school, you are. When we're in a school, you are...
- hallways, cafeterias, and school ...of flags in the interior of schools, in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias
- Would an elementary school teacher be prohibited from displaying a student's school project with a picture
Summary:
The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and took up two bills and one presentation. Senate Bill 108, on administrative procedures, was presented by Senator Burgess on behalf of Senator Grall. The bill would require agencies to systematically review rules over five years old, submit annual regulatory plans and reports, and take action on reviewed rules; it also would speed publication of proposed rules after new rulemaking authority and expand transparency for incorporated materials and rule histories. Americans for Prosperity appeared in support, there was no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a roll call vote.
The committee then heard a presentation from State Board of Administration Executive Director Chris Spencer on implementation of statutory investment restrictions affecting state funds. He reviewed the SBA’s structure and fiduciary duties, said the agency must maximize financial return using only pecuniary factors, and described the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions involving Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He noted recent changes, including expanded Iran restrictions after the October 7 attacks, the addition of China-related divestment requirements, and the SBA’s move to eliminate China and Hong Kong from its global equity benchmarks; he said the agency is ahead of schedule on required divestment and in compliance with the law.
Senate Bill 100, on display of flags by governmental entities, was then presented by Chair Fine. The bill would prohibit political flags on government buildings and allow active-duty service members and veterans to use reasonable force to stop flag desecration. The committee heard extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing government buildings should not display political messages and opponents raising First Amendment, vagueness, and enforcement concerns, especially regarding LGBTQ-related flags and school settings. Senators also questioned the bill’s definitions and the reasonable-force provision. After debate, the committee voted to report SB 100 favorably, with Senators Arrington and Polsky voting no and Senators Brodeur, McClain, Rodriguez, Fine, and Chair DeSiglie voting yes. At the end of the meeting, Senator Rodriguez was recorded as voting yes on SB 108, and the committee adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (01/31/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> um so that's for all the school um so that's for all the school districts<01:10:14.159><c> yes</
- Um, we, at least in my experience in education, there are what we call magnet schools, school districts
- Um, we, at least in my experience in education, there are what we call magnet schools, school districts
- schools school districts which have a schools school districts which have a wonderful<01:21:51.120><c
- </c> them does that include another school them does that include another school district<01:32:46.000
Summary:
The work session focused on special education, especially the differentiated aid component and special education aid, which members noted is still often called “catastrophic aid.” The chair said the committee was trying to better understand how special education costs are growing, how districts are delivering services through SAUs or internally, and how reimbursement formulas affect local costs. Members also discussed the need for better data before making decisions on several education funding bills, and Representative Brown was tasked with capturing questions for follow-up information from the department or elsewhere.
Testimony from the state special education director, Becky Fad, centered on why student counts in various disability categories have shifted over time. She said the categories themselves have not changed much, but autism has increased because of greater understanding and identification, developmental delay has grown because it applies to children under age 10 who may not yet have a clear diagnosis, and some students previously classified under speech/language or other health impairment are now identified in more specific categories such as autism. She emphasized that the IEP is based on a child’s individual needs, so a change in category would not necessarily change services, though it may help educators support the student differently.
Members asked about whether the shifts reflect better diagnostic capability, whether the department should gather more data on the reasons for the changes, and whether autism-spectrum data could be broken down further. Fad said the department does not currently have data on the causes of the shifts or on where students fall within the autism spectrum, but that collecting and analyzing such data is on its list of priorities and a new data manager had recently been hired. She also explained that each child is counted only once on the chart by primary disability, that the IEP or eligibility team determines the primary category based on evaluations, and that any child can be referred for special education by a parent, teacher, or doctor, after which the district must meet within 15 days to decide whether to evaluate. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma Education Commission Feb 26th, 2026
Oklahoma Education Commission
Transcript Highlights:
- Any other questions, comments about School AI?
- I know they have four schools, I think.
- We have that broken down: 37 would be traditional public schools, 15 would be virtual or charter schools
- When your students, do they have an email address at their home school and a career tech school?
- , where are you going to school?
Summary:
The meeting focused primarily on planning for an upcoming AI symposium and related commission work. Members reviewed nomination and registration timelines, attendance categories, site logistics, and microcredential requirements for participants. They discussed the symposium’s structure, including slots for K-12, higher education, career tech, libraries, tribal groups, and innovation grant recipients, and noted that the event would likely be held in early June with a follow-up planning meeting on April 2. The group also discussed launching a newsletter via Substack and publishing a monthly podcast to share updates and build public awareness.
A major portion of the discussion centered on School AI and a proposed $45 million AI initiative. Members described School AI pilot activity at OCCC and broader plans to work with K-12, career tech, higher education, and libraries, while emphasizing privacy, data governance, and the need for local training and agency-level negotiation. The $45 million proposal, referenced as House Bill 1782, would create a revolving fund, an advisory council, and broad allowable uses including tools, professional development, curriculum, research, student programs, infrastructure, and public outreach. Representative Williams said the bill was moving through the House appropriations process and that the goal was to keep the funding intact.
The group also raised concerns about other AI-related proposals and initiatives, including three bills by Representative Cody Maynard and the Oklahoma AI Roundtable, which some members viewed skeptically because of its paid membership model. A podcast episode on ethics and legal issues in AI was previewed, including a controversial example about using AI to survey students for safety risks; members agreed the example was hypothetical but potentially sensitive. The meeting ended with broader discussion of workforce needs, especially nursing and corrections education, including efforts to expand LPN/RN pathways, address certification costs, and connect training to rural health and reentry programs.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I remember wanting to get right back into school. I moved here from Alabama.
- They were on quarters, so I could jump right back into school.
- It is a very expensive school.
- Private schools can charge any tuition they want, whether it's $54,000 a year at PLU, schools can charge
- It's all high school students in Washington State.
Summary:
The Workforce Development Committee heard public testimony on several higher education bills. Senate Bill 5954 would expand veteran survivor tuition waiver eligibility to better align state law with federal DEA benefits, allowing eligible children and surviving spouses/domestic partners to use the waiver outside current age and time limits. The sponsor and veteran advocates said the change would help families access earned benefits; no opposition was heard, and the public hearing was closed.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5826, which would require public postsecondary institutions to provide access to medication abortion through student health centers or referrals and web-based information by the 2027-28 academic year. Supporters, including students and reproductive health advocates, said the bill would reduce barriers, travel burdens, and stigma and help students stay enrolled. Opponents, including clergy, Catholic Conference representatives, and other individuals, argued the bill promoted abortion, raised safety and moral concerns, and was outside the mission of colleges. The public hearing was closed after extensive testimony.
Senate Bill 5828 would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship awards for students attending private not-for-profit four-year institutions, using the average award at public institutions rather than the reduced formula adopted last session. The sponsor and many students, private college leaders, and business and workforce groups supported the bill as a matter of fairness, access, and student choice, while public university faculty and representatives opposed it, saying state aid should prioritize public institutions and that the bill would deepen funding inequities. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5909, which would require public baccalaureate institutions to review and potentially discontinue low-enrollment degree programs; supporters framed it as a transparency and efficiency measure, while faculty and student representatives opposed it as too blunt and potentially harmful to smaller, specialized, or equity-focused programs. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Sep 11th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It is not a satellite, but it is a hub for all school activities.
- And I knew about it, the school in Orlando.
- in the country, 52% of the medical. schools are private.
- But for all private schools, MD, DO, we're I believe are right.
- , law schools, Cruces Public Schools, Gadsden, and Hatch.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Elementary School of which my children had the honor to attend.
- Association of School Administrators. Chris is here today with her family.
- School where she also serves as the Science Department Chair.
- Money received from the purchase of an attendance credit by a school district.
- the public school challenging the operations of the public school system, authorizing an administrative
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- What about that particular school?
- school?
- What about that particular school?
- school?
- </c> look like in the event that a school look like in the event that a school district<00:15:39.440>
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum and considered two election-related bills. The committee first took up House Bill 684, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Decker, and adopted a committee substitute. Decker described the bill as a “continuous improvement” measure developed with election officials, clerks, legislators, and citizens. She walked through provisions addressing precinct officer staffing in vote centers, notice to school districts when schools are used as voting centers, absentee ballot replacement when a ballot is not received, retention and disposal timelines for election-related video surveillance, permanent voting assistance certifications, write-in candidate deadlines and posting restrictions, candidate filing details, witness requirements, public posting of candidate information, felony voting language, and school district closure rules for voting locations. Members discussed the school-related provision, the handling of mail-in ballots, and a committee-substitute change removing credit cards and debit cards as acceptable voter ID. Supportive comments emphasized election integrity and the collaborative drafting process. The committee then voted to report HB 684 favorably.
The committee next considered House Bill 699, sponsored by Representative DJ Johnson, which would add a pre-certification verification process for candidate filings. Johnson said the bill was intended to prevent ineligible candidates from appearing on the ballot by requiring election officials to verify that a candidate’s residence is in the correct jurisdiction and, in partisan races, that the candidate is registered with the party sought, with appeals going to circuit court. He argued the current system relies on costly legal challenges after filing errors occur. During discussion, Representative Hancock voted no, saying the bill would create an unnecessary administrative burden and that filing paperwork should remain a basic responsibility of candidates, while other members voted yes. The committee ultimately reported HB 699 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-20 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- in the Florida Safe Schools K-9 program. $20 million for public school hardening, $20 million for security
- multiple first responder agencies. 3.3 million to provide assistance to schools to schools to participate
- in the Florida Safe Schools K-9 program. $20 million for public school hardening, $20 million for security
- the technical and career centers in their schools.
- It's a small school.
Summary:
The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget and related implementing bills. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented a $115 billion General Appropriations Bill, saying it reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major budget areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental/agricultural agencies. Highlights included increased funding for school safety, teacher and scholarship funding, workforce education, Medicaid and kid care, corrections operations, judgeships, affordable housing, hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and arts and cultural grants.
Members asked detailed questions about several items. Senators discussed the Emergency Management Trust Fund, cultural arts grant allocations, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salary support, charter school capital outlay funding, Bright Futures and EASE funding, New College funding, DOC deficits and inmate health care/food service costs, the ADAP HIV drug program, Medicaid reductions for non-critical access hospitals, and the use of opioid settlement and COVID relief funds. Chairs explained that some apparent reductions reflected shifts below the line or reclassification, that the ADAP appropriation would only cover about six months, and that some vacant positions were being removed as part of a right-sizing effort. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed weapons permit processing, elections security funding, and arts grant selection and proviso language.
The Senate then substituted House bills for the Senate budget and implementing measures, amended them into the Senate posture, and passed them. HB 5001 (the appropriations bill), HB 503 (implementing bill), HB 5201 (collective bargaining), and HB 5205 (retirement) all passed 36-0 and were sent to conference. Other budget-related bills also passed, including SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, SB 2510 on court trust funds, SB 2512 creating 13 circuit and 12 county judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health. Most of these passed unanimously, with the Senate requesting the House either pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- in the Florida Safe Schools K-9 program. $20 million for public school hardening; $20 million for security
- multiple first responder agencies. 3.3 million to provide assistance to schools to schools to participate
- in the Florida Safe Schools K-9 program. $20 million for public school hardening, $20 million for security
- in our public school system.
- It's a small school.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I came home, went to graduate school, and then started a career in business.
- school I've worked with in the United States.
- And my daughter went on to UCF and is now going to be starting medical school.
- I have two daughters, one in middle school, one in high school, and a wonderful wife who's also a dentist
- I went through the Hernando County school system here.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Concerning truancy, the bill strengthens school reporting requirements and removes burdens at the school
- Senator Fine, SB 814, weapons or firearms at school-sponsored events or on school property.
- Senator Fine, SB 814, weapons or firearms at school-sponsored events or on school property.
- Particularly on line 65, a person may not store any firearm at a school-sanctioned activity or school-sponsored
- line in a school classroom.
Summary:
The committee took up a full agenda of criminal justice and related bills, beginning with SB 1180 on AI-generated sexual images. Senator Gates explained the bill was prompted by an Escambia County case involving deepfake pornography created from images of teenage girls, and a student victim testified in support. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Members then approved SB 500, creating a Spectrum Alert system and related training for missing children with autism; SB 726, making swatting offenders liable for prosecution, investigation, and restitution costs; and SB 494, which would create a statewide animal abuse database, after extensive support testimony from shelters, law enforcement, and animal welfare advocates. SB 964, revising objective parole guidelines to account for rehabilitation and program participation, also passed after testimony from supporters of parole reform and compassionate release.
The committee next approved SB 1344, a juvenile justice cleanup bill with a delete-all amendment that updated truancy, CINS, detention risk assessment, and other juvenile justice provisions. SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding and allowing impoundment of involved vehicles, was reported favorably after limited opposition and support from law enforcement-related groups. SB 1136, increasing penalties for offenses involving minors and clarifying that ignorance of a victim’s age is not a defense, also passed after testimony from law enforcement supporters and two speakers opposed. SB 1660, on prostitution, drew the most extensive public comment: the sponsor said it was intended to distinguish trafficking victims from willing participants and shift penalties toward buyers and facilitators, while survivors, prosecutors, and advocates debated whether the substitute amendment would improperly criminalize prostituted persons; the committee ultimately adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then approved SB 1828, making trespass at large ticketed events and certain secured locations a felony, with discussion focused on crowd control and public safety at major events. SB 1386, increasing penalties for assault and battery on utility workers and adding propane workers through an amendment, passed with broad support. SB 612, closing a loophole so minors who distribute deadly drugs like fentanyl can be charged with murder in certain cases, was reported favorably after testimony from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and opposition from civil liberties groups. SB 814, which would allow firearms on college campuses and at school-sponsored events, drew strong opposition from students and faculty and was reported unfavorably. Finally, the committee began SB 1604 on corrections with a delete-all amendment that addressed filing deadlines for DOC-related claims, execution-method language, tracking devices, involuntary treatment, and parole-related statutory cleanup; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- to go to school.
- Um, whenever there might be a threat to a school, and most of these threats to the schools generally
- to the schools generally are threats to the schools generally are callin<00:45:47.359><c> threats.
- </c> administrator, other school employee. administrator, other school employee.
- </c> the ongoing operations of the school. the ongoing operations of the school.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 3 - 05/16/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Francis School District, whether it be the Elk River School District, whether it be the Monticello School
- , because our schools, almost all of our schools, are struggling.
- . schools. schools.
- And I when I met with all my schools, schools, schools, they<03:02:00.080><c> had</c><03:02:00.319><c
- Our schools are struggling. funding. Our schools are struggling.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I was a teacher for 25 years, and now when we go around to the schools and visit the schools from the
- I was a teacher for 25 years, and now when we go around to the schools and visit the schools from the
- </c> completed are around school counseling. completed are around school counseling.
- </c> Um, we are shifting our school Um, we are shifting our school counseling<00:37:43.599><c> rules<
- </c> and the board of school administrators. and the board of school administrators.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, my son went to Catholic school, and he wanted to go to Catholic school.
- But also, when you're in school and high school and stuff, the teacher won't help you transfer out of
- So we're in the school.
- We try to be in all the schools.
- We try to be in all the schools.
Summary:
The committee/task force met with several disability service providers to discuss integrated employment, transition services, and barriers to community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described creating their own businesses when community employers were not hiring their clients, and said rigid service rules, employer readiness, bullying, and reimbursement structures often force the person to fit the service rather than the service fitting the person. They said they have not seen clients lose benefits, but they do closely manage reporting to Social Security and related supports. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial work, city beautification, state-use contracts, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said many employers are hesitant because of productivity and cost concerns, and that businesses are often more open to contracting with her agency than hiring individuals directly.
Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model with sheltered work, volunteer sites, paid contracts, and a Transition Academy. She said the academy is a two-year program focused first on independent living and then on employment, with internships and an 85% placement rate, but funding is a major barrier because the program is not accredited and students cannot access traditional aid. She also cited dual diagnoses, inconsistent job coaches, and employer uncertainty as major obstacles. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described DRTC’s long-running enclave contracts, a new Community Skills and Connections program, and a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage use by the end of the year. They said the new program is designed to keep people engaged in community-based skill-building and networking while families still need day supports, and that DRTC has developed more than 100 community partnerships.
Senator Kirt, Rep. Hefner, and participants discussed broader system issues, including the need for better school-to-work transition, more social integration, transportation, safety, and employer education. DRS staff said the agency is already required to provide pre-employment transition services in schools starting at age 14 and offers employer accommodations support and job-carving assistance, though they acknowledged federal reporting expectations and service rules can be restrictive. Several participants raised concerns about line-of-sight restrictions, congregate living rules, benefit cliffs, and the difficulty of moving from DDS to DRS services. The group also discussed the need for better data and possible working groups focused on in-school transition, program support and blending services, and community integration. No formal votes were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL Members Announce Legislation Addressing ICE Activity in Minnesota - 02/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have heard of ICE agents swarming our elementary schools.
- They are harming the first-, second-, and third-grade babies inside of our schools.
- We also have heard of ICE agents swarming our elementary schools.
- They are harming the first-, second-, and third-grade babies inside of our schools.
- We also have heard of ICE agents swarming our elementary schools.
Summary:
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and several DFL senators held a press conference after a floor session to announce a package of bills responding to recent ICE operations in Minnesota. Murphy said the proposals are meant to restore and protect Minnesotans’ rights after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Prey, arguing that authorities should render aid when they injure someone. She said one bill, to be heard the next day in Sen. Ron Latz’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, would create a civil remedy for victims of constitutional violations by federal agents and their leaders. Another bill would give the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension independent investigative authority in cases where federal agents kill Minnesota residents, after the BCA was reportedly shut out of recent investigations.
Sen. Lindsey Port described a bill to bar federal law enforcement from hiding their identities while on duty, citing masked ICE agents, alleged use of fake license plates and impersonation tactics, and a recent incident in which a health care worker was allegedly boxed in by masked men. Sen. Elise Mann said the package would designate hospitals, schools, daycares, colleges, and courthouses as protected spaces and require a judicial warrant for ICE entry, arguing that federal agents have been entering hospitals and schools and detaining people at vulnerable moments. The senators framed the effort as a response to unconstitutional enforcement tactics rather than immigration policy, and said they hoped for bipartisan support, though they acknowledged the legal issues may be challenged under federal supremacy and could reach the courts.
In response to questions, the senators said the civil-rights bill is intended to create a state-court cause of action against federal officials acting under color of law, because current remedies are limited. They said people in schools or hospitals should not put themselves in danger if confronted by armed agents, and that the law would provide later accountability. Latz said the Judiciary Committee would take up the bills and that Minnesota must have a seat at the table in seeking justice for affected residents. Asked about funding for related community burdens, Murphy said it was not a budget year but the state has a rainy day fund and balance available from last session.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 9th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- cardiac emergency response plans for school-based activities that occur off-school property.
- It gives the schools the ability to use the template to implement for on-school-ground events as well
- as off-school-ground events.
- There is no money for the public schools, private schools, or anyone for implementing this.
- I'm a product of one of those schools.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum call, then took up House amendments to Senate Bills 2009, 2147, and 2113. On motion, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments and appointed conference committees for each bill. The chamber then considered several House bills, adopting amendments and passing House Bill 1556, which creates a Children's Cabinet work group to study out-of-home placement and treatment for children with behavioral health issues, and House Bill 1363, which directs development of a customizable cardiac emergency response plan template for schools and athletic events. House Bill 1533, requiring students to complete a half-unit of financial literacy for graduation, also passed after amendment. House Bill 1226, dealing with masks in public places and protest-related identification concerns, passed after the Judiciary Committee removed language about complying with law enforcement requests to unmask.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- there's a wait list in our local charter school of Hope Charter School of 150 kids.
- Are private schools eligible to apply for those grants as well?
- Yeah, well, charter schools, as you know, are public schools. Correct.
- I just think... ...school-based services. So just for clarity's sake.
- My local Hope School for Autism, a charter school, has a wait list of 150 children.
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy met to consider CS for SB 1121, a bill on children with developmental disabilities, especially autism. Senator Harrell said the bill would expand early screening and referrals, extend Early Steps services, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a statewide hub, create grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establish an autism microcredential for instructional personnel. Supporters, including Florida Goodwill Association, Florida DD Council, Florida for Florida’s Future, and Autism Speaks, said the measure would improve workforce training, early intervention, and educational outcomes for children with autism.
The committee adopted two amendments. One expanded the Early Steps extended option so services continue until a child enters school, rather than ending at age four. The second addressed fiscal impacts, with discussion indicating no immediate cost this year but projected impacts of about $8.5 million in 2026-27 and about $15 million in 2027-28 as the program fully ramps up. Members also asked about Medicaid coverage, provider shortages, training, and whether private schools could receive charter-school grants; Senator Harrell said Medicaid-covered children would remain covered, the microcredential would be online and free, no provider reimbursement increases were built into the bill, and private schools would not be eligible for the charter-school grants.
After debate, including supportive remarks from President Passidomo emphasizing early detection and research into autism causes, the committee voted to report CS for SB 1121 favorably. The motion passed by roll call, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Pre-K - 12 Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I WORK CLOSELY WITH OUR CHARTER SCHOOL IN MARTIN COUNTY, HOPE SCHOOL FOR AUTISM, AS WELL AS THE CENTER
- I CAN TELL YOU WE NEED MORE SCHOOL SPECIFICALLY AND CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE REALLY THE BEST PLACE.
- WE ONLY HAVE 10 PUBLIC SCHOOLS. WE HAVE INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS THAT ADDRESS AUTISM SPECIFICALLY.
- AND HIGH SCHOOL.
- AFTER HIGH SCHOOL TWO THIRDS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM DO NOT GET A JOB WITHIN FOUR YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL