Transcript Highlights:

• UALR did not file that motion; involved school districts did.
• or stay in high school and move on to college.
• , stay in high school, and move on to college.
• What happens within the school district? What happens with these entities?
• Is anyone pursuing getting What happens within the school district?

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The committee first adopted prior minutes and then heard several standing committee audit reports. The executive committee report noted audit and special reports scheduled for the month, one outstanding committee-requested report, and a request to gather information on a possible special report for February. The city/county/local report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of turn-back funds for 17 entities, 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities filing reports, and action on the town of Daisy requiring repayment of misused street funds. The education report filed three higher education audit reports and deferred one Northwest Arkansas Community College report. The state agencies report filed four reports and deferred audits of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism for more information on corrective actions. The committee then received a special audit review of the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UA Little Rock. Auditors said the program received $10 million in desegregation funding and a $50,000 grant, awarded $1.87 million in scholarships to 379 students, and saw 116 students graduate. The review found many scholarship eligibility exceptions, including awards above the maximum and to students who did not meet GPA, enrollment-hour, or full-time requirements, and numerous disbursement documentation and authorization problems. Committee members sharply questioned the program’s oversight, the role of former staff, the use of funds for travel and cultural activities, and whether any improper spending should be referred for criminal review. UALR representatives said the program was overseen as a sponsored program, that some controls were later strengthened, and that Philander Smith only verified enrollment rather than eligibility. The committee voted to table the report until the next meeting and asked staff to gather the federal court order and additional information. Finally, the committee reviewed the annual report on matters referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General for 2024. Staff said 164 matters were referred, with 28 criminal charges filed, 39 still under review, 3 dismissed, 5 pending in court, and 96 not charged; convictions in 20 cases led to fines, restitution, audit costs, and some bond trust fund payments. Prosecutor representatives explained that many referrals do not become criminal cases because of intent, timing, or other legal limits, and said they generally seek restitution even when charges are not filed. Members asked for more standardized reporting, including whether restitution was recovered and why cases were not prosecuted, and discussed possible training and a checklist for future reports. The committee then voted to file the report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for February 12-13.

Transcript Highlights:

• But you did check, like, with high schools or High School League or somebody?
• </c> but you did check like with high schools but you did check like with high schools or<00:24:32.240
• School league or or High School league or somebody<00:24:35.120><c> dear</c><00:24:35.640><c> Scott<
• <00:28:38.440><c> league</c> School league School league chapter<00:28:40.360><c> that's</c><00:28:40.600
• </c><00:37:17.240><c> I</c> grader as a senior in high school I grader as a senior in high school I participated

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm at our seven school district. It cuts across county lines.
• Now, currently, that money goes to the school fund if it goes unclaimed for three years.
• Caitlin Whaley with the Missouri School Board's Association.
• the budgets of schools.
• up the budgets of schools.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appointed to the Mississippi uh school appointed to the Mississippi uh school board<00:17:43.039
• Had opportunity to go to Powell Junior High School, graduate from Callaway High School.
• :18:11.840><c> schools,</c><00:18:12.240><c> principal</c><00:18:12.559><c> at</c> ranking county schools
• ,</c><00:18:16.480><c> graduate</c> to Powell Junior High School, graduate to Powell Junior High School
• </c> Pow Junior High Callaway High School Pow Junior High Callaway High School that<00:18:24.400><c>

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 13 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> public safety in schools. public safety in schools.
• > that</c> public school or private school that public school or private school that wants<02:57:26.960
• But I think there are some<02:57:41.920><c> schools</c> some schools some schools uh<02:57:43.920><c>
• </c> every school. every school.
• </c> our schools. our schools.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had one for every school board member, along with some leadership in the school district.
• I'm a third-generation Texan, a mom, a retired high school English teacher, and former school librarian
• I think y'all may have read it when you're in high school.
• I don't know a whole lot about schools and teaching.
• High school students do have First Amendment rights.

Bills: SB2101 , SB2334 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2713 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB3059 , HB 1130

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: minors, sexually explicit materials, public libraries, age verification, civil penalties, library collection review, alcohol storage, airline permits, beverage regulations, airport, commercial flights, alcoholic beverages, local option election, zoning regulations, municipality control, land use, state law, social media, bot accounts, misinformation

Summary: The committee first reopened public testimony on Senate Bill 2713, which concerned protections for freedom of conscience in the context of Realtor association discipline. Texas Realtors representatives testified that their organization is a separate Texas legal entity but affiliated with the National Association of Realtors through a charter and code of ethics. They said Texas Realtors is neutral on SB 2713, that their ethics process is focused on fair housing and equal professional service, and that they have not suspended or terminated anyone in Texas for religious or political speech. Senators pressed them on whether national standards could override Texas law and on examples from other states; the witnesses said state and federal law control and that they would comply with Texas law if the bill passed. Public testimony then closed and SB 2713 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1698 on e-cigarettes. Senator Parker explained a committee substitute that tightened enforcement, required distributor registration, expanded regulation to nicotine from any source, added restrictions on child-appealing packaging, authorized inspections and audits, and set compliance deadlines later in 2025 and 2026. After questions, the substitute was adopted and SB 1698, as substituted, was reported favorably to the full Senate on a 6-0 vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 2487 on crisis and mental health facilities. Senator Parker described a substitute that renamed the program a crisis service model, allowed multiple county facilities, added local siting limits, expanded staffing options, shortened clinical timelines, required discharge referrals, directed law enforcement and EMS to transport people there first, and created local boards and expanded reporting. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-0 vote, also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2819, dealing with political activities of county elections administrators, was then reported favorably on a 6-0 vote and likewise sent to the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2043 was withdrawn. The committee spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2101, which would require municipal public libraries to move sexually explicit materials out of minors’ sections and impose age-verification and review requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect children from explicit material in public libraries and that libraries should not be left to self-regulate. Opponents, including librarians, parents, authors, and ACLU representatives, argued the definitions were vague, the bill would be costly and burdensome for small libraries, could function as a book ban, and would restrict teens’ access to classics, research materials, and other books. Several witnesses said parents should make those decisions, not the state. The bill’s author said the committee substitute was still being worked on and asked witnesses to review it; public testimony remained open in the portion provided, with no final action on SB 2101 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> where the children went to school. where the children went to school.
• My children's school was concerning.
• Uh there's nothing more schools.
• </c><00:54:14.319><c> And</c> non-public schools for security. And non-public schools for security.
• </c> and protection in our schools. and protection in our schools.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> meant to say Wise High School for Miles. meant to say Wise High School for Miles.
• Bennett High School. Shane James B. Bennett High School.
• </c> Southern Garrett [applause] High School. Southern Garrett [applause] High School.
• </c> 4, Brunswick High School. 4, Brunswick High School.
• </c> District 11A, Chesapeake High School. District 11A, Chesapeake High School.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, January 23, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But Culver's a fantastic secondary school.
• From when I was there, with two schools, to now five schools, and then 15 or 16 cities across the state
• That's where I went to medical school, and they do have, as all the medical schools have, concerns for
• Fund with some of the different schools.
• In terms of volunteerism and school involvement, she's a former president of the Denton High School Cheer

Committee: Senate Nominations

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the adoption of the administration of assessment infrastructures and public school indicators and
• achievement, public school performance ratings, interventions, and sanctions under the public school
• accountability system, a grant program for the school district local accountability plans and actions
• School district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes are under consideration for the Committee
• No. 173 by Hicklin relating to the use of school district or school district employee public funds for

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To public education and public school finance members, there is a new committee substitute for House
• Budget deficits and the closing of schools, and so I plan to look.
• That $800 million is 10% of the new dollars in the legislation that schools will receive.
• but also for charter schools because we've seen.
• , but also in charter schools, etc.

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Two of the players here with us today played high school football at Menlo-Atherton High School with
• Beyond his work on the school board, Mr.
• Following his work on the school board, Mr.
• Beyond his work on the school board, Mr.
• Following his work on the school board, Mr. Cassidy was then elected.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several floor recognitions and resolutions. Senators also welcomed guests including California Conservation Corps members, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo agriculture leadership students, and College of San Mateo championship athletes. The chamber approved the journals, stricken items from the daily file, and referred SCR 112 back to the Assembly floor. The main legislative actions were on two resolutions and two gubernatorial appointments. SR 81 by Senator Pérez, designating March 2, 2026 as Read Across America Day, was supported by Senators Choi and Rubio, emphasizing literacy, libraries, and reading access; it passed 37-0. SCR 125 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Ramadan, was supported by Senator Becker and adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate also confirmed Dr. Chris Thayer as director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Dr. Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, both by 29-0 votes. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of adjournments in memory. Senators honored Stephen Cassidy, former San Leandro school board member and mayor; John Joseph Zoria, a San Jose farmer and community figure; Crystal Schoenfelder, a workers’ compensation attorney and advocate; and Belinda Baraghani, a prominent Latina political strategist and community leader. The session ended with remarks about Ramadan’s themes of empathy and community, and the Senate recessed with the next floor session scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:02.040><c> districts</c> awwards to signatory school districts awwards to signatory school
• school school year<00:10:21.440><c> the</c><00:10:21.959><c> Statewide</c><00:10:22.920><c> approach
• and Hopkins Public Schools.
• and Hopkins Public Schools.
• Public Schools.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> our schools and programs. our schools and programs.
• </c> 2026-2027 school year. 2026-2027 school year.
• For the most part, you are going to see public schools, charter schools, and private schools using it
• public schools, charter schools, and private schools can use it.
• </c> schools, and private schools can use it. schools, and private schools can use it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wood Elementary School, the National Blue Ribbon School and School of Recognition. Congratulations.
• And School of Recognition nominee, and School of Recognition.
• They are also here for Waltham's incredible schools and being recognized as a School of Recognition.
• and Pittsfield, here for School of Recognition.
• , Moody Middle School, Washington Elementary, and Stoklusa Middle School for their achievements in education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Committee on Rules reports and related procedural orders. Members adopted a resolution recognizing the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The House also adopted multiple orders extending committee reporting deadlines, including for the Election Laws, Environment and Natural Resources, and Revenue committees, and concurred in Senate petitions after suspending Joint Rule 12 for several matters. The chamber then advanced a series of local and House bills. After suspending Rule 7A, the House ordered several bills to a third reading, including measures on electronic scanning of identifications, police age-limit waivers or civil service eligibility for named individuals in Boston and Haverhill, and a bill on the contracting of digital replicas. Later, the House passed to be engrossed bills including a Department of Conservation and Recreation Title IX compliance bill and additional police-related local bills, and passed to be enacted a land conveyance bill for Wellesley and other enacted measures such as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, a Fall River police chief appointment bill, a Seekonk charter amendment, and a Billerica police age-limit bill. The House also adopted an order for a joint convention with the Senate to receive the Governor’s communication on January 22, 2026. At the end of the session, members adopted an order to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m. and a special adjournment in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, former Quincy legislator, mayor, and clerk magistrate. The House then adjourned to meet Thursday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the legislature, declaring that the existing public school funding formula requires...
• so the effort here is to align our public Our public schools.
• that we do for charter schools.
• or that school.
• Now, he goes to a school, and there are no set time periods when that kid can be recruited.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Resolution 74, commending the James Wood High School girls volleyball team. Mr.
• High School girls volleyball team. The delegate has the floor. Mr.
• Over 14 years ago, John began his tenure at New Kent High School as a science teacher.
• In both the 2021-2022 and 2024-2025 school years, John was elected by his fellow regional high school
• How about violent battery of a school employee? Try to get rid of that mandatory minimum.

Keywords: March 05, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes $28 million for the School Seismic Safety Program, funding designs at three schools in
• Schools Program.
• Last year, our school spent $1 million in pre-design funds for a new building.
• Consequently, we're counting on the small schools modernization program.
• We've consolidated four school buildings into two to stretch resources.

Summary: The House Capital Budget Committee opened its first hearing of the session on HB 2295 and briefly heard a presentation from OFM Senior Budget Advisor Jen Masterson on Governor Ferguson’s proposed supplemental capital budget. She said the proposal uses about $396 million in new appropriations, leaving roughly $5.4 million in remaining bond authority, and includes major investments in housing, urgent state facility needs, climate-related projects, K-12 school safety and modernization, and higher education minor works. The housing package was the largest share, with $225 million for the Housing Trust Fund, plus funding for homeownership, preservation, manufactured housing communities, and flood-impacted home repair. Committee members asked follow-up questions about Rainier School and juvenile rehabilitation projects, and staff said Rainier School was on the plan and that juvenile rehabilitation funding included flexible capacity funding and facility improvements. Public testimony was largely supportive of the governor’s housing, education, climate, and natural resources proposals, while several speakers urged changes. Housing advocates, Habitat for Humanity, community land trusts, and service providers backed the Housing Trust Fund and homeownership funding, including support for manufactured housing preservation and transit-oriented affordable housing. School and college representatives supported small district modernization, seismic safety, lead remediation, and minor works funding, while some asked for additional support for specific projects such as Cascadia College’s new building, Central Washington University’s feeder line replacement, and WSU Spokane health education renovations. Natural resource and tribal witnesses supported salmon recovery and community forest investments, but asked for more funding for RCO community forest and estuary programs. A major recurring concern was the proposed $75 million transfer from the Public Works Assistance Account, which cities, counties, sewer and water districts, and the Public Works Board said would jeopardize low-interest loans already awarded for local infrastructure projects and shift costs onto distressed communities. Other testimony opposed the budget’s omission of certain projects, including the University of Washington’s power plant decarbonization work and a Spokane cultural hub, while some local governments requested funding for wastewater and flood-control projects. No votes were taken; the chair closed the public hearing after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm talking about the high school mostly. >> Right? Yeah, it does high school mostly.
• But but I'm talking about the high school, school, school, &gt;&gt; right?
• Yeah, it does high school mostly. &gt;&gt; right? Yeah, it does high school mostly.
• . school. school.
• </c> the middle school and the high school the middle school and the high school because<00:19:38.320

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> health</c> schools with school-linked mental health schools with school-linked mental health services
• They are public schools. They are public schools.
• Um, they are public schools. They're public schools. Charter schools are public schools.
• Charter schools are public schools.
• </c> charter school. charter school.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all