Transcript Highlights:

• Duarte, of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Education Fund, also known as SALEF. Dr.
• I'm the executive director of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund, known as SALEF
• , and I'm also an educator at the Los Angeles Community College District.
• As we saw so much during COVID, educational platforms and emergency response systems depend on reliable
• We’re waiting for Assembly Member Castillo, so I know who’s in Education. So, yeah, thank you.

Summary: The Communications and Conveyance Committee heard several bills focused on telecommunications, emergency response, and digital access. AB 1540 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would restore the 988 “press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth crisis support, with strong support from suicide prevention advocates, mental health organizations, local governments, and family groups, and opposition from groups arguing it politicizes crisis services and raises safety concerns. Members emphasized the bill’s life-saving purpose and noted it would depend on federal approval. The committee voted AB 1540 out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, including AB 2093 and AB 2193, both sent to Appropriations. AB 1832 by Assemblymember Ransom, as amended, would expand and stabilize statewide 211 services through a state fund, a community needs dashboard, and integration into emergency planning; supporters described 211’s role during disasters and service gaps in many counties, and the bill passed unanimously as amended to Appropriations. AB 2289, the chair’s bill, would create an Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, consolidate broadband programs, and narrow CPUC jurisdiction to voice communications; TURN and CWA District 9 opposed the regulatory changes but acknowledged shared goals, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2424 by Assemblymember Carrillo would create a new low-income telecommunications advisory board to oversee California Lifeline and address fraud and oversight concerns. Supporters said the board would add needed telecommunications expertise and improve access for low-income and immigrant communities, while opponents argued an existing advisory structure already serves that role and warned of added costs and surcharges. After discussion, the committee voted AB 2424 out on a 7-2 vote to Appropriations. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Duarte, of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Education Fund. Dr.
• Jocelyn Duarte of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Education Fund, also known as SALEF. Dr.
• I'm the executive director of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund, known as SALEF
• , and I'm also an educator at the Los Angeles Community College District.
• We're waiting for Assembly Member Castillo, so I know who's in education, so we'll... yeah, thank you

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Joint Committee on Higher Education will come to order.
• I am so glad to be here today to co-chair this hearing with my terrific Higher Education co-chair, Dave
• And fellow members of the Higher Education Committee, thank you for allowing me to speak today and taking
• My name is Vanessa Weisbrod, and I'm the chief education officer at the Celiac Disease Foundation.
• Chair said, this is higher education, and if there's any presidents and chairs, chancellors watching,

Bills: H5012 , S2927

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: student nutrition, food allergies, celiac disease, gluten-free meals, allergen-free meals, medically restricted diets, school meals, college dining, K-12 education, higher education, disability access, accessibility services, food service, nutrition information, website disclosure, school website, meal accommodations, special diets, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71

Transcript Highlights:

• language is significant because context is often what distinguishes unlawful obscenity from legitimate educational
• language is significant because context is often what distinguishes unlawful obscenity from legitimate educational
• Many widely recognized works of literature, health educational materials, and historical texts contain
• references to human sexuality but clearly have educational value.
• vital for their capacity of diverse literature and critical viewpoints that are vital for their educational

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first introduced RS 33495, a bill to allow skiing with only a driver and observer on all parts of Idaho lakes, not just slalom courses, so long as a rear-facing mirror is used. RS 33556C1 was also introduced; Representative Palmer described it as moving state IT purchasing oversight to the Office of Information Technology. House Bill 795, a cleanup measure from the Attorney General’s office, was then heard and advanced to the floor with a due pass recommendation after brief questions and neutral testimony from the Idaho Library Association about removing language requiring materials to be evaluated “in the context in which it is used.” The committee then took up House Bill 819, a major library and obscenity bill tied to prior litigation and the Ninth Circuit. Representative Crane and Attorney General’s Office attorney Michael Zarian said the bill responds to court rulings, removes the “context in which it is used” phrase, distinguishes public from private schools and libraries, and uses a “sexually explicit” standard for public institutions. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed by city, library, and private citizens’ witnesses, who argued the bill abandons the Miller test, creates vague and overbroad standards, threatens First Amendment protections, and could chill library collections; one witness spoke in support, saying taxpayers should not fund such materials. After debate, a motion to hold the bill in committee failed 10-2, and the committee then voted 10-2 to send HB 819 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee introduced RS 33650, a procurement reform proposal that Representative Raibold said would clarify state purchasing rules and add reporting requirements for vendors interacting with procurement officials; members raised concerns about the “frivolous protest” language. RS 33653, dealing with the sale of surplus administrative facilities and closing a loophole in prior disposal procedures, was also introduced. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• language is significant because context is often what distinguishes unlawful obscenity from legitimate educational
• Many widely recognized works of literature, health educational materials, and historical texts contain
• references to human sexuality, but clearly have educational value.
• vital for their capacity of diverse literature and critical viewpoints that are vital for their educational
• someone being brought out for the purposes of being trained on a different system or for additional education

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Child education is a top priority for service members and their families.
• Additionally, she rectified other deficiencies in advanced enrollment, Interstate Compact on Educational
• Finally, we are grateful for their efforts in highlighting how educational stability directly enhances
• Finally, we are grateful for their efforts in highlighting how educational stability directly enhances
• The position to be filled must require specific education or training.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The committee began with an annual briefing from Mountain Home Air Force Base’s 366th Fighter Wing, where Colonel D. Ray Gunter described the base’s mission, deployments, modernization efforts, airspace expansion, water pipeline and treatment projects, and community partnerships supporting housing, child care, education, and health care for service members and families. He emphasized the base’s role in national defense, the economic impact on the region, and ongoing collaboration with Idaho agencies and local communities. The committee then entered executive session under Senate Rule 20E for an intelligence briefing from Captain Juanita Garcia. After returning to open session, the committee approved minutes from February 27, March 2, and March 4, 2026. It then considered gubernatorial reappointments to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board: Robert Donaldson and Irving Lippman both appeared and spoke about their backgrounds and interest in continuing service, and Shelly Enderud’s reappointment to the State Building Authority was advanced to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee heard and advanced House Bill 686, which creates a narrow exception to Idaho’s anti-nepotism restrictions for small cities under 10,000 population when filling specialized positions, with safeguards such as public posting, documentation, council approval, and independent supervision. It also advanced House Bill 727, a sextortion bill supported by lawmakers and the Attorney General’s office that would make threats to distribute explicit images a crime and increase penalties when minors are involved; testimony cited AI-generated images, online coercion, and Idaho cyber-tip data showing a sharp rise in sextortion reports. Finally, the committee introduced RS 33647, a memorial concerning pelican predation on fish, and RS 33616, a resolution honoring fallen Idaho State Police K9 Kimber, before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas across Washington, families and caregivers work every day alongside educators, health care
• Education. Very truly yours, Jay Inslee, Governor.
• As a member of the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight Board.
• Knutzen, Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9135, be confirmed as a member of the Workforce Education
• Knutzen, is confirmed as a member of the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Education will meet at 1:00 tomorrow in room 204.
• Education 1:00 tomorrow in room 114.
• I'm canceling the meeting that was set for Education tomorrow. That meeting is canceled.
• Education will not meet. Drug Policy will meet 5 minutes after adjournment tomorrow in 204.
• Education<00:27:51.240><c> will</c><00:27:51.480><c> not</c><00:27:51.800><c> meet.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 24 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would be another million-dollar cut essentially to the education budget if this went through?
• With regard to revenues to support education, it actually costs less to educate children through the
• On average, we spend about $20,000 a year to educate a child in Missouri. That's...
• On average, we spend about $20,000 a year to educate a child in Missouri.
• It's a tax policy tool that redirects existing liability toward educational opportunity.

Committee: House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 3037, which would allow certain Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Account tax credits, beginning in 2028, to be carried back to the immediately prior tax year. Representative Allen said the bill was a technical timing change that would not alter the credit amount, cap, refundability, transferability, or other safeguards. Supporters, including the American Federation for Children and a representative of the scholarship organization, said the change would help donors better match contributions to their actual tax liability and could increase participation. One member raised concern about the fiscal impact on education funding, noting the Department of Revenue’s estimate of reduced revenue, while the sponsor said the delayed start date was intended to give the state time to plan. The committee then heard House Bill 2830, which would increase the recorder fee that funds the Missouri Housing Trust Fund from $3 to $9 per real estate document. Representative Collins said the increase would strengthen funding for affordable housing, rental assistance, and homeless prevention. Supporters from Empower Missouri, Love Columbia, Peter and Paul Community Services, and Missouri’s Coalition of Recovery Support Providers testified that the fund is under-resourced, with many requests going unmet and some housing programs unable to support new construction or rehabilitation projects. They described local housing shortages, homelessness, and the need for more capital funding, arguing the fee increase would help meet demand without using general revenue. No opposition testimony was presented. Finally, the committee took up House Bills 1778 and 2760, both aimed at protecting religious exercise during emergencies. The sponsors said the bills were prompted by COVID-era restrictions on churches and would prevent government orders from limiting worship services, while still allowing compliance with building and fire codes and excluding violence or harm. Members debated whether the bills would create a special exemption for houses of worship and whether they could interfere with public health responses to future outbreaks. A Baptist minister testified in opposition, arguing that religious gatherings should not receive special treatment and that restrictions should apply consistently to all mass gatherings. The hearing ended without a vote, and the committee adjourned after public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the water education outreach campaign and the environmental compliance programs.
• I think the education outreach campaign is going to be used to educate about opportunities in the water
• I don't believe that we have any educational programs. I think that is part of the mission.
• Not an expert in the OARB, but I think that is a Part of their mission is educational.
• And so, but no, I'm not sure that there's educational for developers.

Bills: SB1191 , SB1314 , SB1319 , SB1333 , SB1346 , SB1439 , SB1509 , SB1510 , SB1613

Committee: Senate Energy

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319

Transcript Highlights:

• The strike-all also supports the use of the language in educational material and instructional material
• The strike-all also supports the use of the language in educational material and instructional material
• The strike call also supports the use of the language in educational material and instructional material
• It elevates one narrative while erasing another, restricting how educators, researchers, and public institutions
• SB 1106 does nothing to improve safety, education, or the economy.

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you can see, the largest portion is dedicated to health and human services, followed by education,
• At the lottery, our mission is simple: maximizing revenue to enhance education.
• Since our inception, we've generated more than $50 billion for education in Florida and helped over 1
• million Florida students pursue their dreams of postgraduate education and technical training through
• To put those amounts in perspective, that translates to about $5.9 million in transfer a day to education

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The committee first took up confirmation of five water management district appointees: Ted Everett and Jerome Pate to the Northwest Florida Water Management District, Michael Romano to the Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District, and Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Senator McClain moved confirmation, the roll was called, and the committee recommended all appointees favorably. Members then received the Governor’s Florida First budget presentations for environmental agencies. The environmental package totaled about $5.8 billion and emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality, resilience, land conservation, state parks, hazardous waste cleanup, wildlife management, wildfire response, and citrus support. DEP highlighted more than $1.4 billion for water resources, including $810 million for Everglades restoration, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state parks, and $221 million for contamination cleanup. FWC, Agriculture, and Citrus funding priorities were also outlined. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a reduction at the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and beach renourishment funding for storm damage. The committee also heard the General Government portion of the budget, which totaled about $2.9 billion and covered DBPR, Lottery, Financial Services, Management Services, Revenue, PERC, and the Gaming Control Commission. DBPR requested funds for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, fleet replacement, and IT retention. FGCC sought new enforcement squads and an IT licensing/enforcement system. The Lottery proposed marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding. DMS emphasized building modernization, fleet telematics, 911 and radio upgrades, cybersecurity, a local government cybersecurity grant program, and data interoperability. PERC described a sharp increase in labor cases and elections after SB 256 and requested staffing, election administration, and hearing officer pay increases. DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation. Revenue requested operational and IT funding and support for fiscally constrained counties. Questions focused on DBPR’s condo and HOA initiatives, cybersecurity grant reductions, and the My Safe Florida Home program’s abandoned grants and matching requirements. No additional votes were taken, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mitch Stiger with CFT, a union of educators and classified professionals, also in support.
• And so, you know, I want to share that I, as a former educator, teacher, and administrator for 21 years
• know, the words that you said you would never put your family at risk because you were a former educator
• And so I thank you for keeping these guys educated and, you know, keeping them in a little bit of control
• And so I thank you for keeping these guys educated and, you know, keeping them in a little bit of control

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It will also create a hub for study, collaboration, and innovation, with a vision to enhance the educational
• Number three, Department of Education with ACT Education Corp.
• Number four, Department of Education with Buckler and Associates.
• Number five, Department of Education with Cartwheel.
• we get federal funding or even state dollars for different grants and different types of health education

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The review subcommittee met to consider a supplemental agenda, methods of finance, an alternative delivery project, discretionary grants, and a large slate of construction, out-of-state, and in-state contracts. The supplemental item was a $2.6 million out-of-state contract with Tyler Technologies for a mobile app that would let citizens access state services through a single sign-on, initially for DFA vehicle and licensing services, with possible expansion to other agencies. Members also reviewed five methods of finance, including University of Arkansas projects for roof and cooling tower replacements, a new $100 million academic classroom building at U of A Fayetteville, a police department renovation at UA Fort Smith, and a boiler/chiller replacement at Hope-Texarkana. Questions focused on project timing, why some items were being reviewed after work had begun, and the high estimated cost of the Fayetteville classroom building; DFA explained that projects under $250,000 are not reviewed and that the larger project was still in design and would later seek a guaranteed maximum price. The committee also reviewed two DHS discretionary grants: one for targeted youth advocacy in southwest Arkansas and another adding $582,000 for family-centered treatment training and implementation. In the services contract section, members discussed construction-related contracts, including an ASMSA electrical scope increase tied to three-phase power requirements and the U of A Fayetteville architect contract for the classroom building. Out-of-state contracts included major items such as ACT Education’s $17 million amendment to provide required pre-ACT testing for 9th and 10th graders, a $12.5 million DFA contract for rural health transformation grant management, DHS’s $16.5 million EBT services contract with updated chip-card and fraud-prevention features, and ADH’s special procurement for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The committee also reviewed U of A system consulting contracts for financial advisory and sponsorship strategy work, with university officials saying the outside expertise was needed for specialized planning and revenue-generation efforts. In-state contracts covered corrections reentry services, nursing board investigations, foster care and child welfare services, DHS office janitorial work, emergency management radio system expansion, veterans’ home nursing staffing, and UAMS grants consulting. A lengthy exchange centered on the Department of Corrections’ reentry housing contract, with members pressing officials about vacant beds and urging fuller use of the program, while corrections staff said placements depend on screening and eligibility. Another discussion addressed the balance between out-of-state and in-state contracting, with a member noting the large dollar volume going to out-of-state vendors and asking whether Arkansas vendors receive any preference; State Procurement said current law does not allow an in-state preference. The committee approved the supplemental agenda, the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, the discretionary grants, and the contract lists, and then received routine reports and an emergency action report before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also combat opioid use in a number of ways in this bill through education, antagonists, and opioid
• We also combat opioid use in a number of ways in this bill through education, antagonists, and opioid
• We also combat opioid use in a number of ways in this bill through education, antagonists, and opioid
• ,</c><00:10:43.760><c> antagonists,</c><00:10:44.560><c> and</c> bill through education, antagonists,
• and bill through education, antagonists, and opioid<00:10:45.440><c> directives</c><00:10:45.920><c>

Bills: HF2436 , HF2435

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes the education quality as a threat.
• This bill does not ignore education; it simply acknowledges that where families should live is a critical
• I have always appreciated your commitment to public education. It was a good layout.
• High quality, safe, and affordable housing does serve as a pillar for a good education, but it can only
• Importantly, as mentioned by Representative Cunningham, HB3753 does not entirely remove education from

Bills: HB293 , HB 1173 , HB3753 , HB4999 , HB5696 , SB2145 , HB5689 , HB5690 , HB5694 , HB5698 , HB293

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: HB 293, Texas housing tax credits, low-income housing, affordable housing, private activity bonds, PAB, qualified allocation plan, TDHCA, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, state representative objection, housing development approval, municipal notice, county commissioners court, extraterritorial jurisdiction, LIHTC, bond-financed housing, homelessness, housing services, Texas Department of Housing, municipal programs

Transcript Highlights:

• Our organizations always advocate for evidence-based guidelines in public education about unhealthy technology
• It requires all law schools affiliated with public or private institutions. of higher education in Texas
• Department of Education for institutional accreditation.
• So if there's no longer a Department of Education, he's got it covered.
• lays out as a matter of pending business Senate Bill 2626, Senator Campbell's bill about medical education

Bills: SB1065 , SB2117 , SB2217 , SB2363 , SB2533 , SB2742 , SB2743 , SB2881 , SB2964 , SB3013 , SB3014

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: SB 1065, handgun carry, license holder, concealed carry, open carry, government contracts, governmental entity, property lease, state agencies, local government, higher education, university, Texas Government Code, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.03, Second Amendment, gun rights, firearms, civil penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• Really lowering the barriers for people to be able to get that education and then move into careers that
• Really lowering the barriers for people to be able to get that education and then move into careers that
• Um, this is getting people through the system, bringing people, getting them that training and education
• 00:01:42.640><c> that</c><00:01:42.799><c> training</c><00:01:43.040><c> and</c><00:01:43.200><c> education
• </c> getting them that training and education getting them that training and education needed<00:01:43.840

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And yet, we don't allow nurse practitioners the authority that they have earned by educating.
• I can tell you that Texas lost the pretty extensive education of my daughter, Claire, and her experience
• So we're going to take this information, we're going to educate our legislators.
• I can tell you that Texas law the pretty extensive education of my daughter Claire and her experience
• So we're going to take this information and educate our legislators.

Bills: SB2 , SJR36 , SB2 , SB2 , SR29 , SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Higher Education and the UNM School of Law.
• , as Representative Garcia has mentioned, this Is a program that is intended to get more lawyers educated
• So, in this case, Originally, the bill called for the Higher Education Department to advertise the program
• The Higher Education Department makes that selection.
• The Higher Education Department and commissioner on this program stand in full support of the bill.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs