Video & Transcript : 'digital opportunities' :
Page 360 of 500
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> All members present had an opportunity All members present had an opportunity to<01:13:24.480><c
- </c> All members present had an opportunity All members present had an opportunity to<01:15:27.360><c
- </c> opportunity to vote? opportunity to vote?
- </c> opportunity to vote. opportunity to vote.
- </c> opportunity to vote? opportunity to vote?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- But thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today.
- For far too many families, this isn't a moment of opportunity.
- Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony this afternoon.
- Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of H. 546 / S. 1911.
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Education
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a hearing focused primarily on special education-related bills, with testimony centered on two major themes: transition planning for students aging out of school-based services at age 22, and the fiscal strain special education costs place on districts. Committee members explained hearing procedures, noted the House was in formal session, and periodically stepped out for votes while staff recorded testimony. A separate bill on special education due process was also taken up briefly, along with a bill on special education finance and another on equitable access/data reporting.
On House Bill 752 and Senate Bill 313, witnesses from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, self-advocates, and Senator Comerford described the “Turning 22” transition as a crisis point that often leaves families without adult placements, services, or clear communication. Testimony emphasized earlier planning, more accountability, better data collection, and a commission to improve coordination and residential placement. Several parents and advocates shared personal accounts of traumatic transitions, delayed placements, and the need for plans to begin at least a year before age 22. The committee later closed testimony on these bills after hearing from all signed-up speakers.
House Bill 4217, on special education due process, drew support from Representative Sullivan-Almeida, parents, and advocates who argued that the burden of proof should shift from families to school districts. Testimony described costly legal battles, delays, and parents having to become experts in reading instruction or hire advocates and attorneys to secure services. Brody Dwyer, a 10-year-old student with dyslexia, and his mother described how evidence-based instruction helped him after years of struggle. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 546/Senate Bill 317, which would require DESE to publish cross-tabulated data on race, disability, gender, income, and other factors; advocates said this would better expose disparities and help address the school-to-prison pipeline. Finally, on House Bill 691/Senate Bill 430, school leaders, educators, and union representatives testified that special education costs are outpacing district budgets and that increasing circuit breaker reimbursement and creating a commission to study long-term sustainability would help prevent staffing cuts and service reductions. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee repeatedly closed testimony on individual bills as speakers finished and moved through the agenda.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 4th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with the Office of the Inspector General, where they
- Delta has remained steadfast in its mission to advance equity, opportunity, and justice.
- , and environmental justice, maternal health care, economic opportunity, and systemic racism.
- Speaker and members, for giving me the opportunity to present AB 2439.
- Speaker and members, for giving me the opportunity to present AB 1894.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved a procedural motion by a 41-17 roll call to re-refer AB 2690 and AB 1863 to Appropriations and to allow guests for the Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. House Resolution 92, recognizing Cinco de Mayo Week, was adopted after supportive remarks from members of several caucuses, and the chamber then held the 2026 Latino Spirit Awards ceremony honoring 11 individuals and organizations in higher education, human rights, philanthropy, health and science, advocacy, business, environmental justice, journalism and media, culinary arts, and a legacy award for Los Tigres del Norte. After the ceremony, the Assembly resumed business with guest introductions and moved through the daily file, passing or retaining a number of bills and resolutions.
Among the measures taken up, the Assembly passed AB 1657 on domestic violence restraining order procedures (64-0), AB 2042 on civil procedure and service of process (66-0), AB 1660 on probate and public guardians (45-10), AB 1917 on criminal procedure and reinstatement of dismissed charges (43-15), AB 2148 clarifying that public school employees are human beings in the context of AI (69-0), AB 1647 protecting juvenile statements at transfer hearings (63-0), AB 1555 expanding community college access in Siskiyou County (66-0), AB 1608 on High-Speed Rail Inspector General oversight and reporting (45-18), AB 1803 requiring anti-hate speech training in workplace harassment prevention (50-9), AB 2128 protecting tenants in subsidized housing from certain federal work requirements and time limits (44-16), AB 2576 as a land-use cleanup bill protecting historic resources (61-0), AB 2601 allowing concurrent review for certain housing projects, and AB 2764 on extended foster care eligibility (60-0). Several items were passed and retained on file, and AB 2601 was interrupted by a call of the house before later business continued.
The chamber also adopted ACR 159 on indigent defense after adding 59 coauthors, then heard guest introductions from chief public defenders from multiple counties. ACR 179, designating Wildland Urban Interface Preparedness and Resilience Day, was adopted with 65 coauthors after remarks on wildfire risk and forest management. Later, ACR 183 establishing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week was presented with extensive testimony from members of multiple caucuses emphasizing racial health disparities, maternal mortality, life expectancy gaps, and the need for systemic change; the debate continued beyond the excerpt provided. Throughout the session, members repeatedly used guest introductions to recognize visiting groups and individuals, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority members, UAW President Shawn Fain, California Women in Agriculture, and others.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Nov 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So there are business opportunities that we have.
- Because of the shutdown, that may not be an opportunity at this time.
- You don't have to, but I wanted to give you that opportunity.
- You don't have to, but I just wanted to give that opportunity. Mr.
- I just want to give folks an opportunity; anybody have any...
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Kentucky to ensure that our universities remain competitive and our student athletes have every opportunity
- </c><00:03:15.040><c> to</c> with that we have the opportunity to with that we have the opportunity to
- success to succeed in 2002 opportunity success to succeed in 2002 we<00:03:32.280><c> passed</c><00:
- We appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today and urge a favorable report on Senate Bill 15
- Chairman. ...get more opportunities for people with disabilities that are out there, even better.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Roll Call 00:24
SB 3 Discussion 01:06
SB 3 Vote 04:51
SB 15 Discussion 07:14
SB 15 Vote 14:42
SB 103 Discussion 15:39
SB 103 Vote 33:53
SB 201 Discussion 35:44
SB 201 Vote 39:47, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met with a quorum and first considered Senate Bill 3, relating to student athletes and NIL. Senator Max Wise said the bill would modernize Kentucky’s NIL framework so universities remain competitive and student-athletes can benefit, noting the state’s earlier NIL law and the need to act before a pending national settlement. Several members supported the bill but expressed concern that NIL has changed college athletics and could eventually affect high school sports. The committee reported Senate Bill 3 favorably.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 15, relating to minimum wage exceptions for minor league baseball players. Senator Amanda Bledsoe and MLB representative Josh Allen explained that the bill would align Kentucky law with the players’ collective bargaining agreement, treating the players as salaried rather than hourly workers and addressing overtime issues. Members discussed the minimum weekly salaries at Single-A and Triple-A, along with housing, meals, and health benefits under the agreement. The committee adopted a committee substitute, passed a title amendment, and reported Senate Bill 15 favorably.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 103, which concerns the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and services for people with disabilities. Senator Danny Carroll and provider advocates said the bill would add regulatory oversight, require reporting to the legislature and governor, and give preference to in-state services when available, while preserving access to out-of-state services when needed. Testimony focused on Kentucky’s low employment ranking for people with disabilities, unused federal funds, provider funding concerns, and an OVR order of selection that would limit services to the most severe cases. The committee adopted a committee substitute and reported Senate Bill 103 favorably after supportive comments from members about the program’s impact on employment and quality of life.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- I chose this opportunity since I've never been to the State House. Welcome.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today virtually. My name is Sean Collins.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. Happy to answer any questions. Great.
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of Senate Bill 1924.
- Thank you so much for the opportunity to outline MAPC's strong support for this bill.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on bills related to transportation, telecommunications, and utilities, with Senators Eldridge, Rausch, and Jehlen and House members including Co-Chair Madaro, Leader Donato, Representatives Paulino, Wells, Gómez, and Plouffe present. The chairs reviewed hearing procedures, deadlines for written testimony, and the new joint rules governing action on bills. No votes were taken; the hearing was for testimony only and was adjourned after public comment.
Testimony began with strong support for Senate Bill 1998 and House Bill 3230, An Act Enhancing Renewable Heating Solutions for the Commonwealth. A representative of the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas said the bill would help decarbonize heating by allowing utilities to use renewable natural gas and other qualified renewable fuels, while also supporting jobs and local economic development. The committee then heard support for House Bill 4082, which would make the Title V septic tax credit refundable; the Falmouth Water Quality Management Committee said this would better help lower- and middle-income homeowners facing costly septic upgrades or sewer connections in nitrogen-sensitive coastal areas.
The committee also heard opposition to House Bill 4080 and Senate Bill 1924 from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which argued that higher aviation fuel taxes would not be justified without a clear aeronautical use for the revenue and noted federal restrictions on aviation fuel tax proceeds. In contrast, a coalition opposing private jet expansion supported Senate Bill 1924, saying a higher jet fuel tax would better align tax policy with climate and public health goals and help address aviation emissions. Finally, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council supported House Bill 3050 on regional ballot initiatives, arguing that local revenue tools could help cities and towns fund transportation projects and reduce pressure on state transportation dollars.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Sep 22nd, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So it seemed like a nice opportunity to do a couple of things.
- So congratulations on being the very first, and we are delighted to get an opportunity to share with
- But also, frankly, to be able to have an opportunity to have an exchange of ideas and thoughts.
- We hope you get an opportunity to see that a little bit today.
- We continue to work on ways to expand our programming and educational opportunities so that every young
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education May 1st, 2025
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm happy to answer any questions and I would appreciate the opportunity to close should the committee
- Students deserve every opportunity to grow into professional, capable, and civic-minded adults, and JRTC
- And with that comes a huge opportunity or loss of opportunity in terms of industry.
- Opportunity for services, both on the insulation, but more importantly off the insulation.
- So if you look in the bill, it is very specific in terms of the commissioner having the opportunity to
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:02:57.280><c> for</c> opportunity that already exists for opportunity that already exists for
- I appreciate the opportunity.
- </c><00:10:40.640><c> to</c> merit and have a fair opportunity to merit and have a fair opportunity to
- </c><00:17:48.640><c> like</c> opportunity for those individuals like opportunity for those individuals
- </c> these individuals to have an opportunity these individuals to have an opportunity that<00:18:27.679
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
Keywords:
background study, disqualification, set-aside, permanent disqualification, Office of Administrative Hearings, chief judge, human services licensing, substance use disorder treatment, SUD treatment, chemical dependency, recovery, rehabilitation, abstinence, foster care, child foster care, vulnerable adults, caregiver background check, license holder, direct contact, risk of harm
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure Nov 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This means that there is a lot of opportunity. And so how do we capture that opportunity?
- And part of this opportunity, right, is around manufacturing.
- We will have more opportunity for public engagement.
- In fact, it's a huge opportunity.
- I wanted to take the opportunity and appreciate the opportunity to share a perspective with the committee
Summary:
The joint informational hearing of the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure focused on California’s EV market, charging infrastructure, and the effects of recent federal actions. The chair opened by emphasizing California’s progress on EV adoption and charging reliability, but also noted ongoing challenges with affordability, access, interoperability, heavy-duty electrification, and federal headwinds. She highlighted interest in technologies such as inductive charging and thanked host organizations and staff before moving to the first panel.
State agency witnesses from Go-Biz, CARB, and the California Energy Commission described current programs and priorities. Go-Biz outlined its role in coordinating agencies, supporting permitting, and advancing the state’s ZEV market development strategy and equity action plan. CARB discussed federal attacks on its clean vehicle regulations, litigation to defend waiver authority, and the importance of incentives and regulatory programs such as Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Fleets, Clean Truck Check, HVIP, and Clean Cars for All. The CEC detailed its funding and regulatory work on charging and fueling infrastructure, charger reliability, payment methods, roaming, and statewide planning, while stressing the need for more charging in multifamily housing and more public DC fast charging. All three agencies said federal rollbacks and permitting delays are major obstacles, but that California remains committed to expanding ZEV adoption.
The second panel featured advocates, local government, utility, and research perspectives. CalETC urged continuous state funding through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and emphasized the low-carbon fuel standard, multifamily charging, and managed charging. An EV advocacy group proposed a conquest-style state incentive for new and used EV buyers and argued that multifamily housing is a major untapped market, while also favoring Level 2 charging over Level 1 for most home and apartment settings. Los Angeles County and LADWP described large-scale local deployment of chargers, fleet electrification, workforce training, and the need for sustained funding, agency coordination, and streamlined permitting and grid interconnection. UCS recommended prioritizing replacement of older high-emitting vehicles, using fuel policy revenues to support cleaner cars, and expanding bidirectional charging. The chair closed by asking for more discussion on Level 1 versus Level 2 charging and noted the importance of education, affordability, and practical deployment strategies.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is you for this opportunity.
- The next generation of opportunity.
- </c> opportunity to lead on both. opportunity to lead on both.
- </c> medicine represents another opportunity medicine represents another opportunity worth<01:53:29.599
- </c> an opportunity to try another chance. an opportunity to try another chance.
Committee:
Joint Health Services
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 66 Jul 8th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Earlier this session, I had the opportunity to work in partnership with the Healy Driscoll Administration
- All of these policies and authorizations are vital to creating more housing, expanding opportunity, and
- A key part of planning for our future is identifying opportunities to enrich, protect, and strengthen
- I'm grateful for the opportunity and share this with you.
- I'm grateful for the opportunity and share this with you.
Summary:
The House adopted a resolution congratulating Fire Chief Timothy Clancy on his retirement from the Whitman Fire Department after suspending the rules. It also concurred with a Senate petition authorizing MassDOT to take easements over certain land in Woburn and Burlington, and then gave final passage to several local bills, including measures on culverts and dams, alcohol licenses in Milford, Salem, and Bridgewater, and firefighter civil service eligibility in Arlington.
The chamber then took up several bills on second reading and third reading, including a Norton land parcel bill, a Watertown property tax classification bill for fiscal year 2027 and subsequent years, and a transportation bond bill. In each case, the House suspended Rule 7A, adopted the Ways and Means amendments, and ordered the bills to a third reading or passed them to be engrossed. The transportation bond bill was substituted for a broader bonds bill and advanced as amended.
The main debate centered on House 5562, the economic development bond bill. Representative Viola described it as a $425.1 million package supporting applied AI and quantum, defense, robotics, ag tech, downtown revitalization, housing, higher education bridge funding, and business climate changes such as lower LLC fees, a CPA licensing pathway, nurse licensing changes, film tax credit adjustments, internship incentives, and food truck inspection reforms. Representative Haggerty and Representative Kazner spoke in support, emphasizing housing production, site plan review, land use board training, commercial conversion, faith-based housing, and local control. The House adopted Consolidated Amendment A by roll call 142-5, with a second consolidated amendment then made available; the bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Organizations that serve the underserved and create educational opportunities for higher education, lifting
- These 42 women work for equity and opportunity for women every day, professionally or as activists.
- Across the globe, too many women and girls are still denied safety, freedom, education, opportunity,
- Thank you. ...opportunity and dignity.
- They believed in personal responsibility, opportunity, and in the promise of America.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and notices for floor business. The chamber approved the journals for March 9–12, 2026, and suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow a Budget Subcommittee on Education hearing on item 6120 with short notice. The body then took up third reading items, beginning with SCR 114 designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, land ownership, and economic development. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0, and Grove introduced guest Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association.
The Senate next considered SR 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar led the resolution, highlighting women’s contributions and calling for continued policy work on equity, pay, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ+, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, citing women’s historic and ongoing leadership and the need to address persistent inequality. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 40-0.
After the vote, the Senate proceeded to a lengthy floor ceremony recognizing the Women of the Year honorees from each district, with brief biographies read into the record for community leaders, educators, public safety officials, veterans, advocates, business owners, and others. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby in honor of the father of Senate Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Aaron Peth. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Organizations that serve the underserved and create educational opportunities for higher education, lifting
- These 42 women work for equity and opportunity for women every day, professionally or as activists.
- Across the globe, too many women and girls are still denied safety, freedom, education, opportunity,
- Opportunity and dignity.
- They believed in personal responsibility, opportunity, and in the promise of America.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm signed in other on Substitute Senate Bill 5971 this morning, and I appreciate the opportunity to
- I'm signed in other on substitute Senate Bill 5971 this morning, and I appreciate the opportunity to
- Yeah, Chair Reeves and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
- With this program, Washington State has an opportunity to continue its climate leadership at a critical
- I appreciate the opportunity to testify today in support of Senate Bill 6097. I'm Moe McBroom.
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program to support low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production in Washington. Committee staff and agency witnesses described the bill as implementing recommendations from a prior work group and said the Department of Agriculture and Ecology could develop the program, though Ecology recommended clarifying lifecycle emissions accounting, defining green fertilizer, and tying incentives to emissions reductions. Supporters, including a labor representative, Atlas Agro, NRDC, and TRIDEC, said the bill could reduce emissions, stabilize fertilizer prices for farmers, create jobs, and help Washington capture federal hydrogen tax credits. The committee also heard testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 6097, which would add federally recognized Indian tribes as eligible participants in the Conservation Futures Program; tribal, county, and land trust witnesses said the change would improve conservation partnerships, reduce transaction complexity, and better support stewardship of open space, farmland, and habitat. Public testimony tallies were read into the record for both bills, with strong support and opposition noted on each.
After the hearings, the committee took up executive session on three bills. Senate Bill 5919, encouraging fire districts and insurers to create voluntary incentives for wildfire mitigation and agricultural activities, was moved out of committee with a due pass recommendation on a 10-0 vote with one excused. Senate Bill 5816, adding juice grapes as a covered agricultural product under the Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act, was also reported out with a due pass recommendation on a 10-0 vote with one excused. The committee deferred action on engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5838, which concerns membership on the Board of Natural Resources and includes tribal representation; staff explained a proposed amendment would reduce tribal seats to one and alternate east-west representation by term. The chair announced the next day’s hearing would start at 9 a.m. and reminded members to submit any amendments by 6 p.m. that evening.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, I mean, this bill is a great opportunity to recognize the rigorous physical activity, discipline
- We've heard, you know, recently talking in the peer specialist realm about opportunities to bring all
- And I've had the opportunity to work with many families.
- Thank you, Madam Chair, again for the opportunity to appear before you today.
- I welcome the opportunity to visit and meet with the individual that came up and provided remarks.
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Jan 19th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Early services and opportunities for people, we all know, is the best thing that you all can do.
- Early services and opportunities for people we all know is the best thing that you all can do.
- And so I set up an opportunity for them to work at the food bank over the summer.
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
Committee:
Senate Human Services
Keywords:
employment services, community inclusion, age limitations, disability services, home and community living, community residential services, oversight, monitoring, service providers, streamlining, foster care, licensure, adoption, child welfare, support services, terminology alignment, social services, Washington state code, department reorganization, legislative amendment
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 17th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeking the opportunity to pursue the dream. Of a better life, immigrants came to America.
- A better life, for opportunity.
- Leon Williams saw California as the land of opportunity.
- Inclusion, opportunity, and justice.
- To justice and opportunity for all. And with that, I would like to adjourn in his memory.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Rethinking Paying Subminimal Wage to Persons with Disabilities Task Force Apr 24th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I knew I was capable of more, but I wasn't given the opportunity to show it.
- Jobs create opportunities. They provide purpose and community.
- We're coming to you and sharing the job opportunities available.
- You didn't know how much joy that opportunity was not there for you.
- visible to employers to say, here's an opportunity to get people on site.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Apr 8th, 2026
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- We appreciate the opportunity to present.
- We appreciate the opportunity to present our bills in front of the committee. Mr.
- What they're given is an opportunity to say...
- What they're given is an opportunity to say, look, just tell me why it is.
- I think they need to have an opportunity to look for another job.
Committee:
House Elementary and Secondary Education
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 3532 and House Bill 3483, which were combined by amendment into a House Committee Substitute. Representative Kelly explained the amendment corrected a clerical error and merged the two bill strings; members discussed removing the phrase “public school” so the measure would apply more broadly. The committee adopted the amendment and substitute, then voted the combined House Committee Substitute do pass by a 16-0 roll call vote, sending it next to the Rules Committee and then potentially to the House floor.
The committee then heard House Bill 2965, sponsored by Representative Bosley, which would require Missouri students to complete one unit each of Black history and Black literature before graduation, with standards and model curriculum developed by the State Board of Education. Bosley argued the bill would provide a fuller and more accurate account of American history, improve student engagement and outcomes, and empower all students. Supporters from the NAACP and committee members praised the goal, but several members raised concerns about making the courses graduation requirements, the burden on transfer students, and whether the bill should instead be tied to existing social studies credits or broader K-12 standards. No opposition testimony was offered.
Finally, the committee heard House Bills 2126 and 2197, presented together as similar measures on building-level administrator evaluations. The sponsors said the bills would require annual evaluations of principals and other building administrators, set a March 1 timeline for renewal or nonrenewal decisions, and allow administrators with at least five consecutive years to request written reasons if their contracts are not renewed. Committee members and witnesses generally supported regular evaluations and timely notice, but several questioned whether the bills were too restrictive on reasons for nonrenewal and whether the language created a kind of tenure-like protection. Supporters from principals’ groups, Missouri NEA, and Missouri State Teachers Association backed the bills, emphasizing fairness, feedback, and professional growth. The hearing concluded without a vote on these two bills.