Transcript Highlights:

• The College of Education, a little bit before we talk about the program, the College of Education and
• , from teaching, nursing, education, policy, leadership, athletic Teaching, nursing, education policy
• So it's a very comprehensive education and health college. We have over 6,000 students.
• We graduate about 1,400 educators and healthcare professionals About 1,400 educators and healthcare professionals
• Department of Education as a comprehensive transition and post-secondary program.

Summary: The meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the January 13, 2026 minutes, and a brief recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The task force then heard a presentation from the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions on two student support programs: the Empower Program for non-degree-seeking students ages 18–24 with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program for degree-seeking students with autism. Speakers described academic coaching, peer and career coaching, residential supports, person-centered planning, internships, and scholarship/fee structures, noting that both programs charge a $5,000 per-semester fee and rely on scholarships and fundraising to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, individualized plans, and how students transition in and out of supports; presenters explained that Empower students remain in the program throughout, while Autism Support Program students may enter or leave services as needed. The committee next heard from Pulaski Technical College’s 3D program, a three-year transition and post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on culinary, baking, and hospitality training. Presenters outlined integrated classes with traditional students, faded support over time, internships, and outcomes such as 97 students enrolled since the program began, 57 graduates, strong completion rates, and many graduates obtaining and retaining jobs in the food service industry. Members asked about how success is measured, why rates are not 100 percent, the role of integrated classes, tuition, and community partnerships; staff explained that grading includes technical and professional skills, tuition is $5,700 per semester, and scholarships such as GETS and FAFSA help reduce costs. They also noted plans to expand offerings and pursue accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. Finally, the task force received a presentation from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, community activities, and advocacy. Leaders described a long-term vision tied to the Cato Springs mixed-use development, where housing, jobs, clinical services, and community amenities would be integrated in a “live, work, play” model. They discussed a residential program, a new vocational program called Program Forge, community events, and the challenges of the “services cliff” after age 21, especially for adults with complex support needs. Members and parents spoke about the importance of trained direct support professionals, ABA-based supports, and the need for better funding and service models for adults. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming autism-related events and a request for future discussion on task force appointments and broader issues around ABA oversight and misuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's necessary for us to fully fund our basic education, higher education, early childhood, child care
• A strong public education... ...opportunities the state provided: a strong public education and free
• I'm here on behalf of educators in schools testifying other on SB 6113.
• to teachers or education after-school learning opportunities for parents, it's...
• Education to teachers or education after-school learning opportunities for parents.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• tax exemption for all new service taxes created in 5814 for K-12 schools, school districts, and educational
• , ...initiative on this was intended for education.
• It's necessary for us to fully fund our basic education, higher education, early childhood, child care
• I'm here on behalf of educators in schools testifying other on SB 6113.
• This helps support access to professional conferences and continuing medical education for physicians

Summary: House Finance met in executive session on Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6346, the proposed “millionaires’ income tax” package. Staff reviewed the bill and a long list of amendments affecting the new income tax, related business tax changes, and several exemptions and implementation provisions. The committee adopted amendments to exempt diapers from sales tax, allow certain tribal income treatment clarifications, create an advisory group to help implement the tax, move up the repeal date for some business tax changes, and require the measure to go to the voters; several other amendments on federal conformity, agricultural income, pass-through entities, and the marriage threshold were rejected or withdrawn. The committee then adopted the striking amendment as amended and advanced the bill on a 9-6 do pass vote, with supporters arguing it would fund education, health care, child care, and tax relief, and opponents warning about competitiveness, capital flight, and the state’s spending growth. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6097, which would add federally recognized Indian tribes as eligible entities for county Conservation Futures Program funding. Staff said the bill would not change the tax levy structure and would have no state revenue impact, while tribal witnesses said it would improve voluntary conservation partnerships for habitat, farmland, and open space. Members asked about the bill’s scope, and staff confirmed it applies only to federally recognized tribes. House Finance also heard Senate Bill 6162, a property tax reform measure that would consolidate the state school levy, expand senior and disability property tax exemptions, raise income thresholds, and simplify the application process with a standard deduction. The prime sponsor and county assessors supported the bill as a way to help seniors, disabled persons, and disabled veterans stay in their homes and reduce administrative burden, while several testifiers opposed it as a tax shift that would raise costs for others and potentially strain local revenues. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6113, an administrative and technical tax cleanup bill related to last year’s tax changes; the Department of Revenue supported it and noted a possible clarifying amendment, while nonprofits, schools, libraries, health care groups, workforce training providers, and trade associations asked for additional exemptions for live presentations and related educational activities. The chair announced that Senate Bill 6097 would be added to Monday’s executive session, Senate Bill 6114 was removed, and amendments for Monday’s bills were due by 5 p.m. that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:55.760><c> Delayed</c> Education investigations. Delayed Education investigations.
• They target predatory behaviors, not<00:10:15.040><c> educators.
• </c> not educators. Thank you for your time. not educators. Thank you for your time.
• ,</c><00:10:25.519><c> if</c> Corhouse from Education Minnesota, if Corhouse from Education Minnesota
• I'm an attorney with Education Corhouse.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My degree in agricultural education. I want to become a welding teacher.
• It's a student-led organization for agricultural education and leadership. So with that...
• For agricultural education and leadership.
• But I also mentioned I'm going to be studying elementary education.
• , beef education, meat science education, and amazing students that end up placing in industry.

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee began with a presentation from Idaho FFA state officers, who introduced themselves and described FFA’s classroom, leadership, and supervised agricultural experience model. They highlighted student leadership development, community service, and the organization’s statewide reach, and invited legislators to the upcoming state convention in Twin Falls. Senator Zito briefly shared how FFA helped build her public speaking skills and confidence. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1270 on alternative animal proteins. Sponsor Senator Nichols said the bill is a labeling measure intended to ensure cell-cultivated products are clearly identified and not marketed with traditional meat terms, and she asked to send it to the amending order for technical refinements. Food Northwest testified in opposition to state-by-state labeling mandates, citing patchwork compliance costs, but acknowledged the sponsor’s narrowing amendments and the removal of penalties for good-faith errors. The Idaho Farm Bureau supported the bill as a consumer transparency measure and also supported moving it to the amending order. The committee voted to send SB 1270 to the amending order. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1271 on invasive rats, which would classify Norway rats and roof rats as public nuisances, invasive species, and agricultural pests and direct the Idaho Department of Agriculture to coordinate response efforts. Supporters described growing rat problems in Ada County and elsewhere, citing damage to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture, while opponents from the pest management industry warned about unfunded mandates, potential overlap with private pest control, and unclear costs. The Department of Agriculture said it could implement the program through existing structures and explained that rulemaking and possible deficiency funding would follow if needed. After debate over whether the issue was a state or local responsibility, the committee voted to send SB 1271 to the amending order. At the end of the meeting, University of Idaho representatives gave a brief update on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, extension and 4-H work, the new Meat Science and Innovation Center, the Idaho CAFE dairy project, the deep soil ecotron, and the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute. They also described budget-related hiring pauses and program adjustments, and thanked the committee for its support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education and healthcare continue to be our largest drivers of the budget.
• Education is right over 27%.
• Education and healthcare continue to be our largest drivers of the budget.
• K-12 education. This is kind of historical totals.
• Um, K-12 education. This is kind of historical totals.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans. Senator Mayfield explained that current law only allows pre-tax contributions, and the bill would let the Department of Financial Services and local governments offer post-tax Roth options. The bill had one support appearance card, no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then received a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended “Floridians First” budget, totaling $117.4 billion and $53.2 billion in general revenue. The presentation highlighted reserves, debt paydown, tax relief, and proposed reductions and efficiencies, along with major spending areas in education, health care, public safety, corrections, transportation, and economic development. Key proposals included higher K-12 funding, teacher salary increases, funding for Everglades and water quality projects, emergency preparedness, corrections staffing and facility funding, cybersecurity, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments. Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserves, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and spending, the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility and federal reimbursement, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, animal abuse hotline funding, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and teacher pay. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV medication program, with senators and a public witness expressing concern about access to life-saving medications and possible misuse or redirection of funds. The committee did not take further action on the budget presentation, and the meeting ended after additional comments supporting the budget and the corrections funding, with SB 7010 already approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:06:42.880><c> education</c><00:06:43.280><c> bill</c><00:06:43.520><c> was</c><00:06:43.759><c
• </c> The education bill was posted Saturday. The education bill was posted Saturday.
• Are there specific ideas you have right now of how to cut special education?
• Because that's always— Yeah, I'm not the expert of special education, but there are plenty of people
• Are there specific ideas you have right now of how to cut special education?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Retirement Board, that's for public education employees.
• And that covers education, covers the state, covers all employees.
• Some separate universities and K-12 education.
• Um, for the Educational Retirement Board, it's a little different.
• Uh, the Educational retirement Board, the Public Education secretary, and the Higher Education secretary

Transcript Highlights:

• Our state board is made up of leaders in business, government, education, labor, economic, and community
• We also work closely with the Governor's Reach Office, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida
• This, of course, includes efforts like the Master Credential List, but it also includes education and
• Some of the non-traditional sectors include information technology, law enforcement, education, trade
• We have more than 118 different education programs with 18 different providers on our list.

Summary: The subcommittee met to receive an informational presentation from CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrian Johnson, joined by Anthony Gagliano of CareerSource Suncoast, on the structure, funding, and services of Florida’s workforce development system. Johnson explained that CareerSource serves job seekers and businesses through 21 local workforce development boards and nearly 100 career centers, using federal and state funding streams such as WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, SNAP Employment and Training, and TANF. She described services including case management, training, wraparound supports, job matching, rapid response for layoffs and disasters, and business services such as recruitment, customized training, and on-the-job training. She also highlighted the REACH Act’s role in consolidating local boards from 24 to 21, creating the Master Credential List and Credential Review Committee, and implementing performance-based letter grades for local boards. Members asked detailed questions about funding formulas, letter grade metrics, apprenticeships, youth services, small business access, and the demand occupation list. Johnson said federal allocations are driven largely by unemployment and poverty formulas, which has reduced Florida’s WIOA funding by about $27 million over four years because of the state’s low unemployment rate. She explained the letter grades measure outcomes such as increased earnings, reduced public assistance, employment and training outcomes, work-based learning, business engagement, and service to individuals in certain programs, and said the system is being reviewed for possible changes, including removing extra credit and adjusting weights. On youth services, she said Florida has a waiver allowing a 50/50 split between in-school and out-of-school youth funding, and that local partnerships drive outreach. On the demand occupation list, she said it is based on state labor market data and projections, but local boards can submit evidence of local demand when data does not reflect conditions in their area. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on apprenticeships and workforce training grants. Johnson and Gagliano described apprenticeship navigators funded by the $7.75 million apprenticeship expansion allocation, which help employers navigate registration and expand apprenticeships into nontraditional fields such as IT, health care, education, and hospitality. Gagliano gave examples from CareerSource Suncoast and said navigators helped employers move faster through registration and develop programs with local education providers. Johnson also discussed Incumbent Worker Training Grants and Quick Response Training Grants, noting recent awards of nearly $3 million to 69 businesses and $6.5 million to 24 businesses, respectively, and said these programs are targeted toward high-skill, high-wage occupations and priority industries. The meeting ended with no votes or formal action; the chair thanked the presenters, invited follow-up questions, and adjourned the meeting without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Training, education, and resources for kids for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Patty
• how to partner with families and educational professionals.
• how to partner with families and educational professionals.
• There's also an partner with families and educational professionals.
• We also expanded on the e-learnings and focused on education.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities equity subcommittee met, approved the prior minutes, and heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Cater Center (Care Coordination Assistance, Training, Education, and Resources for Kids). Presenters Toria Haffey and Patty Loza explained that Cater provides training and technical assistance to MassHealth’s Cares for Kids providers serving children with medical complexity, with a focus on enhanced care coordination, family partnership, racial/cultural/linguistic equity, community resources, education systems, shared plans of care, and transition support. They described five e-learning modules, flexible one-on-one and group technical assistance, case review support, and informal virtual “cafes” for providers. They also noted the program has been operating for about two to three years and currently works with five hospital-based providers, including Boston Children’s, BMC, Tufts, NeighborHealth, and Baystate. Committee members asked about the number of families served, the relationship to MassHealth, and whether the model could be expanded beyond Boston-area providers. The presenters said Cater does not track enrollment numbers because that is handled by providers and MassHealth, and they agreed there is room to broaden reach and improve data collection. Members suggested connecting Cater with regional disability and case management networks, the Health Equity Compact, ACOs, and DDS-related contacts. Questions also focused on funding stability amid federal Medicaid cuts and workforce shortages in family engagement roles; Cater said the work remains a priority for MassHealth, though funding is a concern, and acknowledged staffing gaps, especially for family partners with lived experience. After the presentation, the committee discussed a NIH strategic plan for disability health research that had been circulated for future review. Because members had not yet read it, they agreed to place it on the agenda for the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We recently released a report that found in order for Arkansas's public education spending to match the
• In order to merely catch up to our peer states in public education spending, we need to be spending at
• early childhood education in Arkansas.
• As we've heard already, based on the growth in applications, education freedom accounts may top $400
• Health care, K-12 education, reducing childhood hunger, and reducing poverty.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm not sure if I see them present in the gallery, but I also wanted to uplift that today is Educators
• Members of the Arizona Education Association, teachers, and other educators are here today.
• This is another week in which some school districts have spring break, and so these educators joined
• us here at the Capitol to share their experiences as educators, and we're really grateful for their work
• public schools HB 27 222 vacation, rentals occupancy, HB 2621, access, special education, public schools

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At the request of Assembly Member Stephanie, please remove Item 111, SB 1443, Committee on Education.
• She is a distinguished leader and educator moving forward on reclaiming education in the state of California
• She is a distinguished leader and educator moving forward on reclaiming education in the state of California
• Ceremonies such as this are so critically important because, to be frank, our education system doesn't
• Our communities also the importance of education and the responsibility to pursue justice.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with a Native American prayer/song and a moment of silence for former staff member Eric Washington, then proceeded through a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor ceremonies. Members also recognized Assemblymember Ward’s birthday and welcomed several guests, including family members, business and community leaders, firefighters, and students. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to the Native American Day ceremony and adoption of ACR 208 by Assemblymember Ramos, which recognized California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. Multiple caucus leaders spoke in support, emphasizing Native history, sovereignty, cultural preservation, missing and murdered Indigenous people, and the need to tell California’s history honestly. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were added, followed by a ceremonial honoring of tribal elders and leaders. The Assembly also adopted several other resolutions and concurred in Senate amendments on multiple bills. These included ACR 126 designating the Captain Vida Anderson Memorial Highway, AB 1651 requiring disclosure of AI use in bar exam development, AB 2789 on mediation, AJR 27 urging federal disaster aid for Eaton and Palisades fire victims, and AB 2134 protecting local officials taking parental leave. Later, ACR 213 designated September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, HR 102 recognized Filipino American History Month, and ACR 230 proclaimed California Firefighter Appreciation Month and California Firefighters Memorial Day; all were adopted with broad support and many coauthors. The Senate file also began with SCR 136 on coastal protection and SJR 12 opposing offshore drilling, with debate reflecting strong environmental opposition and a dissenting view that the resolution was too absolute and could raise energy costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the request of Assemblymember Stephanie, please remove item 111, SB 1443, Committee on Education.
• She is a distinguished leader and educator moving forward on reclaiming education in the state of California
• Education leaders, and leaders in all facets of California are tribal women, many of them being honored
• Building understanding and respect begins with education and it grows through meaningful relationships
• He helped ensure that the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Indian Health Service

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She is a representative on the San Diego Unified Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee, working
• Jody Mirhead has dedicated over 30 years to improving educational outcomes in Santa Clara County.
• Jody Mirhead has dedicated over 30 years to improving educational outcomes in Santa Clara County.
• They're here for Senator Cortez's 23rd annual Sacramento bus trip for education.
• I also want to thank the Chair of the Education Committee for her collaboration on this bill.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and opened with a prayer and pledge, then held a ceremonial observance for Jewish American Heritage Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel was presented with extensive remarks from members of multiple caucuses highlighting Jewish Californians’ contributions, the importance of solidarity amid rising antisemitism, and themes of tikkun olam and tzedakah. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the chamber then recognized 14 honorees for their service in public life, philanthropy, media, faith leadership, education, and civic engagement. The floor also featured guest introductions and a procedural vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Borrero, which would add affordability as a required consideration in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the commission’s portfolio, create an office of broadband, and expand legislative appointments. The amendment was adopted. The Assembly then moved through a long third-reading file, passing measures including AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 employment law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on hearing-illness education, AB 2274 closing a loophole involving secrecy in trafficking cases, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a land exemption, AB 1956 prioritizing young men and boys in suicide prevention, and AB 2273 addressing prosecutorial handling of a local sexual abuse case. Additional bills passed included AB 1809 extending job order contracting for school and community college districts, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding practice authority for advanced practice clinicians, AB 2055 updating vessel law, and AB 2059 narrowing CEQA vehicle-mile-traveled mitigation for certain rural highway projects. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 11 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after a lengthy debate that included support from several caucuses and some disagreement over the resolution’s framing of current threats to LGBTQ+ communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jody Mirhead has dedicated over 30 years to improving educational outcomes in Santa Clara County.
• Jody Mirhead has dedicated over 30 years to improving educational outcomes in Santa Clara County.
• They're here for Senator Cortese's 23rd annual Sacramento bus trip for education.
• Advanced practice clinicians, or APCs, receive extensive education and training.
• I also want to thank the chair of the Education Committee for her collaboration on this bill.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1291, by the Education Committee, is an act relating to education, providing legislative
• Senate Bill 1291, by the Education Committee, is an act relating to education, providing legislative
• Senate Bill 1291, by the Education Committee, is an act relating to education, providing legislative
• At the 10th order of business: House Bill 762 by Education Committee relating to education; House Bill
• Committee regarding education.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And educating customers is something that we try and do every single day.
• You have the ears of your constituents, so you have an excellent opportunity to educate them.
• She's a retired educator and she's 85 years old.
• Education and awareness remain the most effective tools to reduce harm.
• But those educational purposes would be great through AARP in Arkansas and around the nation.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Programs like Apple Health and Homes, the Workforce Education Act, and the use of document recording
• Account because they knew a higher education or diverse and well-educated workforce was going to be
• Every child in the state deserves high-quality education. Thank you.
• Every child in the state deserves high-quality education. Thank you. Thank you so much.
• Are we opposed to our students pursuing an education?

Bills: HB2334, HB2140, HB2326, HB2100

Keywords: cash transactions, pennies, currency adjustment, economic impact, consumer protection, tax exemption, governmental transfer, agriculture, land use, property tax, emergency medical services, levies, healthcare funding, local government, taxation, excise tax, large companies, payroll expenses, minimum wage, Well Washington fund

Transcript Highlights:

• The eighth poorest state, 50th in education.
• Human services next, education next, and so... On down, so you can see churches.
• In your presentation, you cited that we are 50th in education and 49th in public health.
• The Oklahoma Department of Education puts out an annual report at the beginning of the year.
• Any education firm is engaged with the police, so of course it’s important.

Summary: The committee heard an interim study on expanding or simplifying sales tax exemptions for Oklahoma nonprofits. Representatives Stark and Schreiber said the issue has been filed repeatedly over several sessions and framed it as a bipartisan effort to keep more charitable dollars in service of communities rather than paying sales tax. Schreiber also suggested broader tax reform or an omnibus approach rather than continuing to add individual exemptions. Marnie Taylor of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits gave an overview of the sector, describing nonprofits as a major part of the state economy and safety net, and argued that many organizations are highly regulated, under-resourced, and facing declining donations and funding. She said the current patchwork of exemptions is uneven and that a blanket or broader exemption would help organizations serving public needs. Committee members asked for sources behind some of the poverty, education, and health rankings cited in her presentation. Several nonprofit leaders testified about how sales tax affects their operations. RG Foods described the cost of opening neighborhood grocery markets in food deserts and said sales tax on a Tulsa project would divert about $85,000 from programming. Jubilee Partners, Skyline Urban Outreach, the Pencil Box, the Tulsa Police Foundation, Blue Rose Ranch, and Legacy Parenting Center each explained how exemption status or the lack of it affects food assistance, school supplies, public safety equipment, animal rescue, and diapers and family support. Members asked follow-up questions about food desert definitions, budgets, and how much sales tax savings would change operations. No vote was taken in the excerpt, but the study concluded with closing remarks emphasizing that the exemption would keep more money in direct services and support the nonprofit sector statewide.