Transcript Highlights:

• to support students off the waitlist?
• We don't investigate on a case-by-case basis whether the actual service service ties back to the child's
• It goes to the district, and the district then has to provide those services. Services. Right.
• Education services population right now.
• I'm looking at, for example, the support...

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Freedom Account Oversight Committee met on March 27 and approved the agenda, adding a request for clarification on how the Children’s Scholarship Fund separates applications for the EFA program and the education tax credit program. The committee also approved minutes from December 30, 2025, and March 27, 2026, with a request that the March minutes include a link to the live stream. Members discussed the status of pending Legislative Budget Assistant audit reports on EFA and special education, noting the reports were still not released and would likely come later in the summer after review by the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund. A major topic was the EFA program’s administrative fee, which statute allows up to 10% of deposits. Children’s Scholarship Fund representatives said current administrative costs were under 8%, that staffing had been reduced through the ScholarVia platform, and that any unused amount is reconciled and returned to students at year’s end. Members asked for historical administrative-cost data and a written explanation of how the withholding and reconciliation process works. The committee also reviewed the distinction between the EFA and education tax credit funding streams and was told the two programs use separate applications and separate funds, though both use the same platform. The committee spent substantial time on assessment and accountability. Department of Education staff explained that EFA students may satisfy annual assessment requirements through a portfolio, a norm-referenced test, or the statewide assessment; only about 10 EFA students took the statewide assessment, while most used portfolios or standardized tests such as the California Achievement Test and NWEA. Staff described how statewide assessment data are kept separate by student identifier and can be aggregated for EFA reporting, and members asked for breakdowns by grade, test type, and school district. The department also discussed linking assessments through Lexiles and Quantiles and said it could provide a list of commonly used formative assessments in New Hampshire districts. The committee additionally discussed a possible PSAT addition to the state contract and the costs of the statewide assessment program. Another major issue was special education eligibility and services within the EFA program. Members questioned the rule allowing a medical certification of disability from a licensed professional anywhere in the United States as an alternative to an IEP-based determination. Department staff said the current system allows either pathway, that about 1,000 EFA students are identified as special education students, and that the program does not track growth or service alignment on an individual basis. Members expressed concern that the medical-certification route may be too broad and asked for data on the disability categories used. The committee also discussed career and technical education access for EFA students, noting that Senate Bill 491 would provide guidance and that House Bill 1817 would address access and funding issues, but that current law still allows EFA funds to be used to pay CTE costs. The meeting ended with a request for future agenda items and a decision to leave the next meeting date open until fall, pending further information from the LBA audit process.

Transcript Highlights:

• and support.
• the service.
• And thank you for your military service as always.
• That's really difficult on most Florida families.
• That's really difficult on most Florida families.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget and the Department of Education on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 education budget. Shelby Salmons outlined the overall budget framework, and Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsis highlighted major education investments, including $486 million for VPK, $30.6 billion for K-12 education, a $761.1 million increase in FEFP funding, the highest per-student funding level to date, and $201 million more for teacher pay flexibility. The presentation also emphasized school safety, mental health, civics education, and the Guardian Program, along with continued funding for TEACH, HIPPY, Help Me Grow, and civics debate and literacy initiatives. Members asked about how the mental health allocation would be used, counselor staffing ratios, school closures and whether the department intervenes, oversight of school choice and voucher-funded schools, and the Guardian Program’s pay structure and effectiveness. Senators also raised concerns about the FISH school capacity report, data collection, teacher pay, professional development, AI and tutoring technology, and whether the budget adequately supports mental health services and school safety. The Commissioner said many funding decisions are left to districts, that the department stands ready to assist, and that the Guardian Program has been successful and expanded over time. During public testimony, Pinellas County School Board member Laura Hine said her district spends far more on safety and mental health than it receives in state categorical funding, and urged the committee to consider full-day VPK funding, arguing it has improved third-grade reading outcomes in Pinellas. Senators followed up on district flexibility and local spending choices. The committee took no substantive vote on the budget presentation and adjourned after thanking the department for its recommendations and partnership.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a family safety net.
• Do you support school choice? Solve both problems at once. Support local EFAs. Thank you.
• <c> still</c> the services special ed services still the services special ed services still be<01:32:
• and regular education services.
• Services of providing uh services for Services of providing uh services for students<01:42:39.440><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Policy Committee opened a hearing on HB 748, which would establish a local education freedom account (EFA) program. The prime sponsor, Rep. Kevin Verville, described the bill as enabling legislation that would let local voters decide whether to create a local EFA program by petition and ballot vote, with a 60% threshold to approve or repeal it. He argued that public education is about funding rather than a specific school building, said the proposal would expand parental choice, and cited Deerfield’s move from a single high school option to multiple tuitioned options as an example of local flexibility. Verville said the local EFA would be funded at twice the state adequacy amount, with the district matching the state portion, while other aid categories such as free and reduced meals, English language learner, and special education aid would not be doubled. He said students using a local EFA would still count in average daily membership, that unspent EFA funds would revert to the district, and that the bill would prohibit double-dipping with other scholarship or EFA programs. He also said special education services would remain under district discretion and that local EFA participants would still take statewide assessments for accountability. Committee members pressed him on several issues, especially special education, transportation, and fairness. Rep. Woodcock and Rep. Murray asked whether districts would still have to provide special education and transportation services if a student used a local EFA; Verville responded that special education would remain in the local district at district discretion, while transportation would generally become the family’s responsibility unless already required in an IEP. Rep. Cornell raised an equity concern about no income eligibility cap, asking whether higher-income families should receive the same public support; Verville replied that New Hampshire does not means-test public education and that the local EFA is a public funding mechanism, not a tuition subsidy that would cover full private-school costs. No vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of Poverty Patchup, in support. Sara Galami on behalf of Let’s Talk, in support.
• Finally, to prevent the immediate disruption of essential student support services that are critical
• I work with students who need support every day, who balance school, work, and family.
• services, right?
• services, right?

Summary: The committee heard AB 1159, which would expand and modernize student data privacy protections, extend similar protections to higher education students, and create limited enforcement mechanisms. The author and supporters argued that ed tech now collects far more sensitive information than students and families realize, including health, location, and identity-related data, and said the bill is needed to address AI, subpoenas, data theft, and misuse. Some higher education and bookstore interests raised concerns about definitions and preserving ordinary student communications, but committee members generally supported the bill and emphasized protecting sensitive information; the bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection Committee and placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1171, which would protect and stabilize the Part-Time Community College Faculty Health Insurance Program by keeping funds dedicated to that purpose and requiring districts to begin negotiations by 2030. The author and supporters said part-time faculty often lack employer-sponsored coverage despite teaching most community college courses, while opponents from the Community College League and administrators argued the measure was premature because participation is growing and the Legislature should retain budget flexibility. Several senators discussed the tension between budget discretion and honoring the state’s commitment to faculty health care; the bill was moved on a due pass motion to Senate Appropriations and placed on call. AB 1581 followed, proposing changes to improve identification and reporting of Native American students in CalPADS through tribal affiliation data. Supporters said current systems severely undercount Native students and that better data would improve resources and accountability, while members raised implementation questions about multi-tribal identities and consultation with tribes. The bill was moved to Appropriations and placed on call. The committee then heard AB 1665, requiring mental health training for school sports coaches. The author and a psychiatrist witness said coaches are trusted adults who already receive training on physical safety and should also be trained to recognize mental health warning signs and connect students to help. Support came from school, health, and sports organizations, with no opposition, and the bill was moved to Appropriations and placed on call. Finally, AB 1766 was heard, expanding human trafficking prevention education from grades 7-12 to K-12 and adding content on online exploitation, grooming, and digital abuse. The author, a survivor witness, and a foundation representative described the need for earlier, age-appropriate prevention education and stronger staff awareness; supporters included educators, school districts, and industry groups, with no opposition. Senators praised the testimony and the bill’s focus on prevention, and a motion was made to move it forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've spent 40 years with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Conservation Service.
• I've spent 40 years with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Conservation Service.
• Rhonda just said, there were families that had evolved through family hunting.
• It was a family time of the year.
• There are cards in support, not wishing to speak.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to solid waste management service to solid waste management service companies.<00:06:55.600><c>
• We are sending a message that we value prevention, that we support survivors, that we stand with families
• </c> systems, and survivor support. systems, and survivor support.
• </c> Knowing your family history is critical. Knowing your family history is critical.
• To Families and Children: Senate Bills 160 and 191. To Health Services: House Bill 786.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their family cannot support them. But Beloved Village works creatively to find all...
• But there might be an aunt in the family who, had she had the funds and the support, the mentor... ..
• .aunt in the family who, had she had the funds and the support, the mentorship to take home this child
• So I always support. I support everything, you feel me?
• , like your family tree, your family blood.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• supported.
• And their families to be paid well and to support them.
• . service. service.
• </c> essential services. essential services.
• So, I'm here today to support this bill directing the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is going to be the most consequential change we've seen to our child protection services, family services
• </c><01:26:21.600><c> family</c> our child protection services family our child protection services family
• No one gets into the work of social work or child protection or family services to sit in front of a
• Work or child protection or family services to sit in front of a screen.
• Thanks for the time today. work or Child Protection or family work or Child Protection or family services

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , and telecommunication services.
• We do thank you for your support and urge that you kindly support this bill.
• We do thank you for your support and urge that you kindly support this bill. Thank you.
• Thank you. services.
• I'm here to support this bill.

Bills: SB5984 , SB6119 , SB6076

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: artificial intelligence, chatbots, regulation, technology, consumer protection, pollutants, tire regulation, 6PPD, environment, public safety, SB 6076, consumer-owned utilities, public utility districts, municipal procurement, competitive bidding, public works, clean energy, renewable energy, nonemitting generation, energy storage

Transcript Highlights:

• their family as they undergo training, and this living support is critical since the average age of
• their family as they undergo training, and this living support is critical since the average age of
• their family as they undergo training, and this living support is critical since the average age of
• their family as they undergo training, and this living support is critical since the average age of
• their family as they undergo training, and this living support is critical since the average age of

Bills: HF1167 , HF1242

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: Northern Lights Express, NLX, Minneapolis-Duluth rail, passenger rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail, Duluth, Minneapolis, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, transportation funding, rail appropriation, general fund, trunk highway fund, rail project cancellation, infrastructure spending, commercial driver training, CDL, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• An IEP is like a room with all the supports and services for a student.
• </c> families that are really struggling. families that are really struggling.
• We had to do services that services.
• > and</c><00:58:13.040><c> services</c><00:58:13.520><c> for</c><00:58:13.760><c> a</c> all the supports
• and services for a all the supports and services for a student.<00:58:14.720><c> And</c><00:58:14.880

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have lots of different support systems that come in that they can take advantage of the services that
• So what other mental health support services are we providing, knowing that this is taking place?
• This program offers rehabilitative services and social support to prepare the participants for success
• These programs provide qualitative services and social support to prepare the participants for success
• supports.

Summary: The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse. The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> education support. education support.
• Please stand with the children and families of New Hampshire and support the New Hampshire three strikes
• families of New Hampshire<00:56:01.320><c> and</c><00:56:01.480><c> support</c><00:56:01.960><c> the
• services, gender-affirming care, and even care for family members.
• . services. services.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and with so many other families across southwest Virginia.
• of family and their entire Franklin community.
• Speak with families in your district who are living this reality.
• Women were the backbone of our community, from supporting their families at home to being essential components
• She stands with families during their most difficult times.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• He dedicated his life to service, Mr. Speaker.
• High School, so a family that has not even grieved with... ...family.
• I am so, so, so incredibly sorry for the family of Mr. Shaw.
• And we've been told in the Bible that if we support Israel, Israel.
• And we've been told in the Bible that if we support Israel, our country will be supported.

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if the supporters of the service dogs cannot get the governor to announce a Service Dog Week in the
• I remember one time when I was living in Chicago, I saw a service dog walk a blind man into a support
• I remember one time when I was living in Chicago, I saw a service dog walk a blind man into a support
• I remember one time when I was living in Chicago, I saw a service dog walk a blind man into a support
• The promotion of service dogs and the support for their charitable purpose, I think, is a good idea.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up several Senate messages on House bills. It recommended non-concurrence and a committee conference on HB 428 after Representative Pearson raised a constitutional concern about a retroactive provision in the building code bill. It also recommended non-concurrence on HB 156, which had been rewritten by the Senate to create a permanent subcommittee related to food/procurement; members said they did not want to create a permanent subcommittee and preferred to let the issue return next year if needed. On HB 85, concerning temporary student licenses for respiratory therapists, the committee concurred with a Senate rewrite that added restrictions but preserved the bill’s main purpose. On HB 82, a cleanup bill for occupational licensing, the committee concurred with a Senate amendment explicitly allowing the electricians board to create subcommittees, with members noting they did not think the authority was necessary but that it would not do harm. The committee then considered SB 178 on laboratory water testing. Representative Leyon offered amendment 2025-1743H to clarify how fees would be deposited and to direct a portion of certain fees and grants into a non-lapsing lab equipment and replacement fund rather than the general fund. Members said the amendment made the bill’s fiscal flow easier to understand. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended on SB 178, also unanimously, and placed it on consent. For SB 180, dealing with Coos County distressed-area designation, the committee adopted amendment 1748H to remove a provision requiring commissioners to give extra consideration to Coos County and to add a 20-year sunset on the designation. The amendment passed 14-2, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended 15-1; Representative Schmidt said he would file a minority report because he viewed the provision as unenforceable rather than objectionable. The committee also voted to retain SB 185, which concerned OPLC-related issues, so the agency could continue working on a policy and report back later; that motion passed 16-0. Finally, the committee voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 198, establishing New Hampshire Service Dog Week, after debate over whether the recognition should be statutory or left to a gubernatorial proclamation. Supporters argued the bill would raise awareness and help promote service dogs, while opponents said the effort could continue without a statute and that special-day statutes often lose attention once enacted. The committee also voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 182 after extensive discussion of proposed changes to the maternal mortality review process. Opponents argued the bill would broaden access to personally identifiable information, change panel structure, and affect data comparability; supporters said it was a housekeeping update requested by DHS that would add DCYF and Corrections and improve review of maternal deaths. The ITL motion passed 10-6, and Representative Long said he would file a minority report and explain the committee’s reasoning to the bill’s sponsor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Regarding support for our students.
• That support our students of color.
• Hi, my name is Elizabeth Oseguera and I'm with the California Alliance of Child and Family Services that
• represents over 160 organizations that support children. youth and families throughout the state.
• those services.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This could never happen to my family.
• Hey, I don't have the family support that I need at home, and we're economically challenged.
• services, and de-escalation during moments of crisis.
• community support.
• supports around the clock.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> addiction that then hurts their family addiction that then hurts their family and<00:24:39.640><
• In strong support, brief remarks, please proceed. Representative Bot? speaks in strong support.
• In support with reservations, please proceed.
• In support with reservations, please proceed.
• In support with reservations, please proceed.

Keywords: 910, house, all