Transcript Highlights:

• the charter public charter school for charter school staff to provide the services; they can contract
• > for the Charter Public Charter School for the Charter Public Charter School for Charter<00:56:32.520
• the charter schools.
• should amend it to include Charter should amend it to include Charter Schools<01:35:21.840> as
• I would suggest the commit ad and public I would suggest the commit ad and public charter charter charter

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT IS THE AMENDMENT. >> Chair: QUESTIONS ON THE AMENDMENT?
• TO THE AMENDMENT, ANY APPEARANCE FORMS ON THE AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT, ANY DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT
• Burgess: THIS AMENDMENT IS INTENDED TO HELP CHARTER SCHOOLS PLAN THEIR BUDGET FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR
• THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED, BACK ON THE MAIN AMENDMENT BARCODE 642556 AS AMENDED BY THAT AND WRITTEN AMENDMENT
• AMENDMENT 853150 WHICH HAS NOW BEEN AMENDED, ANY QUESTIONS ON THAT AMENDMENT?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have the A1 amendment, author's amendment. >> Okay.
• I would like to orally amend the oral amendment.
• Um to orally amend the oral amendment.
• to the amendment. to the amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• paragraph F would require uh charter paragraph F would require uh charter school<00:15:31.680>
• of a charter school board of directors. of a charter school board of directors.
• <00:16:16.079> school or termination of a charter school or termination of a charter school
• The uh amendment to this contract.
• for charter school procurement policy. for charter school procurement policy.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• reminded myself of what the amendment said.
• in reminded myself I took a look at the amendment in reminded myself of what the amendment said and
• I want to talk about your amendment. I want to thank you for offering that amendment.
• schools, because charter schools are allowed to purchase property... ...because charter schools are
• If we want to talk about charters and ESAs...

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several education-related bills. HB 2318 would impose term limits on school district governing board members in districts with at least 250 students, with a four-year break before a former member could run again; the sponsor said it was meant to bring in new ideas after problems in a district, while opponents argued voters should decide and raised concerns about the timing of the change. It passed on a 6-5 vote. HB 2312 would allow certain federally recognized patriotic youth groups to address students during school hours and require equal access for such groups; supporters framed it as a way to expand youth opportunities, while opponents objected to use of instructional time. It also received a due pass recommendation on a 6-5 vote. HB 2320 would require school districts to hire an independent municipal advisor before calling a bond election and, if successful, for each bond issue. The sponsor argued this would lower underwriting fees and save taxpayers money, citing data showing lower average fees when advisors were used; testimony from the Arizona Tax Research Association and a school accountability group supported the bill, while members raised questions about costs if a bond fails and about how public information is presented. The bill passed 7-3 with two present votes. HB 2376 would prohibit districts from buying or leasing school property when an operating charter or private school is on the site, aimed at preventing a district from using a purchase to manipulate enrollment counts and trigger state construction funding; members debated whether the underlying allegation was hearsay, but the bill passed 7-5. HB 2378 would tighten conflict-of-interest rules for the School Facilities Oversight Board by barring the architect and engineer members from having school-construction business. The sponsor said it was prompted by a reported conflict involving Tolleson Union and a board chair’s firm; some members supported the ethics rationale while others said the bill did not address broader issues, and it passed 8-4. HB 2379 would require school district governing board members to complete biennial training on duties and responsibilities, with county superintendents required to offer the training and ADE as a backstop; the committee adopted an amendment making county training mandatory and allowing intergovernmental agreements, and the bill passed 7-5 after debate over unfunded mandates, whether ASBA should be included, and whether charter boards should also be covered. Finally, HB 2380 would require board and subcommittee meetings to be held in-district, keep meeting materials online for five years, and require prior approval for out-of-state travel or later ratification with possible reimbursement; rural school representatives warned it could hinder regional collaboration and create administrative burdens, and discussion continued on how to preserve executive-session confidentiality and public access.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hope that you will consider amending the measure to allow charter schools to be funded on an equal
• We hope that you will consider amending the measure to allow charter schools to be funded on an equal
• I wonder how that will conflict with the freedom of speech amendment that... ...freedom of speech amendment
• So now, this amendment, ACA 7, is asking for constitutional amendments. for different educational teaching
• So now, this amendment, ACA7, is asking for constitutional amendments.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several measures, beginning with SCA 5, Senator Cortese’s proposal to create an Equalization Reserve Account to help reduce long-standing per-pupil funding disparities between basic aid and non-basic aid school districts. Supporters, including education leaders and school employees, argued the measure would provide a stable, long-term funding source to improve student services and staffing. Charter school representatives opposed the bill, saying it excluded charter schools from the benefits and could raise equal protection concerns. Senator Cortese responded that the bill only addresses district funding and does not alter charter funding formulas. After quorum was established, SCA 5 was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard S.J.R. 18, a resolution by Senator McNerney condemning the Citizens United decision and urging limits on corporate influence in elections. The author argued that corporate and dark money have overwhelmed campaign finance and weakened public trust. There was no formal witness testimony in support or opposition, and members discussed the resolution’s symbolic nature and its relationship to free speech and campaign finance rules. The resolution was adopted and referred onward. The committee then took up ACA 7, Assembly Member Jackson’s constitutional amendment to clarify Proposition 209 and allow more race-conscious tools in education to address racial equity gaps. Supporters said current law prevents targeted, evidence-based interventions and that the measure would help close persistent disparities; opponents argued it would weaken Prop. 209, invite discrimination, and likely fail at the ballot or in court. After extensive debate, the measure was approved as amended and sent to Appropriations. The committee next heard ACA 18, which would add a second student voting seat to the University of California Board of Regents, ensuring both undergraduate and graduate student representation. The author and student regent witnesses said the UC board is the only major higher education governing board in California with just one student vote, and that more student representation would improve decision-making and reflect the student body. The measure drew support from student organizations and was approved. Finally, AJR 29 was heard, opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail administration and defending California’s mail voting system as safe and secure. The author said the order would improperly interfere with state election administration. The resolution was adopted. Items 3 and 4 on consent were also approved, and the committee adjourned after all agenda items were acted upon.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly has amended this bill with Amendment No. 569.
• The Assembly has amended this bill with Amendment No. 569.
• The Assembly has amended this bill with Amendment No. 701.
• The Assembly has amended this bill with Amendment No. 705.
• The Assembly has amended this bill with Amendment No. 564.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• School, Kula Miho Okaha, and my favorite charter school, Kao Public Charter School from Hilo, members
• School, Kula Miho Okaha, and my favorite charter school, Kao Public Charter School from Hilo, members
• School, Kula Miho Okaha, and my favorite charter school, Kao Public Charter School from Hilo, members
• School, Kula Miho Okaha, and my favorite charter school, Kao Public Charter School from Hilo, members
• charter school, Kao Public Charter charter school, Kao Public Charter School<00:19:44.960> from

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: Any questions for the Chair: sponsor and the amendment? Any debate on the amendment?
• Chair: Those in favor of the amendment? Those opposed? Show the amendment adopted.
• Unfortunately, we do oppose this amendment today due to the new language regarding county charter charters
• Orange County's charter was amended in 2020, and there was a vote to require a majority plus one vote
• This Winter Springs Charter Amendment will modernize the city's government by making the mayor a full

Transcript Highlights:

• I would note that there's also a conceptual amendment, and part of that conceptual amendment includes
• And I think reflected in the conceptual amendment, SB 460 amendment 6-2... have an amendment in front
• And I think reflected in the conceptual amendment, SB4-60 amendment dash 6-2, I know that we've been
• working on a conceptual amendment.
• Charter school accountability.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Maggard offered the following amendment to amendment with title amendment barcode 458307
• Read the next amendment. Yes. Opposed, no. Show the amendment adopted. Read the next amendment.
• Are there questions on the Senate amendment as amended?
• Representative Rizzo offered the following amendment to amendment with title amendment, barcode 34646467
• Representative Busatta offered the following amendment to an amendment. First amendment.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum established, and several recognitions, including a legislative intern, a guest in the gallery, and Representative Bruce Antone’s upcoming induction into the Tuskegee Athletic Hall of Fame. The Speaker also gave brief remarks about the end of session and the freshman class. The chamber then took up a series of Senate-returned messages and concurred or insisted on several amendments while moving bills toward final passage. The House unanimously approved CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after adopting a House amendment to remove the IOTA-related provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties and business interests after a House concurrence motion. It also insisted on its amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 on housing. CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation was amended to restore House provisions on teacher-prep courses, the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College, and related testing and mentor-qualification changes; it passed 91-22 after debate over teacher certification, testing, and “identity politics” language. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers was amended to keep the House’s original notice and referral framework with a good-cause exemption; it passed 87-27 despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors. After recess, the House took up CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response. Members described changes including removal of some homestead-assessment and debris-removal provisions, a study requirement for a post-hurricane county restriction concept, and a Florida Keys evacuation-time change paired with a 10-year cap of 900 permit allocations; the bill passed 116-0. The House also refused to concur in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration and requested the Senate recede. Later, the House returned to HB 1101 and insisted on its amendment after the Senate refused to concur. The longest debate came on CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, where the House amendment replaced the Senate version with the substance of HB 1267, including Schools of Hope, higher education governance, and course transparency. Members questioned provisions expanding Schools of Hope co-location and sponsorship authority beyond traditional opportunity zones, the role of the Department of Education versus school districts, transportation and facility-cost issues, and performance-based agreements. Supporters said the changes would expand options for students and use vacant or underutilized facilities; opponents argued the language was added late, lacked transportation funding, and could allow charter operators to enter high-performing schools. The bill remained under debate at the end of the transcript, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• amendments; and Senate Bill 429 with amendments.
• amendments; and Senate Bill 429 with amendments.
• amendments; and Senate Bill 429 with amendments.
• amendments; and Senate Bill 429 with amendments.
• And so, that's what... ...this amendment does. It just adds that charter shall be included.

Bills: HR244, HR245, HR246, HR247, HR248, HR249, HR250, HR251, HCR101, HCR102, HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, SCR31, SCR33, SCR35, SCR37, SCR56, SCR57, SB171, SB251, SB252, SB353, SB367, SB433, SB461, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HB66, HB153, HB165, HB326, HB387, HB454, HB455, HB484, HB513, HB603, HB660, HB719, HB762, HB766, HB793, HB802, HB816, HB833, HB940, HB947, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1039, HB1051, HB1053, HB1080, HB1201, HB1215, HB1228, HB1251, HB1252, SCR2, SB26, SB28, SB29, SB30, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB233, SB326, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1191, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, HCR32, HB955, HB284, HB617, HB730, HB926, HB1125, HB1194, HB1203, HB798, HB998, HB1084, HB1223, HB646, HB824, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB911, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240, SB89, SB68, SB149

Keywords: disclosure, local law, public notice, legislative transparency, Artists at the Capitol Day, art education, Louisiana Art Education Association, recognition, community engagement, House Resolution 247, HR247, Laura Lewis, birthday commendation, 104th birthday, centenarian, longevity, St. James Parish, Louisiana House of Representatives, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, ceremonial resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• The A3 amendment would inflation.
• Additionally, the A3 amendment 2030.
• The A3 amendment Down to line 70.
• > funding<00:14:00.160> for amendment proposes reducing funding for amendment proposes
• charters. Thank you for all you do. charters. Thank you for all you do.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fit to remove that amendment.
• support on the amendment. support on the amendment.
• Is it pre-charter or post-charter, and when is that going to be?
• Is it pre-charter or post-charter, and when is that going to be?
• the intent of the amendment. the intent of the amendment.

Bills: HB0116, HB0056

Keywords: water rights, beneficial use, industrial production, hydrogen, applications, public welfare, carbon capture, energy standards, public utilities, environmental regulation, state law, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment to the amendment is adopted, so we’re back on the main amendment, barcode 659-760, as amended
• This amendment is simply intended to help charter schools. To explain the late-filed amendment.
• This amendment is simply intended to help charter schools plan their budgets for the following year and
• This amendment is a technical amendment. Are there questions on the technical amendment?
• amended.

Summary: The committee took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1422 on unmanned aircraft systems. The bill increases penalties for flying drones over critical infrastructure, prohibits drones equipped with weapons or explosives, creates a first-degree felony for drones carrying a weapon of mass destruction, and includes a law enforcement exception. A lay-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo warning against the use of force to shoot down drones was debated but failed, and the bill was then reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably on SB 846 addressing notary public fraud in immigration-related services, SB 650 on hazardous walking conditions for school transportation, SB 922 on employment agreements including non-compete and garden leave provisions, and SB 1820 on motor vehicle manufacturer and dealer relations, covering performance measures, retaliation, and franchise termination standards. Several bills focused on education, health care, and disability issues. SB 540, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, would require disability history and awareness instruction across grade levels; it drew emotional testimony from the bill sponsor, family members, and supporters, and was reported favorably. SB 998 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to certify deaths and file death certificates in hospice settings under physician protocol, and SB 1412 would modernize home health agency rules by expanding administrative flexibility and contract service use; both passed. SB 1736 would allow direct support professionals and relatives to administer insulin in group home settings for individuals with developmental disabilities, and it was also reported favorably. The committee also advanced several regulatory and court-related measures. SB 1650 expands Florida’s vexatious litigant law, including allowing designation based on conduct in a single case and extending the look-back period, while SB 1652 creates a public records exemption for certain stricken non-criminal court filings; both were approved. SB 1076 on roofing contractors was amended to require continuing education for roof-to-wall connections and then passed, and SB 1078 on fire prevention was amended with stakeholder-agreed language before being reported favorably. SB 1080 on local government land regulations, after multiple amendments and significant debate over agricultural enclaves and local control, was also approved. Other major measures included SB 818 on utility relocation, which creates a relocation fund funded by a portion of communications services tax revenue and was supported by multiple industry and local-government groups after a compromise amendment; SB 868 on social media use by minors, which would require a decryption mechanism for law enforcement access under subpoena and prohibit disappearing messages for minors, remained under discussion as the transcript ended. The committee also heard SB 96, a claims bill for Jacob Rogers against the City of Gainesville, and reported it favorably after testimony that the city would pay the settlement amount.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is adopted. Please move the bill as amended.
• Charter schools operate pursuant to a charter that they have with the state to operate a school.
• Would you be open to an amendment adding charter schools and ESAs?
• No amendments. Okay. There are no amendments. Is there any further discussion?
• You are no amendments. Okay. There are no amendments.

Bills: HB2008, HB2075, HB2203, HB2395, HB2409

Keywords: school libraries, public school libraries, library funding, professional associations, library associations, librarians, information services, dues, membership fees, public monies, school governing body, county free library district, municipal library, library contracts, library services, books and programs, Arizona education, Title 15, Library Freedom Act, school district transparency

Summary: The committee took up several education bills. HB 2395 would create a voluntary Arizona School Fitness Program in ADE to recognize schools that participate in nationally recognized fitness testing or events and allow the designation on school report cards. Supporters, including the sponsor and outside witnesses, argued it would encourage student activity and support the whole child; the bill passed with a 6-0 do pass recommendation. HB 2409, the Getting Arizona Ready for AI Act, would create a voluntary summer AI course program through ADE with curriculum on digital hygiene, civic integrity, and AI for small business/entrepreneurship, with optional facility use and academic credit. The sponsor said it was meant to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption without requiring new appropriations; it passed 4-2. HB 2203 would direct ADE to review public school and agency reporting requirements for duplicative, expired, or obsolete reports and recommend consolidation or repeal, and an amendment making a technical correction was adopted before the bill passed 6-0. HB 2008 would bar school libraries from using public money to pay dues to certain professional library associations; opponents from Secular AZ and the ACLU argued it was viewpoint discrimination and a threat to professional association rights, but the bill still received a do pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote, with one member explaining a no vote because the problem did not exist. The committee also heard HB 2075, which would require school districts to submit superintendent and CFO employment contracts to ADE, post them online, keep them available for five years after termination, and create a searchable database with compensation details. The Goldwater Institute supported the bill, citing difficulty obtaining contracts through public records requests and examples of very high superintendent compensation and opaque contract terms; the Arizona School Administrators opposed the bill as singling out districts while not applying to charters or other public-dollar schools, though they said they could support it if expanded to all schools receiving public funds. Members debated whether charters are political subdivisions and whether the bill should extend to charters and ESAs, and some discussion also focused on transparency and public records access. The bill ultimately received a 4-2 do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• proposal of amendment. proposal of amendment.
• Burlington voters already approved this charter amendment on March 3rd, 2026.
• Burlington's charter. Burlington voters already approved this charter amendment on March 3rd, 2026.
• Section<00:38:25.200> 1<00:38:25.440> Charter<00:38:25.760> Amendment<00:38:26.120
• Charter Amendment Proposal. The General Assembly officially approves the charter amendment.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with devotional remarks and then handled several procedural items, including referring Senate Bill 223 on Vermont water quality, which carries an appropriation, to the Committee on Appropriations. The chamber also read and recognized three House Concurrent Resolutions: honoring Maria Blair for nearly four decades of service in the Joint Fiscal Office; designating April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Vermont; and congratulating the 2025 Green Mountain Council class of Eagle Scouts. Members offered brief tributes to Blair’s institutional knowledge and service, and to the importance of addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health. Guests connected to the resolutions were recognized in the gallery, and the House also heard announcements introducing visitors and upcoming meetings. The main legislative action was on Senate Bill 255, which would establish a pilot law enforcement governance council in Windham County. Committee members described it as a limited, voluntary pilot intended to improve regional public safety governance and funding without imposing a statewide mandate or new tax. Testimony came from legislative staff, local officials, sheriffs, police, the Vermont State Police, and municipal representatives. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably with a 9-0-1 vote and a small amendment adding an additional report-back requirement; Ways and Means found no fiscal impact to state revenue and reported it favorably 10-0-1. The House then agreed to propose the amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. The final action item was House Bill 956, approving Burlington’s charter amendment to formally establish the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging as a permanent city office. The sponsor explained that Burlington voters had already approved the change and that the bill would codify existing duties, including equity strategy, policy advice, representation of underserved communities, and community engagement, with the director reporting to the mayor. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably 10-0-1, and the House ordered it to third reading. Later, Ways and Means reported favorably with amendment on Senate Bill 327, an economic development bill carrying an appropriation, and it was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The House then adjourned until April 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you envision this amendment, those dollars, being able to flow down to the charter, the public
• Discussion, amendments. Discussion, amendments. Amendment? Where are we now?
• Were you going to offer an amendment to add charter schools?
• Are there further amendments to the amendment? Thank you. declare the amendment adopted?
• The question before the committee is on the amendment to the amendment to the amendment.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present and first approved the minutes from the previous meeting. It then took up House Bill 5510, which was amended to incorporate provisions modernizing Alcohol Beverage Control licensing and fees and to treat low-proof spirits more like beer, including a $1.25 per gallon tax. The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment and reported the bill to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered a major education funding bill, Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for House Bill 5453. After counsel explained the proposed block-grant school funding structure and supplemental aid for special education, members discussed whether charter schools should be included. The committee adopted an amendment to include charter school students in the special education funding provisions, then adopted another amendment removing certain outdated staffing ratio and administrator limitations effective July 1, 2027. The amended bill was then reported to the full Senate. The committee also took up House Bill 5412, dealing with multi-year contracts for educational materials with technology licensing components and science-of-reading training for K-5 teachers. Members amended the bill to clarify contract language, extend the training timeline, change “endorsement” to “training,” and require charter school teachers to participate. The amended bill was reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4006, focused on aerospace and advanced manufacturing development, was explained as creating grant and workforce programs tied to aerospace investment and jobs. The committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment that changed the funding mechanism and other details, then reported the amended bill to the full Senate. Committee Substitute for House Bill 4009 was also amended to shift from the portable benefits concept to a broader workforce-readiness package, including a microcredential program and expansion of the apprenticeship tax credit to all apprenticeship programs; it too was reported to the full Senate. Finally, House Bill 4004, the Recharge West Virginia Act, was explained as a reimbursement program for employers training employees who earn upskill credentials and receive wage increases. The committee adopted an amendment raising the annual employer reimbursement cap from $50,000 to $100,000, then reported the amended bill to the full Senate. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you envision this amendment, those dollars, being able to flow down to the public charter schools
• Discussion, amendments? Discussion, amendments? Amendments? Where are we now?
• Were you going to offer an amendment to add charter schools?
• Declare the amendment adopted. Are there further amendments to the amendment? Thank you.”
• “Declare the amendment adopted? Are there further amendments to the amendment?

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then took up several House bills with strike-and-insert amendments. House Bill 5510 was amended to incorporate provisions from Senate Bills 1065 and 928, modernizing Alcohol Beverage Control licensing and adding rules for low-proof spirit alcohol products, including a $1.25 per gallon tax; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 5453 on school funding. After discussion of a proposed block-grant system and supplemental aid for special education, the committee adopted an amendment replacing much of the bill with weighted funding for level two and level three special education students, exempting those funds from block grant rules and limiting their use to direct instruction. The committee also adopted a clarification to extend the special education funding to charter school students and reported the amended bill to the Senate. House Bill 5412, dealing with multi-year technology licensing contracts for local fiscal bodies and science-of-reading training for K-5 teachers, was amended to clarify contract language, delay implementation dates, change “endorsement” to “training,” and require charter school teachers to participate; it was then reported. The committee next amended and reported House Bill 4006, which creates aerospace development and workforce grant programs, changing the funding mechanism to use Department of Commerce reporting and personal income tax proceeds rather than direct employee withholdings. It also took up House Bill 4009, combining voluntary portable benefits for independent contractors with microcredentialing and an expanded apprenticeship tax credit, adopted the Finance Committee amendment, and reported it. Finally, House Bill 4004 creating the Recharge West Virginia training reimbursement program was amended to raise the annual employer reimbursement cap from $50,000 to $100,000 while keeping the $10,000 per-employee limit, and the committee reported the bill. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's an amendment. I'll amend with the clerk to read the amendment.
• The following amendment. The Clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Bryant.
• The following amendment, the clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by...
• The following amendment to the amendment... ...but the clerk will read the amendment to the amendment
• The following amendment, the clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Wu.

Bills: SB17, SB1569, SB2420, HB5138, HJR161, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HCR76, HCR127, SB906, SB1229, SB855, SB703, SB1025, SB888, SB1119, SB1080, SB929, SB1355, SB2231, SB1877, SB1998, SB552, SB17, SB1569, SB2420, HB2697, HB3801, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3469, HB2594, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB 1181, HB3963, HB5111, HB2785, HB1661, HB200, HB1803, HB249, HB721, HB851, HB 1128, HB1904, HB30, HB1916, HB541, HB5560, HB3071, HB5627, HB5435, HB2688, HB3045, HB3483, HB4213, HB4226, HB783, HB175, HB4735, HB5155, HB5057, HB4813, HB5339, HB5196, HB5033, HB3486, HB4211, HB74, HB4730, HB4743, HB4463, HB4139, HB4752, HB4486, HB4437, HB4426, HB4396, HB4263, HB3487, HB3418, HB2266, HB2229, HB2189, HB5224, HB5195, HB3947, HB3358, HB3370, HB3745, HB3697, HB2001, HB1968, HB3371, HB3909, HB4944, HB2284, HB4506, HB3317, HB4166, HB3913, HB1768, HB4603, HB2494, HB3099, HJR138, HB133, HB3832, HB1988, HCR34, HB3421, HB3892, HB5138, HJR161, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HCR76, HCR127

Keywords: foreign ownership, real property, national security, criminal penalties, civil penalties, personal information, higher education, privacy protection, governing board, institutional security, software applications, mobile devices, age verification, parental consent, data protection, app store regulation, HJR 161, Texas constitutional amendment, voting rights, non-citizen voting