Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, these are very accomplished students who have bright futures ahead of them.
• Speaker, compared to an overall New Mexico student graduation rate of 77%.
• Kyla Navarro, UNM student regent Randy Ko.
• Acknowledge all of the students we have in the room today.
• Welcome students. Students from the Albuquerque Academy. Students from Akka Karate.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is what students can and cannot do. This is what students can and cannot do.
• This does not apply to students.
• apply to students.
• student organizations.
• Students that need an IEP.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• who just need to be students.
• students, or students, Hispanic students, or economically<00:36:52.480><c> disadvantaged</c><00:36:53.200
• ><c> students</c> economically disadvantaged students economically disadvantaged students under<00:36
• That our students today don't compete just with students in Kentucky.
• Our students today just don't compete with students in the United States. Our students today, Mr.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> because is pertinent to our students because is pertinent to our students today<00:50:56.400><c>
• </c><01:09:57.159><c> are</c> says that um the military students are says that um the military students
• </c> our invoices on 80% of the students our invoices on 80% of the students District<02:23:25.040><c
• private school students?
• </c> students and our private school students students and our private school students why<03:57:23.720

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 695, relating to school districts and medically related grants. The sponsor argued the bill was vague and could undermine existing law, and another member said it would add an unnecessary mandate for school districts. The committee voted to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the motion passed 18-0. Next, House Bill 765, which would consolidate school administrative units and make superintendent jobs elected positions, was also recommended inexpedient to legislate. Members said the bill raised too many questions, could duplicate other legislation, and would move away from local control. That motion likewise passed 18-0. House Bill 768, allowing public school districts to contract with approved private schools, drew more debate. Supporters described it as a language cleanup and an expansion of educational opportunity, while opponents raised concerns about the placement of the language and pending Supreme Court cases. The committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass, and then 10-8 to recommend ought to pass as amended, with a minority report noted. The committee then considered House Bill 446, dealing with parental notice for non-academic surveys. An amendment was offered to make the Youth Risk Behavior Survey opt-in rather than opt-out. Supporters said parents should be informed and should choose whether their children participate, while opponents argued the survey is an important tool for mental health data, grants, and school programming, and that opt-in would reduce participation and data quality. The amendment passed 10-8, and the bill as amended also passed 10-8, with a minority report noted. Finally, the committee began House Bill 741, which would allow parents to send children to any school district they choose and expand open enrollment. The sponsor described it as broadening choice and keeping public funds in public schools, and an amendment was proposed to restore provisions for children of military personnel. Discussion on the amendment began, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on House Bill 741 or the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• How many students can they supervise to do those clinical hours? I don't know. I don't know.
• A pharmacist can oversee three students and three technicians. Mr. Chairman, could I defer to...
• How many of those students can they supervise at a time? It would certainly be not more than three.
• And I believe that the students would count as part of that... that the students would count as part
• Representative Permore, you're saying they can supervise three students and three assistants. Okay.

Bills: HB441 , SB274

Committee: House Health

Keywords: speech-language pathology, licensure, clinical supervision, educational qualifications, healthcare assistant, makeup application, blow-dry styling, cosmetology, licensing, regulation exemption, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is intended to make clear that teacher stipends are not financial aid so students can receive
• their pay for student teaching, and it also removes a headache for KHEAA.
• The bill is intended to ensure that teacher stipends are not treated as financial aid so students can
• be paid for their student teaching.
• A question was then asked of Joe Carol Ellis about how the student teacher stipend program is going and

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Postsecondary Education Committee met and first considered House Bill 251, a cleanup bill related to the Kentucky numeracy counts law. Rep. Emily Callaway and staff explained that the bill shifts responsibility for evaluating education preparation programs and reporting to LRC from the Council on Postsecondary Education, in collaboration with EPSB, to EPSB as the primary party, aligning it with EPSB’s oversight role. The committee had no questions, adopted the motion, and passed HB 251 with favorable expression to the House floor. The committee then took up House Bill 263, relating to the student teaching stipend program, along with a committee substitute that merged in language from House Bill 181. KHEAA explained that the substitute removes the outdated term “expected family contribution” from state student aid statutes because of federal FAFSA changes. Rep. Banta said HB 263 is a cleanup measure to clarify that student teaching stipends are not financial aid, allowing institutions to distribute the stipends properly and easing administration for KHEAA. Joe Carol Ellis said the program is in its first year, with about 450 student teachers served in the fall and an expected 800 in the spring. The committee adopted the committee substitute by voice vote, then passed HB 263 with favorable expression as amended. Members also approved a title amendment changing the bill title to “An Act relating to teacher scholarships.” Chair Tipton noted the meeting was unusually brief and concluded after asking if there was any further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:46.640><c> from</c> pleasure to welcome the students from pleasure to welcome the students
• </c> empowering stu uh talented students empowering stu uh talented students through<00:24:59.039><c>
• </c><00:25:40.240><c> and</c> have in the gallery uh students and have in the gallery uh students and
• Students and teachers from welcome.
• </c><00:31:57.200><c> to</c> a youth organization uh for students to a youth organization uh for students

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fewer than half of our students in the state of Minnesota can read at grade level.
• Schools need to be teaching our students how to think, not what to think.
• </c><00:03:22.239><c> Our</c><00:03:22.720><c> students,</c> facility improvements.
• Our students, facility improvements.
• </c> that uh opens up to Minnesota students that uh opens up to Minnesota students the<00:21:24.559><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Republican leaders outlined their agenda for the tied legislative session, saying their priorities are to stop fraud, make Minnesota more affordable, safer, and more competitive, and reduce mandates while raising education standards. They highlighted several planned bills, including an independent inspector general (HF 1), a “Fraud Isn’t Free” measure to impose consequences on agencies and commissioners that allow fraud, and statutory guidelines for high-fraud-risk programs. They also said they want to lower health care costs through a permanent reinsurance program and cost defrayal for new mandates, study property tax increases, conform state tax law to federal changes on tips, overtime, and scholarship tax credits, and avoid any tax increases. On public safety, Republicans said they will pursue tougher penalties for repeat offenders and repeat gun crimes, judicial accountability, and a school safety package that would support public and nonpublic schools, school safety personnel, and facility improvements. In education, they emphasized school choice tax credits, reading proficiency, and curriculum focused on basic academic fundamentals. They also said they want to protect and expand mining, reform permitting, end the nuclear moratorium, and make the state more attractive to businesses. On housing, one member said they are working on a more targeted affordable housing package rather than a broad sweeping bill. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on immigration and cooperation with federal authorities. Republicans said they want a statewide framework for local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, referencing House File 16 and saying they are open to changes and bipartisan work. They argued that local and state cooperation would improve safety and prevent situations where criminal suspects are released into the community. They also said Democrats have blocked similar efforts in committee and on the House floor. In response to questions, leaders said there is no current appetite for sports betting, bonding will be discussed but there are no promises, and they do not support the 2024 omnibus bill model. They said they are not interested in vaccine mandates, but will consider Medicaid funding impacts and other health-related proposals if bills are introduced. They also said election integrity measures such as voter ID, provisional ballots, and voter-roll cleanup will remain priorities. Throughout, leaders said they expect a bipartisan process in the tied House and expressed hope that both parties can work together on some issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1704, ESA student disabilities requirements.
• SB 1706, full-day kindergarten students ADM.
• Student elections. SB 1786, artificial talent content verification. Student elections.
• Student elections. SB 1797, central drugs price and lease limits.
• Student elections. SB 1803, veterans benefits claims prohibition.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not about the approach from the student.
• They can't call them by what the student has said their name is?
• By the student in that type of way.
• , that student would have that parental consent?
• Specifically, the per-student allotment would increase from $10 for each student in average daily attendance

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several conference committee matters and resolutions. It granted the House request for a conference committee on House Bill 46 and adopted a conference report on Senate Bill 37, which was described as higher education governance reform, including stronger board authority, changes to faculty senates, general education requirements, and a new ombudsman office. Senators also adopted a large package of resolutions and HCRs by voice vote. A major focus was Senate Bill 12, the “Parental Bill of Rights,” whose conference report was adopted after extended questioning. The bill was described as giving parents more access to school materials and grievance procedures, requiring parental consent for student clubs, and restricting school district employees from assisting with social transitioning or related gender-identity instruction. Senators raised concerns about effects on students already socially transitioned and on parental rights in medical or psychological decisions; the author said the House language was retained in key areas and that districts would need policies and parent notification. The report passed 20-11. The Senate then adopted a resolution allowing the conference committee on Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, to go outside the bounds, and later adopted the budget conference report. Senators highlighted major funding for public education, property tax relief, public safety, health and human services, child care, water and transportation infrastructure, and the Texas Energy Fund. The budget discussion also covered higher education, mental health facilities, community attendant wages, rural hospitals, DFPS case management, child care assistance, and a study rider on TRS. The report passed unanimously, 30-0. Finally, the Senate suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 8 and adopted its conference report. The bill requires counties with jails or jail contracts to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, with sheriffs choosing among available models and counties receiving tiered grants to help cover costs. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure targeting criminal illegal aliens, while opponents questioned whether it would divert local resources and increase fear in immigrant communities. The report was adopted after debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the upper gallery, we have a group of middle school students from Owensville, Missouri.
• If you always stand for us, our students are to represent our gifted program and our students of character
• The group is Our students are to represent our gifted program and our students of character.
• Our students of marginalized identities are under attack.
• I know the students really care about this bill because they have to hide under desks.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous House Journal by a 101-0 vote, and numerous special guest introductions, including student groups, robotics teams, artists, and a choir. Committee reports from Fiscal Review recommended passage of several bills, including HB 1869, HB 2387/HB 2480, HB 2061, HB 2481, and HB 2885. The chamber then took up Senate changes to HB 2016, a bill addressing anti-Semitism in educational institutions. Supporters said the Senate amendments clarified that schools should consider context, protected criticism of Israel, added charter schools, and required reporting of all Title VI complaints; opponents argued the bill was redundant, could chill speech, and did not match the state’s broader anti-discrimination rhetoric. After a successful previous-question motion, the House adopted the Senate substitute 101-19 and then gave final passage to the bill 100-17. Several third-reading bills followed. HB 2481, dealing with SNAP and Medicaid-related verification and program restrictions, drew sharp debate over fraud prevention versus added bureaucracy and harm to low-income Missourians; it passed 95-44. HB 1869, creating a process to repair veteran gravestones damaged by natural causes, passed 137-2. HB 2927, requiring written settlement demands in bad-faith liability claims to remain open for 90 days and reference the statute, passed 90-50. HB 2387/HB 2480, reinstating the presidential primary and moving it to the first Tuesday in March, passed 116-23. HB 2885, redirecting the final $1 million from boat registration fees to fund the water patrol, passed 112-27. HB 2517, a real estate wholesaler disclosure bill, passed 130-6. HB 3107 was moved to the informal calendar. Debate also began on HB 1730, which would legalize firearm suppressors in Missouri; supporters framed it as a freedom, hearing-protection, and economic bill, while opponents warned it would make gun violence harder to detect and could aid criminals, but no final vote on that bill appears in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• One story that comes Our students.
• We see ourselves as a connection between families, veterans, and students.
• </c> and students. We're more than a museum. and students. We're more than a museum.
• And in fact, we've impacted over 10,000 students since our inception.
• </c> students since our inception. students since our inception.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism met to hear presentations on a proposed downtown Lexington Arts Center. Visit Lex opened by framing the projects as regional economic development efforts that could support tourism, quality of life, and workforce attraction and retention. NextStage Development Corp. and ATG Entertainment then described a proposed $120 million project featuring a 2,500-seat performing arts center and a 20,000-square-foot visual arts gallery, with plans for up to 180 events a year, over 300,000 annual visitors, and an opening target of 2029. The presenters said the project would be funded through a $30 million state request, $30 million from ATG Entertainment, and $60 million raised by the nonprofit through philanthropy and other financing sources. They cited a feasibility study by Sound Diplomacy and compared the proposal to the Durham Performing Arts Center, arguing that similar venues have driven downtown revitalization, tourism, and economic activity in other cities. They also said the venue would include community access, school partnerships, subsidized tickets, and revenue returned to the nonprofit for grants and arts programming. Members asked about the total cost, the funding mix, whether the city of Lexington would contribute, and the building’s design. The presenters said they are in contact with city officials and are seeking city support, but have not yet hired an architect or begun conceptual design. They said the design process will involve community input and should fit Lexington’s historic downtown character. Representative Whitten asked whether the project would compete with Louisville; the presenters responded that their market analysis suggests the venue would serve audiences from Lexington, eastern Kentucky, and surrounding areas who are unlikely to travel to Louisville or Cincinnati, making the project complementary rather than competitive.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mary Bolt and the students from Cecil College.
• Mary Bolt and the students from is Dr.
• He's a premed student and he's our intern this year.
• </c><00:29:25.900><c> [applause]</c> student at Gerl Academy. [applause] student at Gerl Academy.
• </c> Baltimore County, District 11, a student Baltimore County, District 11, a student at<00:29:59.039

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, February 5, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Reverend Carissa Serber, and journalized her remarks. Members then welcomed several guests and groups in the gallery, including Maryland Community Action Partnership advocates, Cecil College students and Dr. Mary Bolt, Cecil County Executive Adam Strait, the Maryland Association of Justice, Faith Baptist School students, and several interns and staff members. The chamber also introduced Senate Bill 585 and a bond initiative for the Active Achievers Youth Center, both of which were referred to the appropriate committees or subcommittees. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 255, the Voting Rights Act of 2026 for counties and municipal corporations. Senators questioned the bill’s scope, especially whether it would affect county commissioner election methods, who could bring suit, what “vote dilution” means, and whether the measure was tied to district maps or candidate filings. The sponsor explained that the bill creates a state framework for the federal Voting Rights Act, provides standing rather than a remedy, and applies when a protected class believes its vote has been diluted; political party was said not to be a protected class. The committee amendment was adopted without objection, and the amended bill was ordered printed for third reading. On third reading, Senate Bill 5 and Senate Bill 29 passed with constitutional majorities. Senate Bill 93 also passed. Senate Bill 141, dealing with election misinformation, disinformation, and deep fakes, was moved back to second reader for a technical amendment and then special ordered to Tuesday. The Senate also held a lighthearted recorded vote on Seahawks versus Patriots, with the Seahawks winning 28 to 8, and then received committee scheduling announcements for upcoming hearings and voting sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Part-time students receive a prorated award.
• We cover all remaining tuition costs for all College Bound students.
• Nine in ten of those students are from Washington.
• And ultimately, this bill is about our students.
• who are students of color.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5828, which would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award levels for students attending private, not-for-profit four-year institutions. Staff explained the bill would set the awards at 90 percent of the regional and state college rate rather than 50 percent of the research rate, with an estimated fiscal impact of $3.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and $18.6 million over four years. Testimony was largely in support from private college presidents, students, and school counselors, who said the bill would help low-income and first-generation students and preserve access and enrollment choices; some public college student representatives said they did not oppose the bill but argued that cuts to public-school aid should be restored first. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5911, which would prohibit DCYF from using benefits or funds of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for their cost of care beginning in 2027, while requiring support for benefit management and payee arrangements and allowing protected accounts such as ABLE accounts. Staff estimated a net fiscal impact of $608,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $2.2 million per biennium thereafter. Testimony in support said the bill would end the practice of withholding SSI and other benefits from youth in care and better support disabled youth transitioning to adulthood. Members asked questions about fiduciary responsibility and representative payee arrangements. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and advanced several bills. It adopted Amendment Clark 350 to House Bill 2689, raising the required provider response rate for the child care market rate survey to 65 percent, and then reported the bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 18-11, with two excused. It adopted Amendment H-3743.1 to Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5395 on retrospective prior authorization denials and reported that bill out unanimously. It also adopted Amendment Pool 272 to Senate Bill 5420 and reported that bill out unanimously. For Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5496, the committee adopted several amendments clarifying scope and penalties but rejected amendments that would have delayed the bill or replaced it with a study; the bill was then reported out with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard amendment briefings on other bills, including 5981, 6026, 6160, 6184, and 6211, but deferred action on some items heard that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.B. 133 provides for penalties for students who commit attacks on other teachers and students in the
• This student had injured every student in her classroom.
• I am a victim of an assault by a student.
• The student again didn't comply.
• That statute has to be taken into consideration when the student who does the attack is a student with

Committee: Senate Judiciary C

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard House Bill 1033, which expands the definition of critical infrastructure to include airports, heliports, spaceports, aerospace facilities, certain government and military sites, and oil and gas platforms. Supporters said the bill is part of a broader effort to position Louisiana for aerospace and defense investment, while opponents from the Sierra Club warned that repeatedly broadening critical infrastructure could chill protest and free-speech activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1034, which authorizes local officials to declare temporary protection zones for public safety for up to 72 hours, with one extension. The sponsor and the Department of Economic Development said it would be a tool for aerospace and defense projects and other public-safety needs; ACLU testimony raised concerns about notice, property rights, and possible impacts on public waterways. The bill was also reported favorably. The committee next considered several criminal justice bills. House Bill 51, barring post-conviction bail for defendants convicted of aggravated offenses against children, and House Bill 55, limiting public disclosure of juror information to protect juror privacy, both received broad support and were reported favorably. House Bill 635, aimed at protecting Louisianians from transnational repression by foreign governments through penalty enhancements for underlying crimes, was supported by a national security advocate and reported favorably. House Bill 133, increasing penalties for students who commit attacks on teachers or other students, was amended to address juvenile procedure and exceptionalities; teachers testified about serious injuries they suffered, while the ACLU and criminal defense lawyers raised concerns about mandatory minimums and individualized sentencing. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 676, which creates the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or “body brokering,” in the substance-use treatment industry. The sponsor and Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives described schemes that steer vulnerable patients into fraudulent treatment arrangements for profit; the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 159 created a Caddo Parish pilot program for pretrial home incarceration with electronic monitoring to reduce jail overcrowding. The sheriff said the jail is far over capacity and that the program would be limited to nonviolent, non-sex-offense defendants with risk assessments, court approval, and behavioral-health check-ins. Witnesses supported the concept but urged tighter liability language; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill with amendments. House Bill 106, dealing with unauthorized administration of melatonin to children in child care settings, was reported favorably. Later, the committee amended and reported House Bill 108, which changes juror qualifications to exclude people convicted of crimes of violence or sex offenses from criminal juries, after opponents argued it would unnecessarily bar citizens from jury service. House Bill 784, a cleanup bill on sex offender registration and notification, was amended and reported with technical changes. Senate Bill 388, which removes a trigger clause tied to a border compact and authorizes review of state contracts for foreign-adversary benefit, was amended and reported. Finally, House Bill 772, a bail-procedure reform requiring accurate mailing and electronic notice information and consolidating notice rules, was presented as a fairness and efficiency measure and had support from the bail industry and prosecutors; the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our students deserve nothing less. Thank you very much. Thank you.
• Our students deserve nothing less. Thank you very much. Thank you.
• As a college student, I've grown up in a world with gun violence.
• Any law limiting unregulated gun use would simultaneously protect students statewide, and as a student
• Thank you, students.

Bills: HB2255 , HB2320 , HB2548

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: litigation finance, legal funding, lawsuit, financial services, access to justice, firearm regulation, manufacturing, safety standards, background checks, license requirements, health care market standards, hospital consolidation, merger review, health care transaction notice, attorney general review, antitrust, provider organizations, hospital systems, contracting affiliation, material change

Transcript Highlights:

• We make sure our students can learn in nice, functioning safe spaces.
• Our future and our students depend on it.
• It is rare for an individual to be caught in an egregious act of misconduct against a student.
• Rather, administrative investigations reveal non-criminal... ...conduct against a student.
• And I'm proud to have a track record for always protecting students or any vulnerable communities.

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WHILE WE DO DIVE INTO ONE SPECIFIC TYPE OF ACCESS WE ARE DEALING WITH STUDENT RECORDS WE FEEL THEY ARE
• , THE SENSITIVE NATURE OF THE STUDENTS HAVE SUCH NUMBERS SO WE PERFORM SPECIFIC TESTING AROUND THAT.
• EMERGENCY DRILLS, THIS IS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROPER RETENTION AND SAFETY OF STUDENTS AND STAFF.
• THEY DID HAVE FOUR SCHOOLS THAT HAD FINDINGS IN THE STUDENT AREA.
• THEY USED STUDENT ACTIVITY AND SERVICE FEES THAT WERE NOT ALWAYS IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will note that students are allowed to be in polling locations if they are assisting as volunteers.
• Otherwise, we'd be asking districts to forego their safety policies for students during the school day
• At the same time, administrators are very nervous about the commingling of students and strangers from
• We also see that voters are grateful that parking is readily available with students out for the day,
• and high school students often volunteer to help at the elections.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The only way you can do that is have students directly in front of you and practicing with them.
• directly in front that is have students directly in front of<00:03:13.880><c> you</c><00:03:14.120><
• how to teach teach um their students how to teach literacy.<00:03:28.920><c> And</c><00:03:29.840><c
• So when you did student teaching, that.
• So when you did student teaching, you<00:03:35.880><c> could</c><00:03:36.080><c> be</c><00:03:36.360

Keywords: 1183, house