Video & Transcript : 'stem education' :
Page 437 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This just gives them a direct pipeline into the Department of Education to have their concerns heard.
- a pathway that we're not, you know, and I didn't bring any props for the— but if you look at the education
- code, there's some well-meaning legislation that we have passed over the years in education, and the
- And so as I look at what we've done in education, making sure that we're going...
- And so as I look at what we've done in education, making sure that there's parental choice and making
Committee:
Senate Fiscal Policy
Keywords:
agriculture, landscape equipment, gasoline-powered, ecologically significant parcels, local government regulations, educational efficiency, public schools, district school boards, budget transparency, school accountability, instructional personnel
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and first took up CS for SB 290, a broad Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment that, among other things, set density requirements for certain small municipalities, delayed biosolids-related changes from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028, required higher insurance coverage for fumigation businesses, increased fines for fumigation violations, extended the time contractors have to pay subcontractors and suppliers from 15 to 30 business days, preempted certain county agritourism permitting ordinances, and renamed the Bonifay Forestry Station. Senators raised concerns about local government preemption, the biosolids timeline, and especially the new felony penalty for nonpayment of subcontractors and suppliers. Audubon Florida testified in opposition to the state lands and biosolids provisions, while several agricultural and industry groups waived in support. The bill was reported favorably after debate, with Senator Bracy Davis voting no and Senator Jones expressing concern about the contractor penalty.
The committee then heard SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools. The bill would reduce district-level requirements across assessments, personnel, facilities, budgeting, and early learning administration; expand teacher apprenticeship pathways; create longer instructional contracts and renewable professional certificates; simplify testing and evaluation rules; increase flexibility for Title I and discretionary capital funding; and streamline facility planning and architectural requirements. School district and education association representatives waived in support. Senators Osgood and others praised the deregulation and flexibility, while Senator Bracy Davis asked about remedies if charter schools fail to respond directly to Department of Education expenditure questions. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce administrative burden while preserving accountability. SB 320 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We chose education over indoctrination. We have chosen law and order over rioting and disorder.
- Florida is also led on the issue of education.
- We led the way in Florida by being the first state to eliminate DEI from our higher education system.
- Families deserve state universities that provide education, not indoctrination, and that education must
- We codified parental rights and education, and eliminated gender ideology from our schools.
Summary:
The Florida House and Senate met in joint session to open the 2025 legislative session, receiving the Florida Cabinet, the Florida Supreme Court, and then Governor Ron DeSantis. The session included a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a motion to appoint a committee to notify the governor that the joint session was ready to receive his message. The committee was appointed, the governor was introduced, and the joint session recessed until his arrival.
In his address, Governor DeSantis highlighted Florida’s economic performance, low unemployment, business growth, tourism, and insurance reforms, and urged further action on property insurance, the My Safe Florida Home program, and tax relief. He also called for continued immigration enforcement, praised school choice and teacher pay initiatives, defended higher education reforms, and discussed Hope Florida, hurricane recovery, environmental restoration, and infrastructure. He specifically urged lawmakers to address petition fraud and the constitutional amendment process, condominium reform, and stronger Second Amendment protections.
The governor also reviewed prior legislative accomplishments, including tax cuts, parental rights and education measures, anti-DEI actions, law enforcement bonuses, and other conservative policy changes. He thanked legislative leaders and cabinet officials, encouraged continued cooperation over the next 60-day session, and closed by urging lawmakers to build on Florida’s record of productivity. After the governor departed, the joint session voted to dissolve.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 10, February 20, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> educate, encourage homeschool families. educate, encourage homeschool families.
- Education. Education.
- And so I would hope education committee.
- </c> consultants through the education consultants through the education committee<00:39:28.240><c> each
- </c> of the education establishment of the education establishment that<00:43:22.560><c> feels</c><00
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/7/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> public awareness and educational public awareness and educational activities<00:45:38.880><c> to
- </c> have been doing outreach to educate have been doing outreach to educate communities<00:50:11.440
- This is not simply a matter of<00:53:31.839><c> education.
- It's a matter of of education.
- I'm the CEO of Save Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.
Committee:
House Health Finance and Policy
Keywords:
health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate File 18 sponsored by Education. Senate File 18 sponsored by Education.
- </c> Senate file 36 sponsored by education. Senate file 36 sponsored by education.
- </c> that goes towards their education. that goes towards their education.
- </c> chairman of education. chairman of education.
- </c> furthermore went to an education furthermore went to an education elementary<03:39:39.960><c> education
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Conference Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education/PreK-12 Jun 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to go ahead and call the first Pre-K-12 Education Appropriations Conference Committee meeting
- that Senator Burgess be named chair of the Appropriations Conference Committee on Pre-K through 12 Education
- Likewise, Senator Simon moves that Representative Persons-Mulicka be named vice chair of the Pre-K-12 Education
- ahead of us, and I feel confident that together we can help land this plane and create a good, solid education
- Can help land this plane and create a good, solid education budget for the next fiscal year.
Summary:
The first Pre-K-12 Education Appropriations Conference Committee meeting was called to order, and the committee organized by naming Senator Burgess as chair and Representative Persons-Mulicka as vice chair without objection. Both chairs gave brief opening remarks expressing optimism about working together to produce a strong education budget for Florida’s next fiscal year.
Senator Burgess then presented the Senate’s first offer on the budget, proviso, the back of the bill, and SB 2510. He explained that the offer was laid out in the far-right columns of the spreadsheets and that the Senate had tried to close out issues where possible and move closer to the House on remaining differences. He also noted that the Senate’s FEFP offer continues to align with SB 7030 while discussions on scholarship bills continue.
The committee was told that the offer documents focus on significant policy or language differences, while technical or budget-only items are grayed out for later update. After the offer was presented, there were no questions and no public testimony. The meeting then moved to a temporary adjournment on a one-hour notice.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee 2-10-26
Transcript Highlights:
- Actually had one of the first special education programs way back through a Kentucky Department of Education
- </c><00:09:15.920><c> was</c> Council on Post Secondary Education was Council on Post Secondary Education
- But we're looking at vaccination education.
- </c> we're looking at vaccination education. we're looking at vaccination education.
- Um, and articulate and educate the public around that as well.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its January 13 meeting and then moved through a large agenda of contracts and agreements, with members repeatedly voting to review items without objection. The chair noted the agenda included 227 contracts totaling about $89.5 million, all with vendors registered with the Secretary of State. Most items were approved after brief discussion and roll-call votes.
Several contracts drew questions. Kentucky State University explained two four-month contracts tied to its online academic program: one for continued implementation support and one for marketing. University officials said the program is in a transition year under a management improvement plan, that the university owns the intellectual property, and that the marketing effort is aimed at growing enrollment in targeted programs such as business and social work. They reported online enrollment had grown from 74 students to 612, with an overall university enrollment of 2,872, and said the goal is to reach about 1,000 online students by fall. The committee approved both items, though Senator Douglas said he would keep watching university spending.
The Department of Education presented a contract cancellation for administrative reviews of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. Officials said USDA changed the review requirement from every three years to every five years, making the outside contract unnecessary because internal staff can now handle the work. The committee approved the cancellation. The Transportation Cabinet also explained an increase to a professional services contract for engineering work on a section of KY 54 in Owensboro, describing it as preliminary design and commissioning work for a multi-section roadway project; the committee approved that item as well.
The Kentucky Lottery Corporation sought approval for an amendment tied to its iLottery platform. Officials said the increase reflected higher sales volume, since the contract structure causes prize and platform-related expenses to rise as sales grow. The committee approved the amendment. The Department of Public Health also discussed a perinatal psychiatry consultation program funded by a five-year federal HRSA grant; members raised concerns about what would happen if federal support changes, but no action beyond discussion was noted in the excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability Aug 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's going to be an educational journey.
- And those two together, 50% of the state's budget goes to education, but yet the outcomes of our education
- So I think it's also educating people what's out there, but it's also educating them about their financial
- So I think it's also educating people what's out there, but it's also educating them about their financial
- I mean, fascinating and very educational.
Summary:
The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine California’s housing finance system, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for practical recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Co-chairs described the committee as an educational and problem-solving forum focused on financing housing production, first-time homeownership, mixed-income developments, and affordability across the income spectrum. Witnesses from state agencies and the development sector were invited to explain how housing is financed and where the system is breaking down.
Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Tax Credit Allocation Committee/State Treasurer’s Office, CalHFA, and Related outlined the “capital stack” used to finance affordable housing, stressing that projects typically rely on multiple public and private sources, including federal and state low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental income. Speakers noted that affordable housing rents generally cannot support full project costs without public subsidy, and that recent federal changes—especially the expansion of the 4% and 9% tax credit programs and the reduction of the bond financing threshold for 4% credits—should allow California to finance substantially more units. CalHFA also described its homeownership programs, including My Home, Dream For All, and disaster-related mortgage assistance, as well as its multifamily lending and bond issuance programs.
Several witnesses and committee members emphasized that the system remains too complex, too slow, and underfunded. They pointed to the need for more state funding, a housing bond, a permanent funding source, and better coordination among agencies, while also citing recent streamlining efforts such as AB 434’s SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency reorganization. Members raised concerns about equity, access, missing-middle housing, gender and racial disparities, and whether current programs adequately serve extremely low-income households and those at risk of homelessness. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing; the discussion ended with committee members and witnesses agreeing that both funding and administrative reform are needed to increase production and improve affordability.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman Cook notes that members from Education are next door and may be moving back and forth, so there
- </c> members that are next door in education members that are next door in education they're<00:00:56.000
- </c> interpreters license for educational interpreters license for educational interpreters<00:20:47.559
- </c><00:21:21.440><c> setting</c> successfully in an educational setting successfully in an educational
- </c><00:21:28.000><c> interpreting</c> specialized in educational interpreting specialized in educational
Keywords:
Call to Order 00:00
Roll Call 00:05
HB 566 Discussion 01:34
HB 566 Vote 16:42
HB 39 Discussion 19:15
HB 39 Vote 23:10
HB 70 Discussion 24:48
HB 70 Vote 27:36
HB 72 Discussion 28:58
HB 72 Vote 39:45
HB 79 Discussion 41:45
HB 79 Vote 42:58
HB 223 Discussion 45:34
HB 223 Vote 46:24
Adjournment 47:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 566, which would implement the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation created last year. Chairman Cook described major provisions affecting charitable gaming, horse racing, sports wagering, and quarter horse racing, including locking charitable gaming fees in statute at a slightly lower rate, expanding charitable gaming board representation, preserving existing gaming technology, allowing school districts to hold charitable gaming licenses, and setting up self-funding for the new corporation through administrative set-asides from gaming-related funds. The bill also addresses uncashed vouchers, cross-training of investigators, ethics and employment provisions, and a three-year quarter horse breeding incentive intended to grow the industry. A committee substitute made two technical changes: clarifying voucher money stays with the track facility and making the school district itself the license holder. The substitute and then the bill both passed favorably, with several members noting concerns from last year but supporting the revised structure.
The committee then heard House Bill 70, an interstate compact for dietitians. Sponsor Representative Vanessa Grossl and witnesses said the measure would allow reciprocity with other compact states, improve workforce mobility, help military families, expand patient access and telehealth, and reduce administrative burden on the licensing board. The committee substitute created a third license category for educational interpreters, but that language actually belonged to the next bill; for HB 70, the committee voted the bill favorably without reported amendments. The bill passed unanimously or near-unanimously and was sent to the House floor.
Next, House Bill 72 was presented by Representative DJ Johnson to amend the law governing limited x-ray machine operators. The sponsor explained that current law effectively prevents limited x-ray operators from working in the same facility as other imaging equipment, which he said creates compliance problems, disrupts training, and can force practices to move equipment or lose employees. The bill would allow limited x-ray technicians to operate in the same facility as other imaging equipment. During discussion, some members noted opposition from students and others in the field, and the sponsor invited industry witnesses to explain their concerns. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 72 is completed.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
Opening Day Floor Session 01-15-2025 10:00am
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Education is going to be the key if we are going to create a better path for each of our children.
- is going to be the key if we education is going to be the key if we are<00:37:02.000><c> going</c><00
- </c><00:37:45.319><c> and</c> passionate advocate for education and passionate advocate for education
- if you better Department of Education if you better understand<00:50:28.079><c> your</c><00:50:28.359
- In September, Ken's headline read, 'Hawaiʻi has allowed education to plummet to new lows.'
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- education and libraries, natural parks or natural resources.
- That would be under education in public schools.
- And you may say, well, libraries are education?
- So we're constantly looking at certainly ways to improve our education.
- We've eliminated education, but we still have cities and counties.
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Summary:
The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, the proposed constitutional amendment on property tax relief, which would reduce assessment growth on non-homestead property, expand homestead exemptions, create a new exemption for new homesteaders, and direct counties, cities, and school districts to use property tax revenues for specified core services. Senator Avila presented the measure as the governor’s plan to provide historic relief and argued that local governments should tighten budgets and prioritize core functions. Senators raised concerns about the lack of fiscal scoring, the breadth and ambiguity of the permitted uses, the effect on special districts and local services, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. The committee adopted several amendments, including Avila’s amendment clarifying that ad valorem revenues could be used for county and municipal operations and administration and other expenditures not prohibited by law, and Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal. Other amendments failed, including proposals to allow user fees and non-ad valorem assessments, add a sunset, redirect tourism development taxes, narrow the small-business provision, and change the ballot title to reference local service reductions. Grall’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund requirement was adopted, while the committee also rejected Berman’s title-change amendment and Smith’s sunset and tourism-tax amendments. The committee then returned to the bill as amended for questions, including extended debate over whether the proposal would affect noncitizen residents, the impact on local government finances, and whether local governments would respond with higher fees or special assessments. The meeting ended with the bill still under discussion after the final round of questions, with Avila saying he would continue working with the governor’s office on the language before the next vote.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- People should be educated about this. This is something similar to FAST or BE FAST.
- It extends the interstate compact and educational opportunities for military children.
- We need educational centers, so it permits that.
- And yes, we do need visitor centers and education centers and things of that sort.
- Let's take up Tab 18, CS for SB 742 on workforce education by Senator Simon.
Summary:
The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved.
The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It will provide education and training for mental health professionals.
- </c><01:10:46.040><c> and</c> veterans in need public education and veterans in need public education
- </c><03:00:24.800><c> component</c> uh implemented an educational component uh implemented an educational
- </c><03:41:10.000><c> and</c> hard to remove and based education and hard to remove and based education
- </c><03:52:51.399><c> the</c> their part as well right educating the their part as well right educating
Committee:
House Finance
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy Jul 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2011, we became the actuary for the GET program and also the higher education supplemental retirement
- In 2011, we became the actuary for the GET program and also the higher education supplemental retirement
- And then, just other educational topics, I'll touch on this quick.
- And then education statute also provides some benefits for duty-related deaths.
- Any really complicated issue, I think we got a good education.
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities May 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is always a question that comes up around who can be an apprentice, what age, or what education
- And I just have to mention because we just have invested in early education and care.
- So I think there's been a little bit more on my part of trying to Education sector work.
- It's being dictated by early education and care, and Division of Apprenticeship Standards is working
- We're seeing a lot of that in the early education field where we will go right to our youth providers
Summary:
The Workforce Support Subcommittee held a discussion focused on using registered apprenticeships to address workforce shortages, especially in disability services, human services, healthcare, and other high-need fields. Subcommittee members and presenters emphasized that apprenticeships can help employers build pipelines, improve retention, and create career ladders by combining paid on-the-job training with related technical instruction and credentialing. The group also noted that apprenticeships can be adapted for nontraditional occupations and for people with disabilities, including neurodiverse learners, with examples such as Bridgewater State’s Excel program and a developing medical interpreter apprenticeship.
Amara Ramon of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards explained the state apprenticeship process, including employer and intermediary roles, program registration, apprentice tracking, quality assurance, and available grants. Melissa Chabelli described how her workforce board serves as an intermediary, working with employers to design programs, recruit apprentices, manage compliance, and support training. She highlighted employer benefits such as tax credits, retention, and the ability to update outdated training models. Lisa Morris described UMass Chan’s effort to build a medical interpreter apprenticeship, using a pre-apprenticeship, employer interviews, and a structured sequence of classroom hours and certification exams.
Members and audience participants asked about recruitment, intermediary capacity, wage progression, and how programs can serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Presenters said apprentices can come from youth programs, career centers, incumbent workers, community colleges, ESL centers, and job fairs, and that accommodations and modified curricula can be built into programs. No votes were taken; the meeting concluded with encouragement for interested organizations to contact the Division of Apprenticeship Standards or local intermediaries and to review the shared materials and recording.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs May 5th, 2026
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So, comprehensive ACO education, standardized support for the modern ACO.
- So what problems can we address programmatically with education or whatnot?
- So what problems can we address programmatically with education or whatnot.
- And that can be used responsibly to educate.
- And that can be used responsibly to educate.
Summary:
The joint Audit Committee meeting focused on implementation of Ali’s Law, including MDAR’s progress on kennel regulations and municipal reporting. MDOT/MDAR officials said the department formed the required advisory committee, held trainings for animal control officers and municipal clerks, created a public information webpage, and completed draft regulations that are now under secretarial review. They reported that 269 of 351 municipalities had filed kennel counts, leaving 82 out of compliance, and said the reported statewide total was 1,408 licensed kennels, with an estimated 1,800 to 1,850 statewide.
Committee members pressed the department on the pace of rulemaking, the lack of a clear enforcement mechanism for municipalities that fail to report, and the need for stronger accountability. The chair said he wanted to avoid a formal investigation if answers could be obtained, but urged MDAR to move quickly and to consider stronger public reporting and possible sanctions. He also asked about injury reporting and suggested that injury data should be sent to the state and tracked in a way that provides context, such as the number of animals in a facility.
Representatives from animal welfare organizations and the advisory committee supported the law’s goals but emphasized that rollout should be fair to compliant businesses and that municipalities and ACOs need better training, resources, and standardized guidance. They backed a filed bill, House Bill 4849, which would give MDAR authority to fine municipalities that do not comply and would add more detailed reporting, including last inspection dates and injury reports. They also raised concerns about third-party advertising platforms that may list unlicensed kennels and argued that public education, consumer transparency, and stronger oversight are needed to prevent bad actors from operating.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- President, your Committee on Education, having under consideration HB 2249 relating to parents' bill
- President, the Committee on Education, having under consideration H.B. 2249 relating to parents' bill
- Seeing none, members, the question before you is the adoption of the Education Committee amendment as
- President, the Committee on Education, having under consideration HB 2895 relating to Native American
- Seeing none, members, the question before you is the adoption of the Education Committee amendment to
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a series of guest introductions recognizing Maricopa County Community Colleges Day at the Capitol, the Doctor of the Day, Glendale Community College leadership, and other visitors. The chamber also received a gubernatorial communication withdrawing Holly Prangman’s nomination to the State Board of Psychologist Examiners.
The body then considered multiple bills in Committee of the Whole. Measures advanced included HB 2342 on planned communities/HOA-related provisions, HB 2456 on small modular reactors and energy siting, HB 2457 on power plant and transmission line siting, HB 2752 on Commerce Authority trade offices, and HB 2923 on mental health court-ordered treatment, with several floor amendments adopted. Additional bills were also advanced from later calendars, including HB 2249 on parents’ bill of rights remedies, HB 2482 on school facilities and building renewal grants, HB 2895 on Native American language instruction certification, HB 2661 and HB 2662 on family law/parenting issues, HB 2793 on annexation procedures, HB 2805 on electronic signatures and nomination petitions, HB 467 on voter registration status, HCM 2005 on foreign government property ownership, HCM 2006 on Endangered Species Act reform, HB 2641 on PFAS firefighting foam prohibition, HB 2673 on incarcerated persons and mental illness treatment, HB 2745 on legislative subpoena/contempt, HB 2763 on shooting range closure conditions, and HCM 2011 on Mexican wolf delisting.
The Senate then took up third-reading votes on several measures. HB 2035 on child welfare and placement passed 17-10, with senators citing concerns about kinship care definitions and LGBTQ exclusions. HB 2109, HB 2189, HB 2244, HB 2440, HB 2594, and HB 2932 all passed by varying margins, and HCM 2007 on renaming State Route 69 also passed. HCR 2059, supporting county sheriffs, passed after debate over the “supreme constitutional authority” language, with some senators objecting to what they described as a conspiratorial framing and others defending sheriffs’ constitutional role. SB 1503 on first responders’ state death benefits passed with the required emergency and supermajority votes, and HB 2342 and HB 2456 later passed on third reading. The Senate also agreed to a free conference committee on HB 2000 and adjourned until April 16, 2026, after announcing several conference committee meetings.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- She is an educator and truly a historic woman here in the city of Annapolis.
- Colleagues, please give her a warm Senate welcome. continued commitment to civic education continued
- She is an educator Blackshear herself.
- </c><00:12:29.960><c> And</c> left, and I'm done my education."
- And left, and I'm done my education."
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate version does not include a small exemption for chatbots used specifically for educational
- So we think an exception for these types of very narrow education-based tools makes sense.
- You could also put language near Section 2, be a new Section 3, for narrowly tailored educational tools
- So we think an exception for these types of very narrow education-based tools makes sense.
- And as I mentioned, there are some educational provisions that are in the House bill as well that are
Summary:
The committee first heard Engrossed Senate Substitute Senate Bill 5984, which would regulate AI companion chatbots. Staff explained that the bill requires disclosures that the chatbot is AI and not human, adds stronger protections when the user is a minor or the chatbot is directed to minors, bars manipulative engagement techniques, requires periodic reminders, and creates protocols for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation or self-harm. Several speakers, including researchers, students, the PTA, the governor’s office, and the Attorney General’s Office, supported the bill and described harms from chatbot sycophancy, emotional dependence, and self-harm risks. Some testifiers urged expanding protections to all users rather than only minors, adding language on harm to others, and clarifying that chatbots should not present themselves as sentient or human; industry representatives said the bill was workable and noted support for removing the exemption for underlying general-purpose AI models, while also discussing concerns about the private right of action and age-verification/data-collection issues. The chair noted that an amendment for narrow educational tools would be worked on.
The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 6046, which would create a state Civil Air Patrol under the Washington Military Department. Staff said the bill would allow the governor to activate the state Civil Air Patrol for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions, while preserving the federal Civil Air Patrol’s existing structure. Military Department and Civil Air Patrol leaders testified in support, saying the bill would streamline coordination, improve emergency response, and expand training opportunities without changing federal authorities or adding costs; one witness said the model was based on Kansas law. Members asked about the fiscal note, which was described as indeterminate by one agency despite testimony that the bill would not create new state costs, and about whether the bill would face concerns in Appropriations. The Veterans Legislative Coalition also supported passage, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So the bill provides rulemaking authority to the Board of Education, as with any education policy.
- And then I had to physically sign a piece of paper, and I had to do that twice a year. the education
- organization for the Department of Education.
- Foundation, which is our direct service organization 1179 for the Department of Education at this fund
- Either the 1180 for the Department of Education at this fund.
Summary:
The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, beginning with HB 423 on school elopement plans for students with autism or other elopement risks. The sponsors described the bill as a statewide framework for school elopement response plans, immediate parent notification, campus search procedures, and staff training. Public testimony from parents, disability advocates, and a teacher emphasized the dangers of elopement and the need for standardized procedures; members from both parties spoke strongly in support. The bill was reported favorably by a 15-0 vote.
The committee next considered HB 1253, which allows coaches to use limited personal funds, up to $15,000 per athletic team per year, to support student-athletes with food, transportation, and physical rehabilitation services. An amendment added guardrails, including that the coach be a school employee, clarified the scope of athletic associations covered, and refined the rehabilitation language. Members discussed the bill as a way to help students in need while avoiding recruiting concerns, and the bill passed favorably 14-0 after the amendment was adopted.
HB 1091 addressed dental screenings for K-12 students in districts that voluntarily offer them. The bill requires advance written notice to parents and an opt-out process, and clarifies that screenings are informational only, with any findings sent to parents rather than compelling treatment. An amendment added the language to student welfare provisions as well as school health services. Public testimony from dental and health advocates supported the measure, and the bill was reported favorably 14-0.
Finally, the committee heard HB 765 on child care and early learning services. The bill expands before- and after-care options for certain school-based preschool programs without requiring a child care facility license, removes a flu brochure inspection requirement, bars insurance cancellation based on providing child care, creates a professional recognition program, and establishes a child care tuition fund. Two amendments broadened the bill to public and nonpublic elementary schools and created the Brighter Futures fund concept. After debate, the bill passed favorably 13-1, and the meeting adjourned.