Transcript Highlights:

• the University of Florida's lasting or center with creating a program to help Florida school districts
• The other bucket of the work of the lasting or center, which is part of the College of Education at the
• University of Florida are the state initiatives and the new world's reading program.
• And this peer procurement process was actually the largest procurement that the University of Florida
• A lot of questions for the last year center and University of Florida.

Transcript Highlights:

• some of that?
• of that.
• Within that universe of who is an ABOD, able-bodied adult without dependent, that seems to make them
• Now, within that universe of who is an ABOD, able-bodied adult without dependent.
• Now, within that universe of who is an ABOD, able-bodied adult without dependent, we then look at who's

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The subcommittee first recognized the Arkansas Community Colleges Leadership Institute and received a brief DHS update on the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver reimbursement process, including that the new cost-reporting period began in January and provider/contractor calls are underway. The main presentation then focused on SNAP and TANF, with DHS describing federal changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill that tighten SNAP work requirements for adults ages 18 to 64 without certain exemptions, remove some prior exemptions, and add new federal definitions for Native American populations. DHS also reviewed SNAP Employment and Training providers, their service areas, projected budgets, participant characteristics, and outcomes, noting that the program is currently voluntary but will shift toward mandatory participation for those subject to the new rules. Members asked detailed questions about how mandatory participation will be implemented, how referrals will be made, what other training options exist, how verification of work, volunteering, disability, and exemptions will be handled, and whether DHS has enough funding and provider capacity. DHS said it will conduct verbal and written notices during eligibility interviews, make direct referrals to providers, use six-month recertifications and documentation from employers or volunteer organizations, and apply sanctions for noncompliance after determining whether a good cause exists. Members also requested additional data, including age breakdowns of at-risk SNAP recipients, provider-level outcomes and costs, and information on other training programs such as WIOA. The committee then moved to Medicaid community engagement requirements for ARHOME, which DHS said are also required by the same federal law and must be implemented by January 1, 2027. DHS said it is preparing policy, system changes, communications, and a customer-service/outbound verification vendor, and plans a soft launch beginning in July to help clients understand what would be required if the rule were already in effect. Members raised concerns about timing, local versus central decision-making, and how clients in rural areas will be notified and assisted. The meeting concluded with broader discussion of the committee’s workforce-development goals, the recently released Alliance for Opportunity audit, and interest in continuing the contract with that group to help guide future reforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, members, let's start the top of the agenda with HCR 96 / HR 22, encouraging the University
• </c><00:11:56.079><c> the</c><00:11:56.399><c> University</c><00:11:57.279><c> of</c> HCR96 HR22 encouraging
• the University of HCR96 HR22 encouraging the University of Hawaii<00:11:58.000><c> to</c><00:11:58.640
• of Hawaii Systems.
• in support of HR 182.

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health met on April 2, 2025, and heard several resolutions focused on student mental health, autism data collection, school heat exposure, and climate change as a public health issue. Testimony on HCR 96/HR 92 supported encouraging the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand student mental health services; the University of Hawaii testified in support, and a student speaker said expanded services would make students more likely to seek help. The committee also heard HCR 145/HR 139, which urges state agencies to collaborate on planning for Hawaii’s participation in CDC autism prevalence surveillance; supporters included the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and an autism advocate who said Hawaii needs better local representation in the data. The committee then heard HCR 186/HR 179, requesting a study of heat exposure management in Department of Education and charter schools. The Department of Health and the climate change and health working group supported the measure, citing rising temperatures, heat-related illness risks during outdoor activities, and the value of wet bulb globe temperature standards. Finally, the committee heard HCR 188/HR 182, declaring climate change a public health emergency and calling for statewide coordination on cross-sector solutions. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the climate change and health working group, and a Native Hawaiian physician emphasized climate-related health harms such as heat illness, wildfire impacts, chronic disease, and inequities; one member opposed the measure as politicized and said it could dilute attention from other urgent problems. In decision-making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HCR 96/HR 92, HCR 145/HR 139, and HCR 186/HR 179 as is. For HCR 188/HR 182, the committee recommended passage with amendments, specifically a House draft one for technical clarity, consistency, and style. During the vote on the climate emergency resolution, Representatives Elos and Garcia voted no, while the rest of the members present supported the recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ourselves, but of our minds and of our time.
• She is a junior at the University of Oklahoma. Boomer. I'll try that again, Boomer. Yes.
• She is a junior at the University of Oklahoma. Boomer. I'll try that again, Boomer. Yes.
• of the Bill of Rights drafted by our founding fathers.
• of Oklahoma.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized a doctor of the day, interns, and student groups in the galleries. The main item of business was House amendments to Senate Bill 743, a measure described by the author as a worship protection bill updating an old Oklahoma law. The bill was presented as protecting religious worship services from disruption and obstruction, especially in light of incidents the author said occurred in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Creek County, Oklahoma. Much of the floor discussion focused on whether the bill would affect protest and speech rights on public property, with the author repeatedly saying it would not restrict speech generally, but would create an eight-foot buffer around unwilling listeners and a 100-foot zone near entrances to prevent obstruction of people entering worship services. Several senators questioned the bill’s constitutional basis and practical effect, especially its reliance on Hill v. Colorado and whether the U.S. Supreme Court might overturn that precedent. Opponents argued the measure could chill peaceful protest, sidewalk counseling, and other First Amendment activity near churches or other religious gatherings, while supporters said it was narrowly aimed at preventing trespass, harassment, and disruption of worship. The author emphasized that the bill was intended to protect congregants, including elderly worshippers, and to preserve access to services without interference. Debate also touched on the distinction between public and private property and whether the bill could apply to religious gatherings at the Capitol or other public places. After questions concluded, the Senate adopted the House amendments to Senate Bill 743 and then passed the bill on final passage by a vote of 31-15. The emergency clause also passed, 36-9. The chamber then moved to announcements, including a notice that the Energy Committee would meet the next morning, and adjourned until Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Matthew: I want to remind the committee of a text from Jewish tradition that reads 'every life is a universe
• It was not because of the tribe of Judah but because from the land of Judea and Samaria.
• At the University of South Florida, Connor Lynch, 19, was killed.
• At the University of Florida, Nyla Hollan, 20, lost her life.
• At the University of Miami, Daniel Bishop, 22, was also lost. These are just a few of the names.

Transcript Highlights:

• rate of 18%.
• I am a student at the University of Miami.
• I am a student at the University of Miami.
• I just want to thank all of the co-sponsors of this bill.
• They have one set of clothing, which means one pair of pants, one shirt, and one pair of underwear.

Bills: S0436 , S0532 , S0600 , S0644 , S0682 , S0928 , S1072 , S1332 , S1632 , S1634

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Keywords: foreclosure, court clerks, budget management, judicial sales, Florida statutes, bail bonds, pretrial release, forfeiture, criminal justice, bond conditions, surety, attorney fees, litigation costs, court jurisdiction, equitable awards, financial resources, domestic violence, protective injunctions, electronic monitoring, enhanced penalties

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to consider several criminal justice and court-related bills, along with the committee’s proposed $7.9 billion budget. The committee first heard and approved CS/SB 600 on bail bonds, as amended to adjust solicitation, cash bond return, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures; CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses and was amended to correct a drafting issue; CS/SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction for dangerous crimes; SB 1332 on career offender registration, adding in-person reporting, more detailed registration requirements, and stronger penalties for noncompliance; and CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, a domestic violence measure adopted via a substitute amendment that adds stricter penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures. All of those bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for statewide review, and opponents raising concerns about free speech, the definition of anti-Semitism, and possible conflation of criticism of Israel with hate speech. Senators also discussed the bill’s scope and the IHRA definition before it was reported favorably. In addition, CS/SB 532 on clerks of court was amended to clarify foreclosure sale procedures and funding predictability for clerks, then reported favorably. CS/SB 644 on attorney’s fees, suit money, and costs was also approved after amendments that aligned family-law fee provisions and codified standards for fee awards in dissolution and paternity cases; the sponsor said the bill was intended to curb vexatious litigation and improve consistency across districts. After the bill actions, the chair summarized the criminal and civil justice budget, describing it as a disciplined proposal that addresses corrections deficits and future inmate growth while funding core public safety needs. The committee then heard substantial public testimony on prison conditions, staffing, pay, heat, infrastructure, and the possibility of reducing prison populations or adding air conditioning in facilities. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill SB 1634 would be temporarily postponed to the following week, and the record was supplemented with the names of many people who had registered to speak for or against those bills. The meeting concluded after members were invited to record votes and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee, Paul Jewell, on behalf of the members of the Washington State Association of
• The restructuring of the LEOFF 1 plan and the transfer of billions of dollars of pension surplus is very
• The University of Washington Medicine estimates indeterminate costs greater than $50,000 a year.
• Central Washington University hosts students from all walks of life, whether they are citizens, first-generation
• in our state in hopes of being able to obtain their citizenship and become. other universities in our

Summary: The committee took up executive action on the capital budget, Proposed Substitute Senate Bill 6003, and several policy bills. Staff described amendments to the capital budget that shifted funding among behavioral health, local/community projects, irrigation projects, and juvenile rehabilitation capacity, plus a technical fix to the water pollution control revolving program. The committee adopted Senator Dozier’s budget-neutral amendment and a technical amendment, then advanced the amended capital budget to the Rules Committee. It also moved House Bills 2441, 2124, 2471, 2133, 2610, and 2338 forward with due-pass recommendations, and advanced Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 on Climate Commitment Act accounts to the Transportation Committee after adopting two amendments and withdrawing three others. A major public hearing focused on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, which would terminate and restate LEOFF Plan 1 in 2029, transfer surplus assets, and direct portions to the Climate Commitment Account and the pension funding stabilization account. Staff said the plan is currently about 160% funded and explained the bill’s IRS-review process, statute of limitations, and estimated implementation costs. Testimony was sharply divided: some retirees, firefighters, counties, and cities opposed the bill as an improper use of pension assets and urged benefit enhancements or protection of local medical obligations, while others supported using the surplus for broader public purposes. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2179 on PERS coverage for certain port workers, with ports and the Washington Public Ports Association supporting clarification for railroad employees covered by the federal railroad retirement system. House Bill 1069, allowing Department of Corrections employees to bargain over supplemental retirement benefits, drew support from Teamsters and corrections workers, while House Bill 2091, expanding employee-information sharing with bargaining representatives, drew union support and privacy objections from Washington Policy Center. Finally, Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1210 on targeted urban area tax preferences drew support from labor, local governments, and project proponents, and opposition from contractor groups and environmental advocates over project labor agreement requirements and nuclear-related concerns; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 on community preservation and development authorities and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1974 on land bank authorities for affordable housing were also heard, with both receiving supportive testimony from community and housing advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt; of any other member of this legislation &gt;&gt; of any other member of this legislation &gt;&gt
• </c><00:13:35.360><c> of</c> exemptions for the University of exemptions for the University of Mississippi
• ><c> and</c> the doctrine of separation of powers and the doctrine of separation of powers and is<00:
• </c> host of family and friends, and then of host of family and friends, and then of course<00:23:10.760
• </c><00:33:20.160><c> first</c> some of the faces of our first some of the faces of our first responders

Keywords: MS House Floor - 6 January, 2026; 12:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a charter middle school in my city of Marco Island that I was part of the board of, and because
• You should be proud of yourselves, both of you. So well spoken.
• It reminded us of our real kids. They can do these kinds of things.
• >> My answer is yes. >> University of Florida. >> Chair: I'm sorry, what?
• I THINK IT WAS CALLED DISABILITIES&nbsp; AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA WHO&nbsp;&nbsp; 605 has done some

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two PCS bills. PCS for HB 1059, by Rep. Booth, would designate the first week of November as Florida Speech and Debate Week to recognize speech and debate programs and the educators, coaches, judges, and school districts that support them. Supporters, including students and advocates, testified that speech and debate builds critical thinking, civics knowledge, confidence, and respectful civil discourse, and several members praised the students’ testimony and the program’s value. The bill was reported favorably by a 14-0 vote. The committee then heard PCS for HB 851, by Rep. Long, which requires each school district’s professional learning system to include at least one annual autism-specific training opportunity for teachers and school-based administrators, developed with the Center for Autism and grounded in evidence-based practices. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give educators practical tools to support students with autism, while members asked questions about scope, virtual training, charter schools, and the relationship to existing law. Public testimony and member debate largely supported the bill, with speakers emphasizing the need for better educator preparation and inclusion for students with autism. The bill also passed unanimously, 14-0, and was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, members and the chair offered brief closing remarks thanking colleagues and staff and reflecting on the committee’s work, with the chair noting it may have been the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an emeritus professor of equine surgery at the University... I'm retired.
• I'm an emeritus professor of equine surgery at the University of Missouri.
• I'm an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Missouri in Columbia, and yes, I'm here
• On behalf of Freeman Hospital, American College of OBGYNs, Washington University, and the Missouri Ambulatory
• I am here on behalf of University Health, Kansas City.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona, with a Bachelor of Science in
• She then went on to receive her MD/MPH at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and subsequently
• completed her family medicine residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson Family
• She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona with the Bachelor of Science in
• She then went on to receive her MD MPH at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and subsequently

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, journal approval, guest introductions, and recognition of doctors and other visitors. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills on topics including public schools and curricula, transportation, health care, child welfare, municipal and county governance, homeowners’ associations, speech, and election-related matters. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others were advanced with committee or floor amendments. Among the more notable debates, senators discussed SB 1094, which would impose civil liability related to gender reassignment surgery on minors; supporters said it would compensate minors harmed by such procedures, while opponents argued it would discriminate against transgender youth, raise malpractice costs, and chill access to care. SB 1813, concerning the state hospital governing board and Maricopa County bed limits, drew concern about litigation and the need to expand capacity for people with serious mental illness, while supporters said the bill would remove a legal cap and allow more beds to be used. SB 1496 on Department of Child Safety procedures was amended to clarify representative payee requirements and received generally favorable comments, though some members raised concerns about child safety and DCS discretion. The Senate also advanced SCR 1004, a photo radar ballot referral, after an amendment requiring voter approval in jurisdictions that use photo radar; Senator Leach thanked the sponsor for the change. Other bills moved forward included measures on school firearm safety instruction, civics instruction, chiropractic claims, behavioral health prior authorization, psychiatric evaluations, DCS procedures, AHCCCS procurement contracting, county recorder and HOA-related issues, and legislative qualifications. The chamber adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills after each calendar was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• First up is Luis Saliva, VP of budget and finance for the University of Hawaii.
• </c><00:08:09.199><c> of</c> budget and finance for the University of budget and finance for the University
• Rajie Tolantino on behalf of the Office of Consumer Protection.
• ><c> the</c><00:14:07.360><c> legislature</c><00:14:07.920><c> of</c> goal uh of uh the legislature of
• We're going to adopt the University of Hawaii's amendment with language to include only when there is

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several measures. SB 2198 would direct DLIR to study a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award program and report back to the Legislature; DLIR supported it so long as it did not affect its supplemental budget request. SB 2140 would authorize counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations; DLIR and labor representatives supported it as an added accountability tool, while the committee discussed whether state law alone was sufficient and whether counties would still need to pass their own ordinances. SB 3055 would prohibit falsely impersonating a union representative; union and labor groups strongly supported it, and UPW said it was open to amendments to address concerns raised by OPA. SB 3090, SB 3091, and SB 3092 were emergency appropriation bills for public employment cost items tied to collective bargaining and temporary hazard pay or salary adjustments for various bargaining units; agencies and unions generally supported moving them forward, and B&F said the amounts were still being finalized because negotiations were ongoing. The committee also heard SB 2761, which would bar social media platforms from allowing users under 16 to create or maintain accounts if the platform knows the user is under 16. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments, while CCIA and Meta opposed the bill, raising constitutional and First Amendment concerns and arguing that blanket bans could push teens to less regulated spaces online. Meta also said the bill’s carveouts were too narrow and would leave major platforms outside the scope of the restriction. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 2198 with amendments, SB 2140 as is, SB 3055 with amendments adding a specific intent-to-deceive standard, SB 3090 with amendments, SB 3091 with amendments, SB 3092 with amendments, and SB 2761 with amendments adopting DCCA’s changes and noting potential First Amendment issues in the committee report. For the appropriation bills, the committee changed the effective date to January 1, 2077 as a placeholder. All recommendations were adopted, with reservations noted on SB 2761 from Senators Moriwaki, Fevella, and Ihara.

Transcript Highlights:

• per year for the Made in Minnesota and then this $400,000 to the University of St.
• The first one is extending the fiscal year 24 appropriation to the University of St.
• </c><00:09:42.959><c> Thomas</c><00:09:43.279><c> micro</c> to the University of St.
• Thomas micro to the University of St.
• A lot of hard work by a lot of members of the Senate who thought we had real good policy in there.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of ordinary days.
• </c> order of business, which is reports of order of business, which is reports of committees. committees
• </c> industry best practice universal. industry best practice universal.
• President, members, the city of Buffalo has been dealing with the issue of amending the size of their
• c><00:24:51.840><c> 15%</c><00:24:52.680><c> of</c> a commission requires approval of 15% of a commission

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of war off the street.
• of war off the street.
• of war off the street.
• I mean, what prompted sort of this throwing up of the hands?
• </c> throwing up of the hands? throwing up of the hands?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• color="aaaaaa">of type of metal and they're </font> <font color="aaaaaa">painted with that type of pain
• of draft.
• </font> <font color="aaaaaa">That's extract that intellect </font> <font color="aaaaaa">out of our university
• ="aaaaaa">out of our university system </font> <font color="aaaaaa">in creating a partnership, but </
• ">expansion of of rule County </font> <font color="aaaaaa">roads, both of those programs </font> <font

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine.
• I'm standing here, Kīmarin of the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine.
• Human Services, as well as the Department of Education, the University of Hawaiʻi, and the Department
• For the University of Hawaii, Governor's message, u100, sequence 2181: $75,000 for Patas San Council,
• </c><01:35:56.199><c> of</c><01:35:56.360><c> Hawaii</c> not concur for the University of Hawaii not

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please rise for the prayer by President Rajan Zed, Universal Society of Hinduism in Reno, and remain
• of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Nevada, Reno, for planning, upgrades, and construction for
• of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Nevada, Reno, for planning, upgrades, and construction for
• Amendment 875 to Senate Bill 427 revises the purpose of the amounts appropriated to the University of
• Order of Business Four, reports of committees. Order of business four: reports of committees. Mr.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chris Curran, a professor in the College of Education at the University of Florida and director of their
• I am a professor of educational leadership and policy at the University of Florida, and also serve as
• As a University of Florida professor, are you here today to try to create favor with the chairman of
• A lot of times those case managers are brand new, right out of the colleges and universities, as social
• Kind of ashamed of it.

Summary: The committee on Pre-K through 12 Education met to discuss chronic absenteeism, district attendance interventions, and related truancy procedures. Chair Simon reviewed Florida’s attendance laws and escalation process, including school-based interventions, child study team meetings, referrals to the Department of Juvenile Justice, truancy petitions, and possible sanctions for parents and driving privileges. The committee heard first from University of Florida professor Dr. Chris Curran, who presented state and national absenteeism data showing chronic absenteeism has risen sharply since the pandemic, with Florida at about 31.4% in 2023-24. He emphasized that absenteeism has multiple causes, including transportation, mental health, housing instability, safety concerns, and family barriers, and said effective responses include early warning systems, multi-tiered supports, mentoring, and community partnerships rather than relying only on punitive measures. Members questioned Dr. Curran about whether absenteeism is a behavior or barrier issue, whether exclusionary discipline is counted, the need for a uniform definition across districts, and whether more punitive truancy enforcement is effective. He said the issue is usually a mix of barriers and choices, that excused and unexcused absences both matter for chronic absenteeism data, and that root-cause analysis and supportive interventions are generally more productive than punishment alone, though consequences can still play a role. The committee then heard from Collier County Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli and district staff, who described a highly structured attendance system built around attendance specialists, social workers, mental health staff, home visits, attendance contracts, multilingual outreach, and frequent parent notifications. They said Collier’s chronic absenteeism rate was about 9% in 2023-24 and credited their success to early contact, community partnerships, and a strong district culture around attendance. Volusia County Schools Executive Director Mike McAuliffe described a newer districtwide attendance initiative that uses automated letters, same-day notifications, data dashboards, MTSS tiers, incentives, and community supports such as bikes, washers and dryers, and faith-based partnerships. He reported Volusia reduced chronic absenteeism from 34% in 2023-24 to a projected 29% and said the district is now seeing about 20% in the first quarter of the current year. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chris Curran, a professor in the College of Education at the University of Florida and director of their
• I am a professor of educational leadership and policy at the University of Florida, and also serve as
• As a University of Florida professor, are you here today to try to create favor with the chairman of
• A lot of times those case managers are brand new, right out of the colleges and universities, as social
• Kind of ashamed of it.

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The committee met to discuss student attendance and chronic absenteeism in Florida K-12 schools, with Chair Simon outlining the state’s attendance requirements and intervention process, including school contact after unexcused absences, child study team review, district superintendent referral, DJJ family services referral, truancy petitions, and possible parental prosecution and driver’s license consequences. Dr. Chris Curran of the University of Florida presented statewide data showing chronic absenteeism has risen sharply since the pandemic, with Florida at about 31.4% in 2023–24, and noted that absenteeism varies by district, school level, demographics, and urbanicity. He emphasized that causes are multifaceted—ranging from transportation, mental health, housing instability, safety concerns, and family circumstances—and said effective responses include early warning systems, text or phone outreach, multi-tiered interventions, mentoring programs like Check & Connect, and community partnerships. He also cautioned that punitive responses alone are often less effective than addressing root causes and keeping students engaged academically even when they miss school. Collier County Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli described her district’s attendance efforts as a priority supported by attendance specialists, social workers, mental health staff, home visits, attendance contracts, and extensive parent communication. She said Collier’s chronic absenteeism rate was about 9% in 2023–24 and attributed success to consistent monitoring, family outreach, and community support, while stressing that students must be physically present to learn. She also argued that many absences are tied to barriers such as clothing, transportation, childcare, or family mental health, and that districts need resources to address those issues. Dr. Rachel Dawes added that Collier uses multilingual brochures, attendance awareness campaigns, vacation-planning guidance, door tags, automated calls and letters, and a truancy flow chart, with truancy court used as a last resort. Volusia County Executive Director Mike McAuliffe described a districtwide overhaul that included an attendance matters campaign, automated notices sent early and often, same-day and period-by-period notifications, a data dashboard, and tiered supports through MTSS. He said Volusia reduced chronic absenteeism from 34% in 2023–24 to a projected 29% and reported a first-quarter rate of about 20% in the current year. He highlighted community partnerships, including AdventHealth support for washers and dryers, bikes for students with transportation barriers, and monetary recognition for schools that reduce absenteeism. In response to questions, both district leaders emphasized that funding, staffing, and consistent follow-through are essential, and that attendance work is most effective when paired with family engagement, data monitoring, and practical supports rather than punishment alone.