Transcript Highlights:

• What we want to do is switch back and forth by meeting dates instead of going back and forth inside of
• Uh, House Bill 2 proposes lowering that back to 12.5%.
• What should New Mexico pay for if something goes away?
• Time period before the feds pay us back, what is that? Could you tell me that?
• You'll see that Back in FY14, um, we had about 616,000.

Transcript Highlights:

• to purchase and sustain uh paying to purchase and sustain uh paying premiums<00:01:55.960> on
• You're paying the sales tax on the front end, and when you sell it, you're paying the capital gains tax
• end and when you sell it you're paying end and when you sell it you're paying the<00:38:37.599><
• In this case, we're asking to just pay the sales tax. A lot of our companies pay it anyways.
• <00:59:16.799> sales here do landscape companies pay sales here do landscape companies pay

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the same sales tax that the rest of us pay on their purchases of servers. not pay the same sales tax
• And so I'm going to scroll back here for a moment.
• You brought up the correctional officer pay.
• Henderson, go back to 15 for a second.
• I've gone back to slide 12. I'm coming back to the...

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee met to review the governor’s fiscal 2027 budget presentation, with the chair repeatedly asking members to keep questions brief and avoid speeches. The discussion focused first on the overall revenue and spending outlook, including concerns from members that the executive forecast was more optimistic than the JLBC baseline and that the budget appeared to front-load revenue and expenditure growth. The governor’s budget team said the forecast was close to JLBC’s, that the budget was structurally balanced, and that differences were roughly $100 million per year on ongoing revenue. Members asked for follow-up calculations in writing, including the total multi-year gap and the amount of revenue enhancements above base revenues. A major portion of the meeting centered on tax and fee proposals tied to data centers, water use, and sports betting. The governor’s team defended eliminating the existing data center tax incentive as the removal of a loophole rather than a new tax, arguing the incentive had already succeeded in attracting major investment. They also described a proposed Department of Water Resources fee-setting authority for data centers to support a new Colorado River Protection Fund, and said the proposal would apply to existing and future facilities without a grandfather clause. Members raised concerns about fairness, competitiveness, and whether the changes would require a supermajority vote. The team also discussed increased sports betting fees, saying the revenue forecast did not include dynamic behavioral effects. The committee then moved through major spending areas, including corrections, public safety, border security, cybersecurity, K-12 education, Medicaid, and developmental disabilities. The governor’s budget includes ongoing funding to prevent correctional officer pay cuts, money to comply with prison health care court orders, probation funding, body-worn cameras, law enforcement staffing, fentanyl task forces, and cyber readiness grants. Members questioned the lack of funding for a prison oversight committee and asked for corrections spending totals over the administration. On border security, the executive said it was seeking about $759.7 million in federal reimbursement for border-related costs and that the governor had met with federal officials, including Secretary Noem and Tom Homan, about the request. In education, the budget proposes renewing Prop. 123, adding K-12 base funding, and issuing $1.5 billion in school facilities bonds over three years; members debated whether the proposal was appropriate and whether Prop. 123 revenues could support the debt service. The meeting also covered AHCCCS cost growth and federal HR1 impacts, with the executive warning of major coverage losses and hospital funding reductions, and DDD funding, where the governor’s team said the budget fully funds services and includes about $120 million in supplemental needs. No votes were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session only.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can see that that equates to about $193,800 in salary that we pay back to our teachers.
• We're paying for part of that back to the school district.
• Many of these teachers pay, then go back to school themselves in order to get a content-specific master's
• We're not paying the electric bill. We're not paying the water. We're not paying anything.
• We're not paying the electric bill. We're not paying the water. We're not paying anything.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh of dehydration or is having to pay uh of dehydration or is having to pay these<00:03:50.959><
• <00:03:53.120> uh these excessive prices just to pay uh these excessive prices just to pay
• <00:10:04.959> for it through the event without paying for it through the event without paying
• so the consumer is going to be paying so the consumer is going to be paying for<01:03:44.039>
• <01:04:05.720> to you have this uh rebate going back to you have this uh rebate going back

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not pay for all RENA, right? It doesn't pay for all the projects and all of that.
• I'm going to defer it back to Mr.
• I'm going to defer it back to Mr.
• the bandwidth to be able to pay attention all the time, and that's the precise reason I use auto pay.
• Well, evidently, my association had changed its auto pay provider and backing bank.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with AB 2002, which would clarify and extend the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 1.0) grant program to support regional governments, cities, and counties with housing element planning and technical assistance. Supporters from SCAG and CalCOG said REAP helped jurisdictions meet housing obligations and build capacity, while the California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended over concerns the bill could create additional local constraints. The committee discussed accepted amendments, including emergency and permanent regulations, suballocation to subregions, and a three-year expenditure deadline. The bill was moved on a do-pass-as-amended basis and kept on call, along with the consent calendar. AB 1684 would bar homeowners associations from restricting a homeowner’s ability to install, use, or replace a home cooling system. Supporters argued cooling is a health and safety necessity during extreme heat, especially for vulnerable residents, while opposition from the Community Associations Institute said the bill needed more clarity on electrical capacity, permits, and common-area placement of equipment. Committee amendments were summarized to require licensed electrical contractors where permits are needed, preserve HOA authority over unpermitted or unsafe installations, and require disclosure to buyers. The bill was approved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Senate Judiciary and kept on call. AB 1710 would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional agencies so housing projects are not subject to later regulatory changes after the entitlement process begins, except for certain health, safety, and environmental exceptions. Supporters said it would reduce delays and costs in housing development, while special districts and water agencies opposed unless amended, warning the bill could improperly freeze later state, regional, or federal requirements. Senators raised concerns about overbreadth and operational conflicts, but the bill was moved do-pass as amended to Senate Local Government and kept on call. The committee also heard and advanced AB 2263, authorizing the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to develop employee housing with a preference for employees and annual reporting; AB 2270, which would adjust tax credit scoring for farmworker housing to reflect rural realities; AB 2118, which would refine AB 2011 streamlined approval rules for mixed-use and affordable housing; and AB 2050, the HOA reserve-funding bill, which would require associations to build reserves over time and add notice and safeguards, but drew opposition over enforcement and foreclosure concerns. Each of those bills was moved forward with amendments and kept on call for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not only do I have to pay taxes on my tips, but every day I pay out three to five people.
• So those... ...pay taxes on my tips, but every day I pay out three to five people.
• I don't want to go to buy shoes and have to pay and... pay taxes on my tips, but every day I pay out
• I just wanted to confirm we're talking about when individuals can no longer pay or are no longer paying
• But when they stop paying, that's it.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard and voted on a series of bills dealing with traffic enforcement, drug-related homicide charges, vessel regulation, crime-stoppers records, cyber harassment, pawn data sharing, hotel removals of nonpaying guests, and Fish and Wildlife Commission authority. Members and witnesses generally framed the bills around public safety, law enforcement efficiency, victim protection, and property rights, while several bills drew concerns about criminal penalties, due process, and impacts on workers or families. Public testimony included support from sheriffs, police chiefs, AARP, hospitality workers, civil liberties groups, and industry representatives, depending on the bill. PCS for CSHB 351, creating a criminal offense for dangerous excessive speeding, passed 13-4 after debate over whether the new offense would expand search-and-seizure authority and whether the penalties were too harsh. HB 457, which expands third-degree murder to include unlawful distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and removes the under-18 exclusion, was amended to add a knowledge/should-have-known fentanyl standard and then passed unanimously 17-0. CS for HB 1285 on disposition of migrant vessels and HB 1149 on vessel accountability both passed unanimously after brief discussion and a cleanup amendment on HB 1149. HB 397, providing a public records exemption for Crime Stoppers organizations, passed 16-0 after a clarifying amendment. HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment also passed 16-0 after an amendment expanding definitions, penalties, civil remedies, and limitations periods. PCS for HB 1359, requiring FDLE to study a statewide pawn database, passed 16-0 with support from law enforcement and concerns about linking local systems and private vendors. CSHB 535, which clarifies when guests in public lodging establishments may be removed for nonpayment and also addressed service-charge language affecting gratuities, generated the most extended debate and strong opposition from hospitality workers and labor advocates over due process and tipped income. Supporters argued it would clarify transient occupancy and protect property owners, but the bill passed 11-6. Finally, CS/HB 1133 on Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission appointments and warrant requirements for FWC officers passed 16-0 after an amendment requiring warrants or probable cause for entry onto private land. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they do it by buying carbon credits and paying for that on the backs of our North Country, on the
• Turn your light back. you. Turn your light back.
• Most of it was taken up by paying back the cost of the inventories and the verifications, but we did
• In my case, I am paying what I was always paying.
• This am paying what I was always paying.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's open for anyone who receives merit pay.
• I had a first-year teacher ask me about merit pay, and I said, if you are concerned about merit pay,
• And I believe if you're concerned about merit pay, then you need to go back and ask yourself, why are
• Well, congratulations on the merit pay.
• and other fellows and other merit pay recipients.

Summary: The committee approved the March 9 and 10 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Arkansas Department of Education on the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, featuring three third-grade teachers from Cabot, Poyen, and Drew Central who are also teacher merit pay recipients. The teachers described the fellowship as a year-long Zoom-based collaboration with about 23 educators statewide, focused on sharing classroom strategies, data use, and professional support. Members asked about the teachers’ experience, how they share what they learn with their districts, the range of grades represented in the fellowship, and the relationship between the fellowship and merit pay. The teachers emphasized building relationships with students, using data to drive instruction, early intervention, and collaboration across grade levels, while the secretary said the program is intended to identify and elevate high-performing teachers and spread their practices. A major portion of the discussion focused on third-grade reading, retention, and the new ATLAS testing system. Teachers and the secretary said students are screened and progress monitored throughout the year, families are notified early if students are at risk, and schools are using interventions, tutoring, and individualized reading plans. They said ATLAS results are now available much faster than in the past, often within 24 hours or a few days, allowing teachers and parents to respond quickly. Members asked about the impact of poverty, trauma, foster care, DHS involvement, IEPs, and critical shortage areas; teachers said relationship-building, small-group instruction, and coordination with counselors and special education staff are key. The secretary said the fellowship is a small subset of a broader merit pay program, that participation was voluntary, and that the state is trying to build a coherent system with literacy coaches, high-impact tutoring, and clearer standards rather than teaching to the test. Members also discussed broader policy issues, including the need for more positive public messaging about public education, teacher input in decision-making, and support for early childhood education. Several legislators asked whether the state should expand funding for early learning and whether more literacy or academic coaches are needed in districts that improve and then lose eligibility for state support. The secretary said the state has committed literacy coaches to D and F schools and is still working through how to sustain support as schools improve. He also said the administration would look at data and return on investment before supporting additional funding, and he encouraged legislators to help recruit eligible teachers into future fellowship cohorts. After the teacher panel concluded, the committee moved on to the adequacy resource allocation study, where Bureau of Legislative Research staff began a presentation on state and local education funding sources, categorical funds, and district spending patterns.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have the exact percentage that they pay.
• And I give you a pay them back for it or do we want to drive those costs down with actual direct investment
• And one of the big questions is, do we pay for capital projects so that the utility doesn't have to pay
• The utility doesn't have to pay for those, and we don't have to pay that 10% on top of that, or do we
• SRA paying for their own fire protection—it was originally, when it was imposed, paying for a small

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee No. 4 hearing focused on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and cap-and-trade reauthorization, with members and panelists discussing how to balance climate goals, affordability, and legislative oversight. The chair emphasized the hearing as a broad review of past GGRF spending and future options, while the LAO outlined how GGRF revenues are generated, how variable they have been, and the tradeoffs between continuous appropriations and annual budget control. Two academic panelists, Dr. Kyle Meng and Danny Cullen Ward, argued that cap-and-trade remains an effective climate policy, but stressed that future revenue will depend heavily on market design, allowance allocation, and price levels. They also raised the idea that GGRF could be used more directly for affordability, especially by lowering electricity costs, and for targeted investments in technologies that the market would not otherwise support. Committee members pressed the panelists on where revenues come from, how much has actually been spent, and whether continuous appropriations reduce oversight. CARB staff said more than $33 billion has been generated to date and a little over $11–12 billion has been spent, with the rest committed or in process, and noted that project timelines can be lengthy. Members also asked about ways to lower electricity rates, reduce wildfire-related utility liabilities, and support electrification. The panelists said transportation fuels are the largest source of GGRF revenue, that industrial emitters receive a smaller share of free allowances, and that reducing wildfire liability and investing in grid-scale batteries could help lower costs and speed decarbonization. Public commenters largely urged the Legislature to preserve or expand continuous appropriations for specific climate programs. Speakers supported funding for nature-based solutions, natural and working lands, urban greening, agricultural climate solutions, waste and composting programs, clean transportation, AB 617 community air protection, clean cars, transit, affordable housing near transit, and dairy digesters. Several groups argued these programs are cost-effective, provide public health and affordability benefits, and should receive dedicated shares of GGRF. Others urged reducing free allowances and using more GGRF revenue to directly lower energy costs for households. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• goes back to what I said a minute ago. goes back to what I said a minute ago.
• You can't pay the property tax and not pay the assessment.
• You can't pay the property tax and not pay the assessment.
• Circle back. Yeah, we can circle back.
• >> Circle<00:20:38.480> back. >> Circle back. >> Circle back.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said it is their goal to pay back that liability to the general fund.
• He said it is their goal to pay back that liability to the general fund.
• He said it is their goal to pay back that liability to the general fund.
• He added that the insurer asked them to pay back the $326.
• c> insurer asked us to pay back the 30 uh insurer asked us to pay back the 30 uh $326<01:53:06.840>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this bill does is we have EV vehicles right now that pay, they're registered, and they pay $75
• they're not paying.
• my my constituents don't pay your 75% my my constituents don't pay your 75% sales<00:07:49.599><
• 10.279> they're<00:09:10.399> not<00:09:10.800> paying tax that they're not paying
• thoughtfulness uh we'll excuse you back thoughtfulness uh we'll excuse you back to<00:12:24.560>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We were able to pay off the back mortgage payments for them and pay a month forward to give the dad time
• the back We were able to pay off the back mortgage<00:08:35.159> payments<00:08:35.640> for
• so entirely grateful and said, "How can I pay this back?
• <00:16:03.920> What pay it for How can I pay this back?
• What pay it for How can I pay this back?

Bills: HF4561, HF4343

Keywords: homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax

Transcript Highlights:

• We're gonna get back rolling.
• an MTO and the MTO paying the providers?
• So they pay that out contractually. They have 45 days to pay that out.
• Meaning one of them pays out quarterly. One of them pays out every four months.
• They have to pay 95% of those within 14 days and have to pay 99% of it within 90 days.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That has brought $6 billion back into the federal treasury, and I don't think that—$6 billion back into
• So I appreciate you stepping back in again on this.
• We need to bring back new modern technology.
• Does that mean Vermonters are going to pay more or less?
• I yield back thank you Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: nomination, Deputy Secretary of Treasury, economic policy, inflation, tariffs, tribal nations, government relations

Summary: The meeting convened to consider the nomination of Mike Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During the session, multiple members voiced concerns regarding current economic policies under the Trump administration, particularly around inflation, tariffs, and the impact on small businesses. Discussions frequently centered on the administration's approach to tariffs and taxation, and how these factors contribute to the rising cost of living and potential job losses. Additionally, the importance of bolstering government-to-government relationships with tribal nations was emphasized, highlighting the need for specialized offices focused on tribal affairs within the Treasury Department.

Transcript Highlights:

• , go back and look at your MTFTEs, kind of hearkening back to how I opened my comments.
• I got about $2,500 of assistance just to pay for my co-pays.
• Back in 2010...
• Way back there in the back. Senator Bernan. Way in the back. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Way back there in the back. Way in the back. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans. Senator Mayfield explained that current law only allows pre-tax contributions, and the bill would let the Department of Financial Services and local governments offer post-tax Roth options. The bill had one support appearance card, no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then received a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended “Floridians First” budget, totaling $117.4 billion and $53.2 billion in general revenue. The presentation highlighted reserves, debt paydown, tax relief, and proposed reductions and efficiencies, along with major spending areas in education, health care, public safety, corrections, transportation, and economic development. Key proposals included higher K-12 funding, teacher salary increases, funding for Everglades and water quality projects, emergency preparedness, corrections staffing and facility funding, cybersecurity, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments. Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserves, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and spending, the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility and federal reimbursement, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, animal abuse hotline funding, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and teacher pay. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV medication program, with senators and a public witness expressing concern about access to life-saving medications and possible misuse or redirection of funds. The committee did not take further action on the budget presentation, and the meeting ended after additional comments supporting the budget and the corrections funding, with SB 7010 already approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• very low premiums or maybe not paying very low premiums or maybe not even<00:03:12.360> paying
• meaning state tax dollarss have to pay meaning state tax dollarss have to pay double<00:04:33.639
• <00:14:14.000> I regardless of their ability to pay I regardless of their ability to pay I
• particular exemptions from paying particular exemptions from paying premiums<00:18:41.159> now
• is paying into the provider<00:48:17.200> tax<00:48:17.559> which<00:48:17.760> pays

Bills: HF10, HF27

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, permit to carry, concealed carry, handgun permit, firearm permit, pistol training, sheriff, application process, electronic filing, mail application, fax submission, certified mail, certified delivery, gun rights, Second Amendment, firearms regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• But just if it comes up, just hang back.
• Or do we pay special education?
• That was the pre-come-back-to-order gavel. That's the official back-to-order gavel.
• So we'll come back to order.
• We're still going to have to pay for a building. We're still going to have to pay for teachers.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to discuss special education funding and retention, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then hearing a presentation from North Dakota United on a statewide special education survey and retention rubric. Presenters described how the rubric and survey were developed from special educator input around four domains: paperwork and due process support, workload, student and staff safety, and paraprofessional management. They reported high levels of stress and burnout, including increased workload, difficulty taking prep and lunch time, concerns about mental health, and widespread difficulty filling special education positions. Committee members questioned the survey’s lack of a general-education comparison group, the interpretation of terms like “rarely” and “sometimes,” and whether results could be broken down further by district size, unit, or disability area. The survey results showed the weakest area was workload, with respondents reporting caseloads increasing without corresponding adjustments, little additional support or compensation when workloads rise, and few negotiated-agreement protections. Paperwork and due process also scored poorly, with many teachers saying they rarely receive dedicated time during the duty day, often work outside contract hours without compensation, and take work home on evenings and weekends. Student and staff safety scored somewhat better but still showed gaps in crisis follow-up, notification about violent behavior, protective gear, and leave options after incidents. Paraprofessional management also drew concern, especially low pay, insufficient staffing, limited administrative support, and the burden placed on teachers to supervise and train paras. Several teachers then testified directly about the practical impact of these issues. One special education teacher described the job as combining instruction, legal compliance, and paraprofessional supervision, often requiring work beyond contracted hours and contributing to burnout and turnover. Another testified that special education case managers are effectively doing three full-time jobs and that the paperwork and caseload demands are a major reason people avoid or leave the field. Committee members discussed whether the problems are primarily local or state-level, whether more funding would solve them, and whether changes to the funding formula or weighting for high-cost students might be needed. No formal vote or action was taken beyond a recess and return to order for the next presentation, which continued the discussion of possible special education study objectives and potential policy directions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I will get back in the queue. I will check back on that one.
• "I will get back in the queue, I will check back on that one.
• Salaries include not only base salary, but also bonuses like merit pay and extra duty pay, which...
• Salaries include not only base salary, but also bonuses like merit pay and extra duty pay, which is pay
• Well, I'm going to go back.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from Legislative Audit on Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions for fiscal year 2025. Auditors explained the report summarizes $4.6 billion in grants to school districts, charter schools, education cooperatives, and other entities, with most funding coming from the Public School Fund and federal sources. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, master principal bonuses, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance grants. Department of Education staff clarified that the audit report only shows distributions, not how recipients ultimately used the money, and noted that some funding declines reflected the end of one-time federal COVID relief dollars. Senators also asked about the special-language appropriation for Economics Arkansas and the use of public school fund revenues. The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on Consumer Price Index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global, followed by a detailed adequacy-study update on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. The teacher report covered teacher counts, education levels, experience, shortages, preparation pathways, licensure exceptions, survey results, and salary trends. Key findings included about 32,800 teachers statewide in 2025, an average retention rate of 87%, and 30% of surveyed teachers saying they were considering leaving the profession. The report also noted shortages in special education, math, science, and other areas, growth in alternative preparation pathways, and the phaseout of several licensure exceptions under Act 304 of 2025. Members asked extensively about survey methodology, teacher satisfaction, preparation for classroom environment and special education, the cost and return on investment of alternative licensure routes, and whether exit-interview data exists statewide. The presenters said they could follow up on several questions, including details on alternative programs, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, and comparisons to other surveys. On salaries, the report said the statewide average teacher salary in 2025 was $60,254, with districts averaging slightly higher than charters. Arkansas ranked 45th nationally on average salary in 2025, though 36th when adjusted for cost of living, and average district salaries had declined 8% in inflation-adjusted terms since 2016. Members also discussed the LEARNS Act minimum salary floor of $50,000, salary disparities among districts, and whether the state should focus more on retaining experienced teachers as well as raising starting pay.