Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we operate six charter school.
• um in enabling a public private charter um in enabling a public private charter I<00:18:53.280><
• explicitly just cover public charter explicitly just cover public charter schools.<00:19:55.760>
• bill's title is relating to charter bill's title is relating to charter school<00:20:03.440>
• amendments. Chair and vice chair vote I. amendments. Chair and vice chair vote I.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1783, which would expand public-private partnership options for charter school facilities. The Department of Education offered comments, the Charter School Commission and SFA supported the bill, and Hawaii Technology Academy, Hawaii Kids, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, HGA, Aloha Project, and several individuals testified in support, while UPW opposed it. Supporters said charter schools need faster and more flexible ways to address severe facility shortages and high costs, and SFA described the bill as a pilot model that could leverage developer partnerships and state contributions, citing Maryland as an example. Members asked whether the bill was limited to charter schools; DOE said the language could be read to include other public school facilities, but if focused only on charter schools, DOE was less concerned. The Charter School Commission also described an existing public-private preschool model through Parkway Village Preschool and PACTED. The committee then took up HB 1778, which would establish a CIP database for school facilities. SFA supported the bill, saying it would create a more disciplined, transparent basis for funding decisions by documenting facility condition, needed repairs, classification, and timing. DOE initially said it rested on its comments, then responded to questions by saying it already maintains deferred maintenance lists, uses systems such as Maximo, CPT, GIS, and finance software, and sends legislators project-status letters twice a year. DOE said it is working on improving its outward-facing dashboard and integrating its systems, but questioned whether the bill would add value beyond existing tools. Members emphasized the need for a publicly accessible, real-time transparency tool, while DOE said it was still evaluating its current systems and was not yet seeking funding for a new IT program. For HB 2344, creating an Independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission, DOE said it wants to remain part of any consolidation process to keep students and education central, while SFA said the bill is timely and framed it as a restructuring response to changing conditions and possible federal funding cuts. SFA compared the proposal to the federal BRAC process for military base closures and said Hawaii has the same enrollment as in 1961 but many more schools, arguing that the state needs a more deliberate approach to school closures and land reuse. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about several sections, including unclear references to administrative support, a governor-approval sequence, a possible conflict with existing statutes governing closed-school disposition, and a missing section number. Testimony on HB 2345, which would establish a geographic CIP district, began with DOE in opposition; DOE said the bill would duplicate existing work, add confusion by creating two agencies doing the same thing, and spend money inefficiently because district project coordinators and project lists already exist.

Transcript Highlights:

• to new charter schools.
• The loan program does not encourage or discourage charter schools.
• As was mentioned CSFA is a charter school.
• It does by expanding who is eligible so currently only charter schools are eligible and since fewer charter
• New charters opened and we get fewer applications. Okay. Thanks.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will call out in my remarks as we walk through what areas have been amended by the amendment. >
• Article 3, charter schools.
• Article 3, section 4, beginning on line 24.19, amends changes to the statute around the charter school
• charter school board members.
• . amends uh changes amends the statute amends uh changes amends the statute around<00:16:49.440> the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is adopted regarding sunset. Now we've got a second amendment.
• there's an amendment. there's an amendment.
• amendment is adopted regarding sunset. amendment is adopted regarding sunset.
• Now we've got a second amendment. Now we've got a second amendment.
• role on the amendment? role on the amendment?

Bills: HB245, SB16, SB59, SB62, SB79, SB88

Keywords: inhalants, controlled substances, butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, health, public safety, SB16, four-point restraint, hog-tie, hog tie, prone restraint, law enforcement, police, sheriff, use of force, restraint techniques, positional asphyxia, arrest procedures, detention

Transcript Highlights:

• [clears throat] charter schools? [clears throat] charter schools?
• >> charter schools? >> charter schools?
• charter schools. charter schools.
• , The recommendation is to amend, The recommendation is to amend, um, amend<01:35:00.120> the<
• >> As<01:35:30.600> amended. >> As amended. >> As amended.

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 3263, which would create a state-supported endowment for University of Hawaii athletics NIL (name, image, and likeness) funding. University of Hawaii Athletics Director Matt Eliott supported the bill, saying NIL requires both immediate funding and a longer-term sustainable solution. He asked for several changes: lowering the initial endowment target from $10 million to $2 million so the fund could start sooner, allowing NIL reporting by team rather than by individual student-athlete, and clarifying that athletes may choose whether to use an agent, while still allowing certified agents or a parent/guardian if desired. Committee members raised concerns about using taxpayer dollars for athlete compensation, the burden on a small-state budget, and whether the university could realistically raise the required matching funds. Several senators questioned whether the university had a concrete fundraising plan and whether the endowment would meaningfully help UH compete with larger programs. Eliott said UH is already fundraising privately for current NIL obligations, had raised more than $1.6 million toward a $3 million annual goal, and would continue fundraising for both short-term needs and the endowment match. He also said the university is not trying to compete with Power Five schools on the same scale, but to be successful at its own conference level. Members also discussed transparency and privacy, with some senators arguing that if state money is used, the public should know how it is spent, while Eliott said individual student-athlete NIL information should remain private and team-level reporting would be preferable. He confirmed international student-athletes are eligible for NIL and said about 60 to 70 UH athletes are currently participating, with more than 100 expected next year. The discussion also touched on UH’s Mountain West media rights and local TV rights, with Eliott explaining that the conference distribution is expected to remain around $3.5 million and that local TV rights would be negotiated separately. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act establishing a charter for the city of Somerville, House No. 4264.
• Jayland, has presented an amendment, which the Clerk will read. Ms.
• No, the ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted.
• The House has concurred in the Senate amendment with further amendments in several sections.
• The House has concurred in the Senate amendment with still further amendments in several sections.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two congratulatory resolutions recognizing IBEW Local 103’s 125th anniversary and the Town of Tewksbury’s 375th anniversary. It then took up several local and private bills, including a revised charter bill for the City of Somerville and a sick leave bank bill for a Department of Corrections employee, both of which were advanced to engrossment. The chamber also suspended various joint rules to refer several House and Senate petitions to the appropriate committees. During the session, Senator Carr delivered a personal privilege statement reflecting on the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and urging unity, compassion, and resolve in the face of division and violence. Later, the Committee on Ways and Means reported favorably on bills updating Nikki’s Law and the MassHealth day habilitation program, allowing fentanyl test strips, and regulating affordable car rentals; the Senate suspended the rules to consider these matters forthwith and ordered the first two to third reading, while adopting a Ways and Means amendment and advancing the car rental bill as amended. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to the Cambridge and Medford charter bills, adopted emergency preambles for two sick leave bank bills, and passed several measures to be enacted, including sick leave bank bills, the Cambridge and Medford charter bills, and a charter bill for the City of Saugus. The chamber adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11 a.m., approved a motion to adjourn in memory of the victims of September 11, and observed a moment of silence before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 957 is an act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of Williston.
• This charter change is pretty simple. Several changes to the amendment, changes to the charter.
• ><00:20:30.799> the<00:20:30.880> town<00:20:31.039> of amendments to the charter
• of the town of amendments to the charter of the town of Williston.
• H. 957, an act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the town of Williston.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up several Senate amendments and concurred in them after brief explanations from committee members. On House Bill 841, relating to miscellaneous animal welfare procedures, the House suspended rules, heard that the Senate had removed or revised several provisions — including a certified rabies vaccinator program, a fixed limit on breeding dogs, rescue-organization data reporting, and some advertising language — and then concurred 9-0-2 in committee and by voice vote. On House Bill 938, establishing the Vermont homelessness response continuum, members reviewed Senate changes clarifying funding eligibility, municipal grant applications, emergency assistance timing, fair-hearing procedures, rulemaking timelines, a unified housing voucher framework, and a shift of $500,000 from emergency hotel/motel spending to a Burlington day shelter; the House concurred after a question about the fiscal note was answered by noting the amount matched the governor’s budget and existing appropriations. The House also concurred in the Senate amendment to House Bill 941, which would have created a study committee on municipal regulation of agriculture, but the Senate struck that study-group language; the House committee supported concurrence 7-0-1, saying the underlying bill should move forward even without the study group. The House then considered House Bill 957, approving amendments to the Williston charter. The committee explained that the town had voted to eliminate the office of listers and replace it with contracted professionally qualified assessors, with transitional language ending lister terms after passage or upon hiring an assessor; the committee recommended passage 9-0-2, the House ordered third reading, suspended rules to place the bill in all remaining stages, passed it, and voted to message it to the Senate forthwith. At the end of the session, the House noted two additional committee reports: Senate Bill 64 on optometrists was referred to Ways and Means, and Senate Bill 313 on career technical education was referred to Appropriations. The House then adjourned until May 22, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I did want to note that the PUC suggested some amendments, so we would be in support of those amendments
• I'll be available for questions. clarifying Amendment the um New section clarifying Amendment the um
• , charter revocation, and non-renewal.
• ha Public Charter School opposition ha Public Charter School networks<01:19:44.120> offering<
• recommendation is to pass with Amendment recommendation is to pass with Amendment chair<01:31:59.880

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Education met on February 6 at 2:00 p.m. and heard testimony on a series of education-related bills. HB 1200, which would codify teacher ratios in statute, drew support from the Department of Education, the Democratic Party of the Education Caucus, and 11 individuals; no opposition was noted and the committee moved on without questions. HB 1344, concerning mandatory FAFSA completion, received testimony from the Department of Education, Hawaii P20, and a University of Hawaiʻi student who cited unclaimed Pell Grant funds and low FAFSA completion rates as reasons to support the bill. Committee members asked about current outreach efforts, and DOE and P20 described FAFSA tracking data, hotlines, email support, school-based FAFSA nights, and coordination with counselors; members also raised concerns about federal education funding and Pell Grants. The committee then heard HB 1499, which would authorize staff and volunteers to administer certain medications. The Department of Education, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing leadership, and the Hawaii State Center for Nursing all testified in support, along with several individuals and the Democratic Party Environmental Caucus. The next measure, HB 902 on the Public Safety Power Shutoff program, was supported by DOE, the Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric, but it prompted extensive questioning from the Vice Chair about whether taxpayers should fund a study to help schools remain open during shutoffs. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would help DOE assess impacts in wildfire-risk areas and noted its wildfire safety strategy, outreach efforts, and potential community resource centers, while the Vice Chair argued the utility should bear more of the cost. The committee also heard HB 961, a bill on school libraries and a CASS pilot program, with DOE offering comments and HSTA and the Hawaii Library Association strongly supporting it. HSTA argued certified librarians are important for literacy, research, and digital literacy, and said many schools lack them because of cost; the association and 14 individuals testified in support. HB 962, a related bill on DOE libraries and the system, also drew support from DOE, HSTA, and the Hawaii Library Association, with 15 individuals in support. Finally, HB 730, concerning the Civil Rights Compliance Branch, received support from DOE, White Children’s Action Network, AAW of Hawaiʻi, and many individuals. Testifiers said the branch needs more resources and training and handles more than Title IX, including Title VI, Title VII, and ADA matters. A student plaintiff in a Title IX lawsuit described unequal treatment in athletics and facilities, and another supporter said the bill would help ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• why aren't they described as charter why aren't they described as charter schools?
• charter bill was entirely public charters. charters. charters.
• . charter. charter.
• It was the charter bill in '17.
• <00:19:21.039> and how charters and and how charters and how charters and and how charters

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation. Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing. Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• They suggested amending state law to allow the PEC to authorize virtual charter schools that enroll students
• a charter school.
• schools and the ending of charters.
• And if that charter had just moved to Gallup as a charter, we would not see this enrollment growth mechanism
• You could essentially say all online needs to be chartered so as a charter entity when you move you..

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> State your amendment. >> Okay.
• I understand there's an author's amendment. Can you please give us the details of the amendment?
• give us the details of the amendment? give us the details of the amendment?
• author's amendment um does three things. author's amendment um does three things.
• Ballot issues, whether city charter amendments or state constitutional amendments, can have direct and

Bills: HF4133, HF3419

Keywords: homeowner's insurance, peace officer, property damage, just compensation, exclusion policy, corporate powers, entity law, business corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC, limited liability company, cooperative, partnership, trust, foreign entity, campaign finance, election spending, political spending, ballot measure, ballot initiative

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment 4241 is part of the bill.
• The amendment is adopted, and I have a motion by Senator Lambert to approve SCR 54 as amended.
• This is Amendment Set 3428. It adds...” “Mr. Chairman, this is Amendment Set 3428.
• This amendment says 4172. It's just a technical amendment on page two.
• Oh, is it an amendment? Mr. Wilson, could you read the amendment in? Mr.

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met on May 21 with a quorum, approved the May 14 minutes, and then took up a series of natural resources, wildlife, flood control, and transportation-related measures. HB 841 on expropriation procedures was amended to strip most of its substantive language and then deferred. The committee also adopted a technical amendment and reported SCR 54 favorably, which memorializes Congress to fully fund the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act to help address invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species. Several wildlife bills were heard and reported favorably. HB 1248 allows licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer for rehabilitation, and HB 1258 codifies a policy for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife so the department does not automatically euthanize animals that can be rehabilitated or released. HCR 5, which allows limited red drum harvest at certain established rodeos under strict guardrails, drew opposition from a fishing guide concerned about impacts to redfish recovery, but the committee still reported it favorably. HB 688 adds Atlantic tarpon to the definition of saltwater game fish, with support from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and others, and it was also reported favorably. The committee also advanced several infrastructure and flood-related measures. HB 595 requires local governments to respond within 30 days to certain road-use permit requests tied to natural resource development, and it was reported favorably after testimony from oil and gas and industry representatives. HB 802 creates a watershed restoration and conservation fund, narrowed to the Amite River Basin, and was reported favorably with support from conservation and levee interests. SCR 59, urging Congress to ensure FEMA lowers flood insurance rates once the Comite Diversion Canal project reaches 50% completion, was amended and reported favorably, and HCR 62, asking FEMA to review Louisiana flood maps every five years, was also reported favorably. The committee deferred HB 1171, which would have authorized airboats in the Maripaw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, after extensive testimony from supporters and from LDWF officials who raised concerns about habitat sensitivity, migratory birds, user conflicts, and deed restrictions. Finally, HB 1161, transferring certain state property in Lafourche and Jefferson parishes to local governments, HCR 78 supporting the American Seafood Competitive Act, HCR 86 supporting a migratory waterfowl study, and HB 1189 requiring charter boat guides on certain waters to hold U.S. Coast Guard licenses were all reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• charter school commission on some of the amendments, because we were looking at their testimony and
• charter school commission on some of the amendments, because we were looking at their testimony and
• charter school commission on some of the amendments, because we were looking at their testimony and
• charter school commission on some of the amendments, because we were looking at their testimony and
• school commission on some of the charter school commission on some of the amendments<00:44:34.480>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Education and Higher Education committees met on February 10, 2026, first hearing HB 1676, which would create an AI and education task force, require documentation from AI vendors before procurement or use, and appropriate funds. The Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, and University of Hawaii all supported the bill’s intent and described existing AI literacy efforts, teacher training, guidance for students and staff, and privacy/monitoring safeguards. DOE said it had already convened an AI task force, produced a report, trained over 10,000 educators, and embedded AI into computer science and broader curricular guidance. Members questioned DOE about student privacy, harmful content monitoring, personal devices, cell phone policy, teacher training, and whether AI literacy should extend beyond computer science into all subjects and across rural schools. After discussion, the chair announced HB 1676 would be deferred to Friday, February 13, and that a HD1 draft would be prepared. The chair said the committee would revisit the task force composition and procurement standards, with possible elimination of the procurement section, and circulate the revised draft before the next hearing. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for HB 1811, a student loan repayment program for educators. Testimony from the Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, HSTA, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus was generally supportive, with HSTA and the Teacher Standards Board emphasizing teacher recruitment and retention, student loan burden, and the need to address the teacher shortage. In decision-making on HB 1811, the committees adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The main amendment collapsed the repayment structure into a single disbursement of up to $25,000 after five years of service, with technical/non-substantive changes and a corrected effective date. Both the Education and Higher Education committees voted unanimously in favor. Later in the meeting, the Education Committee began hearing HB 1561 on student meals, which drew broad support from the Public Charter School Commission, Department of Health, HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and many individuals. Appleseed requested amendments to ensure charter schools are treated the same as other public schools if eligibility expands and to address reimbursement issues for schools already participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision; members discussed those concerns but no action was taken in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then moved on to HB 779, on expanding student meal coverage, where DOE supported the intent but said it could not support the bill in its current form because of fiscal constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• Walsh of Peabody offers an amendment. Clerk will read the amendment. Mr.
• Amendment is adopted. Question is on passing the bill to be engrossed as amended.
• The bill is passed to be engrossed as amended.
• Walsh of Peabody offers an amendment in the hands of the clerk. Clerk will read the amendment. Mr.
• Amendment is adopted. Question is on passing the bill to be engrossed as amended.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Committee on Rules reports extending committee reporting deadlines on various House orders. The House suspended the rules as needed and adopted each extension, including for the Committees on Aging and Independence, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Housing, and Transportation. The House also concurred in several Senate petitions referred under Joint Rule 12, including proposals on charter school funding, a Salem police retirement, utility shut-off protections during extreme heat, and seatbelt education for passengers in large vehicles. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported four local bills for House consideration: legislation concerning employees of the Dedham-Westwood Water District, the membership of the Prim Board, the Williamstown Library Trustees, and rodeos. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave each bill a second reading and ordered them to a third reading. The House then passed several local bills to be engrossed, including measures on the Cotuit Fire District water commissioners, the town charters of Acushnet and Provincetown, the elected term of Holden’s moderator, and a bill designating Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, which was amended to add an emergency preamble. The House also adopted an amendment substituting a new bill for House Bill 2244, relating to making the Chicopee city charter gender neutral, and passed the amended bill to be engrossed. Later, the House considered and enacted additional measures, including House Bill 4530 making fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations, House Bill 4531 establishing the 2026 state primary election day, and House Bill 3298 designating July 2 as Machado-Joseph Disease Awareness Day. The session ended with the House adopting an adjournment order and adjourning to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do humbly request that the committee consider amending this measure by including public charter school
• We do humbly request that the committee consider amending this measure by including public charter school
• We do humbly request that the committee consider amending this measure by including public charter school
• We do humbly request that the committee consider amending this measure by including public charter school
• We do humbly request that the committee consider amending this measure by including public charter school

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2185, which would add protections for sports officials. The Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, HSTA, HGA, school administrators, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, the Hawaii State Basketball Officials Association, and several individuals testified in support. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and recommended amendments, especially on the bill’s civil-action provisions and criminal language, saying the measure should be made more consistent and narrowed to clarify who is covered. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the increased criminal penalties but said its concerns were limited to that portion of the bill. The chair repeatedly noted the committee’s education-policy focus and limited discussion of legal issues. The committee then took up HB 2621 on student misconduct. The Department of Education testified and answered questions about its student discipline data, explaining that much of the information is kept in the department’s internal Infinite Campus system and is not public, but that some additional information could be added to the annual report while still protecting student privacy. Members discussed whether the department tracks incidents consistently across schools and whether more public reporting would help identify where violence or discipline issues are occurring. The department said it was not seeing an increase in suspensions in the data it had, though it acknowledged internal data showed more detail than the annual report. HB 2179, concerning DOE and e-pipes, drew comments from the Department of Education, support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii Bicycling League, and other individuals. The committee then heard HB 2534, which would recognize robotics in schools as an interscholastic sport. The Department of Education offered comments, the State Public Charter School Commission supported the bill, and multiple students and robotics participants testified in strong support, arguing that robotics provides STEM opportunities, competition, and career pathways, and that formal recognition and funding would help sustain teams and compensate mentors. No votes or final actions were taken on the bills in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. >> Charter schools, do charter schools have... >> Charter schools, do
• The amendment fails. Next amendment, gentlemen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is my final amendment.
• You're recognized for your first<03:57:24.720> amendment. first amendment. first amendment.
• adopt the amendment. adopt the amendment.
• <04:05:28.560> Speaker, amendment. Mr. Speaker, amendment. Mr.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 15 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and approval to dispense with the reading of the journal. Members introduced guests from Humphreys County and South Haven, then moved to the calendar and took up House Bill 2, a broad education-related measure. The bill was called up, the rules were suspended, and a committee substitute was adopted. An initial amendment correcting drafting errors in the charter school section and subsection numbering was then adopted without objection. Members then gave extended explanations of HB 2, describing it as a comprehensive school choice and education reform package. Supporters said the bill would create Magnolia student accounts/education savings accounts funded from existing per-pupil dollars, prioritize lower-income families, require testing and financial audits, expand special needs ESAs, and allow public-to-public transfers without a sending district veto. The bill also would expand charter schools into districts with D or F schools, create an accountability dashboard for public and private school reporting, expand the Tim Tebow Act for homeschool extracurricular participation, extend literacy and math requirements through eighth grade, adjust teacher and assistant teacher pay and retirement-related provisions, create a specialized school option program, and require a federal testing waiver. Supporters framed the measure as empowering parents while preserving public schools. During questions, members raised concerns about charter schools, the cost of the program, accountability, and whether the bill would help or harm public education. One member asked whether failing charter schools were addressed; the response was that the bill was aimed at reconstituting the system rather than directly fixing those schools. Another questioned why a child accepted for transfer could still be denied by a receiving district; the bill sponsor said districts would set and publish acceptance policies and could deny students for lack of room. The discussion remained focused on the bill’s scope and policy rationale, and the transcript does not show a final vote on passage of HB 2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act, Bridgewater Town Charter 2, Legislative Branch Section 2-2-1-13. 13.
• Bridgewater Town Charter 2, Legislative Branch, Section 2-13, Annual Stipend.
• Bridgewater Town Charter 4, town manager, temporary absence.
• The amendment is adopted. Question now is on ordering the bill as amended to a third reading.
• The bill as amended is ordered to a third reading.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and first took up a Rules Committee report recommending adoption of a resolution honoring the 200th anniversary of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Bedford. The House suspended the rules and adopted the resolution. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then reported a series of local bills for consideration, including measures on legal notices, charter changes for Chicopee, Bridgewater, Wellesley, Weston, Somerville, and Watertown, as well as bills on firefighter residency, a checkout bag fee in Sudbury, senior tax exemption eligibility in Williamstown, and liquor licenses in Lexington. The House suspended Rule 7A, gave the bills second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. The House also considered a Ways and Means report on H. 4257, financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. The committee recommended an amendment in the form of a substitute bill, H. 4307, authorizing $1.185 billion in general obligation bonds. After suspension of the rules, the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading. Later, during floor debate on H. 4307, members spoke in support of the bill as a major transportation funding package, emphasizing Chapter 90 aid, road mileage-based distribution, culvert and small bridge repairs, congestion relief projects, and the bill’s fiscal and credit-rating benefits. A roll call was ordered, and the bill passed to be engrossed 156-0. The House also passed to be engrossed a bill validating the results of a special election in Hardwick. In addition, the House adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and agreed to adjourn in memory of former Representative and Senator Matthew C. Patrick of Falmouth. The session included several guest introductions, including Mandela Fellows studying at Bridgewater State University, former legislator Vincent Dimacido, Bellingham Council on Aging guests, and interns in Representative Linsky’s office.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE AMENDMENT OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON THE AMENDMENT?
• PLEASE TAKE UP THE AMENDMENT. SOMEONE HAND ME THE AMENDMENT. THIS IS YOUR AMENDMENT?
• CHAIR. >> Chair: ARE THERE AMENDMENTS? THERE IS AN AMENDMENT.
• PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON THE AMENDMENT? PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON THE AMENDMENT? ANY DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT?
• IF NOT, ALL FAVORING THE AMENDMENT? THOSE WHO OPPOSED THE AMENDMENT? THE AMENDMENT FAILS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment does three things.
• Are there amendments? On the desk, Madam Speaker. Read the first amendment.
• All in favor of the amendment, say yay. All opposed, say nay. Show the amendment passes.
• The amendment creates two new tax credit programs and amends an existing program.
• lives. our charter schools.

Summary: The House met on the final day of session, swore in Representatives Boyles and Hodgers, and observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as for Representative Rosenwald’s father. The chamber then moved into final budget work, with leaders outlining the plan to take up H.J.R. 5019, HB 7031, HB 5017, HB 5015, and then the general appropriations act once the Senate transmitted it. H.J.R. 5019, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand the budget stabilization fund, was explained and amended to raise the rainy day fund cap, require annual deposits, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by a two-thirds vote; it passed 100-1. The House then adopted the conference report on HB 7031, the tax package. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or expands several sales tax holidays and exemptions, including permanent exemptions for disaster-preparedness items, hunting/fishing/camping items, and ammunition and firearms-related purchases, and makes changes to property, corporate income, local tax, and economic development provisions. Members debated the removal of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related revenue streams, the new ammunition exemption, and the data center tax changes; supporters argued the package reduces taxes and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents raised concerns about housing, transportation, and gun violence. The conference report passed 93-7. HB 5017, creating a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer to retire state bonds early, passed unanimously. HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment, also passed. The House then began explanation and questions on the fiscal year 2025-26 general appropriations act, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down $3.8 billion from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major spending areas, including pre-K-12 funding increases, health care funding for Medicaid, KidCare, nursing homes, opioid treatment, and mental health, transportation and economic development funding, environmental and water projects, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology. Questions focused on school vouchers, inflationary pressures on school districts, and the adequacy of funding for housing, transportation, and other priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of those 234 teachers, 151 of them were teaching in a public or charter school.
• However, the further breakdown shows that... ...school or charter school.
• We've identified that we want to make some amendments.
• Do we still need the amended bill? Mr.
• Chair and Representative, yes, so we definitely need the amended bill.

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.