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.

Transcript Highlights:

• And of course, I... ...as well as Universal and SeaWorld, the I-Drive corridor, and of course, couldn't
• I encompass the City of Hialeah, City of Miami Springs, Virginia Gardens, a portion of the City of Miami
• We saw a sort of universal acceptance of that policy during the economic downturn in 2008.
• We saw a sort of universal acceptance of that policy during the economic downturn in 2008.
• Why don't we want universal safety standards so that regardless of where our workforce is going, there's

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee held its first meeting of the 2025 session and focused on an overview of county and municipal home rule powers and state preemption. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Alex Rizzo and Vice Chair Griff Griffiths explained the constitutional and statutory basis for local self-government, the distinction between charter and non-charter counties, and how express and implied preemption limit local authority. Griffiths emphasized that home rule gives local governments broad power to address community needs, but the Legislature can override that authority through clear preemption, with courts ultimately deciding disputes. Representatives Holcomb and LaMarca added that local issues should generally be addressed locally first, but statewide standards can be appropriate when uniformity is needed or local action is ineffective. The committee then heard from a panel representing counties, cities, business, and construction interests: Ginger Delegal of the Florida Association of Counties, Carolyn Johnson of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Rebecca O'Hara of the Florida League of Cities, and Carol Bowen of Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida. Delegal and O'Hara argued that home rule is rooted in local autonomy, policy experimentation, and accountability to voters, and warned against broad or “vacuum” preemptions that remove local authority without replacing it with state regulation. Johnson and Bowen supported preemption when local rules create a patchwork that hurts statewide competitiveness, raises costs, or complicates business operations, citing examples such as labor rules, heat safety, permitting, and procurement preferences. The panel also discussed the 2023 local ordinances law, which requires business impact estimates and provides attorney’s fees in certain challenges, as a mechanism to resolve disputes locally before resorting to preemption. Members questioned the panel about the 2024 heat-safety preemption and how to protect workers in the absence of local ordinances. Business representatives said existing OSHA duties and industry best practices already require employers to provide safe conditions, while local governments and the state should avoid inconsistent standards across jurisdictions. Another discussion centered on construction permitting, licensing, and local boards that may slow projects and increase costs; Bowen suggested eliminating redundant local fees and barriers while preserving statewide licensing and enforcement against bad actors. No votes were taken, and the meeting remained informational, with the chair inviting continued discussion on when preemption is appropriate versus when local governments should retain authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• TAB 3, Adam Kissel is recommended by the governor to the Board of Trustees of the University of West
• And yet, let's take him to one of our universities. Of course, he's anti-DEI.
• Now we'll take up Thomas Zachary Smith, an appointee to the Board of Trustees of the University of West
• I don't think that members of the Heritage Foundation should be at our public universities for all the
• University of West Florida is approved and will be presented to the full Senate.

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views about abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board applies Florida statutes and works through probable cause panels and legal counsel, but he also expressed strong pro-life views, skepticism of federal health guidance, and criticism of vaccines and some medical practices. Supporters praised his long medical career, military service, and family medicine background, while opponents argued his views could prevent him from being objective in disciplinary matters. The committee voted to recommend him for confirmation to the full Senate, with Senators Polsky and Ruson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch described her background in state human services and outlined priorities centered on accountability, data, lived experience, and improving service delivery. Senators asked about SNAP error rates, Hope Florida, legislative analyses, staffing, and the department’s handling of child welfare and medically complex cases. Hatch said the department was reducing SNAP error rates, that Hope Florida uses navigators to connect people with community resources and self-sufficiency supports, and that DCF is working with the Department of Health and other partners to improve investigations and accountability in child welfare. She also said the agency is reviewing medically complex cases and strengthening oversight of community-based care providers through contracts, audits, and proposed funding-model changes. A substantial portion of the Hatch discussion centered on whether the department had been responsive to legislative requests and whether it had provided timely bill analyses. Senators also pressed her on Hope Florida staffing, the number of participants served, and the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance and legal oversight. Hatch said the foundation is undergoing a financial audit and that the department is relying on required reports and ongoing investigations. The transcript ends amid continued questioning about a community-based care contractor’s finances, related-party transactions, and whether further forensic audits or repayments are needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's about it that I'm aware of in terms of the purview of the Board of Medicine.
• TAB 3, Adam Kissel is recommended by the governor to the Board of Trustees of the University of West
• And yet, let's take him to one of our universities. Of course, he's anti-DEI.
• Now we'll take up Thomas Zachary Smith, an appointee to the Board of Trustees of the University of West
• I don't think that members of the Heritage Foundation should be at our public universities for all the

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Florida Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views on abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, hormonal birth control, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board should apply Florida statutes, described himself as strongly pro-life and skeptical of some federal health guidance, and said he would be sympathetic when judging fellow physicians because of his own experience in practice. Supporters praised his medical background, military service, and family medicine experience, while opponents argued his stated views could affect his ability to fairly discipline other doctors. The committee voted 5-2 to recommend confirmation, with Senators Polsky and Rouson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined her background at DCF and APD and described department priorities including streamlining services, improving child welfare and behavioral health systems, expanding peer support, and reducing SNAP error rates. Members asked detailed questions about Hope Florida, the number and role of Hope Navigators, agency responsiveness on bill analyses, and accountability for community-based care contractors. Hatch said Hope Florida is a partnership-based navigation effort aimed at self-sufficiency, that 143 Hope Navigators are in place, and that the department is working to improve transparency and oversight through contracts, audits, and a proposed funding model. Senators also pressed Hatch on the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance history and on forensic audits of community-based care agencies, especially Northwest Florida Health Network. Hatch said the foundation is now in compliance and under audit, and that the contractor had completed corrective actions and was operating within current accountability limits. She said DCF had not yet conducted new forensic audits under her tenure but was preparing another round and was considering using contracted-services dollars to support that work. The discussion ended with continued questioning on oversight, staffing, and whether the agency could provide more formal bill analyses going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Forensic Behavioral Sciences within the Department of Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico.
• We now have four, through the generosity of, in some cases, the university, and in some cases, the state
• All psychiatrists in MDC, my understanding is, are affiliated with and employed by the University of
• There are a number of universities throughout the United States that have joint programs, referred to
• I'm not aware of any plans at the university right now to establish such a program, although I know,

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• House of Representatives, Fifth Order of Business, report of standing committees. Mr.
• stating findings of the House of Representatives and repealing Rule 45 of the Rules of the House of
• of Representatives and providing for the addition of a new Rule 45 to the Rules of the House of Representatives
• Education, the Board of Regents of the University of Idaho for colleges and universities, the State
• of Education, the Board of Regents of the University of Idaho for health education programs, the Division

Summary: The House convened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge, and approval of the journal, then received gubernatorial and Senate messages and a series of committee reports. Committee actions included printing, referral, or placement on calendars for numerous measures, including budget bills, education, tax, health, and code-cleanup legislation. The House also introduced a large slate of new bills and resolutions, many of them referred to committees for printing or further consideration. On the floor, the House passed several bills and resolutions, often after brief explanations and little or no debate. Measures approved included House Bills 773, 775, 787, 790, 758, 798, 799, 831, and 863; House Resolution 26; Senate Bills 1261, 1232 as amended, 1226, 1239, 1240, 1291, 1273, 1274, 1275, 1276, and 1363; and Senate Concurrent Resolutions 116, 117, and 118. Topics ranged from code cleanup and deregulation to bankruptcy exemptions, podiatry board consolidation, daycare licensing, elections and polling locations, Medicaid budget reductions, guardianship and conservatorship reform, DNA collection for certain misdemeanors, sex offender residency rules near daycares, AI policy in K-12 education, and a maintenance budget for natural resources. A notable portion of the debate centered on Senate Concurrent Resolutions 117 and 118 concerning water projects and cloud seeding. Supporters argued these projects are essential to Idaho agriculture, aquifer recharge, and water supply, while opponents raised concerns about insufficient independent data, environmental and health effects, transparency, and public consent. Despite those objections, both resolutions passed. The House also heard announcements recognizing visitors, upcoming committee meetings, and the Idaho Vandals’ athletic success, and it recessed with plans to return later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, on behalf of myself, I'm an incoming freshman at university next year, and I will...
• On behalf of myself, I'm an incoming freshman at university next year, and I want to have the same rights
• We're talking about the future of the workplace of the state of Florida.
• In June of 2022, the University of California, Los Angeles, Williams Institute of School of Law released
• Protection against discrimination is outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights issued by

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up several bills and one set of confirmations. SB 330, relating to disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, was explained as clarifying the heart disease presumption and allowing transferred law enforcement officers to rely on a prior physical if the new agency fails to provide one; it was reported favorably. SB 526, a broad commercial construction bill, was amended with a title amendment and a delete-all amendment before being reported favorably. SB 1192 created a pilot program for callback queues at certain executive agencies to reduce hold times, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1078 established gubernatorial transition procedures, including liaisons, briefing materials, office space, and access to records; an amendment narrowed and reassigned some duties and increased penalties for improper disclosure, and the bill passed favorably. SB 7022 extended and updated a public records exemption for classroom examinations and assessment instruments through 2031, and it was reported favorably. SB 1250 removed the Florida Commission on Human Relations’ requirement to use registered mail for certain notices, allowing less expensive notice methods, and it passed favorably. SB 1698 allowed certain employer notices and posters to be posted electronically instead of physically, and it was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of 10 appointees to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the State Retirement Commission. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force within the Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights to review anti-Semitism in Florida, improve community relations, advise on law enforcement training, assess digital media literacy efforts, review hate crime statutes, and issue annual reports. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with many speakers opposing it on First Amendment, academic freedom, and equal-protection grounds and arguing it could chill criticism of Israel or be used selectively; supporters said it was needed to address rising anti-Semitism and that the state’s definition of anti-Semitism had already been adopted in statute. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. SB 862, as amended, set a $60,000 salary goal by 2030 for state correctional officers, probation officers, and institutional security specialists, with annual raises subject to appropriations; members questioned a separate provision allowing deployment of correctional officers during emergencies, including whether that could intersect with immigration enforcement, but the sponsor said he would follow up and that the bill was aimed at recruitment, retention, and workforce stability. The bill received support from law enforcement and corrections groups and was reported favorably. SB 1642, the Freedom in the Workplace Act, generated the most contentious discussion: it would bar certain pronoun-related requirements, prohibit mandatory training or activities related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression as a condition of employment, require sex on employment forms to reflect biological sex, and extend similar protections to public employees and contractors. Supporters framed it as protecting free speech, conscience, and against compelled speech; opponents argued it would authorize discrimination against transgender and nonbinary people, invite litigation, and harm workplace safety and inclusion. An amendment moved the bill into the chapter governing public employers and employees, and the bill was then reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• SITLA, SIVCO, the school beneficiaries, the University of Utah, and others.
• And I love this quote from Allison Nicholson at the University of Utah: After participating in the beneficiary
• And if they feel strongly, whether it's the, um, public education or the University of Utah, like they
• So, education or the University of Utah, like they have a voice and can, and they, they can clarify those
• Today we had a lot of pieces of legislation.

Committee: Joint Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and in the interest of all of the interest of all… Jeff Lopez, who is the Director of the Office of
• So we have a couple of components of this fund.
• in some of the most rural parts of the state.
• of satellite?
• You heard several of the options, and several of the—as I keep telling people, the topography of New

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 152, which would create a low-income telecommunications assistance program and continue support for rural broadband operations and maintenance through the State Rural Universal Service Fund. Senator Padilla and Office of Broadband Access and Expansion Director Jeff Lopez said the bill responds to the loss of federal affordability support and would help low-income households pay for broadband, while also preserving funding for rural carriers and maintenance. Supporters included the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group, tribal telecom representatives, and several rural providers, who said affordability is the main barrier to service and that the bill would help families, students, and rural communities. A few witnesses opposed parts of the bill, arguing that the ARS funding should be redirected entirely to broadband affordability and that legacy POTS-line support should sunset. Committee members asked about ETC requirements, satellite and wireless options, rural density, and the sunset provision; the sponsor said the sunset on ARS would be removed and that stakeholder discussions would continue in the interim. The committee voted due pass on the Senate Finance Committee substitute for SB 152. The committee then took up Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 132, which would add software planning and replacement to the state’s equipment replacement fund. The sponsor and expert said state agencies now rely heavily on software for core services and that planning for software alongside hardware would improve efficiency, security, and long-term sustainability. There was no opposition, and the committee voted due pass on the substitute. The meeting then shifted to a lengthy discussion of Senate changes to House Bill 2, the budget bill. Senate Finance staff described roughly 300 changes, including additional funding for fire response, early childhood, housing, health care, quantum initiatives, public safety, courts, transportation, education, and several social service programs. Members questioned cuts or reallocations affecting state employee pay, public school capital outlay, the state fair redevelopment, CARA, personal care services, the Office of Child Advocate, and other items. The presenters repeatedly defended the Senate’s use of funds as a way to preserve reserves while prioritizing health care, housing, education, and other recurring needs, and said reserves would remain above the target level even with the changes discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a University of Miami student and Cape Coral constituent standing in strong opposition to HB 173
• of Miami.
• OF MIAMI.
• , university college of dentistry, health department directors, and school principals.
• NURSING HOMES, SCHOOLS,   1319 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY, HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS

Summary: The committee first heard HB 245, which would replace references in Florida law to “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material.” The sponsor said the change was overdue and more accurately reflects the criminal nature of the material. There was brief supportive public testimony, no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee then took up HB 237 on the use of professional nursing titles. The sponsor said advanced practice registered nurses should be able to use earned academic titles such as DNP or PhD. Supporters testified in favor, there was no opposition or debate, and the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The longest discussion centered on HB 173, which would expand parental consent and access requirements for minors’ medical care, medical records, certain school surveys, and biomedical devices. Supporters argued it restores parental rights and keeps parents involved in children’s health decisions, while opponents—many from medical, mental health, LGBTQ, and youth advocacy groups—warned it could block access to STI treatment, mental health care, crisis hotlines, and confidential services for vulnerable youth, including those in abusive homes. After extensive testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably on a 19-7 vote. Finally, the committee began HB 327 on uterine fibroid research. The sponsor explained the bill would require health care providers to submit identified data so the Department of Health can build a usable de-identified research database, after prior implementation problems with duplicate or unverified data. A supportive local official testified, and members indicated support as the meeting moved toward a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the state of Minnesota, the lack of the state of Minnesota, the lack of leadership<00:03:22.959>
• </c> why is guns not part of that? why is guns not part of that?
• of me right now, a copy of that in front of me right now, but<00:10:29.519><c> I'll</c><00:10:29.760
• of most concern.
• </c> of excuses. They want action. of excuses. They want action.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The University of Hawaii...
• The University of Hawaii...
• The University of Hawaii...
• The University of Hawaii... is boy Department of Agriculture La the is boy Department of Agriculture
• </c> University I've also been a resident of University I've also been a resident of Honolulu<01:53:15.320

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of allowing the<00:21:02.679><c> New</c><00:21:02.840><c> York</c><00:21:03.080><c> University</c><00
• of Minnesota and the Minnesota state colleges and University system as well for purposes of data practices
• </c> University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota<01:26:15.480><c> um</c
• system as well for purposes University system as well for purposes of<01:26:18.560><c> data</c><01:26
• on the sort of left side of that chart that I sort of had.

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• H.R. 775 by Campos, honoring the University of Texas School of Public Health on the occasion of National
• Center at San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio. Under the leadership of Dr.
• HB 5151 by Wilson, relating to agreements for the University of Houston, Victoria, to the Texas A&M University
• HB5523 by Debringer relates to the procedure for the adoption of the board regions of the Texas University
• System, including the rate and damage schedule for the management of the University of Atlanta and for

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think at least one of the Secretaries of Education was also the president of the State Board of
• One of the Secretaries of Education was also the president of the State Board of Education in order to
• like the idea of a valley interpretation of a, ...set of expectations, perhaps still like the idea of
• school finance systems, of Serrano models, of Prop 98s, of all...
• Universal meals to help school districts be able to provide two meals a day, not the least of which was

Summary: The joint Senate Education and Budget Committee hearing focused on the Governor’s proposed education governance overhaul, which would shift day-to-day management of the California Department of Education from the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction to a new appointed education commissioner, while giving the Superintendent new voting roles on the State Board of Education and the Community College Board of Governors. Chair Perez opened by stressing that the proposal raises major policy questions beyond the budget process and should be evaluated for its effect on students, local control, and accountability. Brooks Allen of the State Board of Education argued the change would unify policymaking and implementation, reduce fragmented authority, and create clearer accountability, citing decades of reports criticizing California’s “crazy quilt” governance structure and noting the proposal is timed for the 2026 transition. Amber Alexander of the Department of Finance outlined the fiscal and staffing transfers, describing the plan as largely cost-neutral and explaining how positions would shift between the State Board, the Department, and the new Superintendent’s office over 2026-27 and 2027-28. Sarah Cortez of the Legislative Analyst’s Office said the LAO supports shifting management to an appointed commissioner but recommended several refinements: preserving legislative oversight, requiring Senate confirmation of the commissioner, clearly defining the Superintendent’s duties as a public representative/advisor/evaluator, and refining the State Board’s role to focus on major policies requiring public input. She also said the fiscal plan should be cost-neutral and more fully specified. Senators raised concerns about the timing during an election year, the constitutional status of the Superintendent, whether the proposal should instead be a constitutional amendment, and whether governance changes actually improve student outcomes or simply rearrange the org chart. Some members questioned whether the proposal would confuse voters and undermine democratic accountability, while others said the current structure is already confusing and that the reform could improve clarity for districts and local boards. The discussion also covered how curriculum is set, with LAO explaining that the Legislature has broad authority but has delegated much curriculum work to the State Board and the Instructional Quality Commission. Members asked how the new structure would affect local districts, who they would call for guidance, and whether the commissioner would have authority over policy; the presenters said policy authority would remain with the State Board, while the commissioner would handle administration and implementation. No votes were taken during the panel discussion, and the hearing was organized to continue with additional panels and public comment later in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think at least one of the Secretaries of Education was also the president of the State Board of
• One of the Secretaries of Education was also the president of the State Board of Education in order to
• do that, and then also chairman of the Board of Education— And then also chairman of the Board of Education
• school finance systems, of Serrano models, of Prop. 98, of all...
• Universal meals to help school districts be able to provide two meals a day, not the least of which was

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Eleanor Levine, Professor Emerita, California State University, East Bay, member of Bay-Tacoon congregation
• University East Bay, member of Bait-Tacoon congregation, I am a World War II baby.
• of people who are both supportive and opposed to this bill because of the kind of lateness of the ability
• of issues with the approval of materials.
• With that, some of the members of Burr.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Representative Lopez of Brownsville.
• neuroscientist with the University of Texas Southwestern and also the father of former State Representative
• of Ms.
• HB 4044 by Meyer, relating to certain expenditures by public institutions of higher education and university
• certain victims of trafficking of persons compelling prostitution for an order of nondisclosure of criminal

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, led the pledges, and approved a series of routine motions, including excusing absent members and granting permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. Members also adopted several memorial and recognition resolutions, including H.R. 1023 honoring Christian Beerbill, H.R. 1033 recognizing International Bereaved Mother’s Day, and H.R. 877 recognizing Urban League Advocates Day. The House also recommitted SB 17 and HB 4211 to committee and postponed SCR 27 and HB 2145 for later consideration. The chamber then took up a long third-reading calendar of bills covering a wide range of topics, including Sunset review measures, health care workforce and pricing, child custody and family law, Medicaid, rural ambulance grants, energy reporting, public information requests, trail development, virtual meeting disruptions, occupational licensing, protective orders, county leave pools, animal cruelty, infrastructure, and higher education. Most bills were explained briefly by their authors and passed with broad support, though several drew notable opposition, including HB 5265, HB 2402, HB 3000, HB 3237, HB 3326, HB 1056, HB 281, HB 3308, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 294, HB 809, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 285, HB 1353, HB 3960, HB 4044, HB 4264, HB 2807, HB 3349, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 1201, and others. Several bills prompted extended debate or amendments. HB 3237, extending public energy-use reporting for state and higher-education buildings, passed after questions about its public-sector-only scope and energy savings. HB 3326, addressing public service loan forgiveness credit for adjunct professors, initially failed on a 69-70 vote but later passed after verification and machine corrections. HB 3211, concerning optometrists in managed care plans, adopted a Buckley amendment before passing. HB 2213 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association board composition adopted a Metcalf amendment requiring certain board members to be Texas residents. HB 412, dealing with harmful materials and sexual performance of a child, generated extensive questioning about its scope, existing legal standards, and effects on educators and medical professionals; the excerpt ends during that debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And first of all, diversion almost universally is voluntary.
• I'm also a member of All of Us and None.
• My name is Beli Ann, and I'm an assistant professor and supervising attorney at the University of San
• So, from University of San Francisco or even Ms.
• Universal right to healing would fix all of this. Thank you. Thank you for the answer. Okay.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all