Video & Transcript Research : 'class 2b'
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/21/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- So creating a new special class of people just because they're the daily flavor.
- And so to say they’re a protected class, you’re damn skippy, in my opinion.
- And so to say they're a protected class, you're damn skippy, in my opinion.
- for some of their classes based on race.
- It has nothing to do with creating a special class at all.
Keywords:
merit-based hiring, public employees, non-discrimination, employment practices, Arizona Revised Statutes, optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, 1182, all
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1023, which would require optometrists to conduct eye exams according to the standard of care in the community at a recommended one-year interval, while allowing eyeglass prescriptions to be extended up to two years or shortened based on risk factors. The sponsor described it as a compromise between a longer prescription period and existing practice, and the Arizona Optometric Association supported the bill as codifying best practice and clarifying the standard. The committee moved the bill and gave SB 1023 a do pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 1013, a merit-based public hiring bill that would prohibit state and local public employers from using policies or practices that base hiring on race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin, while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws. An amendment was offered to clarify that the bill would not limit voluntary veterans’ preference employment policies, and the committee adopted that amendment. Supporters argued the bill would ensure public jobs are awarded based on qualifications and protect taxpayers; opponents argued it could undermine diversity efforts and that the veterans language was unnecessary or awkwardly drafted.
After testimony from supporters and debate over the amendment and the bill’s effect on diversity, veterans’ preferences, and prior criminal history in hiring, the committee voted on SB 1013 as amended. The bill received a due pass as amended recommendation on a 4-3 vote, and the committee then adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- city, or you're a third-class city, a home-rule city, a home-rule county.
- Notices can be sent through first-class mail. They can be done electronically.
- Well, I think that, and I appreciate that, Representative, and you've been, you're in my class and you
- So last fiscal year, the department spent about $2.2 million sending over 411,000 notices first class
- I'd like to see this bill turn into both first class mail, and if that doesn't work, certified mail,
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Transportation Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- IF WE ARE GOING TO DELIVER WORLD-CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY HAS TO HAVE WORLD-CLASS TALENT IN WORLD-CLASS
- SO AS I MENTIONED, WE ARE A WORLD-CLASS TRANSPORTATION ORGANIZATION.
- AND AGAIN, THE IDEA IS WE DELIVER WORLD-CLASS TRANSPORTATION.
- SOMETHING ELSE THAT ATTRACTS WORLD-CLASS TALENT IS HAVING WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH THAT IS CONDUCTING AND
- WE ARE A WORLD-CLASS TRANSPORTATION AGENCY.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:19:45.760>
3A <00:19:46.240>Alabama <00:19:46.720>High the 2026 boys class - 3A Alabama High the 2026 boys class 3A Alabama High School<00:19:47.039>
Athletic <00:19:47.520 - Um, but yeah, um depending on how they are classed or depending on how they are classed or structured
- It's not a mandatory class. >> History class, but not a mandatory class on teaching the Ten Commandments
- Those of us who came in the class of '18 will remember our very first bill.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (02/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- It was 2014 that they added Class 5 roads and Class 4 roads, and it was 2017 that they added Class 1
- 5 and Class 6 roads.
- 5 and Class 6 roads.
- 5 and Class 6 roads.
- It's the confluence of several class six roads and a class five road.
Summary:
The committee took up several bills in executive session, beginning with HB 568 on subdivision regulations concerning water supply. Representative Donnelly moved ITL, arguing the bill would create costly studies, that towns already have jurisdiction over needed studies, and that the issue was not widespread. The committee voted ITL 9-7. HB 582, dealing with safety requirements for personal watercraft, was also moved ITL on the grounds that existing law already covers the issue and the bill was unnecessary after recent action on personal flotation devices. Representative Derby opposed the ITL, saying the bill was a common-sense safety measure and would restore a misdemeanor penalty, but the committee voted ITL 9-7.
The committee then retained HB 595, relative to coastal resilience zones, after members said the bill was important but needed more work and time because of its complexity. Members noted it should be revisited later, and the motion to retain passed 16-0. HB 607, funding the Hampton Beach Area Commission and making appropriations, received an ought-to-pass recommendation 15-1, with support from members who described Hampton Beach as an important economic driver and one dissenting member saying the state should not bear the full cost. The committee also adopted Amendment 2025-3 on HB 624, establishing a local river management advisory committee grant program, by a 16-0 vote; the amendment shifted funding decisions to the Department of Environmental Services based on demonstrated need and a first-come, first-served process. The bill as amended then received an ought-to-pass recommendation 16-0 and was placed on consent.
Later, the committee retained HB 629, funding the operation, maintenance, and repair of state dams, after members said the dams need attention but the bill required more work because suggested amendments had just been received. That motion passed 16-0. HB 644, concerning drones in state parks, was ITL’d because the Department of Parks and Recreation is already working through rulemaking on UAS use in remote areas, and the committee voted 16-0 for ITL. HB 657, the short notice booking act access for New Hampshire residents to state parks, was also ITL’d at the request of the prime sponsor, passing 16-0. The committee then adjourned and announced a later hearing on HB 663, which would allow the Division of Historical Resources to use a portion of Moose plate funds for administering its grant program; testimony from the sponsor and the division supported the bill as clarifying existing authority, and no final vote on HB 663 was included in the transcript excerpt.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/07/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Only a few weeks ago, so for those that don't know, North Tonawanda plays in Class AA.
- I know we'll hear after this from the champions in Class Single A represented by Senator Weber, and I
- And I think it is fitting that THOSE THAT DON'T KNOW, NORTH TONAWANDA PLAYS IN THE CLASS AA.
- CAPTURED THE CLASS A CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER.
- But to the champions from Class A, the Tappan Zee school, indeed you have crossed the bridge to your
Summary:
The Senate met on May 6, 2026, approved the prior journal, and accepted a Rules Committee report advancing the government appropriations bill to third reading. The chamber then took up the tenth budget extender, which sponsor Senator Serrano said would keep state government operating through Monday, May 11 and contained $482 million in new spending, bringing the total across extenders to $20.3 billion. In questioning, Senator O’Mara and Senator Helming pressed Serrano for details on the reported $268 billion budget deal, policy outcomes, revenue raisers, and whether local governments, schools, and rural health programs would receive certainty; Serrano said final budget bills were not yet in print and declined to speculate on unresolved issues. The extender passed 60-1, with Senator Weik voting no.
The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the North Tonawanda High School girls varsity basketball team, the Tappan Zee High School girls basketball team, and SUNY student Chriss-Ann Pryce. Members praised the teams’ state championships and Pryce’s academic and leadership achievements through the Educational Opportunity Program. The chamber then returned to legislation and passed a bill designating May 9 as Overdose Awareness Day in New York; Senator Fernandez said it recognized the harm of overdose and the need to continue funding harm reduction and recovery services.
Additional bills passed included a statewide domestic violence lethality assessment measure, with Senators Murray, Rolison, Webb, and Ramos describing it as a tool to identify dangerous situations and prevent fatalities; a mental health insurance bill limiting step therapy/prior authorization for serious mental health medications, supported by Senator Fahy; and measures on education, real property tax, election law, general business law, kitchen incubator economic impacts, public buildings, state finance, and mental hygiene. Several bills drew recorded opposition, including the real property tax bill and the election law and general business law measures. The Senate concluded by adjourning until Monday, May 11 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated legislative.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- , and the argument every time from districts on an override, every single time, is we want smaller class
- And the people who are, Is we want smaller class sizes and we want to pay our teachers better.
- gets to the destination where we intended it to go, which is to make sure that our kids have world-class
- To make sure that our kids have world-class educators inside their classrooms, to make sure that they
- They say that we're going to reduce class sizes, and yet class sizes continue to go up year after year
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, approval of the journal, and a recess for a performance honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Members then introduced guests and proclamations, including Hispanic Leadership Institute Day at the Capitol and a Children’s Health Day advocacy group focused on immunizations. Additional personal privileges recognized the doctor of the day, a senator’s husband on an upcoming anniversary, and other visitors and community groups.
The main legislative item was SCR 1032, a referral to the voters concerning school district budgets and classroom spending. After a Government Committee amendment and a floor amendment were adopted, the measure would require larger school districts to spend at least 60% of operational spending on direct instructional expenses, with penalties that phase in reductions to classroom site fund allocations for noncompliance. Supporters argued the measure would push more money into classrooms and teacher pay and give voters a say in how district funds are used; opponents said it would micromanage local school boards, cut funding for important services such as nurses, counselors, transportation, and maintenance, and unfairly target district schools while excluding charters. SCR 1032 passed the Senate 16-12, with two not voting, and was transmitted to the House.
The Senate also passed SB 1071 by a vote of 17-11, with two not voting. Discussion centered on an amendment related to the Arizona Rangers; supporters said the bill was not a full repeal but would create external oversight, improve background checks, and require better training documentation and accountability. The chamber also announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings before adjourning until the next day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- to, um, talk about something that Senator Creighton alluded to earlier in the day related to, um, class
- We would actually love to see, uh, class size restrictions added to that list as well.
- That class size is the number one safety issue for them. It's not necessarily removals.
- They can handle just about anything if they have a manageable number of students in their classes.
- Uh, we have welding, we have police academy, we have the nursing classes, we have uh.
Keywords:
hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- grade, 30% of the class grade, because as long as your provision makes sure that they will pass those
- classes in order to advance and to graduate, removing the requirement to pass the assessment in order
- class grade, because as long as your provision makes sure that they will pass those classes in order
- And so they have to take, they have to sacrifice their electives for remedial classes, and they have
- ... ...a test, and they don't have a chance to take classes that might help them explore career paths
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 296, as amended by strike-all, on middle and high school start times. Senator Bradley explained that the amendment would repeal the statewide mandate for later start times and return scheduling decisions to local school boards, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic effects of sleep deprivation and to consider later start times when setting transportation schedules. Testimony and debate were largely in support, with several school district and education group representatives waiving in support, and members citing transportation, staffing, family logistics, and cost concerns under the existing mandate. The strike-all was adopted, and SB 296 was reported favorably by roll call vote, with Senators Berman, Osgood, and Chair Calatayud voting yes and Senator Gaetz voting no; other members were absent or not recorded in the excerpt.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 356, which would designate January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. Senator Berman said the date matches the UN’s Holocaust Remembrance Day and would require the governor to annually proclaim it, while allowing public observance and instruction about the Holocaust’s harms and its impact on the Jewish community and humanity. There was no substantive opposition in the excerpt, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote with yes votes from Senators Berman, Gaetz, and Chair Calatayud.
Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 166 on administrative efficiency in public schools. Senator Simon described a broad deregulation package affecting student assessments, grade promotion, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, internal audits, facilities planning, cost-per-student-station limits, emergency make-up days, federal fund timing, and VPK oversight. Testimony was mixed: school district and education organization representatives generally supported the flexibility, while some groups opposed or urged changes to the grade 4 promotion and graduation-related provisions, arguing they could weaken academic standards. After debate focused especially on third-grade promotion and testing requirements, the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, members recorded their votes on SB 296 and SB 356, and the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 3/10/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a second grader that was in a class previously with 21 kids and now my daughter's in a class with
- She had not had a class size that big.
- I have a second grader that was in a class previously with 21 kids and now my daughter's in a class with
- She had not had a class size that big. attend a public school, and so we could attend a public school
- my daughter's in a class with 32 kids. my daughter's in a class with 32 kids.
Summary:
House Republican leaders and Speaker Melissa Hortman held a press event promoting House File 3490, which would opt Minnesota into a federal education tax credit program. They argued the bill has no state cost and would keep donations made by Minnesotans benefiting Minnesota students and schools rather than out-of-state scholarship organizations. Supporters said the funds could help with tutoring, extracurriculars, school supplies, special education-related services, learning loss, and other school needs, and they repeatedly urged Governor Tim Walz to opt in or publicly explain why he would not.
Rep. Andrew Myers, the bill’s chief author, said the proposal is personal to him as a parent and legislator and described recent school budget pressures, including staff and resource cuts and larger class sizes. Rep. Ben Bakeberg, a middle school principal, said the bill could generate significant funding if many taxpayers participate and argued it could help offset school district shortfalls and the Blue Ribbon Commission. Rep. Griesbach also backed the bill, calling it a “no-brainer” and saying he would not work with the governor on other budget items unless the governor opted in.
In response to questions, supporters said scholarship-granting organizations could be created by a variety of entities, including education foundations, and could support both private-school tuition and public-school-related costs such as extracurricular fees, field trips, and transportation for summer learning. They rejected the idea that the bill pits public and nonpublic schools against each other, saying it is meant to expand educational opportunity for all students. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the event; it ended with questions from reporters on the bill and other Republican priorities such as rental assistance, gas taxes, and energy costs.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Jun 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We do not use calculators in our math classes.
- And so the diversity was who, who's in your classes, that kind of thing.
- Uh, Remember, NMMI doesn't provide online classes.
- I was in an English class a few weeks ago, actually, near the end of the year, and the class started
- We're not having them disrupting class.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We lost Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor.
- She is the constituent of Sergeant First Class Amor, and we have great plans for how we can recognize
- <00:12:25.880>
Amor <00:12:26.160>was <00:12:26.360>her Sergeant First Class - Amor was her Sergeant First Class Amor was her constituent,<00:12:27.560>
and <00:12:27.920>- of the United Sergeant First Class of the United States<00:12:49.080>
Army, <00:12:49.760> - of the United Sergeant First Class of the United States<00:12:49.080>
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 12th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to no longer issue or reissue permits for Class
- Right now, the application of the Class AA biosolids, there really is not a lot of regulation at all.
- This is going to require that landowners, when they apply the Class AA biosolids to their land, that
- Right now, the application of the Class AA biosolids, there really is not a lot of regulation at all.
- This is going to require that landowners, when they applied the Class AA biosolids to their land, that
Keywords:
gaming, slot machines, veterans organizations, regulatory compliance, Florida Gaming Control Commission, declaratory statement, criminal penalties, financial regulation, vulnerable adults, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met with a quorum present and first took up confirmation votes for appointees on tabs 2 through 6, which were recommended favorably without public testimony. The committee then heard CS/SB 1474, which would direct DEP to stop issuing or reissuing permits for Class B biosolids land application when a wastewater treatment facility is reasonably accessible within 50 miles, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1708, which removes a timing requirement for veterinarians licensed in good standing elsewhere to qualify for Florida licensure; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and the ASPCA and was reported favorably.
Members then considered CS/SB 204 on illegal slot machine operations. An amendment was adopted that set the baseline penalty at a second-degree misdemeanor, elevated violations involving six or more machines or repeat offenses to a third-degree felony, and made violations by a person of authority involving six or more machines or multiple prior convictions a second-degree felony. Testimony supported the bill’s effort to target larger illegal operations while protecting veterans’ organizations and other lawful users from felony exposure; the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a strike-all for CS/SB 1294 addressing Class AA biosolids, requiring agronomic-rate application, recordkeeping, IFAS guidance, and application of fertilizer-related requirements to bulk land application products, with an effective date of November 1, 2026; it was reported favorably after limited questions about oversight and IFAS’s role.
Later, CS/SB 772 was heard to allow portable electronics limited licensees to sell “iware” insurance and define that term, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1504 updated pre-licensure education for the 440 customer service representative license so a high school student completing a half-credit insurance and personal finance elective can apply upon turning 18; it received supportive testimony from industry groups and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to CS/SB 540 creating cybersecurity program requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, extending oversight to certain investment advisers, clarifying emergency suspension authority for anti-money laundering violations, extending payment deadlines for examination costs, and adjusting director experience requirements for financial institutions; the bill as amended was reported favorably. Senators McClain and Truenow requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tabs 11 and 13, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- So, under the constitution, both the all other property class and the residential property class are
- residential property out from that class residential property out from that class and<00:02:15.920
- So, under the constitution, both the all other property class and the residential property class are
- So, under the constitution, both the all other property class and the residential property class are
- those two classes together necessarily. those two classes together necessarily.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 25 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We also played, we are a Class 2A school.
- <00:37:22.400>
2A We also played, we are a class 2A We also played, we are a class 2A school - on winning the congratulating them on winning the Division<00:38:11.440>
2 <00:38:12.079>Class - High School Activities Association class High School Activities Association class 5A<00:52:23.839
- <00:52:42.720>
So, Association Class 5A Mr. Basketball. So, Association Class 5A Mr.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer led by Pastor Darren Leech, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After confirming a quorum, the chamber dispensed with reading the journal and handled routine introductions. Members welcomed several guests in the galleries, including Mick Bulock of NCSL and multiple youth and community groups. The House also recognized Pastor Leech’s remarks about public service and stewardship.
A series of congratulatory resolutions were taken up and adopted, many by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. These included resolutions honoring Derek Hall for winning Super Bowl 60 with the Seattle Seahawks, the Columbia Academy Lady Cougars cross country and softball teams for state championships, and other special recognitions. The House also adopted STR 536 and several additional resolutions from the rules calendar, with votes reported at 118 yeas, 0 nays on multiple items.
On the conference calendar, the House concurred in House Bill 1150, which merged the engineers and surveying boards, added an exception so title attorneys were not affected, and changed board member terms from six years to four years. The concurrence motion passed 122 yeas, 0 nays. The House also adopted a conference report on item 60 related to state security operations center language, removing a reverse repealer, by a vote of 117 yeas, 0 nays.
Later, members continued introducing guests and honoring school groups, including the Winston Academy football team for its state championship, the Jeff Davis County Mayor’s Youth Council, Columbus High School’s boys basketball team and Mr. Basketball honoree Michael Hood Jr., Heritage Christian Academy, and Mississippi State basketball player Josh Huard, who was recognized for the Coach Wooden Citizenship Award. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day, with the journal left open until the last conference report is filed.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 24th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Most Oklahomans ever to attend any university in a freshman class, and that's great.
- And we're chasing world class every day. We want to be a world-class state.
- We want to be a world-class university.
- Obviously, the biggest part of our vision is to try to attract world-class athletes with world-class
- dreams and give them a world-class experience, as President Harris mentioned.
Bills:
SJR47, SB1491, SB1579, SB1806, SB1552, SB483, SB63, SB137, SB346, SB514, SB1344, SB1360, SB1380, SB1437, SB1189, SB1217, SB1221, SB1262, SB1272, SB1325, SB1339, SB201
Keywords:
voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- the same rigor as every other class.
- from people about rigor and whether those classes are calibrated correctly.
- because they can finish more quickly and may be less rigorous than in-person classes.
- <00:56:36.720>
I <00:56:36.960>learned saying this was a good class. - I learned saying this was a good class.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Criminal Jurisprudence S/C New Offenses and Changed Penalties May 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- legislation strengthens the criminal penalty for rigging a sporting event, elevating the offense from a Class
- Under current law, rigging a sporting event is a Class A misdemeanor.
- be upgraded to a Class A misdemeanor.
- Currently, the minimum term of confinement for a Class A misdemeanor. In Texas is 0 days.
- That's just strike 33 words and straight swap that class B misdemeanor with state jail felony.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Jan 21st, 2026
Constitution, Campaigns and Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- Class four, right, is is two. But there can be details in the bill that would narrow it.
- <00:31:39.039>
One <00:31:39.279>through classes set up, right? - One through classes set up, right? One through eight. eight. eight.
- <00:31:43.200>
But <00:31:43.360>there Class four, right, is is two. - But there Class four, right, is is two.
Keywords:
parental rights, drag performances, public schools, public libraries, overnight programs, gender identity, minor safety, HB89, Medicaid, pregnant women, pregnancy, prenatal care, ambulatory prenatal care, presumptive eligibility, temporary Medicaid coverage, Alabama Medicaid Agency, maternal health, low-income women, health coverage, eligibility determination
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 2nd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Appropriations - Education and Environment Division
Transcript Highlights:
- His understanding is that, when they do the calculation, they will use only buildings that have classes
- Class to every building to every floor. That's a dilemma, you know.
- During, while I was in class, and now I'm going to walk to my next class.
- But do you have access to a computer in all your classes, though? Or not?
- In all your classes, you have, like, the school computer you bring with to, like, each class that, like
Summary:
The committee met to hear and discuss three education bills and related budget items. House Bill 1214 would revise K-12 transportation funding by replacing the current rider-based formula with a new formula tied more closely to district size, square mileage, building counts, and the weighted student payment. Sponsors and DPI said the change would better reflect actual transportation costs, hold districts harmless overall, and likely increase funding by about $4 million beyond current spending; they also said parent-provided transportation and open-enrollment mileage rules would remain largely unchanged. No opposition was heard, and the committee closed discussion without taking final action in the transcript.
The committee then reviewed House Bill 1013, the education appropriations bill, and walked through proposed adjustments to program and pass-through grants. The chair proposed keeping or reducing some items, eliminating others, and moving one-time items to the stabilization fund; examples included leaving free meals at $4.5 million for now, keeping the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, reducing some grant lines, and removing several new or one-time grants. DPI also explained that the student information system would remain a flow-through grant for this biennium but would move in-house after July 1, 2026. The committee also discussed adding an FTE for the School for the Blind and making a small equipment swap at the Center for Distance Education.
House Bill 1369 was discussed as the main school aid bill, including a proposed 2 percent and 2 percent per-pupil payment increase, higher construction bidding thresholds, elimination of the 12 percent cap, and a transfer of $75 million from Foundation Aid to the School Construction Revolving Loan Fund, with the chair suggesting $100 million instead. DPI explained that the bill also included a policy change returning placement decisions for students with disabilities in congregate care to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, with support from the governor’s office. The committee heard testimony from school officials seeking gap funding for Title I losses caused by a switch from free-and-reduced-lunch to census-based allocations, saying districts with many open-enrolled students could lose substantial funding and staff positions. Later, the governor’s office presented a proposed $1.5 million one-time appropriation to help schools buy secure storage for student cell phones if a statewide device policy is adopted; members raised concerns about cost, local control, and whether the money would be enough. The committee also heard student testimony and then recessed without voting on the amendment in the transcript.