Transcript Highlights:

• Um, When he was in 8th grade, he was having a behavioral day.
• I taught in both 1st, I mean 2nd and 3rd grade.
• He went from reading two grade levels behind to reading on grade level in 3rd grade, passed his star
• grade classroom.
• Our school didn't have anything like that beforehand before 2014, um, so he, when he was in first grade

Bills: HB6, HB120, HB210

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

Transcript Highlights:

• The first thing is to take a serious look at seat time.
• And if you can pull it out, there is a grade book, a traditional grade book.
• You've all seen a grade book like that.
• Here is a traditional grading system. Carl?
• And I said, but you have to get a grade in the class.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and then heard several Senate RS print requests. Senator Blaylock presented RS 33277C1 to create the Idaho High Need Student Fund to help districts cover extraordinary special education costs above $30,000 per student, with reimbursement caps, documentation requirements, and annual reporting; the committee voted to print it. Senator Cole presented RS 33271, the PROM Act, to let homeschooled students in grades 8-12 buy a social access pass to participate in public school social events such as dances, fairs, and cultural activities without enrolling; it was also sent to print. Senator O'Conniewicz presented RS 33334 concerning foreign national students on athletic teams at higher education institutions, arguing it could help retain graduates in Idaho; the committee voted to print it. Senator Semmelroth presented RS 33335, a revised code-cleanup bill restoring specialty diploma provisions that had been inadvertently removed; it too was printed. The committee then heard a presentation from Sam Abrams, superintendent of Hayden Canyon Charter, on broader education reform ideas. He argued that Idaho should move away from seat-time-based schooling toward mastery-based learning, with more individualized pacing, better accountability for public dollars, and measures beyond test scores, including student happiness and demonstrated learning. He described his experience in Qatar and at other schools as evidence that individualized, mastery-based systems can improve outcomes. Members responded with comments about the flexibility of charter schools versus traditional public schools and shared examples of students who learn differently but are not well served by conventional grading and attendance systems. No formal action was taken on Abrams' presentation, and the committee adjourned after his remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hinson: And the First Amendment of the United States.
• Will there be grade equivalence for each proficiency?
• You said the whole cursive writing program for proficiency in second grade level and third grade... >
• the proficiency level of that grade. >> Rep.
• Doesn't have impact on whatever happens at the grade level?

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and considered four measures. HB 409, which would require K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, was presented briefly with no public testimony or debate and passed 18-0. The committee then took up HJR 583, a proposed constitutional amendment to codify religious liberty and expression in schools. Supporters argued it would strengthen existing protections and give voters the final say, while opponents from parent, atheist, interfaith, and church groups warned it could privilege dominant faiths, create coercion or confusion in schools, and reduce flexibility for districts. After extended debate, the resolution passed 18-1, with Rep. Harris voting no. The committee next heard CS/HB 453, which would allow students to substitute participation in Special Olympics for a PE credit and marching band for PE and arts credit under certain conditions. The sponsor and supporters said the bill recognizes the physical demands of these activities and would benefit students with disabilities and band students; school district and PTA representatives waived in support. The bill passed unanimously, 19-0. Finally, HB 127, requiring cursive writing instruction in grades 2 through 5, was presented as a literacy and heritage measure. Supporters said it would help students read historical documents and strengthen handwriting skills, while questions focused on grading, retention, and applicability to charter schools. It passed 17-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would just position that against what we hear time and time again from first grade teachers.
• , they see those students who come to first grade who haven't been to kindergarten.
• I would say the reason why we continue to do this is because we have mandatory education from first grade
• They see those students who come to first grade who haven't been to kindergarten.
• I would say the reason why we continue to do this is because we have mandatory education from first grade

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She's in first grade.
• </c> first go to. first go to.
• to second grade, and she was in a higher grade and now he or she's in a lower grade, and they have to
• </c><00:34:16.079><c> and</c> grade and she was in a higher grade and grade and she was in a higher grade
• </c> first one on your calendar. first one on your calendar.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and second grade all the way up.
• The first assessment is called the CLASS assessment.
• It's VPK through grade 10.
• level by the end of third grade.
• So being that this is our first meeting, I feel like it’s in order. This is our first meeting.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee held its first interim meeting, took roll, and established a quorum. Members introduced themselves, many noting backgrounds in education, school boards, local government, or parenting, and Chair Jenna Persons-Mulicka outlined the committee’s goal of building the fiscal year 2025-26 Pre-K-12 budget. She also reviewed the fiscal year 2024-25 education budget, noting that the Pre-K-12 portion totals about $21 billion, with the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) as the largest driver, along with major funding for VPK, school readiness, and school recognition. She explained that federal COVID relief funds have ended and that recent school choice legislation has affected budget structure. Commissioner Manny Diaz and department leaders then gave overviews of their divisions. Diaz highlighted Florida’s education rankings, record graduation rate, progress monitoring, expanded school choice participation, charter school growth, and teacher salary investments, while emphasizing a focus on literacy, math, and early learning. Carrie Miller described the Division of Early Learning’s school readiness and VPK programs, their funding, eligibility, accountability systems, and the importance of kindergarten readiness. Paul Burns outlined the Division of Public Schools’ work on educator quality, literacy, standards, certification, family outreach, federal programs, and school improvement. Suzanne Pridgen reviewed finance and operations functions, including budget management, FEFP calculations, grants, procurement, transportation, and emergency management. Adam Emerson described parental choice programs, including scholarships, charter schools, schools of hope, virtual education, and home education. Darren Norris detailed the Office of Safe Schools’ responsibilities for risk assessments, compliance inspections, threat management, grants, and training created after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. Members asked questions about several issues, including whether the Safe Schools office recommends changes to the school safety grant distribution formula, whether early learning eligibility should shift from federal poverty level to state median income, how scholarship payments are verified to avoid funding students who return to public school, and whether daily attendance systems could improve funding accuracy. Other questions addressed hurricane-related survey disruptions, VPK provider reimbursement rates and instructional hours, teacher salary increases, school start time costs, and how voucher schools handle IEP accommodations. Department officials generally said some issues remain under review, supported moving school readiness eligibility to SMI, noted that scholarship and enrollment data are cross-checked and adjusted when needed, and said progress monitoring now helps schools support mobile students. On school safety, officials said exemptions are allowed in statute for some items but not for classroom doors, and that district-specific conditions matter. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported beyond receiving presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair, could you please call up the first testifier? First we have on the list, Mr.
• First, the demand is real and growing.
• components: weighted grade, interview panel grade, and overall grade, scored numerically and added together
• First of all, we're adding a grading component, so this is going to allow us to grade our solicitations
• panel grade, and a final overall grade.

Bills: SB1108, SB1205, SB1241, SB1286, SB1366, SB1431, SB1473, SB1477, SB1478, SB1479, SB1492, SB1517, SB1563, SB1586, SB1665, SB1671

Keywords: cash transactions, mandatory rounding, swedish rounding, public notice, Arizona Revised Statutes, motor vehicle booting, private property, fees, dispute process, regulations, SB1241, private permitting provider, private permit, private certificate of completion, building permit, building plan review, inspection, single-trade residential construction, residential construction, municipal permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not just a grade book.
• That's the first year's data migration.
• grade teachers.
• level to grade level.
• Currently, we're in our first year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Read the first bill: Senate Bill 234.
• Please read the first amendment.
• Please reread the first bill.
• 30% of their final course grade rather than a graduation requirement.
• Please read the first amendment.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including state championship athletic teams, visiting chambers of commerce, apprentices, students, and other guests. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and special order calendar, with no committee reports or executive messages on the desk. A moment of silence was held for Walton County Deputy William Will May, who died in the line of duty. Among the major bills passed was SB 234, which strengthens restrictions on resisting law enforcement officers and increases penalties related to manslaughter of an officer; an amendment clarifying “good faith” in an officer’s duties was adopted, and the bill passed 37-0. The Senate also passed SB 7020 on open government review of certain cybersecurity information, SM 1488 urging Congress to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, SB 944 reducing the overpayment claim period for insurers/HMOs seeking reimbursement from licensed psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, SB 878 extending probation treatment options for misdemeanor offenses involving controlled substances, SB 538 updating the state court system, SB 480 expanding nonprofit agricultural medical benefit plans, SB 472 giving correctional education credit toward professional licensure, SB 86/House companion 421 expanding peer support for first responders to include support personnel, SB 164 on vessel accountability, SB 282 on warranty association financial requirements, SB 316 creating Series LLC rules, and SB 384 requiring notice to legislative delegations before municipal annexation of state-owned lands. The most debated measure was CS/CS/SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification, which Garcia said would prohibit unauthorized atmospheric interventions, create reporting and enforcement mechanisms through DEP, and impose felony penalties; Polsky questioned the bill’s practicality, federal preemption issues, and agency capacity, while supporters said it would address public concerns and close loopholes. The Senate also passed CS/SB 166 on public school administrative efficiency after adopting several amendments affecting school purchasing timelines, third-grade retention exemptions, teacher contracts, certification, facilities planning, and an OPPAGA study of cost-per-student-station limits; senators debated testing, teacher evaluations, and school accountability. At the end of the day, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, received budget process guidance from Appropriations Chair Hooper on SB 2500 and SB 2502 amendment deadlines, and then adjourned until April 9.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and second grade.
• Douglas Knapp, first-grade teacher in West Sacramento and literacy coach who participated in the literacy
• who enter in grades that are older.
• We want to make a modest first step.
• Douglas Knapp, first-grade teacher in West Sacramento, in full support. Dr.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's 6th 7th<00:31:00.480><c> grade.
• </c> 7th grade. 7th grade. 73%<00:31:03.520><c> of</c><00:31:03.680><c> teens</c><00:31:04.560><c> report
• I just want to first say I appreciate you and your style so much.
• I just want to first say I appreciate you and your style so much.
• </c><00:49:06.800><c> in</c> so that young child in third grade in so that young child in third grade

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet, those first three years or those first two years of class work aren't going to be lost because that's
• semester or first year.
• Well, whoever gets here first. Thank you. Thank you. Madam Johnson will be first.
• First, when the bill was first done and everyone's like, oh, computer science, great, no problem.
• Is this your first one in education? Pretty much first one almost anywhere, but yes. Okay, awesome.

Summary: The committee heard several higher education and K-12 bills centered on TOPS, school accountability, and curriculum alignment. It first welcomed University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s new president, Ramesh Kuluru, who spoke about student success, workforce alignment, and the university’s financial recovery. The committee then adopted amendments and reported HR 17 favorably, directing a study of TOPS return on investment with the Board of Regents, Louisiana Works, LED, and the Blanco Public Policy Center. Testimony from business and policy groups supported the study as a way to assess whether state financial aid is producing workforce and retention outcomes. Members then considered HB 385 by Rep. Bamberg, which would require repayment of TOPS awards under certain circumstances when students lose eligibility, with exemptions for hardship and a pathway into LCTCS or career-technical programs. The bill drew strong debate over whether merit scholarships should ever be repaid; opponents argued TOPS is earned for the semester and should only be lost going forward, while supporters emphasized taxpayer accountability. After amendments, the committee narrowly approved the bill by roll call vote, with Chair Schlegel casting the deciding yes to report it favorably as amended. The committee also unanimously reported HB 1058 favorably, which requires the Board of Regents to maintain a uniform data system for state financial assistance; independent colleges and business groups supported the measure as a way to improve accountability and analysis. The committee next heard HB 406 by Speaker Pro Tem Johnson, which asks the Department of Education to study the feasibility of moving oversight of interscholastic athletics to a more accountable model after a legislative study found widespread complaints about the private LHSAA’s transparency and consistency. Supporters said the bill is a cautious step toward reform and a possible 2028–2029 transition, while an LHSAA representative defended current audits and governance and opposed the premise of the bill. Despite objections, the committee reported HB 406 favorably. It then heard HB 787 by Rep. McMakin, as substituted, which would exempt non-public high school students from the TOPS computer science requirement; BESE and the Department of Education opposed the bill, saying it would separate diploma and TOPS requirements and create scheduling confusion, while Catholic school representatives said the requirement conflicts with their theology curriculum. McMakin asked to defer the bill for two weeks. Finally, the committee unanimously reported HB 1059 favorably, which aligns TOPS math requirements with BESE’s integrated math pathways, and began hearing HB 1021 by Rep. Egan on repayment of certain TOPS awards, though the transcript cuts off before that bill was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• semester or first year.
• Well, whoever gets here first. Thank you. Thank you. Madam Johnson will be first.
• First, when the bill was first done and everyone's like, oh, computer science, great, no problem.
• Is this your first one in education? Pretty much first one almost anywhere, but yes. Okay, awesome.
• to college in the first place.

Bills: HR17, HB385, HB406, HB787, HB1021, HB1058, HB1059

Keywords: education, investment, workforce development, TOPS, higher education, repayment, scholarships, academic eligibility, financial aid, athletics, high school sports, state report, student wellness, computer science, scholarship, curriculum requirements, workforce training, education funding, data administration, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's one of our first values.
• P.E. and arts in younger grades but not so much in older grades, so we want to take a look at that.
• It starts at 8th grade. I think we need to see if it should start at 6th grade or 7th grade.
• To, and when am I going to grade all of these 160 students? When am I going to grade?
• First... ...section took a while.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Miller has asked to go first.
• Since she's my seatmate on the floor for the last six years, she gets to go first.
• First question: In what states do they already do this?
• My thinking, when I first went...
• And the first offense, as you can see, is a three-day in-school suspension.

Bills: HB4274, HB3076, HB4358, HB3312, HB3288, HB3885

Keywords: HB4274, Oklahoma schools, interdistrict transfer, open transfer, school enrollment, military families, active duty, National Guard, Reserve orders, military installation, residency requirements, district of choice, public school transfer, student transfer, special education, IEP, Section 504, military housing, base housing, electronic enrollment

Summary: The committee first took up HB 4274, with a PCS accepted without objection. The bill concerns military students and military school choice, restoring language from the Open Enrollment Act, removing a six-month residency requirement for military families, and addressing early enrollment administration. After brief discussion, the committee voted 10-0 to report the bill out as due pass. HB 3076, authored by Rep. Lepak, would create a new alternative certification pathway for teachers to help address the teacher shortage by allowing third-party certifiers outside the traditional higher-education route. Members asked about accreditation, existing pilot language, and how this differs from emergency or adjunct certification. The author said the bill is intended as an additional route for career changers, with examples from other states and a model that includes follow-up support after hiring. The committee also discussed adding mentor-teacher language, and the bill passed 10-2 as due pass. The committee then considered HB 4358, which would limit screen time for K-5 students to one hour per day, with the author noting possible changes for class-based use, testing, and virtual schools. HB 3312, with a PCS, would require schools to offer firearm safety education in grades K-12, while allowing parents to opt their students out; it passed 9-2. HB 3288, also with a PCS, would increase physical activity for school-age children and prohibit withholding recess or physical education from pre-K through 5th grade as punishment; it passed 11-0. Finally, HB 3885, with a PCS, would impose mandatory disciplinary actions for third- through fifth-grade students who assault or attempt to assault teachers or school employees. The author said the bill is aimed at improving teacher safety and retention, while still allowing in-school suspension and case-by-case superintendent discretion. Members discussed whether schools already have such authority and whether suspension is always the best response. The bill passed 8-3 as due pass. HB 4277 and HB 4173 were laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• Read the first bill.
• I still kind of had the same questions I had in the first committee.
• And very exciting Senators, this is our first House companion arrival.
• It provides additional options for student progression for fourth grade.
• First Gentleman of the Florida Senate, John Passidomo.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• first have to appropriate<00:03:46.519><c> those</c><00:03:46.720><c> funds</c><00:03:47.400><c> The
• And where is it, like, you know, across all grades, or what's driving that? Thanks.
• </c> previously sing but the year the grade previously sing but the year the grade levels<00:40:37.079
• </c><00:40:45.000><c> to</c> number of kids advancing from grade to number of kids advancing from grade
• </c> percentage of those kids are in a grade percentage of those kids are in a grade level<00:41:15.599

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget presented the February 2025 budget and economic forecast, with Commissioner Aon Campbell, State Economist Anthony Becker, and Budget Director Anam Mingi outlining updated revenue, spending, and long-term balance projections. The state’s FY 2026-27 general fund outlook remains positive but weaker than in November, with an ending balance of $456 million, down $160 million from the prior forecast. Looking ahead, the planning years FY 2028-29 show a projected deficit of just under $6 billion, driven largely by spending growth outpacing revenues. Officials emphasized that discretionary inflation is a major factor in the forecast, but also noted that those amounts are not automatically appropriated and would require legislative action. Becker said the national outlook has changed since November, with higher expected inflation, higher interest rates for longer, and slower growth in later years. He highlighted uncertainty around tariffs, trade policy, immigration policy, federal spending, and possible changes to tax and debt-ceiling policy, all of which could affect Minnesota’s economy and revenues. Minnesota’s labor market remains tight, with low unemployment and rising wages, and the revenue forecast was revised upward overall for FY 2026-27, including higher income and sales tax receipts, though corporate tax revenue was slightly lower than previously projected. Mingi said projected general fund spending is up $79 million in FY 2026-27 and $960 million in FY 2028-29 compared with November. The largest increases are in education and health and human services, especially due to inflation, higher pupil counts, special education costs, long-term care, and higher Medical Assistance spending. She noted that higher utilization of weight-loss drugs also raises Medicaid costs, and that a smaller assumed bonding bill helps offset some debt service costs. The commissioner and staff repeatedly warned that federal policy changes, especially possible Medicaid reductions, pose a major risk; they said Minnesota could face billions in lost federal funding, including a potential $2.4 billion hit if the enhanced Medicaid match for adults without children were eliminated. No votes or legislative actions were taken in the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• to grade.
• That's the leadership grade. That's the grade they get for being in the corps.
• We added new sixth grade.
• Remember, we have 4 grades of high school and then 2 grades of junior college.
• Uh, I will not be there the first day. Uh, vice chair will be running the first day.

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, we will have CS for House Bill 1403.
• Examples include grades K-3, conversations on bullying; grades 4 through 6, understanding autism spectrum
• disorder; grades 7 through 9, education on hearing impairments; and grades 10 through 12, information
• And I apologize if I said your first name incorrectly.
• And I mentioned in the last committee that my daughter is a first-grade teacher.

Summary: The Pre-K Through 12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered four bills. CS/HB 1403, by Rep. Yeager, would allow child care facilities to participate in the school guardian program and clarify school perimeter and door security requirements. An amendment clarifying that private security companies would pay for training was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably 11-0. CS/HB 447, the Evan B. Hartzell Act by Rep. Salzman, would provide guidance for schools that choose to teach disability history and awareness during the first two weeks of October, including age-appropriate instruction by grade band. The bill received supportive testimony from advocates and was reported favorably 11-0. CS/HB 257, by Reps. Chambliss and Tramont, would expand on a prior pilot program to allow video cameras in certain self-contained classrooms serving nonverbal students and others with significant disabilities, as a safeguard against abuse and to improve accountability. The bill drew strong support from parents and disability advocates describing abuse concerns, and it was reported favorably 13-0. CS/HB 1255, by Vice Chair Trabulsy, was a broad education bill addressing teacher shortages, scholarship program screening, health and math instruction, corporal punishment policy, and restrictions on spending public funds on organizations tied to discrimination or political/social activism. A major focus of debate was the bill’s human embryologic development instruction and related video language, with supporters calling it science-based and opponents warning it could be medically inaccurate or ideological. After the sponsor said she would amend some language, including removing ABCTE-related text and clarifying the video language, the bill was reported favorably 12-1. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of our consultants had a 5th grade child analyze her day.
• First, Dr. Svedosky. Thank you, Mr.
• Like, we don't have 11th graders recording, you know, first grade reading voices.
• I'm in the 11th grade. Me too.
• I'm Isaiah Sanchez; I'm in the 12th grade and I'm the treasurer for Staters.

Bills: SB194, SB200, SB203, SB204, SJR3

Keywords: appropriation, higher education, sports facilities, community college, Luna Community College, KANW, educational radio, rural news, public education, funding, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, cultural heritage, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University