Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's Letter 20 is for the Department of Education.
• Also for the Department of Education, this amends Arkansas Code to comply with Act 909 of 2025, designating
• that the Department of Education will pay the EBD employer contribution for school districts.
• Also for the Department of Department. 39 through 43 pages also for the Department of Education this
• amends Arkansas code to comply with Act 909 of 2025 designating that the Department of Education will

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Summary: The special language subcommittee met for its first meeting of the session and reviewed several governor’s letters containing special language for appropriations bills. Members were reminded that the subcommittee only handles special language, while personnel and appropriation items go to other budget committees. Most items were explained by DFA Secretary Jim Hudson and agency representatives, with no major opposition raised. The committee adopted amendments for the Department of Finance and Administration to require administrative costs for pregnancy help organization grants to stay under 25%; for the Department of Correction to remove conflicting language about county jail reimbursement funds and make a technical fund-name correction; and for the Department of Education to designate the Department of Agriculture as the child nutrition agency and to implement Act 909 of 2025 changes related to EBD employer contributions and phasing out teacher equalization funds. It also adopted language allowing the CFO to waive the 3% state central services fee for agricultural promotion boards, allowing Department of Public Safety revenues from Camp Robinson facilities to be used for maintenance, and authorizing shared administrative services billing under the Arkansas Ford Initiative while removing duplicative reporting language. Additional adopted amendments designated Arkansas Rehab Services as the state unit for the vocational rehabilitation grant and capped the reimbursement rate for the used tire program at $2.31 effective July 1, 2026, to stabilize funding. One item was skipped because a later governor’s letter superseded it. All amendments considered were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's Letter Number 20 is for the Department of Education.
• Also for the Department of Education, this amends Arkansas Code to comply with Act 909 of 2025, designating
• that the Department of Education will pay the EBD employer contribution for school districts.
• year amount in addition to the current fiscal year. 39 through 43 pages also for the Department of Education
• this amends Arkansas code to comply with Act 909 of 2025 designating that the Department of Education

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 6314 by Senator Balez, referred to the Committee on Early Learning and K-12 Education.
• Washington Institute for Scientific Advancement, which should be referred to the Committee on Higher Education
• Institute for Scientific Advancement, which should instead be referred to the Committee on Higher Education
• And whereas this day calls for education of future generations about the history and impact of the Holocaust
• The citizens of Washington are encouraged to participate in activities and educational programs that

Summary: The Senate met in a pro forma session and first suspended Rule 46 so committees could continue meeting during the session. The journal was approved, and the chamber moved through introductions and referrals, including first reading of Senate Bill 6314 and a referral adjustment sending Senate Bill 6321, which would establish the Washington Institute for Scientific Advancement, to the Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. The main floor item was Senate Resolution 8670 recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The resolution recounted the history of the Holocaust, the liberation of Auschwitz, and the ongoing problem of anti-Semitism, including a cited rise in incidents in Washington State. Senator Solomon spoke at length in support, sharing personal family history tied to Nazi persecution and warning about rising anti-Semitism and the need for vigilance, remembrance, and community support. Senator Short also spoke in support, emphasizing responsibility to prevent such atrocities and the value of education and open-mindedness. Senator Hasegawa moved that the sponsor’s remarks be spread across the journal, and the Senate agreed without objection. The resolution was then adopted by voice vote. The President recognized guests from the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Holocaust Center for Humanity in the gallery. The Senate then adjourned until 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we are discussing [HB 1234](link from function call), a bill aimed at enhancing educational opportunities
• It's crucial that we continue to educate future generations about this dark period in history.
• Education is the key to combating hatred and fostering understanding among all people.
• It is our responsibility to remember and educate about these atrocities so that we can prevent similar
• It is important to uphold our pledge to remember and educate about the Holocaust, ensuring that history

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in business educator of the year.
• </c> uh New Hampshire Business Educators uh New Hampshire Business Educators Association.
• </c> financial management, educational financial management, educational organization,<00:15:00.720><
• Department of Education to test every student. division director for Education Analytics and Resources
• Department of Education.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved corrected minutes from October 6 after members noted and fixed several transcription and spelling errors, including a clarification that a comment about SAU numbers came from former Senator Jim Rubin. The vote to approve the corrected minutes was moved, seconded, and adopted with one abstention. The main presentation came from Chuck Bates of the New Hampshire Association of School Business Officials (ASBO), who described the organization, its certification program, and the role of school business administrators. He explained that ASBO members handle accounting and financial management, facilities, food service, HR, information systems, transportation, and risk management. He also outlined the certification program, which includes 21 courses, most online, plus four in-person workshops unique to New Hampshire, and noted that many members are not certified because the state licensure requirement was removed. Bates then addressed the committee’s interest in SAU consolidation and county-wide restructuring. He said business administrators often manage multiple budgets, attend school board meetings, and serve as a visible point of contact for the community. He argued that consolidation would create operational and financial challenges, including staff and facility relocation, differing accounting systems, lack of a standardized chart of accounts, and uncertain return on investment. He said the biggest obstacle would be local control, especially in small towns that do not want outside decisions affecting school closures, class sizes, or student transportation. Committee members questioned him about the distinction between administrative and academic control, the size of district offices in larger cities, and what might reduce administrative costs; Bates responded that many administrative costs stem from legislation and that consolidation would be difficult to implement without local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the end of your testimony may clarify what we previously heard as the hierarchy of education
• I think the end of your testimony may clarify what we previously heard as the hierarchy of education
• </c> is not about some uh level of Education is not about some uh level of Education some<01:14:47.440
• it to the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services, and both Education and the Department
• </c><01:26:54.560><c> for</c> affairs uh agreed that um education for affairs uh agreed that um education

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:45.160><c> Partners</c><00:17:45.919><c> to</c><00:17:46.120><c> provide</c> education Partners
• to provide education Partners to provide highquality<00:17:47.160><c> training</c><00:17:47.840><c>
• </c><00:29:46.880><c> in</c> uh institutions of higher education in uh institutions of higher education
• That could be anything from substance abuse, mental health, employment, education, etc.
• </c> mental health employment education mental health employment education Etc<01:44:52.840><c> we</c

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They organize events that educate the public, honor veterans, and generate donations for organizations
• With regards to local board and special permit granting authority education pieces, we provide a comprehensive
• program for members of local planning boards, SPGA authorities, and zoning boards of appeal for education
• It strengthens our workforce, modernizes infrastructure, expands education.
• It strengthens our workforce, modernizes infrastructure, expands education, and streamlines permitting

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that ballot measure said it can expend city money to educate other cities and counties.
• And that ballot measure said, and it can expend city money to educate other cities and counties.
• The ballot measure said it could expend city money to educate other cities and counties in case they
• communities within its scope and jurisdiction, but also represented by people who have expertise, education
• communities within its scope and jurisdiction, but also represented by people who have expertise, education

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Education, after consideration on the merit, committee recommends the following: 145 be
• :25:29.358><c>on</c> favorable recommendation committee on favorable recommendation committee on education
• <c>after </c><02:25:30.280><c>consideration </c><02:25:30.620><c>on </c><02:25:30.960><c>the</c> education
• after consideration on the education after consideration on the merit <02:25:31.320><c>committee </c
• model and the dedication of its students, educators, and families.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This esteemed organization was founded by the visionary educator, civil rights leader, and presidential
• In speaking to a young group of graduates in 2009, Justice Ginsburg said, “Use the education that you
• Awareness, education, and continued research are critical to improving the quality of life for those
• Senate Subcommittee on Education will meet in Room 2100 of the swing space upon adjournment of session
• He raised a family grounded in education, faith, and hard work.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including representatives of the National Council of Negro Women, students from Santa Clarita Christian School, and the Coachella Valley High School girls soccer team. The chamber then moved to confirmations and resolutions. Andy Nakahata was confirmed as executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank by a 32-0 vote, Richard Stein was confirmed to the California Arts Council by a 33-0 vote, and Nick Hardiman was confirmed to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors by a 33-0 vote. The Senate adopted SCR 127, recognizing December as Multi-Faith Heritage Month, by unanimous roll call. Members also adopted SCR 110, designating March 16–22, 2026 as Women’s Military History Week, after remarks highlighting women veterans and military leaders, and SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, with several senators speaking in support of Ginsburg’s legacy and the importance of women’s equality. SR 85, recognizing March 8–14, 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, was also adopted unanimously. The Senate then approved the special consent calendar, including Assembly Concurrent Resolutions 127, 128, 132, and 134, by a 33-0 vote. Committee announcements followed, with several budget subcommittees and the Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry announcing upcoming meetings. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Dr. William Ma, offered by Senator Wiener, and the Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Nevada, that money's not going to education. That's, it's, it's, I don't know.
• In Nevada, that money's not going to, you know, education.
• And, as all of us have experienced as we traveled around and as our thought processes or our education
• Now, also it says that any remaining fund balance that they have can be sent to public education.
• that question, and there has never been, in 40 years at least, ever been a distribution to public education

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, on page 7, under Rule 100.04.B, under the Education for Experience section...
• On page 7, under Rule 100.04.B, under the Education for Experience section, language was added to clarify
• the number of continuing education credits required for work experience substitution.
• hours to the following license cycle and allow course instructors to receive continuing education credit
• for one training each student... ...and allow course instructors to receive continuing education credit

Summary: The House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee approved the minutes from February 10 and February 16, then heard a rule docket from the Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals Board. The agency said the rule changes clarified licensure categories, exam score validity, experience and continuing education requirements, and auditing of exam providers, while also increasing fees to rebuild the board’s cash balance. After questions about the board’s finances and the Senate’s objection to the fee increase, the committee approved the docket with Section 400, the fee section, struck. The committee then took up House Bill 593, a code cleanup bill from Representative Scott that would repeal obsolete hazardous waste planning committee provisions and the Big Payette Lake Water Quality chapter. Members raised concerns about overlap with another bill and whether the repeal would conflict with other hazardous waste provisions. After discussion and a brief recess, the motion to advance the bill was withdrawn and the committee voted to hold House Bill 593 in committee to the call of the chair. House Bill 714 was also held in committee without hearing. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 687 from Representative Schurz, which would restrict state agencies from procuring, deploying, or using large language models unless they are developed and implemented without DEI principles and with truth-seeking, ideologically neutral standards. Schurz cited concerns about the Recidiviz vendor used by IDOC and said the bill would require contract language, agency procedures, and vendor accountability. Members questioned how agencies could verify compliance and whether the bill would affect other uses of AI, but the bill was advanced on a due pass motion and sent to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• cost of quality child care study and a cost of quality child care study as defined by the early educator
• The current cost of quality child care study, as defined by the early educator design team, means using
• a cost estimation model developed in consultation with, and recommended by, the early educator design
• I am a child care center owner and a member of the early education design team.
• My name is Jim Kulkowski, and I serve as the director of the Rural Education Center.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on several bills. Senate Bill 5109 would raise the mortgage lending fraud prosecution surcharge on recorded deeds of trust from $1 to $5 and remove the 2027 sunset on the surcharge and account. Committee staff said the change would generate additional revenue for county auditors and the Department of Financial Institutions to contract with prosecutors; King County and the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys testified in strong support, saying the current funding has eroded and the bill would better sustain mortgage fraud prosecutions. A question was raised about whether other budget funding could serve a similar purpose, but supporters said the dedicated surcharge/account structure was the best fit. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5500, which would require DCYF’s biennial child care report to include a current cost-of-quality study in addition to the market rate survey. Testifiers from Child Care Aware of Washington, child care providers, and the early education design team supported the bill, saying the market rate survey alone does not capture the true cost of providing quality care. Staff said the bill would have a small fiscal impact for DCYF. The committee then heard Substitute Senate Bill 5834 and Senate Bill 5835, both Department of Retirement Systems request bills: one would broaden use of pension fund interest earnings for fund-protection expenses beyond the 2025-27 biennium, and the other would raise the threshold for lump-sum payment of small monthly benefits from $50 to $250. Neither bill drew public testimony, and staff said the fiscal impacts were minimal. Later, the committee heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5872, which would create the Pre-K Promise Account for ECAP funding and allow gifts, grants, and donations to be used solely to expand the program. Supporters including rural health coalitions, the Balmer Group, and Snohomish County said the account would help expand access to early learning, especially in child care deserts; DCYF estimated staffing costs to administer the account. Substitute Senate Bill 6007 would direct WSIPP to study DCYF’s child welfare screening tools and their effects on outcomes, with a reported cost of about $234,000; there was no public testimony. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6019 would clarify home care agency rate-setting and require that no more than 20% of Medicaid home care rates go to administrative costs, with DSHS saying there would be no fiscal impact. Labor and caregiver witnesses supported it as a parity and accountability measure. Finally, Senate Bill 6065 would allow school districts in binding conditions or enhanced financial oversight to use transportation vehicle funds more flexibly, including temporary loans or permanent transfers with approval; a rural education representative supported the bill, and staff said OSPI would incur only modest administrative costs. The committee took no final action and adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think the thing that's educational about how members of this committee can reach in and... ...members
• And I think the thing that's educational about how members of this committee can reach in and members
• Congress working on civics and civic health and civic education.
• There are a lot of materials that are available to us to try and move forward with acculturating and educating
• and I thought it was really interesting how he was speaking about workers and I was speaking about educating

Summary: The committee heard three measures. SB 5892 would clarify that only the Secretary of State may respond to public records requests for data generated by the statewide voter registration database, prohibit county election offices from producing those records in response to PRA requests, and make unauthorized disclosure of certain sensitive voter information a Class C felony. The Secretary of State, the prime sponsor, and the staff all described the bill as a privacy and database-security update reflecting the centralized VoteWA system, while one testifier opposed it, arguing it would not help maintain clean voter rolls. No vote was taken; the hearing was closed. The committee also heard SCR 8406, which reestablishes the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health, expands its membership, and extends its work through January 2029. Staff explained that the prior committee expired after issuing recommendations, and the sponsors and supporters said the measure would continue work on respectful dialogue, common ground, and civic education. Testimony was uniformly supportive, with members and the Lieutenant Governor emphasizing civic health as a way to strengthen democracy and encourage constructive disagreement. No vote was taken; the hearing was closed. Finally, the committee heard SB 5863, which extends the moratorium on destroying Lakeland Village records until fiscal year 2030 and changes the rules for restricted records transferred to State Archives so they become open after 75 years without needing a separate archivist determination. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would preserve important disability history, support family research, and protect records and artifacts tied to the state’s treatment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Testimony from disability advocates and self-advocates was strongly in favor. No vote was taken; the hearing was closed, and the committee adjourned after announcing caucus rooms for later discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• connection, and cultural understanding; and whereas we recognize the dedication of the artists, educators
• Their commitment to artistic excellence, technical mastery, and education has made them a cornerstone
• Let us recognize the artists, educators, and young students who dedicate their lives to keeping the beauty
• Their commitment to artistic excellence, technical mastery, and education has made them a cornerstone
• Let us recognize the artists, educators, and young students who dedicate their lives to keeping the beauty

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and a series of guest introductions and proclamations, including recognition of Arizona Statehood Day and National Ballet Day honoring Phoenix Ballet and artistic director Slawomir Wozniak. Members also announced committee substitutions and several bills were placed on the House calendar after second reading. On third reading, HB 2190, which would add an article relating to the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants, failed on a 20-38 vote after debate over whether it was needed to support licensure compacts and workforce access. HB 2206, relating to SNAP and rulemaking, passed 33-25 after a brief dispute over whether it improperly delegated authority to the executive branch. HB 2396, also relating to SNAP and restrictions on purchases, drew extended debate over food deserts, personal choice, public health, and whether the state should limit what low-income families can buy; it passed 34-25. After announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, members moved to reconsider the failed HB 2190 vote, and the motion carried. The House then recessed and reconvened later in the day, where it handled additional committee substitutions, withdrew several bills from committees for reassignment, and read HB 2999 for the first time before adjourning until February 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are both in education and have been so much of their lives.
• Mark started out in public education as a girls' basketball coach.
• She's been in education for 25 years, two great. Ms.
• She has been in education for 25 years. Two great people.
• Bailey attends the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she's majoring in ag education.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are both in education and have been so much of their lives.
• Mark started out in public education as a girls' basketball coach, worked his way all the way up to a
• She's been in education for 25 years, two great.
• She's been in education for 25 years. Two great people.
• Bailey attends the University of Missouri Columbia where she's majoring in Ag Education.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 4, 2026 by roll call vote, 123-1. Members spent a substantial portion of the morning introducing special guests and recognizing birthdays, including visitors from Missouri Technology Corporation, educators, pediatricians, a longtime legislative photographer, and several family members and constituents. A member also delivered a lengthy personal-privilege tribute for Black History Month honoring his father’s military service, postal career, ministry, and mentorship work, and another member paid tribute to the late Donna Kramer Scott. The chamber then took up first reading of House Bills 3218, 3219, and 3220. On third reading, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1667 and 2294 was debated as a “born alive”/abortion-related measure; supporters argued it protects infants born alive and clarifies provider duties, while opponents said the issue is already covered in statute and that the House should focus on other priorities. The bill passed 103-40. The House also considered House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1694, 1674, 1780, 2056, 2312, and 1755, a package centered on the Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation and related accessibility/ADA litigation concerns. Supporters described it as curbing settlement-driven lawsuits and helping businesses, while opponents and some supporters emphasized the need for real accessibility improvements. That package passed unanimously, 149-0. During announcements, members highlighted an American Idol contestant from a district, an upcoming rural health care funding informational session, a property tax reform committee executive session, a St. Charles festival, an American Heart Month photo opportunity, and several committee meetings. The House was told to be prepared to consider additional bills upon return, and it adjourned until 4 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first group of changes relates to the education requirements set forth in the bill.
• These would be education requirements for police officers, prosecutors, and judges.
• The proposed substitute removes the phrasing about probable instances where the education provided to
• Classes for prosecutors and judges must be designed to qualify for continuing legal education credits
• Classes for prosecutors and judges must be designed to qualify for continuing legal education credits

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard and acted on five bills. House Bill 2548, dealing with hospital and provider material change transactions, was presented with a proposed substitute that added disclosure requirements, quarterly AG website notices, filing fees, and nonprofit-related notice provisions while removing several original enforcement sections. Members debated the 25% ownership threshold and concerns about market effects, but the substitute passed 7-6 with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2453 would allow board-certified psychiatric pharmacists to sign certain involuntary commitment and treatment-related petitions and opinions. Members said the bill was intended to expand access to treatment while preserving court decision-making authority, and it passed 8-5. House Bill 2640, addressing unauthorized UCC filings, would let the Department of Licensing refuse or terminate filings made to harass or defraud debtors; members described it as a Department of Licensing request bill, and it also passed 8-5. The committee then considered House Bill 2095 on vulnerable users of public ways. The proposed substitute created a rebuttable presumption of negligence against drivers, expanded protected areas, excluded motorcycles from the definition, and adjusted damages and education provisions. Members adopted several amendments, including an emergency-vehicle exemption and a reporting clarification, but rejected amendments that would have removed attorney fees, limited joint liability, or replaced the presumption with a direct civil action. The substitute passed 8-5. House Bill 2386, which removes statutory garnishment answer forms and directs the Washington Pattern Forms Committee to develop a form, passed 12-1. Finally, House Bill 2239, authorizing family burial grounds on private land, passed unanimously after a substitute added setbacks from water sources, local remediation procedures, burial reporting requirements, relocation permits, and seller disclosure language.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judea and Samaria acted as exactly as the title indicates, requiring Florida state agencies and educational
• We are dealing with state documents and how we educate children.
• HB 31 does nothing to improve safety, education, or the economy.
• Accuracy in education restores and elevates credibility. It doesn't weigh it down.
• This is addressing state documents and proper education and historical accuracy, period.