Transcript Highlights:

• So the SB 302 nature-based coastal resiliency mangrove bill is preventing and helping $1.5 billion in
• Mangroves Mangroves prevented $1.5 billion in direct flood damages and protected over half a million
• information on the safe designation and the Blue Envelope program, which is the second component of
• And the Blue Envelope program, which is the second component of this bill.
• The amendment expands the current language and scope of the bill to help prevent costs that could occur

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of member and guest introductions recognizing visitors, local delegations, and honorees. The chamber then took up a report from the Committee on Ethics and Elections on 42 executive appointments; the report was adopted and the appointments were confirmed by a 36-0 vote. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the Ripple Project for childhood cancer awareness and fundraising. The body then moved through a long special-order calendar of bills, largely focused on public records exemptions, public safety, education, agriculture, health care, and licensing. Measures passed included bills to extend or consolidate exemptions for aquaculture records, trade secrets, and cybersecurity information; a child-abuse reporting statute-of-limitations bill; regulation of commercial driving schools; human trafficking training for nursing graduates; a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and its companion public-records bill; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove infrastructure; chiropractic patient trust funds; specialty license plates; waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill/Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services package; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety policy transparency at public colleges and universities; and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills drew debate or amendments. The Farm Bill received amendments protecting Everglades restoration lands from surplus sale and clarifying biosolids timing, and it passed 38-0 after extensive discussion. The HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill prompted debate over whether allowing licensed insurance agents to market faith-based health care sharing ministries would create consumer confusion or free-speech concerns; it passed 32-5. The patriotic displays bill also drew discussion and passed 36-2. The athletics bill allowing coaches to provide good-faith support to student-athletes, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater situation, passed 38-0. The affordable housing bill clarifying Live Local Act definitions to exclude farms from certain commercial/mixed-use/industrial categories passed 38-0 after a technical amendment. Several other measures were temporarily postponed, and the session concluded with the Senate continuing through the remaining calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• today, leaving officers without clear authority to intervene early and leaving communities frustrated
• We did work early on to remove the opposition from the Billboard Association and, more recently, have
• We have concerns about expanding a pilot program that has been done in Marin and San Diego.
• then basically having to go to a course, an electric bicycle safety and training program.
• , data retention, and data sharing standards for agencies to use this program.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a large agenda of transportation-related bills, with several measures discussed before a quorum was established. AB 1588 focused on sideshows and street takeovers, with the author, San Francisco Police Department, and Streets Are for Everyone arguing the bill would modernize enforcement, add motorbikes and dirt bikes to the sideshow framework, and improve public safety; there was no opposition testimony. AB 2015 would require Caltrans to study the effects of third-party navigation apps on congestion, local streets, infrastructure, and emergency response, and was supported by Streets for All, AAA, and local agencies, with no opposition. AB 2717 would extend a sunset for off-site advertising displays at large sports venues; the Dodgers supported it, the San Jose Sharks and others noted amendments, and no opposition was heard. AB 1608 would strengthen the independence and transparency of the High-Speed Rail Office of Inspector General by requiring public reports, adding confidentiality protections for sensitive security information, and granting staffing and purchasing authority; the First Amendment Coalition supported the amended bill, while the Vice Chair raised concerns about transparency and limiting confidential notices to committee chairs. The committee also heard AB 2346 on e-bike safety, which would require speedometers on Class 2 e-bikes, lights, a statewide sidewalk speed limit, local authority over bike-path speeds, and point-of-sale disclosures. Support came from medical, law enforcement, local government, and safety groups citing rising injuries and confusion over e-bike rules; PeopleForBikes remained opposed unless amended, mainly over lighting and disclosure requirements, though Streets for All withdrew its opposition after amendments. Members broadly supported the bill and discussed helmet use, youth safety, and the distinction between e-bikes and higher-powered e-motos. AB 1919 would let Santa Cruz Metro place a citizens’ initiative on the ballot to secure transit funding and protect service and jobs; the sponsor, bus operators, and labor supported it, with no opposition testimony. AB 2012 would streamline permits for moving manufactured homes under an annual permit, and AB 2024 would clarify Outdoor Advertising Act permitting and relocation procedures; both drew support from industry and housing groups and no opposition. After quorum was established, the committee adopted the consent calendar, which included items 13, 6, 8, 11, 14, 15, and 21, by roll call vote. The committee then heard AB 2484, which would allow San Diego voters to authorize a local transit tax initiative for MTS; the author and MTS argued it would preserve service and allow voters to decide future funding, and the bill advanced on a 5-2 roll call with the roll left open for absent members. The committee also heard AB 2560, which would codify the state transportation climate principles known as CAPTI; supporters said it would lock in goals for transit, rail, active transportation, equity, and greenhouse gas reduction, while Orange County Transportation Authority opposed. The author closed by asking for aye votes, and the committee proceeded toward roll-call action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is preventable, and we must act.
• Those things are preventable, and we have the power, and we can do this.
• The Ceasefire program is working. Our violence prevention programs are working.
• That program started in Richmond, California, to again try to reduce gun violence and gang prevention
• And I ask you, and I beg of you, to join the conversation and join solutions so that we could prevent

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled routine procedural business including re-referrals of several Senate bills, removal of AB 1156 from the inactive file, and withdrawal of ACR 210 to the second reading file. The chamber also heard multiple guest introductions, including family members of members and two CIF Scholar Athletes of the Year, Ryan Liu and Mona Sugawara, before moving to the daily file and consent calendar. The main floor item was ACR 191, which designated June 5 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in California. Assemblymember Stephanie and several colleagues spoke in strong support, sharing personal and district-level experiences with gun violence, highlighting the impact on children, schools, graduations, and communities, and urging continued state and federal action. Speakers emphasized prevention, safe storage, community violence intervention, and the need to resist complacency; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added. On the consent calendar, ACR 206 and several Senate concurrent resolutions were adopted, with ACR 206 passing 60-0. The Assembly also heard an adjournment in memory for Michael George Savan, a longtime Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department commander, Marine Corps Reservist, and former Lomita mayor and councilmember. The house then announced the next session schedule and adjourned until Monday, June 8 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have our pro-flight program and our aviation management program.
• </c> our 141 program and are very successful. our 141 program and are very successful.
• And with the aviation program 10 &gt;&gt; Okay.
• It's a program of distinction, but we do not have a PhD program for that program, and we're requesting
• /c><00:24:26.960><c> and</c><00:24:27.200><c> we're</c> program uh for that program and we're program

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met to begin hearing budget requests from Kentucky universities. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden highlighted EKU’s enrollment growth, its large population of Pell-eligible and first-generation students, and its role in producing graduates for Kentucky’s workforce, especially in health care, public safety, manufacturing, engineering, and aviation. He said EKU is seeking support for a Center for Health Innovation, including a doctor of osteopathic medicine program, with a $50 million accreditation escrow and startup funding that would be returned to the state after accreditation. He also described EKU’s health programs, which have strong pass rates and high in-state employment outcomes, and said the university wants continued asset preservation funding, inflationary operating support, and other recurring budget items. McFaden also outlined EKU’s aviation request, including $10 million for new aircraft and support for an enhanced air traffic control program created in response to a legislative study. He said the program would enroll cohorts of about 30 students, likely attract out-of-state students, and require a $5 million startup investment plus $1.5 million in annual recurring support. He added that EKU’s lab school is seeking a revised funding model tied to enrollment rather than a flat mandated amount. Committee members asked follow-up questions about the medical school escrow, aircraft needs, and program capacity, and McFaden clarified that the escrow would remain intact until accreditation and then be returned to the general fund. Kentucky State University President Kakpo then reviewed prior capital support that helped repair a dorm and several leaking roofs, and said the university is still addressing campus infrastructure problems. He said KSU’s main request is a new health sciences building to house its growing nursing program and language program, along with $40 million for additional dorm renovations and a carve-out for its aquaculture program. Kakpo said the aquaculture PhD proposal would be federally funded and could bring in more revenue, while the new building would help relieve overcrowding and support KSU’s research role. In response to questions, he said KSU’s campus housing capacity would be about 1,334 beds if all dorms were repaired, and that the university is rotating students through renovated buildings while trying to keep them on campus. Committee members also raised safety concerns about the December campus shooting at KSU. Kakpo said the incident was isolated, expressed sympathy for the families affected, and said the university has reviewed campus procedures, added police and security positions, and is strengthening safety processes. The meeting did not include any votes or formal actions; it was a budget presentation and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1739 is about accountability and prevention and the destruction of lives.
• Chinese Medicine program and an intern in the Sato program.
• exemptions, tightens accreditation and approval requirements for schools and programs, and makes a variety
• access to preventive and periodontal care.
• and as a program director.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• housing for public health and safety purposes, and requirements may not prevent the siting of a sufficient
• In the early '60s, '70s, and '80s, HUD financing and project-based assistance was made available to create
• that they put on the table to ensure that those properties and programs can be successful.
• Unlike larger jurisdictions with established service networks and dedicated programs streams, PIFs smaller
• It prevents local politics from deciding who deserves safety and stability.

Bills: HB2304 , SGA9280 , SGA9281

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: condominium, housing, warranty, property rights, construction, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This can be of great use for planning, monitoring, and early response for utilities and others.
• And I'm just wondering if you work with Fire Tech and that program system.
• and the program ending without having a plan in place for it.
• I'm looking at page 12 here and the program outline and the funding options and all.
• They came in and conducted a program review; this is FEMA and CISA.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• This year and last year, I met multiple times with my principal and the middle school principal, and
• With additional funds, we have the opportunity to grow the involvement program and focus on educating
• It's extremely important that we start prevention efforts early, and hearing from high schoolers like
• You can always support us and a healthier New Mexico by supporting tobacco and nicotine prevention funds
• Thank you for always supporting nicotine prevention and collaborating with us on creating a healthier

Committee: House Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 984 by Senator DiCeglie, and it is the firefighters' cancer benefit and prevention.
• equipment and programming they need.
• Also, the bill expands and sustains the program.
• Also, the bill expands and sustains the program.
• They provide a clear, lawful framework for addressing concerns early, reducing turnover, and preventing

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My research shows that such programs are highly supported by households and oil communities.
• Our mission is to deliver and facilitate voluntary programs that conserve, protect, and enhance the natural
• Our mission is to deliver and facilitate voluntary programs that conserve, protect, and enhance the natural
• I think the commission has funded the grant ...program application to make that happen and is ready and
• And thank you to the author for working on this bill and reaching out to me early on this year about

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills focused on environmental policy, public infrastructure, housing, and energy. AB 1812, dealing with compostable plastics and compost contamination, drew strong support from farmers, composters, counties, cities, and waste companies, while manufacturers and compostable-product companies opposed it unless amended, arguing it would undermine compostable packaging and SB 54 goals. AB 2216 to expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area also received broad support and no opposition. AB 2481, which would allow leftover glass quality incentive funds to support recycled glass used in fiberglass insulation and other products, was supported by insulation manufacturers, recyclers, and waste advocates and passed with no opposition. AB 2152, streamlining fire station construction and tying CEQA relief to project labor agreement requirements, was supported by firefighters and construction trades but opposed by contractors and wildlife groups over the PLA mandate and environmental review provisions; the committee discussed amendments and sent it forward. AB 1536, the Save Our Shores Act, aimed at offshore oil and gas safety and decommissioning, was supported by coastal and environmental groups and opposed by the petroleum industry, with members debating pipeline safety, drilling risks, and carbon intensity before advancing the bill. AB 1849, a study bill on decarbonized gaseous fuels, split supporters from hydrogen, bioenergy, and propane interests against environmental and justice groups who said it favored biomethane and hydrogen without clear definitions; the author said it was only a study measure, and it moved ahead. AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and community college housing projects, was backed by students, UC representatives, housing advocates, and labor, with no opposition heard; members raised concerns about environmental impacts and evacuation planning, but the bill was approved. Several measures were taken on consent and others were held open for absent members or quorum issues, with multiple bills receiving due pass recommendations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• grants, scholarships, and discounts. programs and over 14,000 in graduate programs and over 14,000 in
• Our other early programs included education and liberal arts majors.
• college uh our other programs early the college uh our other programs early programs<00:08:45.760><c>
• I'm the Title IX training administrator with the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program at the
• violence prevention and resp response<00:54:50.400><c> program</c><00:54:50.920><c> at</c><00:54:51.240

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee.
• We're the investigators and prosecutors, but we aren't the administrators of the program.
• and conduct governance reviews and implement substantial changes to prevent future abuses.
• They go through and talk about specifically the program that was being defrauded.
• I want people to get it, and if people believe it's a fraudulent program, I fear people won't support

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Basically, this is to have the DOE set up a program and then let the schools decide what they want to
• Basically, this is to have the DOE set up a program and then let the schools decide what they want to
• Basically, this is to have the DOE set up a program and then let the schools decide what they want to
• Basically, this is to have the DOE set up a program and then let the schools decide what they want to
• I spoke to the cafeteria managers, and they said this was something, a program, where it was designed

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education heard several Department of Education-related bills and received extensive testimony on school meals and veteran diplomas. HB 628 would restore authority for the Department of Education to issue high school diplomas to veterans whose schooling was interrupted by World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The superintendent testified in support, explaining the authority had sunset in 2020 and describing the measure as a way to recognize veterans. No opposition or questions were raised, and the bill was left without further action in the excerpt. The committee also heard HB 1074 and HB 110, both supported by the Department of Education and the School Facilities Authority. HB 1074 was described as a cleanup measure to clarify land-related language and make the statute more consistent across state agencies and DOE. HB 110 concerned benchmarking and the farm-to-school/local food effort; DOE and several supporters, including county councils, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, said the bill would help align metrics and support the 30% local food goal by 2030. Members questioned DOE about progress, and DOE said it was working on menus, procurement, and coordination with distributors and farmers. A Farm to School representative said the current bottleneck was poor communication with farmers and the need to bring them into planning earlier; DOE said it was still figuring out the process and that island-based procurement and separate RFPs were being explored. HB 328, relating to school meals and local resource food and plant-based options, drew the most testimony. DOE testified with comments, and the Attorney General’s office suggested revisions to clarify that the bill would apply to both DOE and charter schools, to separate public and private funds if donations or grants are accepted, and to add standards if nonprofit or private entities receive public money. Supporters included HSTA, the Hawaii Public Health Institute/Farm to School Network, Climate Protection Hawaii, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and numerous individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized healthier school meals, student-requested plant-based options, support for local farms, and the 30% by 2030 goal. Some testimony urged more local purchasing and raised concerns about decentralization, while DOE said it was considering island-based procurement and separate contracts to better support local producers. No votes were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and Senator Dziedzic, I'm not an expert in how the various human service programs work.
• So, if you have a very generous and really broad direct support program that essentially reduces the
• , much smaller programs, and<00:33:37.360><c> not</c><00:33:37.600><c> quite</c><00:33:37.880><c> as<
• academic teams, while also increasing the job demands on teachers. classroom, and fewer interventions
• classroom, and fewer interventions available<01:15:33.360><c> to</c><01:15:33.480><c> our</c><01:15:

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• programs, and public safety concerns due to increased crime and increased traffic accidents.
• to daylight saving time, and they can't tee off early because the sun's not up.
• SB 1265 simply codifies this program into law and allows future state treasurers to use and expand the
• This change is necessary to allow the program to continue and to protect the program.
• And so hence these programs, they're utilizing the money and people are very excited about them.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He joined Concentra in 2020 and offers over 25 years of experience in preventative and occupational medicine
• Lynch is triple board certified in family, preventative, and aerospace medicine and a fellow of the American
• Thank you. ...preventative and aerospace medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians
• HB 2292, prevention; Land, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Appropriations.
• HB 2767, early termitiary. HB 2769, state and rural affairs. HB 2770, home confining.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. Members then introduced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. John Lynch, and recognized several guest groups in the gallery, including Arizona electric co-op representatives, March of Dimes participants, CRNAs, AEA retirees, a University of Arizona legislative fellow, and ACLU visitors. Attendance was recorded at 58 present, one absent, and one excused. The chamber handled routine floor business, including temporary committee replacements, referral of HB 2677 from Judiciary to Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and the first reading and referral of a large number of House bills and one concurrent resolution. The bill list covered a wide range of topics, including education, appropriations, housing, taxes, health care, public safety, energy, water, labor, elections, and several measures related to abortion, firearms, and tribal affairs. Second reading of bills was also announced for another extensive set of measures. During announcements, members promoted a blood drive, a Veterans Caucus coffee-and-donuts event and lunch with a Department of Defense speaker, and several committee meetings or cancellations. No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred beyond the procedural motions and the final motion to adjourn. The House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• He joined Concentra in 2020 and offers over 25 years of experience in preventative and occupational medicine
• Lynch is triple board certified in family, preventative, and aerospace medicine, and a fellow of the
• Preventative and aerospace medicine, and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
• The University of Arizona has a graduate legislative fellows program, and with me is Jake Pacheco.
• ; HB 2292, Prevention, Land, Agricultural and Rural Affairs, and Appropriations; HB 2303, State Treasurer

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also refocuses the program by considering improvements to health and safety and overall quality of
• It also refocuses the program by considering improvements to health and safety and overall quality of
• In fact, my father, who's now in his late 80s, rode into his early 80s, and his e-bike helped him be
• we are committed to making our roads safe and preventing types of tragedies.
• And we are committed to making our roads safe and preventing types of tragedies that have sadly brought

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved prior journals, and moved through confirmations and floor items. Doreen DiAmico was confirmed to the State Water Resources Control Board by a 34-1 vote, Dr. Anne Maria de Mars was confirmed to the State Athletic Commission by 36-0, and Ronald Fiore was confirmed to the State Athletic Commission by 36-0. The body then took up SB 73 on election security, with supporters arguing it would protect ballot chain of custody and prevent intimidation or unauthorized access to voting materials, while opponents raised concerns about transparency, federal preemption, and the bill’s impact on investigations. SB 73 passed on concurrence and urgency with 29 ayes and 8 noes on both the urgency clause and the measure. The Senate also approved SB 929 on annual Energy Commission oversight (37-0), SB 1370 on wildfire-related testimony/oversight (28-5), SB 983 authorizing Port of San Diego job order contracting (28-8), SB 1367 restricting local approval of new or converted private detention facilities (28-8), SB 1257 requiring annual reporting on immigration enforcement incidents (28-8), and SB 1103 requiring large home improvement retailers to report immigration enforcement activity and related records (23-8). SB 1399, which removes the sunset on DOJ reviews of immigration detention facilities, passed 28-7, and SB 873, “ICE Out of Courts,” passed 28-7 to limit arrests near courthouses without a judicial warrant. Later, the Senate passed SB 1292 creating a pilot for camera- or sensor-based curb management with human review and privacy safeguards, despite opposition over privacy and automation concerns, by 28-7. SB 878 strengthened prompt-payment insurance penalties for delayed claims after disasters and passed 29-6. SB 958, a CEQA clarification related to housing and building height impacts, passed unanimously 37-0. SB 924 modernized low-income energy assistance services and passed 35-1. SB 1057 on certification for nurse assistants and home health aides passed, as did SB 1092 giving mobile home residents a chance to bid on park sales (29-7), SB 1123 requiring agencies to consider consumer and other benefits in rulemaking (26-8), SB 1233 increasing utility rate transparency (29-8), SB 1237 strengthening pay data reporting enforcement (28-6), SB 886 shifting data center infrastructure costs away from existing ratepayers (28-6), SB 905 reforming utility incentives and performance metrics (28-8), and SB 909 strengthening public works wage enforcement (28-7). The final item shown, SB 925 on fusion energy roadmap development, passed unanimously 37-0, while SB 954 on CEQA and advanced manufacturing drew extensive debate over environmental guardrails versus economic competitiveness; the transcript cuts off during closing remarks before the vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even though we know our students best, we do not have the final authority over programming and resources
• , and academic care and support.
• one of those students were prevented from entering special education, $20,000 and one of those students
• their ineffective programming, to teach him how to read, write, and spell.
• Children like my daughter require specialized equipment, trained experienced professionals, and programs

Committee: House General Laws

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 3070, a firearms-related bill. Representative Koslow argued the bill was not truly Second Amendment friendly, saying it could block return of stolen firearms, expose taxpayers to large payouts, and harm firearm dealers. Representative Greg said local law enforcement did not support it. The committee then voted 3 ayes and 9 noes, and HB 3070 failed to be reported do pass. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2904, which would expand animal mistreatment law to include starvation and add a House committee substitute addressing false reports of animal abuse. Representative Don Mayhew said the bill responds to cases of animals left chained and neglected, and supporters from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Humane World for Animals, and the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation backed the measure. No opposition testimony was offered. The bulk of the meeting focused on House Bill 2933, which would allow school districts in St. Louis County to withdraw from the Special School District of St. Louis County through board action and a local vote. The sponsor and supporters, including Lindbergh officials, parents, and an attorney, said the current SSD structure is too rigid, lacks accountability, and can fail to meet students’ individualized needs; they cited service delays, litigation, and concerns raised by families. Opponents, including SSD administrators, superintendents, parents, and advocates, said SSD provides specialized services that many districts could not replicate, warned the bill could fragment services and create instability, and pointed to the countywide history and existing review mechanisms for SSD. The hearing ended without a vote on HB 2933.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:31.240><c> and</c> collaborating to find math programs and collaborating to find math programs
• and the program you open up a program and the program says<00:36:29.520><c> use</c><00:36:29.800><c>
• What I like about this, and yes, I see it in the programs I analyze, math programs all the time, and
• ><c> in</c> math programs all the time and it's in math programs all the time and it's in there<00:40
• c> in</c> go for housing and they have programs in go for housing and they have programs in pretty<04

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education to require objective, science-based evidence for pedagogical methods. The prime sponsor said the bill is a verbatim reintroduction from the prior session and argued that current federal definitions are too vague, allowing subjective surveys and other weak evidence to justify teaching methods. He said the bill is limited to pedagogy, not subject matter, and is intended to improve student outcomes, reduce fad-driven practices, and potentially save money by limiting unnecessary retraining and new materials. Members asked repeatedly about the bill’s scope, including whether it would affect classroom teachers, curriculum content, and existing instructional approaches such as phonics versus whole language or queuing. The sponsor said the bill applies to state and local education bodies and educator training policies, not individual teachers in their classrooms, and that teachers would retain flexibility. He also said standardized testing could be part of a scientific study but is not itself a study, and that textbook providers could be asked to furnish the studies supporting instructional guidance included in their materials. Several members raised concerns about the fiscal note and possible cost shifts to local districts and taxpayers. The sponsor disputed the idea that the bill would necessarily create major new costs or require additional staff, saying any costs would likely be limited and that the department is already applying federal evidence-based rules. He also said if some current methods are not science-based, updating them would be justified even if there were some initial expense. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.