Transcript Highlights:

• of one federal fiscal year, one month of the next.
• What happens in the federal courts and what the federal government, who they decide to deport and prosecute
• and so forth, is in the federal domain.
• The first item makes standard conforming changes to rider 2.
• The first item makes standard conforming changes to rider 2.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• months of one federal fiscal year, one month of the next.
• of one federal fiscal year, one month of the next.
• Federal courts typically pay their coordinators between 60 and 98,000.
• The first item makes standard conforming changes to rider 2.
• that's coming along with the creation of the new federal bench.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held its first hearing of the 89th regular session, adopted nearly identical committee rules from the previous legislature by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the budget framework, emphasizing conservative spending, a $332.9 billion all-funds budget, and major priorities including property tax relief, public education, border security, health and human services, transportation, energy, and water infrastructure. She also introduced committee and leadership staff and described the hearing schedule and public testimony procedures. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending, including a $23.8 billion ending balance, but warned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid using temporary spikes for ongoing commitments. Senators questioned him extensively about the Economic Stabilization Fund cap, sales tax trends, inflation, and whether the state should consider raising the cap or using severance-tax revenues differently. Hager said the Rainy Day Fund is expected to hit its cap, which would leave more severance-tax revenue in general revenue, and he stressed that infrastructure needs remain significant. The Legislative Budget Board then gave a detailed overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major components. LBB staff explained that the bill includes continued funding for the Foundation School Program, $850 million for the Texas State Technical College endowment, $1.3 billion for the Texas University Fund, $6.5 billion for border security, salary increases for correctional officers and state troopers, $3 billion for dementia research, higher community attendant wages, expanded community-based care, $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, and funding to clear volunteer fire department grant backlogs. They also outlined supplemental priorities such as water infrastructure, retirement legacy payments, rail grade separations, wildfire aircraft, and emergency facilities, and said the current controlling budget limit is the tax spending limit. A major portion of the hearing focused on property tax relief. LBB explained that prior-session relief grew from an expected $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher-than-anticipated property values and interactions among hold-harmless provisions, and that SB 1 continues and expands relief with $51 billion in total property tax relief, including $3 billion more for compression, $3 billion to raise the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, and a $500 million placeholder for business tax relief. Senators discussed the automatic nature of some of these costs, the effect of the non-homestead circuit breaker, the role of federal COVID funds, and the need to maintain school finance commitments if the state continues to compress school tax rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under federal law. So the VCAT has been preempted by a federal court in Louisiana.
• Under federal<00:30:59.039><c> law.
• </c> state law is preempted by federal law. state law is preempted by federal law.
• law. are abusing a loophole in federal law to are abusing a loophole in federal law to assist<00:38:
• </c> decision by a federal decision by a federal &gt;&gt; administration.

Bills: SB3240

Keywords: defense, workforce development, local business, manufacturing, federal funding, economic resilience, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety-related measures and indicated at the outset that, because of short notice, the bills would likely be deferred to the later decision-making agenda. On SB 2645 relating to fire prevention, the bill would restructure the process for selecting the State Fire Marshal and make related changes to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Governor’s office, the State Fire Marshal’s office, the Hawaii State Fire Council, DLNR, Maui Fire Department, AIA Hawaii State Council, and others testified, with DLNR supporting most of the bill but opposing the provision changing the marshal’s nomination process to a governor appointee. In questions, members reviewed the relationship between the State Fire Council, the commission, and the marshal, and the Governor’s office clarified that it supported the overall intent but wanted the commission to remain the sole appointing entity. The bill was not voted on in the hearing. The committee then heard SB 3083 relating to protective orders, with support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the judiciary, the Hawaii National Guard, the Military and Community Relations Office, DBED, and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Members focused on whether the draft reflected language worked out with the judiciary and whether the bill addressed a previously identified gap in implementation. The Military and Community Relations Office said it had worked with the judiciary on amendments and wanted to ensure the statute created a collaborative process with installation partners and law enforcement. The witness also said the draft appeared to reflect the agreed language, though he noted there were multiple bills moving and that technical amendments might still be needed. No action was taken during the hearing. SB 608 relating to veterans’ rights and benefits drew both support and opposition. Support came from the Hawaii Office of Veterans Services, Veterans Benefits Guide, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and individual veterans and service members, who argued the bill would improve access to claims assistance and provide choice and faster help for veterans. Opposition came from the VFW Department of Hawaii and the Veterans Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, which argued the bill should be amended to align with federal law, especially on accreditation and fee caps. Testimony and questioning centered on whether third-party claims assistance should be regulated, whether fee caps are preempted by federal law, and whether there was evidence of fraud tied to non-accredited representatives. Supporters said the bill would help veterans navigate a slow system, while opponents said accredited representatives are accountable and that the bill should be narrowed. The committee also heard SB 2054 relating to public safety, which would prohibit the Hawaii National Guard from deploying to assist federal troops, federal law enforcement, or other states’ National Guard units in Hawaii when the governor objects. The Hawaii National Guard opposed the bill, while the ACLU of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and numerous other organizations and individuals supported it, arguing it would protect civil liberties and prevent federal overreach. The hearing ended without a vote or final action on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• this bill allows development agreements with regional transit authorities to establish development standards
• or state law or by a federal or state agency.
• to indebtedness limit limits for select inland port districts to ensure continued eligibility for federal
• or state law or by federal or state agency.
• to indebtedness limit limits for select inland port districts to ensure continued eligibility for federal

Bills: SB6132

Keywords: indebtedness limits, inland port districts, federal funding, infrastructure improvements, economic development, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A development agreement with a regional transit authority may set forth development standards that vary
• With recent delivery of light rail extensions to Hilltop, Tacoma, Lynnwood, and Federal Way, along with
• With recent delivery of light rail extensions to Hilltop, Tacoma, Linwood, and Federal Way, along with
• As part of broader planning, As part of broader planning under the GMA, a federally recognized Indian
• To date, we have received $23 million from the state, $10 million from the federal government, and we

Bills: SB6132

Keywords: indebtedness limits, inland port districts, federal funding, infrastructure improvements, economic development, 904, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills focused on permitting, procurement, transit, ports, and tribal transportation coordination. Substitute Senate Bill 6309 would give regional transit authorities, such as Sound Transit, more flexibility to apply for permits before acquiring property, allow certain construction to proceed despite local height/setback limits when practical, and require local governments to accept complete applications; the sponsor and Sound Transit testified that the bill would speed delivery of light rail and bus rapid transit, and an amendment was described to clarify that permits may issue on property not yet owned if the transit authority remains responsible for obtaining the needed property rights. Substitute Senate Bill 6076 would streamline procurement rules for public utility districts for clean energy generation, storage, transmission, and distribution projects by raising self-performance and contract thresholds, allowing some alternative procurement methods, and expanding limited bidding waivers through 2045; the sponsor, utility representatives, and labor supported it as a response to rising costs, long lead times, and grid reliability needs, while committee members asked about the size of the threshold increases and the scope of the bidding waivers. Substitute Senate Bill 5729 would prohibit local governments from charging applicants for third-party peer review when a licensed staff professional has already reviewed the materials, while still allowing third-party review at the applicant’s cost in certain cases; the sponsor said the bill was narrowed from a broader prior version and was intended to avoid duplicative fees, and builders supported it as a permitting streamlining measure. Senate Bill 6132 would create a narrow debt-cap exception for a single inland port district meeting specified tax-base and tax increment financing criteria; the Port of Moses Lake and a local economic development representative testified in support, saying the measure would help complete a long-planned rail project and related infrastructure, and the sponsor clarified that the bill is intended to apply only to the Port of Moses Lake. Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5374 would require transportation planning and six-year transportation programs to include affected tribal governments and tribal-area impact assessments, and would create a tribal traffic safety coordinator grant program; Senator Kaufman said the bill responds to disproportionate pedestrian fatalities among American Indians and is meant to strengthen consultation and safety partnerships. County representatives supported the policy goal but asked for amendments to better align the bill with existing Growth Management Act tribal coordination and dispute-resolution processes and to add technical assistance references. The committee also heard briefings and testimony on these bills, asked several clarifying questions, and at the end of the hearing announced that bills would be executed the next day, with amendment requests needed as soon as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• standing in solidarity asking Governor Abbott to call a special election so our constituents have federal
• Right now, our communities are missing that state and federal punch that we had before the seat became
• They are suffering from the results of federal policy that is coming down day after day after day.
• denied the person who can run point for that district to make sure that folks are drawing down the federal
• as state legislators who are working on behalf of our constituents every single day, but they need federal

Keywords: special election, 18th Congressional District, Governor Abbott, federal representation, constituent services, Sylvester Turner

Summary: State Rep. Jolanda Jones, joined by Sen. Molly Cook and Reps. Christina Morales, Charlene Ward Johnson, and Lauren Ashley Simmons, held a press event at the Capitol urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special election for Texas Congressional District 18. They said the district has been without federal representation since the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner and argued that more than 800,000 constituents are losing access to constituent services, federal assistance, and a voice in Congress. The speakers framed the delay as a constitutional and fairness issue, repeatedly describing the situation as “taxation without representation.” They said the vacancy affects Democrats and Republicans alike, and cited examples such as passport help, veterans’ issues, immigration concerns, and access to federal funding. Several speakers accused the governor of delaying for partisan reasons and called for immediate action so the district can elect a new representative. A letter from Sen. Borris Miles was read into the record, urging Abbott to set the earliest possible special election date and noting that the governor has acted quickly in past vacancies. The event ended with a unified demand that Abbott call the election immediately; no vote or formal legislative action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• No federal, no state, more mandates making the insurance less affordable.
• </c><00:24:45.200><c> government</c> Act and the federal government Act and the federal government doesn't
• </c> fund to protect in case the federal fund to protect in case the federal government<00:54:23.040>
• because the federal government has been because the federal government has been um<00:55:49.960><c> very
• But I got news for you guys: the federal government is taking a big wrecking ball to that surplus.

Bills: HF837

Keywords: health insurance, premium security plan, federal funding, state innovation waiver, Minnesota, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Disabilities desperately need, and without federal funding, where would these kids be?
• It enforces our federal civil rights laws to ensure all students can get a decent education no matter
• Though only about 10% of public education funding comes from the federal government, this investment,
• Learning standards, curricular decisions, licensure standards, hiring decisions, and so many other factors
• We also have to make sure that they know the federal government is in their corner too. Thank you.

Keywords: Department of Education, Ms. McMahon, educational reform, public testimony, federal responsibilities, local governance

Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee encompassed discussions on key bills including HB22, SB4, and HB2214, with significant focus on the implications surrounding the Department of Education. Members expressed varying opinions on the nomination of Ms. McMahon to lead the department, underlining the need for reform and accountability. The committee witnessed passionate exchanges regarding educational values and the responsibilities of the federal government versus local authorities. Public testimonies contributed to the discussions, highlighting the community's concerns about educational policies and their impact on students from diverse backgrounds.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those were federal dollars, which significantly... came in federal stimulus dollars, whether we agree
• Have we exhausted all those federal dollars already?
• Maybe the question is, if federal funding, federal support for public in Texas is cut off, that would
• I would say that some of it would depend on whether the funding in the federal fund, if the federal funding
• That is also a federal state joint funded program.

Keywords: budget, House Bill 1, public education, healthcare, border security, federal funding, spending limits

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, with substantial discussions around House Bill 1 and its implications for public education, healthcare, and border security. The Comptroller presented a revenue overview indicating a total of $194.6 billion available for general purpose spending, which reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years due to fluctuating economic conditions. Members raised questions regarding spending limits and the impact of federal funding on state programs, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of funding in light of potential changes at the federal level.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have you here on behalf of the Consumer Federation of America registered against the bill.
• I'm Doug Heller, Director of Insurance for the Consumer Federation of America.
• automatically admitted into Texas courtrooms, where it will undoubtedly be trumpeted as the proper standard
• This is one of many standards used nationwide by physicians to set charges that don't vary based on the
• Medicare rates are determined by federal legislature due to government budgets, political constraints

Bills: HB4806

Keywords: civil action, damages, health care services, noneconomic damages, negligence, legal standards, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are standards, and there are new standards regarding the standard of proof for pain and suffering
• Those standards that are in there are not the rule.
• And then what if they charge the industry standard?
• In both federal and state court, I have...
• In the same way, if there becomes a new standard which...

Bills: HB4806

Keywords: civil action, damages, health care services, noneconomic damages, negligence, legal standards, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• N. and Austin Chamber BP State and Federal Relations Travis Kronkman.
• There have been shifts in planning. standards and funding across the state, but our target continues
• With a recent record investment from the federal government, including the Infrastructure Investment
• Third, we must continue reviewing and modernizing engineering standards that incorporate innovation,
• to resilience codes. standards, appropriating funding to their source.

Keywords: Texas, Infrastructure Report Card, ASCE, population growth, climate change, investment, public safety, engineering standards

Summary: The meeting focused on the release of the 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card, highlighting key findings and recommendations for improving infrastructure across various sectors in the state. Julie Jones, Vice President of ASCE Texas, opened the session by introducing key speakers, including Dr. Art Wood and committee co-chairs Griselda Gonzalez and Austin Mazzarelli. Throughout the discussion, the report's grades were revealed, showing the state's infrastructure received an overall grade of 'C'—adequate but requiring significant attention and investment. Emphasis was placed on the rising challenges posed by climate change and increased population growth, underscoring the need for strategic investments in infrastructure to support Texas' economic growth and public safety.

Bills: HB2115

Keywords: public assistance, Department of Human Services, federal funds, community services, energy conservation, poverty reduction

Summary: The committee considered House Bill 2115, which was described as a measure to move certain programs from one agency to another. Chairman Osborne presented the bill and moved adoption, then yielded for questions. No substantive questions or debate were recorded. A motion for a due pass recommendation was made and seconded, and the committee proceeded without further discussion. The chair then indicated the bill would be opened for signatures. With no additional business, the meeting adjourned. Before adjournment, the chair offered brief personal remarks thanking Mike and noting it was his first, last, and only opportunity to chair the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are supporting state and federal adoption of funding for IBHS safety standards, including wildfire
• prepared standards and fortified building standards.
• Wildfire prepared standards, fortified building standards.
• Forest Service cutting federal funds for wildfire mitigation.
• A community must suffer in order to receive federal aid.

Keywords: homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions

Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal funding and oversight are important, but implementation must be led by the states.
• Sustainability is critical for federal and state funding programs as well.
• So I know the federal funding has made huge impact for our systems.
• We take a balanced approach to systems that exceed PFAS standards.
• , and the federal government.

Keywords: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, water infrastructure, lead service lines, federal reauthorization, sustainability, cybersecurity

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and its implications for local water systems. Various witnesses highlighted the transformative impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which has provided an unprecedented amount of funding to help address long-standing issues in drinking water infrastructure, particularly concerning lead service line replacements and sustainability in water management. The discussions emphasized the urgent need for federal reauthorization to continue supporting these initiatives, as many rural and disadvantaged communities still face substantial barriers in upgrading their water systems. Additionally, cybersecurity risks were noted, raising concerns over the vulnerability of water systems across the nation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:23.760><c> boards</c> nursing home Workforce standards boards nursing home Workforce standards
• </c> home Workforce Standards home Workforce Standards Board<00:02:49.120><c> so</c><00:02:49.280><c>
• We had infection control standards.
• We had infection control standards.
• We had infection control standards.

Bills: HF339, HF1272, HF2121, HF2122, HF1216, HF1003, HF2319

Keywords: HF339, Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, nursing homes, long-term care, elder care, workforce standards, certified worker organizations, labor funding, general fund appropriation, worker grants, Minnesota labor law, nursing home staffing, caregiver workforce, section 181.214, HF1272, nursing home, boarding care home, nursing home workers, labor standards, Medicaid-certified facility

Transcript Highlights:

• And this assumes continued federal matching funds. Is that correct?
• So a federal policy changes.
• Follow up, Senator Murdock, what would that cut in the federal rate?
• funds savings all of those things for us to deal with the change in federal match.
• But it would be fair to say that if the federal government made that decision to change the state federal

Bills: HB4440, HJR1067, HJR1087, HJR1089

Keywords: Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not refer to federal or other state law enforcement officers. Any other questions? I do.
• And everybody knows those standards. Sure.
• Additionally, the federal government is making the same steps as this legislation.
• Iowa, the state of Florida, and the federal government. I'll leave you with that.
• And I heard the words vague standards, and I agree that language matches the intent of the bill.

Bills: SB231

Keywords: school social workers, salary supplement, LCSW, mental health, education funding, Delaware Code, certification, professional standards

Summary: The House Administration Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 231, which would extend the existing 6% salary supplement for school-based mental health professionals with advanced credentials to school social workers who hold licensed clinical social worker credentials and have passed the national exam. The bill sponsor and multiple witnesses described school social workers as essential to student mental health, crisis response, attendance, and family support, and argued the measure corrects an oversight and inequity in the current salary supplement structure. Public testimony was uniformly supportive, and the committee voted to release the bill. The committee then heard Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 212, a constitutional amendment to protect the rights to hunt, fish, and trap. Supporters, including sportsmen’s groups and individual residents, said the amendment would preserve longstanding traditions, support wildlife management, and guard against future threats to hunting and trapping. An opposing witness argued there was no current threat in Delaware and said the Constitution should not be used to protect trapping or elevate hunting and trapping over other wildlife management approaches. Despite the opposition, the committee voted to release the substitute bill. Finally, the committee took up Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 284, the First State Emergency Response Act, which would create a 25-foot buffer around first responders at emergency scenes after warning, with misdemeanor penalties for knowingly entering or remaining in the zone to interfere with duties. Supporters said the bill would protect police, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics from interference, while opponents from the ACLU and the Office of Defense Services raised concerns about vague terms, potential First Amendment impacts, enforcement clarity, and jurisdictional issues. Committee members also questioned how the buffer would be marked and enforced. The sponsor and staff said they would continue working on the language, and the committee voted to release the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• A more recent example continues today with the Federal Parent PLUS Student Loan Program.
• I would do things differently and go against the industry standard.
• What I do know is about underwriting standards.
• We're required to maintain our underwriting standards, even when the rules change in the SOP, the Standard
• Reliable federal funding, economic uncertainty is critical.

Keywords: SBA, 7A loan program, underwriting standards, loan defaults, Community Advantage Program, small business funding, testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions regarding the SBA's 7A loan program and its implementation challenges. Members raised significant concerns about recent changes to the underwriting standards, which have been criticized for leading to an increase in loan defaults. Ranking members expressed a desire for a return to stronger guidelines to protect taxpayers and ensure the program remains a viable source for small businesses struggling to secure funding. Testimonies from community lenders highlighted their efforts to support underserved communities and stressed the importance of the Community Advantage Program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, this bill requires the Professional Educator Standards Board's ongoing review of approved teacher
• and principal preparation programs to include the following components: program standards, educator
• role standards, evidence submitted by programs, and input from community constituents and pre-kindergarten
• This is requiring the Professional Educator Standards Board to actually review on an ongoing basis those
• This is requiring the Professional Educator Standards Board to actually review on an ongoing basis those

Bills: SB6278

Keywords: teacher preparation, principal preparation, educator preparation, alternative route certification, teacher certification, principal certification, Washington Professional Educator Standards Board, PESB, field placement, student teacher, residency, mentoring, school district partnerships, K-12 education, preK-12, high-need schools, Title I, special education, English language learner, rural schools

Summary: The House Education Committee met in executive session to consider several education bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5242 concerning anaphylaxis medication in schools, staff described changes to school epinephrine policies, and members discussed a striking amendment that clarified the bill to allow trained personnel to administer premeasured epinephrine, expand liability protections, and make related technical changes. A drafting error referencing albuterol was flagged and corrected through an amendment to the amendment. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill out with a do pass as amended recommendation. The committee also advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5346 on student use of mobile devices in public schools. The bill would require OSPI to report on school policies limiting mobile device use during instructional hours and post research and best practices. An amendment shortened reporting timelines, removed a distribution requirement, updated terminology, and encouraged school boards to review OSPI recommendations; members spoke in support of local flexibility, classroom focus, and reducing distractions. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill out with a do pass as amended recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 5841, on high school and beyond plans and financial aid, was also amended and passed out of committee. The amendment added information about College Bound Scholarship enrollment, financial aid application completion, and required review of certain information before graduation and after financial aid applications are completed. Members emphasized helping students understand scholarship and college funding opportunities. The committee then reported Substitute Senate Bill 6268, requiring OSPI to maintain a 20-year online record of final special education complaint decisions, and Senate Bill 6278, codifying ongoing PESB review of teacher and principal preparation programs, both with do pass recommendations. All final votes were voice votes or standing committee report votes, and each bill passed with broad support, with one nay on the mobile devices bill and the rest unanimous or near-unanimous.