Video & Transcript Research : 'virtual instruction'
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NM
Transcript Highlights:
- The LFC has $15.5 million for Evidence-based reading instruction. The executive has $5 million.
- Finally, online 326, you'll see both recommendations have some funding for evidence-based math instruction
- The department would use this fund to research emerging technologies such as generative AI and virtual
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/10/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition, it has instruction on de-escalation methods and tactics, bias-motivation, unknown-risk training
- <00:12:37.320>
on <00:12:37.560>deescalation <00:12:38.399>methods has instruction - on deescalation methods has instruction on deescalation methods and<00:12:39.000>
tactics <00: - 41.319>
anything <00:46:42.040>that <00:46:42.280>the <00:46:42.640>the virtually - anything that the the virtually anything that the the statutory<00:46:43.359>
duties <00:46:43.680
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 16, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Instructed you to do nothing, but we ought to do something. Mr.
- MILLS, INSTRUCT HER TO LIE ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF HER BRUISES.
- Republicans are restoring law and order to cities that had been virtually abandoned.
- REPUBLICANS ARE RESTORING LAW AND ORDER TO CITIES THAT HAD BEEN VIRTUALLY ABANDONED.
- IS INSTRUCTED TO ACT LIKE WE JUST KEEP SPENDING THE MONEY.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we have a virtual Next, we have a virtual testifier,<01:09:50.159>
Kylie testifier, - He is online virtually as well. Okay.
- <01:25:27.920>
Please <01:25:28.480>uh virtually as well. Okay. - Please uh virtually as well. Okay.
- I do not see the other virtual testifiers, so we will go to any other members. I do.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, next we have virtually joining us Doha Mechi. Am I pronouncing that last name correctly?
- >
joining <00:05:08.160>us we have virtually uh joining us we have virtually uh joining - us virtually<00:05:09.720>
Doha <00:05:10.840>Mechi. - Am I pronouncing virtually Doha Mechi.
- Next we have also joining us virtually Leslie Cop with SEIU.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 1, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:05:00.159>
and <02:05:00.480>reject overlook your instruction and reject overlook - your instruction and reject your<02:05:01.560>
wisdom. - I know there's a new laptop class in America that seems to operate increasingly in a virtual space, but
- that seems to operate increasingly<02:54:40.720>
in <02:54:41.040>a <02:54:41.279>virtual - in a virtual space, but that's<02:54:43.680>
simply <02:54:44.160>not <02:54:44.399>
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day- REASSEMBLE Part 1 Jun 30th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of the research on this shows that there's a 76% increase in learning outcomes with virtual reality
- Currently, virtual reality or XR technology supports 80...
- Currently, virtual reality or XR technology supports 80,000 U.S. jobs, and listen to this, projected
- Madam Speaker, I am following instructions to drag us out until 5 o'clock. No, no.
- It also seeks to provide educators with more timely instructional-use data so schools can better support
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day- REASSEMBLE Part 1 Jun 30th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of the research on this shows that there's a 76% increase in learning outcomes with virtual reality
- Currently, virtual reality or XR technology supports 80, Currently, virtual reality or XR technology
- Madam Speaker, I am following instructions to drag us out until 5 o'clock. No, no.
- It also seeks to provide educators with more timely instructional-use data so schools can better support
Summary:
The House met on June 30, 2026, with opening ceremonies, guest introductions, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for two deceased community members. Members also adopted Consent Calendar 29, which included House Concurrent Resolutions 153, 154, and 156, and passed House Concurrent Resolution 157 directing the State Lottery to report on iLottery options to support traditional lottery retailers, as amended to set a February 15, 2027 reporting deadline.
The chamber then considered several bills on agriculture, telecommunications, health, fire service standards, corrections, elections, and education. Among the measures passed were Senate Bill 53 on the Delaware Farm to Community Program, Senate Bill 307 on PSC authority for Lifeline telecom carriers, Senate Bill 339 clarifying advance health care directives, Senate Bill 235 extending manufactured home rent increase rules, Senate Bill 325 updating firefighter/EMS background check and membership standards, Senate Bill 309 discharging incarceration-related balances, Senate Bill 324 on constable-related handgun purchase exemptions, Senate Bill 94 on respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication access, and Senate Bill 293 creating a licensure pathway for summer camp providers in the Purchase of Care program.
The House also passed Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the right to marry regardless of race or gender while explicitly preserving religious freedom. The bill drew extended debate, with supporters framing it as a safeguard against future rollbacks of marriage equality and opponents raising concerns about constitutionalizing an issue already in statute; several members explained changed votes and personal reflections before the final roll call, which passed 28-12. House Bill 188, which would allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary, also passed after amendment, despite some opposition over party-system effects.
Two measures were tabled or amended after debate: Senate Bill 233 on removing snow and ice from vehicles was initially tabled to consider a truck-driver exemption amendment, then the amendment failed and the bill later passed as amended; and Senate Joint Resolution 19 on studying health care costs was tabled briefly pending legal clarification. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404, creating a three-year pilot program for AI and extended reality in schools, passed after testimony from the Department of Education emphasizing guardrails, data privacy, and teacher oversight. The transcript ends as House Bill 478 is being read in, but no final action on that bill appears in the provided text.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Thu Feb 6, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition, we've done both in-person and virtual events.
- We started with the virtual events during the pandemic, but the virtual events have actually been useful
- I'm Terima, Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design, providing
- Terry Usima, Assistant Superintendent from the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design, testifying
Summary:
The House Committee on Education met on February 6 at 2:00 p.m. and heard testimony on a series of education-related bills. HB 1200, which would codify teacher ratios in statute, drew support from the Department of Education, the Democratic Party of the Education Caucus, and 11 individuals; no opposition was noted and the committee moved on without questions. HB 1344, concerning mandatory FAFSA completion, received testimony from the Department of Education, Hawaii P20, and a University of Hawaiʻi student who cited unclaimed Pell Grant funds and low FAFSA completion rates as reasons to support the bill. Committee members asked about current outreach efforts, and DOE and P20 described FAFSA tracking data, hotlines, email support, school-based FAFSA nights, and coordination with counselors; members also raised concerns about federal education funding and Pell Grants.
The committee then heard HB 1499, which would authorize staff and volunteers to administer certain medications. The Department of Education, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing leadership, and the Hawaii State Center for Nursing all testified in support, along with several individuals and the Democratic Party Environmental Caucus. The next measure, HB 902 on the Public Safety Power Shutoff program, was supported by DOE, the Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric, but it prompted extensive questioning from the Vice Chair about whether taxpayers should fund a study to help schools remain open during shutoffs. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would help DOE assess impacts in wildfire-risk areas and noted its wildfire safety strategy, outreach efforts, and potential community resource centers, while the Vice Chair argued the utility should bear more of the cost.
The committee also heard HB 961, a bill on school libraries and a CASS pilot program, with DOE offering comments and HSTA and the Hawaii Library Association strongly supporting it. HSTA argued certified librarians are important for literacy, research, and digital literacy, and said many schools lack them because of cost; the association and 14 individuals testified in support. HB 962, a related bill on DOE libraries and the system, also drew support from DOE, HSTA, and the Hawaii Library Association, with 15 individuals in support. Finally, HB 730, concerning the Civil Rights Compliance Branch, received support from DOE, White Children’s Action Network, AAW of Hawaiʻi, and many individuals. Testifiers said the branch needs more resources and training and handles more than Title IX, including Title VI, Title VII, and ADA matters. A student plaintiff in a Title IX lawsuit described unequal treatment in athletics and facilities, and another supporter said the bill would help ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 1 - 04/17/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- explained in the written document available with the committee handouts and any additional verbal instructions
- explained in the written document available with the committee handouts and any additional verbal instructions
- on how to contest cameras, instructions on how to contest citations,<01:24:11.520>
and <01:24: - I'm sorry I can't be there in person, but I'm glad to be with you virtually.
- to be with you virtually. to be with you virtually.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- well, right around, uh, whenever COVID was, and we saw a lot of, in particular, law firms go to the virtual
- So we very often get a lot of applicants who want to do, you know, part virtual.
- You know, be in sometimes, but also have virtual options too.
- How much of, of, as far as, um, The employees that you'll have in your organization do virtual work or
- We have done a tremendous amount to accomplish what you instructed us to do the last time and I am really
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This is just a cleanup bill for jury instructions.
- However, we haven't updated the parole instructions that... juries get to reflect that.
- And so the jury charge for parole instruction has not caught up.
- Currently, you're going to have an instruction for your cases that are a quarter, and you're going to
- have your instruction for your cases that are 50%.
Bills:
HB867, HB1347, HB1801, HB1820, HB2197, HB2617, HB3110, HB3166, HB3330, HB4237, HB4342, HB4629, HB4933, HJR148
Keywords:
criminal case dismissal, attorney discretion, law enforcement misconduct, judicial approval, evidence, judicial consent, transparency, healthcare, Medicare, insurance, elderly, retired, benefits, access, cost, criminal justice, case dismissal, prosecutorial discretion, law enforcement oversight, criminal procedure
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Genius Act, Texas's regulatory response, the use of cryptocurrency-related instruments, including virtual
- Genius Act, Texas's regulatory response, the use of cryptocurrency-related instruments, including virtual
- Underwriting profits are non-existent virtually, pretty much everywhere.
- We maintain money transmitter or virtual currency licenses associated with our kiosk business in 41 states
- Kiosks, also known as CVC, or convertible virtual currency kiosks, have proliferated around the state
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Education Policy Committee approves bill to repeal ethnic studies requirements 2/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- political advocacy groups that intend to remake our schools and our state by replacing academic instruction
- Although there's good intent, it attributes virtually all agency and power to white people.
- Although there's good intent, it attributes virtually all agency and power to white people.
- intent, it attributes virtually intent, it attributes virtually attributes<00:43:07.440>
virtually - <00:43:07.800>
all <00:43:08.080>agency <00:43:08.640>and attributes virtually
Summary:
House File 29 was heard in committee as a proposal to suspend adoption of the revised social studies standards, push implementation to 2030-31, repeal the requirement to embed ethnic studies across all standards, and cancel related appropriations. The bill sponsor argued Minnesota schools should focus on basic academic achievement and that ethnic studies requirements add burdens and distract from reading, math, and science. The chair moved the bill to the Committee on Education Finance after opening the hearing and then took extensive public testimony.
Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of HF 29, including Katherine Kersten, Deanna Moose, Kendall Qualls, Hillary Swanson, and Diane Smith, argued the ethnic studies framework is ideological, overly focused on race, insufficiently transparent, and costly in professional development time; several said it would divide students or burden teachers. Some supporters also claimed the standards or framework promote activism, critical race theory, or racial stratification. Opponents, including Mark Westfall, Crystal Johnson, Jim Grathwol, Marcus Penny, Claude Sigman, and Courtney Major, said the standards are inclusive, research-based, and designed to help students understand multiple perspectives, civic life, and the contributions of diverse Minnesotans. They emphasized that ethnic studies can improve engagement, critical thinking, and representation, and that teachers should be trusted to implement the standards.
No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal action noted was the chair’s motion to re-refer House File 29 to the Committee on Education Finance.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Four - Wednesday, May 6
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I am instructed by the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate refuses
- I am instructed by the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate refuses to concur
- Speaker, I am instructed by the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate refuses
- I am instructed by the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate refuses to recede
- And, you know, virtually, if not every county, there's some sort of state presence.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous day’s journal, and a series of special guest introductions recognizing family members, interns, students, public servants, and community advocates. Committee reports and Senate messages followed, including Senate refusals to concur on a large number of amendments to Senate Bill 1421 and the appointment of a conference committee on House Bill 2818.
The main floor action centered on the state budget, especially House Bill 2 (public education). The budget chair explained the conference report’s funding mix for K-12 schools, including $8.4 billion for public education, changes to the foundation formula, use of blind pension funds, and possible ARPA dollars later in the process. Members debated whether the report underfunded schools by $45 million or more, with opponents arguing the state was not fully funding the formula and supporters saying total school funding remained at record levels and that the issue was the source of funds rather than the total amount. A substitute motion to send HB 2 back to conference failed 62-89, and the conference report was then adopted 83-68; the bill was third read and passed 83-68.
The House then took up House Bill 2003 on higher education, where the conference report largely restored the governor’s recommendation and directed the department to develop a new funding formula by the end of the year. Members discussed performance-based funding, scholarships, apprenticeships, and the need for a slower transition to any new model. The conference report passed 119-28, and the bill was third read and passed 109-32. House Bill 2004, covering Revenue and Transportation, included about $20 million for rural roads and other transportation funding; members discussed constitutional concerns, MoDOT projects, and a small local safety fix. The conference report passed 128-21, and the bill was third read and passed 127-27.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Four - Wednesday, May 6
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I am instructed by the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate refuses
- I am instructed by the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate refuses to concur
- Speaker, I am instructed by the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate refuses
- I am instructed by the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate refuses to recede
- And, you know, virtually, if not every county, there's some sort of state presence.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 107-1 roll call vote. Members then spent a substantial portion of the morning introducing guests, including family members, students, interns, nonprofit representatives, a park ranger recognized for life-saving work, and legislative staff being honored for service or graduation. Committee reports and Senate messages followed, including Senate refusals to concur on several amendments to Senate Bill 1421 and the appointment of a conference committee on House Bill 2818.
The main floor debate centered on the conference committee report for House Bill 2002, the K-12 education budget. The budget chair explained that the report maintained record-level overall funding for the foundation formula but changed the mix of funding sources, including a reduction in capital commission dollars and use of blind pension funds, with possible later ARPA dollars to offset shortfalls. Several members argued the bill still underfunded schools by about $190 million and raised concerns about relying on projected or one-time funds; others defended the budget as meeting or exceeding constitutional requirements and noted record spending per pupil and recent increases in education funding. A substitute motion to send the bill back to conference failed 62-89, and the conference report was then adopted 83-68; the bill was subsequently third read and passed 83-68.
The House then adopted and passed House Bill 2003, the higher education budget, by 119-28 on adoption and 109-32 on third reading. Debate there focused on restoring the governor’s recommended funding while directing higher education institutions to develop a new performance-based funding formula by the end of the year. Members generally described the compromise as a step toward a more sustainable model while preserving current funding levels. Next, House Bill 2004, covering the Departments of Revenue and Transportation, was adopted 128-21 and passed 127-27; discussion highlighted transportation funding, rural roads, and a small local safety appropriation that had already been addressed by MoDOT. The House then began debate on House Bill 2005, the Office of Administration budget, with members emphasizing IT accountability, state employee functions, and ongoing technology consolidation/deconsolidation issues.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. (3-9-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, thank you again for letting me come in virtually today.
- me<00:30:17.840>
uh <00:30:18.000>come <00:30:18.159>in <00:30:18.399>virtually - letting me uh come in virtually today. letting me uh come in virtually today.
- health, they miss fewer classes, families face fewer workday disruptions, and educators can focus on instruction
- health, they miss fewer classes, families face fewer workday disruptions, and educators can focus on instruction
Keywords:
00:00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call
00:02:20 - Discussion of 26RS HB 689
00:13:13 - Discussion of 26RS SB 201
00:27:45 - Discussion of 26RS HB 583
00:46:37 - Discussion of 26RS HB 488
00:48:13 - Discussion of 26RS HB 2
01:14:34 - Discussion of Kentucky State Plan Amendment (SPA) 26:0001: School-based Medicaid Services Program
01:18:24 - Public Comment, 958, all
Summary:
The Medicaid Oversight Board met on March 9 with a quorum present and no minutes to approve. The chair reordered the agenda to hear House Bill 689 first. Representative Amy Neighbors presented HB 689, which would authorize Kentucky to seek CMS approval for a Medicaid state-directed payment program for physician and non-physician professional services delivered through qualifying hospital-affiliated groups, beginning January 1, 2026, with retroactive payments for that year. She said the bill is intended to improve access to care in rural and underserved areas, support workforce retention, and generate about $29 million annually in federal Medicaid funds without using general fund dollars. Representatives from Owensboro Health and St. Elizabeth Healthcare testified in support, describing staffing and subsidy pressures, lower Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement, and the importance of the program for maintaining access and quality in rural and safety-net settings. Committee members noted the bill had already passed the House Health Services Committee unanimously and discussed broader concerns about Kentucky’s low reimbursement rates and the need to consider other systems not covered by the proposal.
The board then heard Senate Bill 2011 from Senator Donald Douglas and Cody Hunt of the Kentucky Medical Association. The bill would address a Medicaid coding issue by ensuring that coverage limits do not reduce payment to fewer than two evaluation and management service units per provider, per patient, per day. Douglas argued the current one-visit, one-issue limitation forces multiple visits, increases no-shows, and prevents providers from treating the whole patient. Hunt explained that the bill is meant to correct a longstanding regulation that limited E&M services to one per physician per recipient per date of service, which can prevent providers from coding additional medically necessary work during the same visit. He said DMS has already filed a regulatory amendment to fix the problem, but a statutory change is still needed to prevent the issue from returning. He also said the bill is not intended to change reimbursement policy, only coding rules, and that MCO payment practices vary.
Members generally supported the concept. Senator Berg asked about fiscal impact and private-payer billing; Hunt said there should be no fiscal impact because the bill does not change payment policy, only coding. Representative Moore said the proposal could reduce costs and improve convenience by avoiding extra visits. Chairman Meredith said the bill illustrated problems with fee-for-service care and supported moving toward a more holistic delivery model. Dr. Schuster raised a drafting concern about the bill summary language, and Hunt responded that the regulatory amendment should address the issue generally for providers. No votes were taken on either bill during this portion of the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Howard: Thank you, and I appreciate everyone's willingness for me to be virtual here today and
- for<00:35:41.040>
me <00:35:41.160>to <00:35:41.280>be <00:35:41.480>virtual - <00:35:41.880>
here willingness uh for me to be virtual here willingness uh for me to be virtual - He said that even after a study and research over the last summer, they need two or three instruction
- swimming lessons, after they did a study and research over the last summer, require two or three instruction
Keywords:
landlord-tenant, victim confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, tenant privacy, housing law, eviction, unpaid rent, damages, release of information, shared database, protective order, victim of violence, Minnesota Statutes 504B.206, housing finance, civil law, autism, rental properties, reasonable accommodation
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Financial Estimate Committee - Drafting Meeting Jul 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Different instructions. These are different. Yeah, new microphones. Gotcha.
- Are we in person or virtual or combined?
Summary:
The Financial Estimate Committee met on July 6, 2026, to begin work on the financial estimate for IP 28, after reviewing the statutory process and confirming that only IP 28 had cleared the signature threshold for consideration. Staff explained the committee’s duties under ORS 250.125 and the timeline for draft statements, public hearing, and final adoption. The committee also designated Carol Moreno C. Fuentes to file the committee’s eventual statements.
Staff from the Department of Administrative Services and the Legislative Revenue Office presented preliminary analysis of IP 28, describing major uncertainties in estimating impacts because the measure is not a tax law change and would affect multiple industries and government functions. Preliminary figures discussed included an estimated $56.5 million loss in the current biennium and $6.7 million in reduced expenditures, with larger projected revenue losses of roughly $244.1 million to $258 million and reduced expenditures of $30.7 million to $34.9 million in 2027–29, plus $87.8 million to $88.3 million in increased expenditures. Analysts said the biggest effects would likely involve agriculture, fish and wildlife, hunting and fishing, local government enforcement, and possible shifts in state funding, but many impacts remained difficult to quantify.
Committee members raised concerns about local government costs, law enforcement and prosecution burdens, impacts on the hospitality and recreation sectors, possible effects on tribal governments and treaty rights, and whether the measure would affect shellfish and crabbing. They also discussed the Humane Transition Fund, subsidies, possible litigation costs, and whether the statement should include broader uncertainty language and multiple scenarios. Members generally agreed the draft should be revised to better reflect uncertainty, clarify assumptions, and possibly use bullets or other formatting to improve readability.
No vote was taken. The committee agreed to treat the current draft as a working version, with staff to revise it based on the discussion and return an updated draft before the next meeting scheduled for July 17 at 2 p.m., with both in-person and virtual participation available.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Jan 16th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- If there were a Venn diagram for homeschool students with those three, there would be really virtually
- there are a number of, I guess, overlaps from a curriculum standpoint and educational supplies and instructional
Summary:
The Arkansas Legislative Council meeting began with approval of the December 2025 minutes and a presentation from the Bureau of Legislative Research on the December revenue report. Dr. Carlos Silva said gross collections were about $4.02 billion, up slightly from the prior year, and net available for distribution was also above last year but down modestly from the previous month because of higher-than-expected corporate income tax refunds. Members asked about corporate tax trends, tariffs, and inflation, and Silva said it was too early to call the corporate decline a trend and that tariff effects would likely show up mainly in sales tax collections.
The council then adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee Subcommittee, Administrative Rules, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, PEER, Review, State Insurance Program Oversight, and Personnel. The PEER report drew the most debate because of a Department of Agriculture grant tied to Perry County and Central Arkansas Water; members discussed whether removing the Perry County portion would affect the grant’s competitiveness, and the report was ultimately adopted with the item included. The Review Subcommittee also heard questions about a BDO contract for the rural health transformation program, with DFA explaining that the contractor would manage the program while state agencies would make funding decisions consistent with the state’s application.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the Education Freedom Account appropriation tied to LEARNS. Senators and representatives debated whether the program helps families or diverts money from public schools, with supporters arguing it funds students and choice and opponents arguing it is costly, vulnerable to fraud, and harms public school funding. Department of Education officials said roughly 28,000 private school students and 17,500 homeschool students were participating, that EFA students must submit standardized tests annually, and that the requested $32 million was to cover existing participants. After multiple substitute motions and extended debate, the body rejected a motion to strip out the $32 million and then adopted the report and related motions. The meeting ended after routine approvals of additional agency items and adjournment.