Transcript Highlights:

• school teachers.
• school teachers.
• Like I said, we know everybody's name, all the teachers, even teachers that haven't had my kids.
• Consistency in teachers and students in the seats.
• Consistency in teachers and students in the seats.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Epstein, I am neither a school administrator nor a math teacher, so I do not know the answer.
• We don't have enough math teachers.
• And maybe if we get more math majors, we'll have more math teachers.
• We need the money to recruit and retain math teachers; that would be the actual solution.
• But in small districts, where the accountant is also the superintendent, is also the math teacher, is

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the journal, and received routine communications from the governor and House. The body then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House bills, including HB 2369 on photo-enforcement traffic citations, HB 2423 on advanced math course enrollment, HB 2481 on school district financial records, HB 2621 on access to special education in public schools, and HB 2756 on public utilities and high-load factor customers. Each of these bills received amendments and were advanced with do pass recommendations. Members discussed HB 2423 at length, with supporters saying it would better identify high-achieving students for advanced math while critics argued the larger issue was funding and teacher shortages. HB 2756 also drew debate over data centers, utility reporting, and ratepayer impacts, but was amended and advanced. The Committee of the Whole then rose and reported its recommendations, which the Senate adopted. The Senate also adopted a proclamation supporting stronger Arizona and U.S. relations with Taiwan, and welcomed Taiwan’s Director General Jason Poyon Ma. The chamber calendared HB 2192 for additional Committee of the Whole consideration, adopted a Bolick amendment clarifying that telecom and broadband providers are not included in the definition of online hosting platform, and advanced the bill as amended. Later, the Senate took up third-reading votes on multiple measures, including HB 2249, HB 2482, HB 2641, HB 2661, HB 2662, HB 2673, HB 2745, HB 2752, HB 2895, HB 2923, and several House concurrent memorials on foreign ownership, endangered species, and related federal policy. Most passed, though several senators explained no votes on grounds such as budget concerns, policy objections, or opposition to limiting testimony or subpoena enforcement authority. At the end of the session, the Senate also passed HB 2369, HB 2423, HB 2481, HB 2621, HB 2756, HB 2192, and other listed bills by recorded roll call, with final vote totals announced for each. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, bills were properly assigned, and committee announcements were made for the following Monday. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, April 20, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Epstein, I am neither a school administrator nor a math teacher, so I do not know the answer.
• Many math courses, certainly the advanced courses, we don't have enough math teachers.
• And maybe if we get more math majors, we'll have more math teachers.
• We need the money to recruit and retain math teachers; that would be the actual solution.
• But in small districts where the accountant is also the superintendent, is also the math teacher, is

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an accounting workaround to correctly allocate expenses between shared administrative support
• And I understand that we put $2 million in that account, the legislature did.
• That's probably something we're going to have to get with her and get an itemized account for and get
• Standards line to the Merit Teacher Incentive line.
• Number three is Labor and Licensing Accountancy Board.

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the school schools or teachers unions? the school schools or teachers unions?
• </c> out in your classroom for the teachers out in your classroom for the teachers that<00:37:48.480>
• </c><01:16:58.719><c> our</c><01:16:58.880><c> teachers</c> overburden our teachers our teachers overburden
• </c> was indeed self censorship by teachers. was indeed self censorship by teachers.
• </c> feeling a retribution from the teacher. feeling a retribution from the teacher.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the linchpins of online education for most kids to be successful is simply having a teacher on
• It improves accountability and transparency.
• It improves accountability and transparency.
• If that is the case, I'd love for us to be able to talk about accountability, oversight, and some of
• Teachers are unable to proceed with their carefully crafted lessons.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• systems, and it would essentially say that it won't be accounted for.
• And I've been a classroom teacher and a sub there since 2001. And I've got to say I love SEB.
• I am in my 10th year of being retired and in my 10th year of being a substitute teacher.
• to the level of, like, a math teacher or a science teacher.
• to the level of, like, a math teacher or a science teacher.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee heard staff briefings and testimony on four bills. House Bill 2124, a Department of Retirement Systems request, would raise the minimum monthly pension benefit that can be paid as a lump sum from $50 to $250, with future inflation adjustments by the director; staff said it would cost about $11,000 in administrative changes and have no actuarial impact on the pension funds. House Bill 2125 would remove a biennial restriction on using pension fund interest earnings for certain administrative and compliance expenses that protect the funds; DRS said it would have no fiscal impact and would continue existing practice. Seth Miller of DRS supported both bills as efforts to reduce complexity and improve consistency across retirement systems. House Bill 2179 would create a retroactive exemption from PERS membership for certain port district employees who are instead covered by federal railroad retirement or union-sponsored defined benefit plans. Staff said audits found a small number of affected employees, with a one-time administrative cost of about $18,000, and noted possible legal concerns because retroactive changes can implicate vested retirement rights. Testimony from the Washington Public Ports Association and the Port of Ponderay supported the bill as a narrow clarification needed to avoid dual coverage and large retroactive liabilities; the Port of Vancouver also supported it as a fix for building trades workers covered by union plans. House Bill 2160 would change SEBB eligibility rules for school employees, creating a presumption of coverage on day one for returning employees who previously worked 630 hours in prior years, effectively shortening the lookback period and extending it across SEBB employers. Supporters, including substitute teachers, WEA, SEIU, and other school workers, said the bill would reduce disruptive gaps in coverage, help workers and families maintain continuous insurance, and improve recruitment and retention. Opponents, including school administrators, business officials, and school directors, argued it would be an unfunded mandate that could significantly increase district costs and administrative complexity, especially because districts would have to track hours and rebut presumptive eligibility. The Health Care Authority explained that eligibility is determined by local benefits administrators using worksheets and appeals, that the current two-year presumption was built from earlier benefit rules, and that the bill could increase costs and create issues for retirees who currently manage hours to stay below the 630-hour threshold. The committee took no votes and adjourned after public hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a pay raise bill: $2,000 across the board for teachers, teacher assistants, as well as our community
• If you recall, uh, Senator Parker, this deals with retired teachers and bringing retired teachers back
• </c> route process, but I could be a teacher. route process, but I could be a teacher.
• </c> is I understand this if I'm a teacher is I understand this if I'm a teacher the<00:09:04.560><c>
• As well as uh music teachers.

Committee: Joint Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark White, Arkansas Teacher Retirement. System.
• payment this will So this is coming from the teachers' payment?
• I'm actually counsel for the Teacher Retirement System.
• Okay, that's a big hit to the Teacher Retirement System.
• Okay, that's a big hit to the Teacher Retirement System.

Committee: All ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT

Summary: The committee first reviewed litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing involving wage claims brought under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act. Members questioned the department’s authority, jurisdiction, use of attorney fees and costs, and whether defendants had to be licensed. The department explained it has long enforced wage and overtime laws, that the claims were small-dollar cases handled by investigators and counsel, and that one case had been paid and dismissed while others were unresolved or had service issues. The committee voted to review or batch-file the labor cases after discussion. The University of Arkansas System then reported three pending lawsuits: an age- and race-discrimination claim by a tenured professor that was resolved early; an ADA/FMLA retaliation claim by a former employee that survived in part on a motion to dismiss and was moving into discovery; and a Section 1983 claim against a UAMS sergeant arising from a parking-ticket dispute, with the university explaining that only punitive damages could create personal exposure for the officer. The committee reviewed each report and voted to accept them. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000 and waiving interest and penalties, which the committee approved for review. The Claims Commission then presented several claims: an unpaid salary differential for a Department of Health employee, reissued warrants, unpaid DHS bills, and multiple negotiated settlements involving ATRS, UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT. Members approved or affirmed most of these items, including a $65,000 settlement in the Tetronics/ATRS matter, a $150,000 medical-negligence settlement, and several vehicle-accident settlements. The most extended debate involved a tax-delinquent property sale claim by Sharon Greer and relatives. The claimant argued they were not properly notified and sought the $4,200 excess from the 2009 sale. Land Commissioner counsel explained the excess had escheated to the county after the statutory claim period expired, while members debated sovereign immunity, standing, heirs, and whether the committee could or should award money anyway. The committee ultimately chose to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session rather than decide it immediately. The committee also heard appeals from dismissed claims, including a UAMS medical-negligence claim, a land-sale notice claim, a pothole claim against ARDOT, and a judicial-immunity claim against the Court of Appeals; most dismissals were affirmed, and the Simpson matter was held over for additional review after the claimant testified.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the children's savings account the children's savings account scholarships<01:17:38.440><c> that
• The unions represent the teachers, and the teachers are in the classroom.
• are in the teachers um and the teachers are in the classroom<01:37:40.320><c> that's</c><01:37:40.520
• </c> that the union represent the teachers that the union represent the teachers but<01:38:01.119><c>
• ><c> can</c><01:38:02.400><c> do</c> but the teachers can think can do but the teachers can think can

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• And that doesn't mean teachers are doing a terrible job.
• Ongoing PD for teachers.
• the teachers that I trained is, um, do you wanna be a 30 years.
• Teacher with 3 years of experience or a teacher with 1 year doing it 30 times, our students change, our
• We'll continue to look at math education and teacher supports.

Transcript Highlights:

• Synchronous learning hours with teachers are also looked at.
• Teacher teaching in real time with their students.
• So my point is, how are you not holding them accountable?
• I think that they have interactions with teachers, right? Mr.
• I needed a teacher full time; I probably still do.

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• and what the teacher needs.
• A teacher means any teacher, school secretary, substitute teacher, supervisor, principal, supervising
• A teacher means any teacher, school secretary, substitute teacher, supervisor, principal, supervising
• One of them is, 'Stop, I am a teacher. Stop, I am a teacher.
• I wanted to add that, I mean, saying, stop, I am a teacher, stop I am a teacher.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• when teachers are out of school.
• School teachers are public sector employees, and the purpose of voting no would be to preserve.
• fact that they're teachers; it's the fact that they are public sector employees.
• I have a friend who's a teacher.
• So there is already a high degree of accountability in that process. Senate Bill 2073...

Bills: HB3557 , HB5578 , SB973 , SB974 , SB2068 , SB2073

Committee: House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:40:57.079><c> I</c> and Kelly Morris was the teacher I and Kelly Morris was the teacher I remember
• My dad is a public school teacher, and I still have relationships with teachers at elementary school
• </c> students don't learn a lesson a teacher students don't learn a lesson a teacher doesn't<00:53:31.520
• Thank you for the time. teacher can always remove a student from teacher can always remove a student
• </c><01:53:23.840><c> we're</c> talking about their teachers we're talking about their teachers we're

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• of teachers as well.
• That if we had all the teachers, if we had all the teacher prep programs, if people weren't retiring,
• Yes, the funding formula does account for that.
• Increased teacher capacity through special development coaching.
• Teachers have deepened their understanding of evidence-based literacy practices.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not replace teachers. It does not collect new student data.
• But you've got to remember, good teachers know how to adapt. Think about it.
• And our kids and pretty much our teachers are using that.
• When should teachers be using it? When should students be using it?
• Jen White, the Idaho Education Association, and many, many teachers and... ...and many, many teachers

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• A teacher...
• Representative Steinhoff continued: A teacher means any teacher, school secretary, substitute teacher
• , 'Stop, I am a teacher.
• Stop, I am a teacher. Stop, I am a teacher.'
• I wanted to add that, I mean, saying, 'Stop, I am a teacher. Stop, I am a teacher.'

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 3239, which would make the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program permanent and move it into the MoCAP framework. Representative Hurlbert and supporters said the program has helped about 1,200 adults earn diplomas, mostly women with children, and that it improves employment and health coverage outcomes. Members raised concerns about funding, the use of the foundation formula, and how the program differs from existing adult education options. Supporters said it is tuition-free, pay-for-performance, and intended for adults with a short path to graduation; no vote was taken on the bill. The committee then took up House Bills 2335 and 2230/2978 in executive session. HB 2335, dealing with teacher training, was amended and then given a do pass recommendation by a 19-0 vote. HB 2230 and 2978, as amended, were also approved do pass by an 18-1 vote after extensive discussion of the Student Screen Time Standards Act, including limits on screen time, a new advisory council, and a related cursive-writing amendment. Members generally supported the direction of the substitute, while some raised questions about local control, implementation, and the role of experts. Later, Representatives Irwin and Steinhoff presented House Bills 2913 and 3228, which would provide legal protection for teachers who intervene in violent situations to protect students or themselves. Supporters said the bills would reduce fear of liability and encourage reasonable intervention, while committee members and witnesses discussed possible limits, training, whether the protection should extend to other school staff, and how the proposal interacts with existing discipline and restraint rules. Public testimony was largely supportive, with school and teacher groups asking for clearer definitions and coordination with federal law; no vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2304, which would require parental consent before major changes to a child’s special education placement or services. The sponsor and advocates said it strengthens parent involvement and collaboration, while members questioned delays, due process, safety exceptions, and the effect on school operations. Testimony from advocates and parents supported the bill, and the hearing concluded without action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:08.639><c> partially</c> would be split in an account partially would be split in an account
• the</c><00:25:51.919><c> unfortunate</c> Paul teachers and the the unfortunate Paul teachers and the
• </c><00:43:22.160><c> Paul</c> teachers. We have TRA and St. Paul teachers. We have TRA and St.
• Paul Teachers Association books, that the St. Paul Teachers Association can do it on their own.
• Paul teacher—and here we are helping St. Paul teachers. It's magical, so it's really cool.

Transcript Highlights:

• Andrea Alfred, a teacher in Monroe. She was a teacher for 21 and a half years, and she was...
• In Monroe, she was a teacher for 21 and a half years and she was awarded disability through the Teachers
• Teachers really need each other's assistance, and the community is not aware of what the school teachers
• And the community is not aware of what these school teachers go through.
• And I want to stand for the teachers.

Committee: Senate Judiciary C

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard House Bill 1033, which expands the definition of critical infrastructure to include airports, heliports, spaceports, aerospace facilities, certain government and military sites, and oil and gas platforms. Supporters said the bill is part of a broader effort to position Louisiana for aerospace and defense investment, while opponents from the Sierra Club warned that repeatedly broadening critical infrastructure could chill protest and free-speech activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1034, which authorizes local officials to declare temporary protection zones for public safety for up to 72 hours, with one extension. The sponsor and the Department of Economic Development said it would be a tool for aerospace and defense projects and other public-safety needs; ACLU testimony raised concerns about notice, property rights, and possible impacts on public waterways. The bill was also reported favorably. The committee next considered several criminal justice bills. House Bill 51, barring post-conviction bail for defendants convicted of aggravated offenses against children, and House Bill 55, limiting public disclosure of juror information to protect juror privacy, both received broad support and were reported favorably. House Bill 635, aimed at protecting Louisianians from transnational repression by foreign governments through penalty enhancements for underlying crimes, was supported by a national security advocate and reported favorably. House Bill 133, increasing penalties for students who commit attacks on teachers or other students, was amended to address juvenile procedure and exceptionalities; teachers testified about serious injuries they suffered, while the ACLU and criminal defense lawyers raised concerns about mandatory minimums and individualized sentencing. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 676, which creates the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or “body brokering,” in the substance-use treatment industry. The sponsor and Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives described schemes that steer vulnerable patients into fraudulent treatment arrangements for profit; the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 159 created a Caddo Parish pilot program for pretrial home incarceration with electronic monitoring to reduce jail overcrowding. The sheriff said the jail is far over capacity and that the program would be limited to nonviolent, non-sex-offense defendants with risk assessments, court approval, and behavioral-health check-ins. Witnesses supported the concept but urged tighter liability language; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill with amendments. House Bill 106, dealing with unauthorized administration of melatonin to children in child care settings, was reported favorably. Later, the committee amended and reported House Bill 108, which changes juror qualifications to exclude people convicted of crimes of violence or sex offenses from criminal juries, after opponents argued it would unnecessarily bar citizens from jury service. House Bill 784, a cleanup bill on sex offender registration and notification, was amended and reported with technical changes. Senate Bill 388, which removes a trigger clause tied to a border compact and authorizes review of state contracts for foreign-adversary benefit, was amended and reported. Finally, House Bill 772, a bail-procedure reform requiring accurate mailing and electronic notice information and consolidating notice rules, was presented as a fairness and efficiency measure and had support from the bail industry and prosecutors; the transcript ends before final action on that bill.