Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we've also put into state law where those localities can share superintendent, can share people
• those where those localities<00:24:56.960> can<00:24:57.200> share<00:24:57.960> superintendent
• <00:24:58.960> can localities can share superintendent can localities can share superintendent

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining them in the gallery this morning are Superintendent Keith Hayashi, Deputy Superintendent Tammy
• Joining them in the gallery this morning are Superintendent Keith Hayashi, Deputy Superintendent Tammy

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with all 25 members present, approved the prior day’s journal, and heard several introductions, including visiting staff, guests, and Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who was recognized for her work with the food bank and noted as acting governor that week. The chamber also received House communications returning several Senate concurrent resolutions adopted unamended, and one House-amended resolution, SCR 192, was taken up. Senator Wakai moved to disagree with the House amendments to SCR 192, the motion was seconded and carried, with conferees to be named later. Standing committee reports were then taken up, including reports 1931 to 1939 for one-day notice and report 1940 for adoption, which was adopted without objection. The Senate then considered a series of advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with education-related appointments. Senators spoke in support of nominees to the Hawaii Teachers Standards Board, the State Board of Education, and the School Facilities Authority Board, while Senator Awa and others raised objections to several nominees, arguing that campaign donations by some appointees created the appearance of “pay to play.” Despite those objections, the nominations were ultimately confirmed. The chamber also confirmed Dwight Takamini as chair of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board after strong support from multiple senators who cited his labor, legislative, and public service background. The Senate next confirmed Christine Sakuda as chief information officer for the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, with supporters emphasizing her IT leadership and public service and noting she is the first female and Native Hawaiian to hold the post. The chamber also confirmed Kahuanoi AD Jackson as judge of the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit and Sonia H. Toma as judge of the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, with senators highlighting their prosecutorial and public service experience and the favorable testimony received in committee. After these confirmations, senators introduced the new appointees and their families in the gallery. Later, the Senate adopted additional standing committee reports on House concurrent resolutions and passed SB 849 HD2 on final reading, relating to wildlife conservation, by unanimous consent. The body also reconsidered and reversed earlier disagreement on House amendments to SB 116 and SB 946, agreeing that the amendments were technical and giving one-day notice for final reading. The meeting concluded with a late introduction of the Honokaʻa Jazz Band, which was praised for its national recognition and community service, and senators invited members to a later concert in the rotunda.

Transcript Highlights:

• address this issue, the bill creates misdemeanor criminal offenses if a school board member, superintendent
• If a school board member or superintendent uses funds or independent school district resources, including
• It's impossible, but if a PTA member is not an employee, a school board member, superintendent, or principal
• relating to prohibiting election activities committed by a member of the Board of Trustees or superintendent

Bills: SJR37, SJR57, SB7, SB8, SB16, SB108, SB125, SB207, SB318, SB371, SB379, SB396, SB406, SB503, SB533, SB565, SB578, SB599, SB686, SB689, SB707, SB763, SB854, SB857, SB875, SB878, SB920, SB924, SB961, SB965, SB985, SB988, SB1021, SB1024, SB1026, SB1038, SB1059, SB1185, SB1202, SB1207, SB1252, SB1330, SB1396, SB1484, SB1527, SB1535, SB1596, SB1619, SB1697, SB1737, SB1741, SB1841, SJR36, SJR12, SJR57, SJR37, SCR22, SCR12, SB565, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB504, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB1497, SB1498, SB241, SB304, SB621, SB1023, SB1024, SB686, SB371, SB204, SB609, SB670, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB985, SB965, SB1119, SB1505, SB1215, SB1302, SB856, SB583, SB673, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB608, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB541, SB379, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB1527, SB125, SB599, SB1330, SB53, SB1352, SB785, SB472, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB961, SB1038, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB108, SB8, SB318, SB507, SB533, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB763, SB667, SB1059, SB617, SB1567, SB503, SB16, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB1209, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB924, SB1029, SB1185, SB1202, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1697, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB878, SB1350, SB462, SB1535, SB827, SB1585, SB207, SB1207, SB1619, SB1396, SB920, SB1484, SB1273, SB1741, SB7, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1366, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1816, SB1841, SB2188, SB1147, SB879, SB1008, SJR81, SJR50, SCR39, SB1536, SB2016, SB1453, SB1173, SB1163, SB996, SB27, SB568, SB1370, SB1321, SB1101, SB906, SB860, SB1563, SB993, SB693, SB1610, SB1537, SB836, SB1332, SB1307, SB963, SB493, SB922, SB984, SB1084, SB619, SB1098, SB1122, SB455, SB522, SB1057, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1877, SB464, SB1277, SB32, SB732, SB660, SB731, SB921, SB268, SB1822, SB1188, SB1939, SB1589, SB397, SB1388, SB2230, SB1058, SB1036, SB1267, SB2112, SB1930, SB532, SB1035, SB2155, SB508, SB29, SB292, SB291, SB901, SB1333, SB1436, SB1494, SB964, SB779, SB1378, SB2312, SB1719

Keywords: voter ID, citizenship, election integrity, constitutional amendment, voting rights, water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, if you know of schools that are doing something special, if you know of superintendents and principals
• So, um, if you know of schools that are doing something special, if you know of superintendents and principals
• So, um, if you know of schools that are doing something special, if you know of superintendents and principals
• So, um, if you know of schools that are doing something special, if you know of superintendents and principals
• 34.520> schools If you know of schools that are doing something special, if you know of superintendents

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Has the superintendent association commented on a bill such as this that you know of, or...?
• We have met with the superintendent association as well as other educator groups on all three bills you'll
• Has<00:18:26.720> has<00:18:27.039> the<00:18:27.600> uh<00:18:28.880> superintendent
• >> Has has the uh superintendent >> Has has the uh superintendent association<00:18:

Keywords: Education - Room 216, January 6, 2026; 12:45 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee welcomed three new members and elected Senator Brian Rhodes as committee secretary by acclamation. It then took up three education bills. Senate Bill 2001, a $2,000 across-the-board pay raise for teachers, teacher assistants, and certain higher education instructors, was explained as a partial step that could be increased later if more funds become available. The bill also included language to prevent school districts from offsetting state raises for teacher assistants by reducing local supplements. After no questions, the committee adopted a motion that the bill be reported. Senate Bill 2003, which expands the program allowing retired individuals to return to teach, drew the most discussion. The bill broadens eligibility beyond retired educators, raises the retirement-pay percentage from 50% to 65%, shortens the required break in service from 90 days to 45 days in most cases, removes the critical-shortage-area limitation, and allows retirees to teach in any district. Senator Hill offered and the committee adopted an amendment to clarify that the retiree must be receiving a PERS retirement allowance. Members debated possible effects on the retirement system, but the bill was ultimately reported. Senate Bill 2002, dealing with public school district transfers, would remove the sending district’s ability to veto a student’s transfer to another public district. Senator Hopson offered a single amendment, adopted by the committee, to allow receiving districts to charge a reasonable fee, require transfer notice by March 15 absent good cause, and preserve MHSAA’s authority over extracurricular eligibility. Members discussed transportation, equity, and athletic recruiting concerns, and the amendment was clarified to leave the fee amount to the receiving district’s board. After the amendment, the bill was reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2014, we were paying $150,000 for the superintendent of our public schools.
• Still, last year Governor Green gave his approval to raise a superintendent salary up to $300,000 per
• approval<01:04:58.880> to<01:04:59.000> raise<01:04:59.200> a<01:04:59.400> superintendent
• approval to raise a superintendent approval to raise a superintendent salary<01:05:00.440> up

Keywords: Order of the Day: PENDING, 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Newport School superintendent of the Newport School District<01:24:50.600> education<01
• We've been talking with the superintendent from Newport about Newport and about the challenges they have
• from Newport about um superintendent from Newport about um about<01:45:41.760> Newport<01:45:
• We heard from the superintendent in Newport this morning that it’s not happening there.
• <04:41:37.680> Newport from um from the superintendent Newport from um from the superintendent

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which limits the maximum credits per course eligible for the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program. Representative Ladd said the bill clarifies that eligible courses may not exceed four credits and was requested by the community college system. Representative Earth offered an amendment to make the bill effective on passage, which the committee adopted 18-0. The committee then approved HB 193 as amended by an 18-0 OTPA vote and placed it on the consent calendar. The committee next retained HB 295, concerning School Building Aid program funds, after Representative Spillsbury said the building aid bills were complex and needed more work. The motion to retain passed 18-0, with the chair explaining that retained bills can be revisited later and that related language could be moved among building aid bills. HB 354 was not acted on because the chair said the Department of Education and others had suggested possible changes that should be worked out first. HB 366, another school building aid bill, was also retained 18-0 for the same reasons as HB 295. The committee then considered HB 494, which funds the math learning communities program. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program, reducing the proposed increase by a net $50,000 and keeping funding at current levels for the biennium. After discussion about budget pressures and the program’s role in supporting math instruction and professional development, the amendment passed 18-0, and the bill as amended was approved 18-0 and placed on consent. Finally, the committee took up HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid. Representative Popovici-Muller moved inexpedient to legislate, arguing charter schools should not be treated differently from other public schools, while Representatives Luno and Damon opposed the motion, saying charter schools differ in governance and financial risk and should not receive limited state building aid. The motion failed 10-8, so HB 515 was sent to the regular calendar. The committee assigned Representative Damon to the minority report and Representative Popovici-Muller to the majority report, with a noon deadline the next day. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program. Representative Ladd described the program as a successful affordability measure that saves families money and supports college access. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program at current levels, reducing the proposed increase by $500,000 in each year of the biennium. Shannon Reed of the Community College System said the change could limit enrollment or the number of funded courses, though students could still take additional courses at their own expense. Representative Ladd explained the program’s tuition structure and said the funding would help meet demand; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 716.

Transcript Highlights:

• in a locker room or anything like that, we believe the principal and the school board and the superintendent
• 58.720> the principal and the school board and the principal and the school board and the superintendent
• c> can<00:10:59.680> handle<00:10:59.920> those<00:11:00.160> things superintendent
• can handle those things superintendent can handle those things locally<00:11:01.040> and<00:11
• if they're just charged with something that this bill allows the judge to inform not only the superintendent

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of Corrections, and Law Enforcement on a training for all DJJ detention and YDC superintendents
• training uh for all DJJ detention<00:33:04.960> and<00:33:05.440> YDC<00:33:06.159> superintendent
• detention and YDC superintendent detention and YDC superintendent uh<00:33:08.399> DJ<00:
• 33:09.200> DJJ<00:33:10.000> superintendent<00:33:10.799> selected<00:33:11.679>
• uh uh DJ DJJ superintendent selected uh uh DJ DJJ superintendent selected uh security<00:33:12.240

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:03 Roll Call: 00:00:09 Agency Updates: 00:01:44 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Update: 00:03:36 Department of Juvenile Justice Update: 00:23:10, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council approved the minutes from its November 8, 2024 meeting and welcomed new member Representative Nick Wilson. The council also heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on a school attendance awareness campaign aimed at reducing truancy referrals to court, and a member requested a future, more detailed presentation on truancy trends. The council then received an update from the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board from Dr. David Frink and Elsie Berger. They described the board’s membership, meeting schedule, public access, annual report and three-year plan, and its role in helping Kentucky remain compliant with federal juvenile justice requirements so the state can receive Title II funding. They said the board reviews grant applications for community-based services, substance use, and early intervention programs, with about $584,000 in federal funds this year and a little over $600,000 expected next year. Members asked about participation, board vacancies, and how to engage with the board, and the presenters emphasized the importance of statewide representation and community input. The Department of Juvenile Justice then provided a broader update through Commissioner Randy White and Deputy Secretary Mona Wamik. White said DJJ is under an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice investigation focused on conditions in detention facilities, including use of force, isolation, abuse, mental health care, and special education, and said the department has cooperated with repeated information requests and site visits. He also reviewed recent legislative and administrative changes, including 2023 Senate Bill 162, regional detention planning, facility segregation requirements, staffing and salary investments, improved staffing levels, reduced mental health vacancies, and training efforts related to security threat groups. He said DJJ has made progress but continues to work on staffing, safety, and facility improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did that last session as well, though, and that was also rejected by superintendent organizations,
• That eventually transitioned out because we had a superintendent, we had a statewide elected superintendent
• , and each of the 254 counties had the county judge as the superintendent.
• We've done this before. a statewide elected superintendent, and each of the 254 counties had the county
• judge as the superintendent.

Bills: SB 2

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Resolution 1020 by Representative Womack to honor Frederick Henry Middleton, assistant superintendent
• Middleton held the position of Assistant Superintendent of the Street Department until his retirement

Summary: The House convened to finish items from an adjourned resolution and spent most of the meeting recognizing individuals, teams, and organizations through a series of House resolutions. One resolution designated May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, with the sponsor emphasizing that skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., that early detection greatly improves outcomes, and that public education on prevention and sun safety is important. Another resolution honored Frederick Henry Middleton of Arkadelphia for 50 years of service to the city’s street department and his long record of community involvement. The chamber also recognized the Rolling Razorbacks wheelchair basketball team for winning its sixth Division II national championship, and several Arkansas high school athletic programs for state titles, including Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School boys basketball, Rogers High School teams in girls cross country, baseball, boys tennis, girls wrestling, and boys golf, Mountain Home High School boys and girls cross country, Mount St. Mary Academy girls golf, and North Little Rock High School girls basketball. Members highlighted team records, championships, coaches, and individual achievements, and many resolutions were adopted by title only after brief presentations. Additional resolutions honored the Central Arkansas Christian High School choir for its state festival success, Arkansas Tech University women’s cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference championship, and Arkansas Tech women’s basketball coach Dave Wilbers upon his retirement after a highly successful career. No substantive debate or roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript; the meeting ended after the final recognition with notice that the House would reconvene later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have with us today the Crooked Oak Hispanic Student Association, accompanied by Superintendent Bradley
• Richards and Assistant Superintendent Chakes McSkill.

Bills: SB2065, SB1641, SB1642, SB1589, SB1597, SB1216, SB2173, SB2028, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB2014, SB1805, SB2044, SB1836, SB1380, SB2179, SB1436, SB1558, SB933, SB1651, SB1328, SB1572, SB1966, SB175, SB1475, SB1950, SB2049, SB2052

Keywords: pollinator, state symbols, agriculture, insects, environment, business entities, limited liability company, LLC, foreign LLC, domestic LLC, limited partnership, foreign limited partnership, registered agent, Secretary of State, annual certificate, good standing, certificate of authority, designated office, email address, electronic mail

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1693, school district superintendent certification requirements.
• SB 1693 school district superintendent certification requirements.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior journal. Members then recognized several guest groups in the gallery, including the Arizona Dental Hygienists Association, deaf and hard-of-hearing advocacy organizations, the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists, the Doctor of the Day, and Native vote advocates. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for two DPS officers killed earlier that morning. A long list of bills was introduced and read for first reading, with many measures covering education, elections, health, public safety, tribal affairs, housing, taxation, and government administration. The Senate also received committee referrals and standing committee reports. In Committee of the Whole, SB 1425, relating to elections and July primary cure provisions, was considered, amended, and recommended do pass. The Senate adopted the committee report and then substituted HB 2022 for SB 1425 because the bills were identical. HB 2022 was then read on third reading and passed with the emergency clause by a vote of 27 ayes, 1 no, and 2 not voting. Supporters said the bill was a bipartisan effort to move the primary earlier, improve ballot return timing, and require observers in every county; one senator cited tribal voting challenges and provisional ballot rejection rates as reasons for supporting the measure, while another voted no over concerns about the emergency clause. The Senate also adopted proclamations recognizing Taekwondo Day in Arizona and American Heart Month 2026, then recessed and later reconvened to introduce additional bills, announce upcoming committee meetings, and adjourn until February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• out because it's created a lot of uncertainty among us as legislators, our constituencies, and superintendents
• for sure, and all related schools. and superintendents, for sure, and all related school personnel.

Bills: SB83, SB106, SB107, SB123, SJR1

Keywords: ecological monitoring, sustainability, tribal engagement, education, research funding, graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, out-of-school programming, education funding, youth programs, affordability, nonprofit organizations, defibrillators, public schools, health and safety, emergency response, school elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Superintendent, I'm sorry, Chancellor. My apologies.
• And, as a superintendent mentioned as well, using OU as an example, I can tell you our regionals are

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think they had pouches or something that they put them in because the then superintendent...
• before June 1 of each subsequent year, the annual survey results shall be submitted to the local superintendent

Bills: SB92, HB9, HB9

Keywords: K-12 education, wireless communication devices, digital safety, social media education, classroom distraction, three-cueing system, reading instruction, structured literacy, scientific strategies, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are the the um superintendent designate if he the um superintendent designate if he can't<00:05
• Next year is a superintendent. TECC. Next year is a superintendent.
• <00:30:40.640> an myself and and the superintendent an myself and and the superintendent an
• And then you said it's good because then you get to talk with the superintendent, right?
• And then you said it's good because then you get to talk with the superintendent, right?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The local superintendent? No.
• And the superintendent must allow for that transfer except if there's a problem, for instance, in the
• Well, today we are playing a game of Superintendent May I.
• for<00:50:19.119> that superintendent must allow for that superintendent must allow for that
• superintendent may of superintendent may I.<00:51:27.920> But<00:51:28.240> today,<00:51

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Deputy Superintendent with DOE, the department stands on this written testimony in support of this bill
• c> Dino<00:06:02.919> Deputy Vice chair laa Dino Deputy Vice chair laa Dino Deputy superintendent
• with doe the department superintendent with doe the department stands<00:06:07.120> on<00:06:
• Sean Bacon, Assistant Superintendent, speaking on behalf of the Department of Education.
• <01:38:44.360> did Department hi Heidi superintendent did Department hi Heidi superintendent

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 627, which concerns Department of Education school safety funding and staffing. DOE said the bill would restore two positions and related funding that had been removed from the governor’s budget: a targeted violence prevention and threat assessment program manager and a security technology manager. DOE described ongoing work on school vulnerability assessments, fire suppression measures, security camera research, panic buttons, and active shooter prevention training. Testifiers from DOE, the Department of Law Enforcement, fire services, HSTA, and an individual witness all supported the bill, with the individual citing a past school shooting experience as a reason to increase school resource officers and safety measures. Members asked about the positions’ duties, how the request differed from existing security funding, and the status of active shooter training; DOE said it would provide more information on training statistics. The committee then took up HB 249, relating to Executive Office on Early Learning family child interaction learning programs. The Early Learning Board, EOEL, Commit to Kids, Early Childhood Action Strategies, Partners in Development Foundation, and others testified in support. EOEL said it currently spends about $800,000 annually on FCI program contracts and supports expanding state funding for FCIL programs, including infant and early childhood mental health, if the appropriation covers the broader scope. Testifiers emphasized that FCIL programs are trauma-informed, evidence-based, and help families and children, with one provider sharing a long-term example of a parent and child benefiting from the program. Members asked how many programs are supported, whether FCIL exists on all islands, and whether the request was in the governor’s budget; EOEL said the expansion was requested by the office but not included in the governor’s budget. HB 429, concerning pre-K expansion, drew broad support from the Lieutenant Governor, EOEL, HSTA, and community groups. Supporters said the Ready Keiki initiative has already opened more than 50 classrooms and would add another 50 over the next two years, including Hawaiian immersion classrooms. EOEL said it currently administers 72 public pre-K classrooms across 74 campuses and that the bill’s funding was included in the governor’s budget request. Testimony stressed kindergarten readiness, affordability for working families, equity across islands, and inclusion classrooms. Members asked about national quality benchmarks, with EOEL stating Hawaii meets 10 of 10 benchmarks and that only five states had done so at the time referenced. The Lieutenant Governor also described construction and delivery efforts, including refurbishing existing classrooms, modular options, possible use of state buildings, and even collaboration with libraries to expand child care access. Finally, the committee heard HB 439 on J-1 teacher licensure. DOE supported the bill, while the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposed it, arguing licensure standards are not place-based and should remain rigorous and uniform for all educators. The Attorney General’s office offered technical comments, including replacing “educators” with “teacher” and clarifying the bill’s language on issuance and renewal conditions. Several organizations and individuals testified in support, including school, cultural, business, and educator groups. One witness, a teacher from the Philippines, said J-1 educators are highly qualified and described the rigor of teacher preparation in the Philippines. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I mean, I’m just looking, and in the district get sued and the superintendent or the attorney for
• the superintendent says, yeah, I didn’t get the information.
• “I think it would be the assistant superintendent or superintendent.
• <01:50:32.719> or assistant superintendent or assistant superintendent or superintendent<01
• I think it should so it superintendent I think it should so it could<01:50:36.400> yeah<01:50

Keywords: 1191, senate, all