Video & Transcript Research : 'Class B5'
Page 75 of 413
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (02/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- charter school students as second class charter school students as second class citizens<00:41:17.480
- <00:51:35.839>
I want to take um early college classes I want to take um early college classes - I have 25 to 26 children in class now.
- 25 to 26 child children in class 25 to 26 child children in class now<01:29:55.280>
um <01 - we're putting all children in class we're putting all children in class together<01:30:11.480>
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.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes veterans policy and supplemental finance bill 5/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, if you are an E-3, a private first class, and you are activated under state active duty orders to
- c><00:02:24.480>
a <00:02:24.560>private <00:02:25.000>first <00:02:25.240>class - ,<00:02:26.040>
and are an E3, a private first class, and are an E3, a private first class
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 4807, a bill relating to state government and veterans of the secret war in Laos, but the discussion focused on a House amendment that replaced the Senate language. Representative Olson explained that the amendment would tie Minnesota National Guard state active duty pay to the E-5, or sergeant, rate, rather than the current minimum pay structure, which he said can leave lower-ranked members earning about $15 an hour during emergency activations. He argued the change would better compensate Guard members who leave civilian jobs to serve and said it would mirror federal pay adjustments without affecting the Department of Military Affairs budget except when the Guard is activated.
The amendment was adopted after brief discussion. On third reading of the bill as amended, Olson urged support, describing the Minnesota National Guard as highly trained and deserving of recognition for its service and sacrifice. No opposition was recorded.
The House then took the roll call vote and passed Senate File 4807 as amended by a vote of 133-0. The title was agreed to.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, eliminating certain drug classes, effective no sooner than January 1, 2026.
- Are there any other classes of medication we eliminate like this based on cost? Hi, everyone.
- These are drug classes that are optional, just like the weight loss indication.
- These are drug classes that are optional, just like the weight loss indication.
- Most of them are probably... ...targeting drug classes that are optional.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56.
DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement.
The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a CTE pathway that includes computer science, and I teach all four classes: an intro, two AP
- classes, and cybersecurity, all of which I feel passionate about.
- So it carries outside of just my class; it's actually working in their community as well.
- I have seen the impact of computer science classes at my high school, with many of my friends and peers
- They are geographically isolated, and staff teach classes with multiple levels.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations.
The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members.
AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes.
The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- rare situations, and they exist in every situation where you're looking at a misdemeanor versus a Class
- <00:07:57.639>
D <00:07:58.000>Felony misdemeanor versus a Class D Felony misdemeanor - versus a Class D Felony somebody<00:07:59.639>
technically <00:08:00.159>somebody <00:08 - pretty high amount for third offenses and that it may help address the concern that making this a Class
- D felonies and I know that's can class D felonies and I know that's can be<00:12:38.440>
U <00
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:03
HB 220: 00:01:49
Discussion in Opposition to HB 220: 00:14:37
HB 136: 00:28:21
HB 201: 00:34:14, 958, all
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met with a full roll call and first took up House Bill 220, which would strengthen Kentucky DUI penalties. The sponsor and a Commonwealth’s attorney testified that the bill would make a third DUI within 10 years a felony, while keeping first- and second-offense penalties the same, and that the committee substitute also adds escalating fines for under-21 DUI offenses and aligns interlock requirements. Supporters argued the change is needed to protect families and respond to repeat impaired driving, citing a fatal case involving a young victim and a repeat offender with a high blood alcohol level and prior DUI convictions.
Members asked about treatment, sentencing, and drafting details. The sponsor explained that the existing mandatory substance-abuse treatment requirement for fourth-or-greater offenses would apply to third-or-greater offenses under the substitute, and that a 120-day minimum remains in place. Questions were also raised about removing redundant statutory language and about whether felony treatment could sometimes result in less actual jail time than a misdemeanor; the sponsor and prosecutor said such cases are rare and that the bill gives prosecutors and juries more tools. Representative Blanton supported the bill but noted it does not address fentanyl, and the sponsor said he has a separate bill for that issue.
Opposition testimony came from Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, who said he supported tougher DUI enforcement but opposed felonyizing the third offense. He argued that the current system already imposes mandatory jail and treatment, that felony cases often resolve through plea bargains with parole eligibility that may not increase actual time served, and that the better approach would be stronger mandatory counseling, longer license suspensions, and ignition interlock requirements rather than felony status. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and passed HB 220 favorably by a 19-0 vote.
The committee then began House Bill 136, which would require the Department of Corrections to compile and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on corrections and parole outcomes, including time served and supervision data. The sponsor and a witness from the Georgia Center for Opportunity said the bill is intended to improve transparency and give lawmakers better data for policy decisions. Members voiced support for better post-release data and asked whether DOC could implement the reporting; the witness said DOC had not expressed concerns and already submits some reports. Discussion on HB 136 was underway when the transcript ended.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 8th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have the 2025 Fall Class B baseball champions here and also the back-to-back 2026 basketball Class
- stellar season of the Calumet boys baseball team with a pinnacle win against Fort Cobb as the 2025 Fall Class
- of the Calumet boys basketball team with a pinnacle win 59 to 47 over the Rattan Rams as the 2026 Class
- We cannot achieve what we need to achieve in the Cherokee Nation unless we build a world-class system
Keywords:
rural hospitals, small hospitals, grant program, healthcare funding, Oklahoma health department, cosmetology, barbering, massage therapy, State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, Service Oklahoma, license renewal, license reinstatement, licensing fees, sunset extension, board membership, human trafficking, victim services, beauty school, barber school, esthetics
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- following the same standards held by our 23 education prep programs, including practicum, pedagogy classes
- There simply wasn't time to go through two semesters of in-class preparation to get 23 hours credits.
- After this one, so I had a class from Doctor Hamlin.
- And let me preface by saying that I was also an alternatively certified teacher who took my classes through
- I think getting the right teachers in those K through 4 classes. Move from question.
Keywords:
kindergarten, military families, education policy, school districts, international military dependents, age eligibility, teacher certification, alternative teacher preparation, education reform, employment opportunities, teacher recruitment, physical education, elementary school, prekindergarten, recess, health and fitness, higher education, bachelor's degree, feasibility study, Oklahoma State Regents
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 11 Feb 18th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is my proud honor today to present to you guys the Class 6A state champion football team from Sand
- year with a thrilling 32-27 victory over defending champions the Choctaw Yellow Jackets to claim the Class
- Springs-Page Sandites' true grit, perseverance, discipline, and dedication made it possible to earn the 2025 Class
- 6A... ...and dedication made it possible to earn the 2025 Class 6A High School Football Oklahoma State
- Page Sandites, who have represented their school, their community, and this state with character, class
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I was the only kid in the class who couldn't read, and some of the other kids were calling me stupid.
- I didn't feel like I could succeed and started to become the class clown, and the other kids would tease
- I ended up graduating at the top of my class from this small school and went to the Naval Academy as
- because students who need dyslexia intervention also need all the other aspects of school, like our classes
- begin studying the number of incarcerated individuals who struggle with dyslexia while attending classes
Keywords:
special education, funding gap, dyslexia, House Bill 2, Senate Bill 568, House Bill 3928, disability penalty
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on special education funding, with significant discussions around House Bill 2 (HB2), Senate Bill 568 (SB568), and House Bill 3928 (HB3928). Key speakers advocated for increased funding to close the estimated $1.7 billion annual gap that affects special education in Texas public schools. Several witnesses, including educators and students affected by dyslexia, provided personal testimonies about the impact of insufficient funding and the disability penalty, which penalizes schools financially for identifying students needing special education services. The committee demonstrated a strong commitment to advocate for changes that would improve special education resources and training for teachers, thereby ensuring that all Texas children receive the educational support they need to thrive.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes the omnibus education policy bill, SF1740 5/16/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They are back in class. They're back in class sitting next to the kid that was harmed.
- ><01:24:41.159>
class <01:24:42.159>sitting class. - They're back in class sitting class.
- They have one<01:30:16.800>
class <01:30:17.440>per one class per one class per grade.< - to teach class there.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- And there's a class size minimum that was in last year's bill X73, but it...
- The House bill had some language statutorily defining how some of that worked, class size minimums.
- And we added, within the temporary provisions, you recall last year for the average class size...
- There were, like, the high school class size average, I believe it's 18 students.
- But exempted from that were things like terminal classes and advanced placement courses and others that
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Elections and Constitutional Amendments
Transcript Highlights:
- Can you illustrate specifically what is happening by certain class? What is it—protected class?
- Protected class, what population are you talking about? Am I included there?
- So yes, you, sir, would be part of a protected class.
- Any voter can be part of a protected class as part of this bill. It's a race-neutral bill.
- vote in a way that is disparate and discriminatory and has a material disparate impact on protected class
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg proposed expanding polling-place buffer zones, limiting certain law enforcement activity near polling sites, increasing ballot drop boxes and vote center access, and extending the vote-by-mail receipt deadline; supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation, while county election officials opposed it as operationally difficult and costly. The bill was amended in committee to allow county supervisors discretion over expanding the buffer zone and to permit law enforcement entry for crimes against persons or property. It was ultimately passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote after members’ roll calls were completed later in the day. SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes would expand California voting-rights protections by codifying and broadening anti-dilution and anti-suppression rules, adding preclearance for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to favor voting access; it drew strong support from civil rights and voting-rights groups, while one city raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. The committee advanced the bill to Judiciary on a 4-1 vote after later roll call completion.
The committee also considered SB 900 by Senator McNerney, which would streamline political advertisement disclosures by shortening required disclaimer language, allowing standard abbreviations, and increasing the number of top funders disclosed on political mailers from three to five. Supporters from the outdoor advertising industry and campaign finance reform groups said the bill would preserve transparency while making disclosures more readable; it passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. In contrast, SB 1225 and its companion SCA 3 by Senator Niello would transfer responsibility for drafting ballot titles and summaries for initiatives and referenda from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Supporters argued this would improve neutrality and public trust, while opponents said the current elected Attorney General system is accountable and efficient; both measures were advanced on narrow votes after roll calls were completed later.
Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, would expand language-access requirements for election materials by lowering the threshold for coverage, adding a petition process, and extending protections beyond current federal language categories. Voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups strongly supported the bill, while county election officials opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about the precinct-based determination model and implementation details. The committee passed SB 1360 to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote after the later roll call. The committee also approved a consent calendar of seven measures at the start of the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Elections and Constitutional Amendments
Transcript Highlights:
- Can you illustrate specifically what is happening by certain class? What is it—protected class?
- Protected class, what population are you talking about? Am I included there?
- So yes, you, sir, would be part of a protected class.
- Any voter can be part of a protected class as part of this bill. It's a race-neutral bill.
- vote in a way that is disparate and discriminatory and has a material disparate impact on protected class
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- a report, If the provider fails to provide a report that results in death, it can elevate it to a Class
- Class A misdemeanor. Yeah. It's a term of art. It is what a reasonable, right. Right.
- And if it results in the death of an individual, then it could be a Class E felony.
- It could be a Class E felony.
- Failure to report could result in a Class A misdemeanor. Correct.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and voted do pass on three bills: House Bill 2370, House Bill 3278, and House Bill 1638. HB 2370 passed 13-9, HB 3278 passed 15-0, and HB 1638 passed 17-0. The committee then moved to public testimony.
Senate Bill 1015, sponsored by Sen. Maggie Nuremberg, was presented as a measure creating a legal process for court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment for adults with serious mental illness who are unable to voluntarily engage in treatment and are at risk of deterioration, hospitalization, or harm. Supporters said it would help people remain stable in the community, reduce hospitalization and incarceration, and save state costs. The bill also includes a provision modifying notarization requirements for detention applications. Testimony in support came from the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and the Missouri Association of Public Administrators, and no opposition was offered.
The committee also heard a presentation from SSM Health on the STARS program, which provides electronic emergency care plans for children with complex medical needs. Witnesses explained that the program is an EMS-based, physician-reviewed system used to improve information sharing and emergency response, with access free to EMS agencies and emergency providers, while hospitals that write plans pay implementation and subscription fees. Members used the presentation to clarify that the program is distinct from the bill discussed previously in committee.
House Bill 2903, sponsored by Rep. Don Mayhew, would change rules for county and district hospitals by limiting certain Sunshine Law disclosures, adjusting board qualifications, and aligning financial reporting deadlines with other political subdivisions. Supporters from Phelps Health said the bill would help publicly owned hospitals compete more fairly with private systems and reduce administrative burden; no opposition testified. House Bill 3379, sponsored by Rep. David Dolan, would expand the employee disqualification list and mandated reporting requirements for abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, including adding bank personnel and other first responders as reporters and creating penalties for failure to report. Supporters from DHSS and the Missouri Bankers Association said the bill addresses financial exploitation concerns, but bankers raised concerns about mandatory reporting for situations they may not know about and asked to continue working on the language. The committee took no final action on the public hearing bills before adjourning.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 15, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- record that even though we are considering a malpractice repeal, I believe in Florida we have world-class
- After the Wrongful Death Act was enacted in 1990, an expansion was made to the class of survivors entitled
- And in this particular case, the question is whether the survivors are a class of people that should
- Well, I loved my 1L tort class very much, but I don't know that we have time for an entire history on
- And for the sake of the record, I did not like my tort class at all.
Summary:
The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee considered one bill, HB 603, which would repeal section 768.21(8), the Florida medical negligence wrongful death exception often referred to by supporters as the “Free Kill” law. The sponsor argued the current statute unfairly bars certain families—especially adult children or parents of unmarried adults without minor children—from recovering non-economic damages when a loved one dies from medical negligence, while such damages are available in other wrongful death cases. Supporters, including family members, AARP, and some legal advocates, testified that the law is discriminatory and denies equal access to justice for grieving families and vulnerable adults.
Opponents, including physicians, hospital and insurer representatives, and business groups, argued that repeal would increase malpractice exposure, raise premiums, worsen access to care, and accelerate physician retirements or departures from Florida. Several urged that if the bill moves forward, it should be paired with caps on non-economic damages to balance the impact on the health care system. Supporters countered that negligence must still be proven, that the law creates unequal treatment, and that existing tort reforms have not lowered premiums. The sponsor closed by rejecting claims that the bill is “jackpot justice” and emphasizing that families deserve court access and accountability.
After debate, the committee voted on HB 603 and passed it 16-2. The meeting then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Jun 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, I think I was in a class to help that. Yeah, thank you. Oh yes, it is in the not a C.
- Part of our model also included uh using in-class DIBELS for informing instruction in our classrooms.
- And so, like last year, the kinder and first graders were together in a bilingual class.
- So right now, our, our class sizes are 14 in kindergarten.
- Uh, they were the youngest in their class. They just barely made the cut.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- am grateful for the provisions that prevent a student who has been removed from being returned to class
- without the teacher's consent or a return-to-class plan.
- A kid talking back, a kid talking back, a teacher having to manage that in a class of. like 20 to 30
- When a student initially acts up, because here's the thing, a kindergartner comes into class.
- What did we do, and what was the impact on those kids that were put out of class for disruption?
Keywords:
HB 1022, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Texas State University System, Education Code, higher education, course levels, upper-level college, lower-division courses, community college-style courses, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Board of Regents, academic programs, university expansion, HB 2856, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, clinical training placements, clinical rotations
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 25, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 39
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please welcome to the House of Representatives Petty Officer Second Class Pio Guth, whose hometown is
- Also, Machinery Technician Second Class Nathan Anthony, hailing from Bossier City, Texas.
- Then also from Texas, Friendswood, Texas, Electrician's Mate Second Class Nicholas Smith volunteered
- Machinery Technician Second Class George Chihara, also hailing from Lahaina, like Mr.
- machinery technician and second class machinery technician and second class George<00:31:10.919>
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to describe to you are that kid that had a 3.2 GPA, had all their credits, even took AP classes
- Back in the day when I was in high school, we knew we had four absences, a class.”
- Back in the day when I was in high school, we knew we had four absences a class, and we would budget
- Our main concern was keeping the kid, student, in class and learning. And so I'll be honest.
- But the risk part in the AP classes, IB, career programs, all of that is questionable.
Summary:
The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met during Budget Week and first considered three member bills. House Bill 1111, by Rep. Valdes, would eliminate the option for students to leave high school with a certificate of completion instead of a standard diploma. Valdes said the bill was inspired by students who met credit requirements but could not pass a required assessment, and argued the certificate does not provide access to college, trade school, or military service. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. CS for House Bill 127, by Rep. Kendall, would support students with disabilities by using existing Florida Department of Education curriculum to create micro-credentials and coordinating with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA on workplace safety. Goodwill, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida PTA, and others supported the bill, which also passed unanimously, 15-0. House Bill 1367, by Rep. Booth, addressed chronic absenteeism by requiring statewide definitions and more uniform attendance reporting, along with rules for excused and unexcused absences and early identification of chronically absent students. Testimony emphasized inconsistent district policies and the need for clearer data and interventions. The bill passed 13-0, with some members noting concerns about implementation details and future rulemaking.
The committee then took up PCB-P-PKB-2501, the proposed conforming bill for the fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget. The chair said the bill was designed to align statutes with budget and scholarship funding procedures, especially around the Florida Education Finance Program and scholarship payments. The PCB would require Florida student ID numbers for scholarship students, standardize cross-checking against FTE survey data, set quarterly payment dates, and use one data source for both reporting and withholding scholarship-related FFP amounts. It also would reduce certain add-on weights by 50%, remove the budget stabilization program, and repeal the educational enrollment stabilization program. Several members raised concerns that the add-on weight reductions could hurt career and technical education, AICE, IB, and CAPE programs, while the sponsor argued the data showed too much spending in an “other” category and that the reductions were aimed at aligning funding with actual program costs. Public testimony was mixed: some supported tighter accountability and clearer payment rules, while others warned against undermining expensive career-readiness programs. The PCB passed 11-2.
After the conforming bill, the chair presented the proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget, totaling just under $21 billion, about $400 million below the current year. She said the budget reflects a need to slow spending growth and includes $20 million for New Worlds Scholarship Accounts, $7 million for security grants at Jewish day schools and preschools, $14 million for public school transportation stipends, an overall FEFP increase of about $747.7 million, $100 million for teacher salary increases, and increases in the base student allocation and funds per student. The committee did not vote on the budget recommendation at this meeting; it was distributed for review and will move to the Budget Committee next week.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (02/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- charter school students as second class charter school students as second class citizens<00:41:17.480
- <00:51:35.839>
I want to take um early college classes I want to take um early college classes - I have 25 to 26 children in class.
- 25 to 26 child children in class 25 to 26 child children in class now<01:29:55.280>
um <01 - we're putting all children in class we're putting all children in class together<01:30:11.480>
Summary:
The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which clarifies that dual and concurrent enrollment courses may not exceed four credits. Members said the bill came from the community college system and was intended to preserve the program’s high school-to-college pathway. An amendment changing the effective date to passage was adopted 18-0, and the committee then voted 18-0 to recommend OTPA on the bill as amended, with the bill placed on the consent calendar.
The committee then retained HB 295 and HB 366, both related to school building aid, after members said the issues were complex and needed more work. Both motions to retain passed 18-0, leaving the bills in committee without reports. The chair also said HB 354 would not be taken up that day because of possible changes from the Department of Education and others.
HB 494, funding the math learning communities program, was then amended to flat-fund the program rather than increase it, with members citing budget uncertainty. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted 18-0 for OTPA on the bill as amended, placing it on consent. Finally, HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid, drew debate over whether charter schools should be treated differently from traditional public schools. The committee voted 10-8 for inexpedient to legislate, sending the bill to the regular calendar; Representative Damon was assigned the minority report and Representative Popovic the majority report. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program, where members discussed flat-funding the program at $2.5 million per year and the potential impact on course availability, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.