Transcript Highlights:

• to 400 to 500 students.
• This student did this. This student took my stuff. This student threw something at me.
• She was terrified that the student would run into the student again.
• K-3 and K-4 students.
• student council.

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The committee met for public testimony on the Finance budget, with the main discussion focused first on funding for disability services and then on the LA GATOR scholarship program. Several individuals testified in support of fully funding Families Helping Families and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), describing how advocacy, transition services, and direct support workers help people with disabilities access education, employment, and independent living. Witnesses urged the committee to preserve or increase state general funds to draw down federal matching dollars, and provider groups said current reimbursement rates and staffing shortages are leaving agencies in deficit, creating waitlists, overtime costs, and difficulty retaining workers. Committee members thanked the speakers and noted that the testimony would be used to compare the governor’s, House, and remaining budget requests. The committee then heard extensive testimony in support of increasing funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program. Supporters included policy groups, school leaders, parents, and students who argued that the program expands educational choice, helps low-income and special-needs students find schools that fit their needs, and should be fully funded at the level of demonstrated demand. Speakers from Catholic and Christian schools said GATOR funding had helped students thrive academically and spiritually, but that shortfalls left many eligible students without awards, hurt kindergarten enrollment, and forced schools to raise private donations to cover gaps. Several witnesses emphasized that the program is not a zero-sum attack on public schools, but a way to let education dollars follow students. A few committee questions focused on the fiscal impact and on whether choice programs improve outcomes without harming public schools. Testimony cited enrollment growth, parent demand, and data from other states to argue that school choice can improve student and parent outcomes and may also strengthen traditional public schools through competition. No votes or formal actions were taken during the public testimony portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been able to expand community engagement, improving...
• Meaningful engagement with communities and tribes and our policy decisions.
• Equitable Community Engagement: so the HEAL Act outlines community engagement as a key driver in the
• When we speak of community engagement at the agency, we stress the importance of meaningful engagement
• I think when we think about engagement, engaging communities, it's not limited to, right?

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• We broke that down by the number of students per grade level.
• And a lot of times what you see with 12th-grade students and 11th-grade students are dropout prevention—kids
• And a lot of times what you see with 12th grade students and 11th grade students are dropout prevention
• Why are those students not at school?
• Why are those students not at school?

Summary: The Senate and House Joint Committee on Children and Youth met to approve prior minutes, confirm Representative Mary Bentley to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee, and receive several presentations. The Arkansas Infant and Child Death Review team reported on unexpected child deaths in Arkansas, saying its 2023 review covered 148 of 170 non-natural deaths, with the remainder unavailable due to criminal investigations or missing records. Of the reviewed deaths, 69 were accidents, 14 suicides, 18 homicides, and 47 undetermined, and members discussed how the report’s recommendations could be used by agencies and nonprofits for prevention work and grant applications. Committee members also asked about age breakdowns and how the data could be shared without identifying individual cases. The committee then took up HCR 1010 and a broader discussion of juvenile justice reform. Representative Shepard said the resolution was intended to confront data on juvenile incarceration and system outcomes. Senator Missy Irvin, judges Troy Braswell and Kathy Hess, and AOC Juvenile Division Director Burke Steen described the state’s long-running reform efforts, including the SAVRY risk assessment, diversion programs, and efforts to keep more youth in their communities. They said the reforms have reduced delinquency filings, DYS commitments, and revocations, while increasing diversions, but also emphasized ongoing gaps in mental health, substance abuse, and school-based supports. Members raised concerns about school data sharing, behavioral health access, and how to better identify youth with disabilities or trauma earlier. Judge Braswell and others stressed that many youth in the system have significant trauma, family instability, or unmet treatment needs, and that judges need individualized information to make decisions. Several members discussed the role of schools, the school safety dashboard, and the need for stronger community providers, especially in rural areas. The committee then heard from DYS Director Michael Crump, who provided data on commitments, facility use, demographics, offense levels, length of stay, education outcomes, recidivism, dual DCFS/DYS custody, and costs. He said commitments rose after the pandemic and then began to decline, while secure and detention costs increased with the need for more beds; he also noted that most youth in custody have behavioral health needs and that DYS works closely with DCFS, courts, and providers. No final action was taken on HCR 1010 during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we'll engage Rich Davey on that as well.
• And we'll engage Rich Davey on that as well.
• You have codified protections for immigrant students, English language learners, and students with disabilities
• We know that when we engage with a wide range of investors, We know that when we engage with a wide range
• Engagement is another key to prevention.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• contribution to its past successes and affirm our enthusiastic support for its continued efforts to engage
• students in the civic life of our great state.
• future of democratic institutions such as the Minnesota House of Representatives relies on the engagement
• House, Martin Olaf Sabo, visited the Maryland state house and learned about the General Assembly student
• </c> about the future shaped by the students about the future shaped by the students who<00:05:06.120

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1701 would create a third: if you engage in a shooting at a school, it's quite simple.
• Two studies found that students who face sex... understandably do worse academically.
• A straight-A student, a respected athlete, active in scouts, and community. Successful.
• A straight-A student, a respected athlete, active in scouts, and community service.
• from drugs, a classroom of students dying every week.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety met with several bills on the agenda, beginning with AB 1741 by Assembly Member Pacheco, which would allow felony prosecution of sexual battery committed during a residential break-in. Supporters, including Riverside County prosecutors and victim services staff, said current law leaves some home-invasion sexual assaults as misdemeanors when intent to commit another felony cannot be proven; opponents from public defender and civil liberties groups argued the bill was unnecessary, vague, and overbroad. After discussion, the committee passed AB 1741 to Appropriations as amended. The committee then heard AB 1701 by Assembly Member DeMaio, which would bar recall and resentencing for juveniles convicted of school shootings. Supporters framed it as a narrow public-safety measure in response to the Santana High School shooting and the potential resentencing of the shooter; opponents argued it was overly broad, ineffective as deterrence, and inconsistent with juvenile rehabilitation principles. The committee ultimately voted the bill out to Appropriations, but it later failed on the final roll call when members added on their positions. AB 1743 by Assembly Member Wix proposed allowing local governments, state agencies, and higher education institutions to request firearm trace data from DOJ for research and policy purposes. Supporters said the data could help identify trafficking patterns and inform evidence-based gun violence prevention, while opponents said trace data only shows the first lawful retail sale and could mislead policymakers or burden DOJ. The bill was passed to Appropriations. AB 1716 by Assembly Member Stefani, supported by UC and victim advocates, would let CalVCB reimburse tuition costs for college students whose education is disrupted by sexual violence; it passed to Appropriations after a strong debate over victim compensation. AB 1667 by Assembly Member Burner, adding fentanyl to the serious felony list for furnishing to a minor, also passed after emotional testimony from a bereaved parent and law enforcement support, despite opposition from drug policy and civil liberties groups. The committee adopted a consent calendar including AB 1549, AB 1681, AB 1723, and AB 1737, while AB 1538 and AB 1727 were pulled by their authors. In the final tally, AB 1701 and AB 1723 failed on the floor add-on roll call, while AB 1716, AB 1741, AB 1743, and AB 1667 advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• School's culture and climate shape everything: student engagement, academic achievement, and whether
• Because when students feel unsafe, they cannot learn. When students feel unseen, they disengage.
• absent students missed an average of seven days of school; non-binary students, Chronically absent students
• I will state the student standard test is... ...student learning.
• With our student success cards, students are restricted ...financial.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee first heard SB 998, which would clarify and expand school discrimination prevention coordinator roles, including new coordinators focused on disability and anti-AAPI discrimination. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen school climate, provide clearer guidance and training, and help schools address discrimination before it escalates. Support came from education, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ groups, while some witnesses expressed support if amended but raised concerns about gubernatorial appointments and preferred civil service hiring. Several senators debated whether the bill duplicated existing protections and whether it diverted attention from academic priorities, but the chair and coauthors emphasized it as follow-up legislation tied to prior civil rights commitments. The committee voted SB 998 out on a due pass motion to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the bill was placed on call. The committee then took up SB 1082, which would streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring faster district action, concurrent review, and clearer notice when applications are incomplete. The author and sponsor said families often face long delays and inconsistent practices, and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness and reduce administrative burden without changing local approval authority. The California School Boards Association had an oppose-unless-amended position but said it was re-evaluating after amendments, and some other groups said they were removing opposition. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed it on call. Next, the committee heard SB 960 on community college baccalaureate degrees. The author argued the bill would create a statewide framework allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in unmet workforce areas when CSU programs are unavailable or effectively inaccessible because of impaction, while also limiting growth so community colleges do not drift from their core mission. Supporters said the bill would expand access for place-bound students and align with workforce needs, while CSU and faculty opponents warned it could duplicate programs, affect faculty jobs, and worsen pressure on the CSU system. Members debated the master plan, impaction, funding inequities, and whether the bill would siphon students from CSU. The committee ultimately moved SB 960 out on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the bill was placed on call. Finally, Senator Blakespear presented SB 965, which would make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and her son described inconsistent local rules and said the bill would reduce barriers while preserving local library policies on checkout and liability. The transcript ended during testimony on SB 965, before any committee vote or further action was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to make sure that students receive gifted education We want to make sure that students receive
• We're leaving 2% of our students behind.
• The average student in my district is very low academically, which leaves a handful of gifted students
• Having the escape of a pull-out program is the only thing that keeps my gifted students engaged in school
• to look at how you screen a student?

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and a long series of special guest introductions recognizing interns, community leaders, FFA officers, library advocates, park and recreation professionals, and others. Members also used points of personal privilege to honor Black History Month and the legacy of William Clay Sr. The chamber then moved into first reading of several bills, including measures on University of Missouri curators, personal property assessment lists, and state department spending. The main floor action centered on House Bill 1757, which would require universal screening of third-graders for gifted education using flexible screening methods and would help ensure students who qualify are identified regardless of zip code or family resources. Supporters argued the bill would close gaps in gifted identification and expand access, while questions focused on funding, screening methods, and whether the bill would create an unfunded mandate. The House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members then debated the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, presented as House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1667 and 2294. Supporters said the bill would require medical care for infants who survive an abortion attempt and impose civil and criminal penalties for knowingly harming such a child. Opponents argued the bill was duplicative of existing law, could criminalize medical providers, and would worsen Missouri’s maternal care shortages. The debate included extended questioning about the bill’s standards, scope, and enforcement, but no final vote on the born-alive measure was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got about 40,000 students.
• The engagement continues today.
• One is a student program we run.
• We provide all the capital funding One is a student program we run.
• That program means five to six regional student Emmy awards every single year.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee. Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• students, or students in special education.
• students are students in special education.
• , having staff that look like our students and that our students can relate to.
• and 23% for white students.
• They dampen student attendance, and they disproportionately affect students of color.

Summary: The Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access held its third hearing to review the state of youth mental health, progress under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), and remaining implementation and funding challenges. The chair emphasized that schools are often the main point where education, health care, and social services intersect for students, and that the committee’s goal is to ensure public investments translate into better access and outcomes. The hearing featured testimony from researchers, a youth advocate, state officials, and local practitioners. PPIC researcher Shalini Mostala reported that teen mental health remains a serious concern, with high rates of chronic sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, though recent California data show some improvement since the pandemic. She noted persistent disparities by gender, race, and rural status, and said school-based health centers, wellness centers, and community schools are associated with lower suicidal thoughts. Youth advocate Ella Cruz, speaking for NAMI California, described her own mental health struggles and argued that youth voice, peer-to-peer support, and reducing stigma are essential; she also said technology and AI cannot replace trusted adults or trained professionals. Committee members asked about phone use, stigma, cultural barriers, and how to make supports more accessible and relatable to students. Dr. Sohill Sood of the California Health and Human Services Agency said statewide survey data show declining stigma, increased counseling use, and lower suicide ideation among students, and he highlighted CYBHI’s certified wellness coaches, digital tools, awareness campaigns, and the first-in-the-nation fee schedule that allows schools and colleges to bill health plans for behavioral health services. He said the program is growing quickly, with more than 230,000 claims and over $11 million in new revenue to date, while acknowledging that billing systems and coordination are still being built. Trina Frazier of Fresno County described a multi-tiered system of care supported by CYBHI, CalAIM, and other grants, serving thousands of students through school-based services, wellness centers, and mobile therapy units; she said ongoing funding and flexibility are critical. Rachel Kroberniski of El Segundo High School’s James Morehouse Project described a long-running wellness center and peer mentorship model that supports students in multiple languages, and said peer programs help students feel seen, connected, and more willing to seek help. Members broadly praised the flexibility, collaboration, and peer-based approaches described by the witnesses. Questions focused on sustaining funding after one-time grants expire, improving coordination among schools, counties, and providers, expanding the fee schedule to higher education, and ensuring continuity of care for students after high school. Officials said county offices of education, DHCS, and other partners are using communities of practice and technical assistance to spread best practices, and that CYBHI services can follow some young adults through age 25, with additional supports through community-based programs and digital platforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we remain supportive of all pathways and opportunities for our students to engage in higher education
• And then, of course, you know, on that student focus, it's student course load and capacity.
• student needs and provide targeted supports and interventions to help these students gain English language
• to help inform instruction and support students.
• These pathways and opportunities engage students and improve persistence, completion, and college and

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:51.560><c> of</c> um specific benefits for for students of um specific benefits for for students
• And then putting student athletes. Mhm.
• or prospective students and their families.
• </c><00:27:31.760><c> or</c> of this dashboard is for students or of this dashboard is for students or
• </c> prospective students and their families. prospective students and their families.

Bills: SB2876 , SB3253 , SB2125 , SB2781 , HB549 , HB1768 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB1515 , SB2835 , HB2282 , SB3083 , SB2031 , SB2519 , SB2667 , SB2140 , SB2544 , SB2069 , SB2697 , SB874 , SB2043 , SB888 , SB2721 , HB2152 , HB1334 , HB2385 , HB1643 , HB2314 , HB1688 , HB1692 , SB2568 , SB2983 , SB2108 , SB3136 , HB1959 , SB3156 , HB1511 , HB1753 , HB1824 , HB2137 , HB1810 , HB2279 , HB2309 , HB1548 , HB2078 , HB2293 , SB3262 , SB2169 , SB2607 , SB2964 , SB3255 , HB2576 , HB1481 , HB1864 , HB1550 , SB2818 , SB3067 , SB2061 , HB1728 , HB1881 , HB2361 , HB2395 , HB1823 , SB2050 , SB2397 , SB2175 , SB2852 , SB847 , SB3001

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a free program that our students have access to.
• This is a free program that our students have access to, and even when I say students, it could be anybody
• Right now, if we look at students, we're probably somewhere in the 600 range of students, but on the
• Right now, if we look at students, we're probably somewhere in the 600 range of students, Right now,
• if we look at students, we're probably somewhere in the 600 range of students, but on the footsie count

Committee: House House International Trade Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Committee on International Trade held its first meeting of the session with member introductions and opening remarks emphasizing Arizona’s interest in foreign relations, border commerce, and collaboration with trading partners, especially Mexico. Chair Tony Rivera noted the state’s trade offices in Mexico and framed the committee’s work as a way to strengthen Arizona’s international relationships. Staff were introduced, and members were reminded of amendment deadlines, though no bills were heard. The committee then heard a presentation from the Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District. Chamber representatives described Nogales as a major gateway for trade, tourism, agriculture, and logistics, and said the region is investing in entrepreneurship support, bilingual business resources, digital and e-commerce training, and workforce development tied to mining and logistics. They also highlighted tourism promotion efforts and said infrastructure, housing, and pedestrian access at the ports of entry are major needs. Committee members asked about regulatory and infrastructure improvements, housing and health-care challenges, and tourism data. Greg Lucero of the provisional community college described the district’s unusual status, its contract with Pima College to provide instruction, and the impact of South32’s mining project on enrollment and workforce training demand. He said the district is focusing on AI, advanced manufacturing, trades, and ESL support, while working toward accreditation. Members asked about industry partnerships, certificate timelines, and programs tied to Arizona-Mexico trade. The committee also heard from Cattlemex, T4 Ranch, Arizona Cattle Feeder Association, and J.M. Fletcher Cattle Co. on the closure of the U.S.-Mexico border to live cattle imports because of New World screwworm concerns. Testimony argued that Sonora cattle are safe, that Arizona ports are strategically important, and that reopening the ports would support feedlots, packing plants, jobs, and lower beef prices. Witnesses urged a state-by-state USDA reopening, especially for Sonora, and said Arizona should not be penalized for outbreaks elsewhere in Mexico. Members asked about industry support, the effect of grazing restrictions, the future of Arizona’s livestock sector, and whether a Sonora-specific carve-out could be safely implemented. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• estimated value of at least $10,000 in the immediately preceding tax year, unless the farmer did not engage
• By way of background, to encourage voluntary compliance of taxpayers who may have engaged in taxable
• But I appreciate their engagement and hope to move a policy forward that's good for the state and our
• Representative Santos: ...that students with special needs are able to access their education.
• These are the kinds of things we want our young kids to be engaging in.

Bills: HB2376 , HB2584 , HB2610 , HB2615 , HB2089 , HB2194 , HB2257 , HB2528 , HB2175 , HB2334

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: property tax, reform, local government, taxpayer, funding, agriculture, tax exemption, farm machinery, equipment, sales tax, HB 2610, property tax exemption, nonprofit housing, affordable housing, low-income housing, community use, temporary use, charitable property, Washington property tax, Department of Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• 23. 24 to 53,532 students in. 24 25.
• Those which prepare students for those mid skill high wage careers, price from 122,515 students.
• So 137,610 students.
• from 25,693 students to 27,000, 476 students.
• about $1900 per student.

Transcript Highlights:

• The immigration protocols would require schools to provide immigration resources to students, staff,
• Nor can schools voluntarily share sensitive information about a student with a third party.
• Um I I've to families to to students.
• </c><01:11:50.560><c> And</c> students from immigration actions.
• And students from immigration actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• ; the Western Regional Graduate Program, or WRGP, for graduate students; and the Professional Student
• Arizona students saved $23.8 million through WUE in academic year 2024-25. 2,360 Arizona students used
• Arizona students saved $23.8 million through WUI in academic year 2425. 2,360 Arizona students used WUY
• students across the West, saving an average of about $14,000 per student.
• We've created new weights to help students with special needs, with students who are in poverty.

Committees: House Education , House House Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to say about these folks is, they're not looking for pity or a handout, they just want to engage
• Thank you so much for engaging in this. process. So I have some of the leaders of Best Southwest.
• Members, I'm honored to welcome a group of proud 4-H students that are up in the gallery.
• classroom. but has also contributed to students nationwide.
• They help mentor and raise scholarships for law students.

Transcript Highlights:

• The tracker posits that SNAP participation Students.
• This is what you can do to engage in a program. If you've become exempt, tell us.
• , much like what you're seeing with our HR1 partner engagement series.
• More students are ready for kindergarten and graduating and going to college.
• These spaces and initiatives do more than just engage communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• ; the Western Regional Graduate Program, or WRGP, for graduate students; and the Professional Student
• Arizona students saved $23.8 million through WUE in academic year 2024-25. 2,360 Arizona students used
• Arizona students saved $23.8 million through WUE in academic year 2024-25. 2,360 Arizona students used
• We’ve created new weights to help students with special needs, with students who are in poverty.
• We’ve created new weights to help students with special needs, with students who are in poverty.

Committee: House House Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then acted as the Education Committee of Reference for three required reviews. The first was the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board sunset review. A governor’s office representative explained the board was created in 2016 to help qualifying schools, mostly charter schools, obtain lower-cost financing by guaranteeing debt with a $100 million fund. He said the board has approved 15 projects, has not met recently because it is at its statutory leverage limit, and has no dedicated staff or budget. Members supported continuation, and the committee voted by voice vote to recommend the board be continued for 10 years, until July 1, 2036. The committee then heard the sunset review of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE leadership described its regional higher education compact and its student exchange and cost-savings programs, including WUE, WRGP, and PSEP. They said the programs save Arizona students money, bring students into Arizona institutions, and help address workforce shortages, especially in health care. A WICHE commissioner and the Arizona Board of Regents executive director also testified in support, emphasizing benefits for Arizona students, universities, and workforce pipelines. The committee voted by voice vote to recommend WICHE be continued for 10 years, until July 1, 2036. The final item was the Auditor General’s performance audit of the Arizona Department of Education school safety program. The audit found the program had grown to more than $128 million and funded over 1,000 school safety positions, but ADE did not ensure many sampled schools complied with requirements such as operational plans, safety teams, annual training, activity logs, and reimbursement documentation. The Auditor General said the department relied too heavily on written attestations and lacked sufficient monitoring and guidance, and recommended stronger oversight, written procedures, and better review of reimbursements. ADE’s school safety director responded that the department had expanded training and documentation systems, was implementing the audit recommendations, and had begun risk-based monitoring; he also said the department would add staff and invited the Auditor General to meet with ADE and ASU’s evaluator. After the audit discussion, the committee began considering House Bill 2142, which would create a school safety center at ADE and allow up to 10% of school safety program funds for administration, with members raising questions about monitoring emergency operations plans, disability-related evacuation planning, and coordination with other state agencies.