Video & Transcript Research : 'alternative testing'
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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Education (7-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
hiring, <00:16:05.279>admissions, <00:16:05.759>and <00:16:06.240>all tests- in hiring, admissions, and all tests in hiring, admissions, and all other<00:16:06.880>
university - 32:35.919>
critique <00:32:36.399>theories <00:32:36.720>and <00:32:36.960>test - students critique theories and test students critique theories and test assumptions,<00:32:38.480
- course content to ensure that alternate course content to ensure that alternate viewpoints<00:57
Summary:
The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met to hear updates from Kentucky public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System on compliance with House Bill 4, which restricts DEI-related activities and requires institutional and viewpoint neutrality. The chair emphasized that the hearing should focus on both compliance and the financial effects of the law. Eastern Kentucky University said its board adopted a House Bill 4 compliance resolution and an institutional neutrality policy. KCTCS reported systemwide reviews of programs, websites, scholarships, personnel, and admissions language, along with board actions removing a cultural competency course requirement, adopting institutional neutrality, and certifying compliance. KCTCS said about $2.5 million annually had been reallocated to other needs, and that no personnel were eliminated, though some roles were reassigned and DEI-related offices closed.
Kentucky State University said it had already dissolved DEI offices before the bill passed, ended DEI-specific training, revised policies and gift acceptance rules, adopted a viewpoint neutrality policy, and was conducting ongoing reviews of programs, job descriptions, and web content. KSU said it had achieved substantial compliance, expected full operational integration by August 1, and had not terminated staff or closed academic programs because of the law. In response to questions, KSU said it was broadening outreach to all students rather than targeting specific populations and that its prior diversity finding was tied to not meeting a diversity quota. Morehead State University said it had no DEI office before House Bill 4, amended its non-discrimination statement to include political and social viewpoint neutrality and condemnation of religious and ethnic discrimination, and remained focused on serving its largely low-income student body.
Murray State University reported reviewing scholarships, expenditures, training, and academic programs to ensure no differential treatment or indoctrination, revising its neutrality policy, and updating non-discrimination posters and training. When asked about a statement that DEI would “look different,” the university said it meant student support services would continue in a different form. Northern Kentucky University said it dissolved its diversity office and chief diversity officer position in 2024, reviewed programs, events, scholarships, and employee affinity groups, adopted a statement on intellectual diversity and viewpoint neutrality, and reviewed about 2,000 courses for compliance. NKU also said its new Center for Belonging would focus on first-generation and commuter students rather than rebrand prior DEI efforts. The University of Kentucky began its presentation by describing earlier changes made in August 2024, including disbanding its office of institutional diversity, removing diversity statements and mandatory training, adopting institutional neutrality, and ending race-based consideration in admissions and scholarships; the transcript cuts off before the rest of UK’s testimony and any committee votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 1st, 2025
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- We've been using AI for years to assist with diagnosis, with testing, and for clinical documentation.
- If they met the requirements for testing personnel performing COVID-19 testing, if they met the federal
- CLIA requirements for high-complexity testing, AB 481 mirrors the requirements for high-complexity testing
- Diagnostic testing. for 70% of health care decisions.
- That it's only performed after all humane alternatives have been exhausted.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Office of Training, Investigations and Safety Investigations Workgroup Jul 15th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- How was that tested? Are we, are we, are we...
- you don't have to do the whole 30 hours every year, but you do your annual refresher, how was that tested
- “How was that tested?
- And on the alternate day... At what is serious physical injury, all of those other kinds of things.
- And on the alternate date, we'll have someone come in from outside the state to just talk more broadly
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Climate Innovation and Infrastructure Nov 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And more recently, in Canada, we tested it in the worst conditions for a 10-year storm in Chile before
- In Canada, we tested it in the worst conditions for a 10-year storm in Chile for our full-scale system
- who helped So while we really thank California DWR, who helped finance the project for the city to test
- We've actually tested this in the Pacific Ocean.
- We've tested it down in Tasmania with the same kind of Macrocystis giant kelp that you get in California
Summary:
The Select Committee on Climate Innovation and Infrastructure held a hearing focused on emerging technologies for climate resilience and infrastructure. The first panel discussed the Calistoga Resiliency Center, a utility-driven microgrid that keeps the city powered during public safety power shutoffs using hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and liquid hydrogen storage. PG&E described microgrids as a resilience tool but emphasized that cost remains the main barrier to wider deployment. Energy Vault explained the project’s design, its ability to provide at least 48 hours of backup power on a small parcel of land, and its use of green hydrogen and battery storage to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. A Calistoga councilmember and NCPA representative also discussed the Lodi Energy Center hydrogen project, saying it could help decarbonize power generation and transportation, but that federal and state funding changes, tax credit timing, and other policy shifts have made the project difficult to advance. The Green Hydrogen Coalition supported the Calistoga model as a blueprint and urged policy changes to create demand and reduce barriers for renewable hydrogen, including addressing behind-the-meter rules and recognizing hydrogen in state energy planning.
The second panel focused on water resilience and desalination, with the California Desal Association and Oneka Technologies discussing wave-powered desalination for the City of Fort Bragg. Cal Desal said California’s changing hydrology, reduced snowpack, and drought conditions make local water supply options increasingly important, but noted that conventional desalination is expensive and slow to permit. Oneka described its offshore, wave-powered system as a zero-electricity desalination technology that produces drinking water without greenhouse gas emissions and with limited land use, and said the Fort Bragg pilot is intended to demonstrate the technology under California conditions. The company and Cal Desal both stressed that permitting is a major obstacle, with the project requiring multiple agencies and a timeline far longer than in other jurisdictions. They also said the technology’s autonomous operation could improve water resilience because it does not depend on the electrical grid.
The final panel featured the Climate Foundation’s marine permaculture proposal, which aims to restore kelp forests and support carbon removal and coastal food systems. The presenter said warming oceans and nutrient loss have devastated kelp forests along the California coast and argued that offshore platforms that raise and lower seaweed to access nutrients and sunlight could help regenerate ecosystems while producing food, feed, fertilizer, and carbon benefits. He said the technology has shown strong growth rates and storm resilience in other regions, but that California permitting remains a major hurdle, involving 17 state and federal agencies. He proposed a streamlined, code-based permitting approach for smaller projects and said the group is seeking matching funds to complete a first California pilot. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly highlighted the tension between innovation and the high cost, complexity, and length of California’s permitting and funding processes.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Sep 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- it, come up, seal it, test it, come up, seal it, test it.
- Test it, seal it, and then they're done.
- So I'll just start and kind of alternate with Austin as we go through this.
- So the alternative.
- They really have, and they really put the test to trying to do the best they can.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 13th, 2026 at 09:00 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- samples. are extracted in our testing facility immediately after they race.
- Pursuant to our rules, if they meet the criteria, we can call that horse into our testing facility to
- So when you're tested after the race, your system's going to be clear of them, but you're reaping the
- That's what out of competition testing is, and that's why we do out of competition testing—to catch those
- Then we have to have a regulatory vet in the testing facility to extract the official... samples that
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- So that so so able to test you for DUI.
- <01:09:44.080>
dispute the center for uh al alternative dispute the center for uh al alternative - we hope will stand, you know, the test we hope will stand, you know, the test of<01:19:25.040>
- No alternative motive. This is just a quality of life.
- This is just a >> No alternative motive.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The Law Institute could study it and possibly come back with some other alternative language.
- But it's still, because, you know, you and I were talking about the pregnancy test with the impressory
- The preference there was to offer the pregnancy test.
- cautioned that if there is any doubt, you need to seek legal counsel and you need to rely on a DNA test
- This is a simple study resolution for the Law Institute to review and study in test states a session.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/24/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Testing, testing. The Committee on Appropriations is called to order. Oh, no.
- It strengthened my bond with my children and reduced our reliance on costly alternatives.
- There are AAC devices, or augmentative alternative communication devices, that can help people be able
- You can go to MVD, take the written test and get your permit, and then take a riding test, just like
- Does that end with a road test? Mr. Chairman, Senator Kavanagh, yes, it does.
Keywords:
AHCCCS, lactation care, breastfeeding, health services, healthcare access, motorcycle registration, safety fund, education, awareness programs, low-income scholarships, motorcycle training, special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications
Summary:
The Committee on Appropriations met with all members present, approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, and announced its final hearing would be the following Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. The committee first heard HB 2134, the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, which would bar state and critical infrastructure entities from contracting with Chinese companies for access to critical infrastructure, prohibit Chinese-produced software and equipment in certain systems, require annual certifications and reporting, and direct the Corporation Commission and DEMA to implement oversight and emergency communications measures. The sponsor and a witness argued the bill was a targeted national-security measure and a companion to federal efforts; concerns were raised about cost, overlap with federal law, and staffing, but the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 6-4 vote.
The committee then considered HB 2051, which would require AHCCCS contractors, subject to CMS approval, to provide breastfeeding and lactation care services in multiple settings. Testimony from lactation consultants, researchers, advocates, and tribal representatives emphasized maternal and infant health benefits, access gaps, and potential Medicaid savings; AHCCCS and ADHS were neutral, with AHCCCS estimating a $1.8 million general fund cost and ADHS saying it could not absorb implementation costs. The committee adopted a 15-page amendment creating a voluntary state certification for lactation care providers and a DHS advisory committee, then passed the bill as amended on a 9-0 vote.
HB 2700, creating a technology-first study committee on assistive technology for people with disabilities, also passed unanimously after testimony from disability advocates and a proposed amendment to add minority-party appointments was discussed but not voted on. HB 2800, which increases the penalty for knowingly lending a vehicle to a person with a DUI-related driving restriction if that person causes serious injury or death, drew extensive debate over whether the felony penalty was appropriate when the lender may not know the eventual outcome; after testimony from the sponsor and the victim’s widow, the bill passed 9-1. HB 2114, which uses motorcycle safety fund money for scholarships for rural and low-income riders and requires ADOT to issue motorcycle registrations only when an owner has a class M license, passed 10-0 amid concerns that the license language may need clarification on the floor. The committee then began HB 2127, an omnibus special-plates bill with multiple amendments, but discussion centered on whether one amendment was hostile and whether a community-college plate should be offered later; no final action on HB 2127 was taken in the portion provided.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 10th, 2026 at 08:32 am
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, last summer there was a successful test conducted in California by Tesla and Sunrun with 100,000
- In fact, last summer, there was a successful test conducted in California by Tesla and Sun Run by 100,000
- So this is an alternative to that costly status quo. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
- over time, you have a resource that's growing in size and that we can tap instead of more costly alternatives
- Test one, two, test. That's better? A little further? Like, put... put on the test. Okay, test.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 19, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, really, overall scope of the performance audit, I mean, the assertion that's being tested is
- And so we've designed procedures to test that.
- So those are tests statistically. We go in and look at the underlying data.
- But that's the type of testing we do.
- And then any IBMR, IBMP that was related in that category, and then any settlements or alternative payment
Summary:
The Health Care Budget Subcommittee took up two bills and then continued oversight discussions with APD and AHCA. CS/HB 27, the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact, was presented as a way to let Florida social workers practice in other compact states and vice versa; AARP, the Florida Chamber, and NASW Florida supported it, and the bill passed favorably. HB 1127, a child welfare bill, would create a treatment foster care pilot for children with high behavioral needs, improve DCF data collection on commercially sexually exploited children, and expand recruitment for protective investigators and case managers; the bill also passed favorably after brief supportive testimony.
The committee then questioned APD at length about the iBudget waiver waitlist, enrollment pace, spending projections, and provider capacity. APD said it had sent more than 1,100 interest letters in categories 3, 4, and 5, enrolled 1,124 people so far this year, and expects to spend about 96.4% of its waiver appropriation, leaving roughly $82 million unspent. Members pressed APD on why prior discussions suggested more reserve was needed, how long the SANS process takes, whether category 6 could be expanded, and whether the agency has enough waiver support coordinators and direct support providers. APD said it has about 1,061 waiver support coordinators statewide, adequate capacity for current enrollees, but would need further analysis if the legislature directed a much larger enrollment increase. Members also asked about outreach, annual maintenance of the waitlist, portability for military families, and whether communication efforts should be privatized.
Finally, AHCA walked the committee through the 2023 Achieved Savings Rebate (ASR) report for Aetna and explained how the report is used for financial monitoring, rebate calculations, and transparency. AHCA said the ASR is separate from the medical loss ratio (MLR) calculation, though both are reviewed, and that Florida uses the ASR mechanism rather than an MLR remittance requirement to recover funds from plans. Members asked about related-party disclosures, CVS/Caremark relationships, expanded benefits, encounter data, network adequacy penalties, denials and appeals reporting, interest earned on capitation payments, and whether rate increases were reaching providers. AHCA and the outside auditors said they review the plans’ reported data, reconcile it to underlying records, and can assess liquidated damages for network adequacy violations; several members requested follow-up data on rebates, interest, provider capacity, and related-party reporting.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/03/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- as part of a technical review may require more than 30 days to complete, such as subcontracting, testing
- subcontracting, testing, or modeling. subcontracting, testing, or modeling.
- <00:29:50.720>
to Her and others on an alternative to Her and others on an alternative to - <01:04:47.839>
testifier, Uh, go ahead with this test testifier, Uh, go ahead with this test - Uh and Sen Senator Kunes, you have some some some test<01:37:23.600>
the test the test the uh<
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- :29:18.960>
significant intentionality test is a significant intentionality test is a significant - There have intentionality sort of test.
- One of them is somewhat the Tinker test.
- uh sort of boundaries of the Tinker Test uh sort of boundaries of the Tinker Test and<00:58:30.640
- >> let me suggest an alternative there. >> let me suggest an alternative there.
Bills:
HB0159
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, this is the bill we heard previously relating to certain alternative education programs designed
- How many students do they typically alternate, or does it kind of oscillate?
- Self-test fund for the bill, is that correct? That is correct.
- Members that have alternative lifestyles, I would welcome them on the panel as well.
- SB 13 addresses this by incorporating court-tested standards for indecency and profanity.
Bills:
SB 13, SB 27, SB 57, HB1325, HB1655, HB3312, HB5526, SB13, SB57, SB207, HB441, HB591, HB5019, SB27, SB843
Keywords:
lobbying, public funds, political subdivision, local government, county association, municipal lobbying, registered lobbyist, Texas Legislature, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, government finance, county dues, state association of counties, sheriffs association, law enforcement officers, legislative advocacy, bill tracking, legislative alerts, Government Code Chapter 556
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- future negotiation, but it's the intention of what we want to do is to really meet that reasonable test
- So there's a menu of options there that could include a refund but also give an alternative to refunds
- We have built one of the most rigorous testing systems in the country.
- When testing standards are applied consistently, responsible operators are no longer competing against
- If a doctor asks if we can compound an alternative formulation, this bill severely penalizes my ability
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/20/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- We also call, like, uh, test fire Michael Lindreen and Michael Stury.
- We also call, like, uh, test fire Michael Lindreen and Michael Stury.
- I stores tested high levels of mercury.
- >
these <01:07:31.200>homes <01:07:31.599>tested homes and many of these homes tested - <01:07:51.280>
more organization and FDA have tested more organization and FDA have tested
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (01/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what we're asking, and we've tested our wells, we've tested the lake, we've tested Alderbrook,
- We've tested all that I've done the testing for PFAS.
- <01:00:32.280>
the <01:00:32.440>lake tested our wells we've tested the lake tested - testing.
- I've tested it three times.
Summary:
The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on HB 566, which would require permit applications for new landfills to include a detailed leachate management plan. The bill sponsor said the measure was prompted by recent reporting on leachate problems at New Hampshire landfills, including alleged violations at a Bethlehem facility and deficiencies at other sites, and argued the bill is meant to improve public health protections without dictating specific treatment methods or hindering innovation. The sponsor also said the proposal was developed with input from the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and industry representatives, and that a forthcoming amendment would revise the bill’s language to better fit the permitting process.
The sponsor explained that the amendment would move several requirements out of the contract section and into the planning section, change references such as “permit for construction” to “operating approval,” include landfill expansions, and remove language that could be read as requiring long-term contracts. Questions from members focused on whether the bill would create enforceable consequences if a plan is not followed, whether it would limit operators’ flexibility, and whether existing DES rules already cover the subject. The sponsor said enforcement details should be addressed by DES and emphasized that the bill would not lock operators into any particular contract or technology.
The Business and Industry Association testified in opposition to the bill as introduced, saying it appeared unnecessary because DES already regulates leachate through existing rules, including Env 806.53, and has authority to update those rules as technology changes. The witness argued that putting the requirements into statute could freeze the regulatory framework, create conflicts with future rulemaking, and make it harder for DES to respond quickly to new treatment methods or operational issues. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/11/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Scientific advancements are accelerating, and so are the tests and treatments, but they only slow the
- Through the trial, I received DNA, blood, and cognitive tests, as well as an amyloid contrast PET scan
- house individuals that are in this very rare situation of being dangerous and incompetent, the alternative
- It's the last thing I want to see is somebody getting sent out of state, but when the alternative is
- That testing would not be able to be done with a foreign-adversary-based nation, is that correct?
Keywords:
radiologic technologist, radiologist assistant, radiology, imaging, x-ray, diagnostic x-ray, fluoroscopy, mammography, computed tomography, CT technologist, nuclear medicine technologist, bone densitometry, radiation safety, radiation licensing, scope of practice, health workforce, rural health care, critical access hospital, supervision, telehealth
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes and then heard House Bill 2050, which updates Department of Health Services rules for radiologic technologists and radiologic assistants. The bill changes school accreditation and training requirements, reduces clinical hours, revises supervision and scope-of-practice rules, adjusts fees, and removes radiologic technologists from the telehealth health care provider definition. Testimony from a radiologic technologist supported the bill as an update to outdated standards and a response to workforce shortages, while a nurse practitioner supported the section allowing NPs to use diagnostic x-ray machines under nursing board standards. HB 2050 passed 7-0 with a do-pass recommendation.
The committee then considered House Bill 2082, which creates a Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Commission and expands the research fund to include appropriations, gifts, donations, and federal grants. An amendment shifted grant-awarding authority to the DHS director, required the commission to set criteria and review applications, and added public meeting requirements; it also tied funding to at least $5 million in available resources and removed the return-on-investment reporting requirement. Supporters said the bill would strengthen pediatric cancer research and leverage an underused funding source, though members raised concerns about oversight. The bill was amended and then passed 7-0.
House Bill 2176 and House Bill 2195 both dealt with DHS licensing and complaint-investigation procedures for health care institutions and nursing care institutions. HB 2176 allows DHS to deny licenses or ownership changes based on serious prior licensing problems or safety risks, and it sets notice, investigation, and deficiency-statement rules; speakers from public health and hospital groups supported it as improving transparency and preventing bad actors from cycling through ownership. HB 2195 limits DHS access to certain personnel records, requires deficiency statements within 10 business days, and bars investigations of incidents older than 12 months; an amendment delayed implementation to July 1, 2027 and added corrective-plan and off-site review provisions. Both bills passed 7-0 as amended.
The committee also approved House Bill 2202, which appropriates $300,000 annually for a dementia care tele-mentoring program to train providers statewide, especially in rural and underserved areas. The Alzheimer’s Association and a patient with younger-onset Alzheimer’s testified that the program would improve early diagnosis and care, though one senator opposed state funding on the view that medical schools should teach the material. HB 2202 passed 6-1. Finally, House Bill 2307, addressing placement for dangerous, incompetent, non-restorable defendants when secure state hospital beds are unavailable, drew the most debate. An amendment replaced out-of-state placement with a temporary, limited-use solution involving up to three beds at the Arizona State Hospital forensic campus, created a study committee, and shifted some non-psychiatric costs to counties; counties and hospital stakeholders opposed the county-cost language, while sponsors and DHS said the measure was an emergency stopgap. The amended bill passed 4-3. The committee then passed House Bill 2584 4-3, which prohibits public funds from being used for genetic sequencing equipment from foreign adversary countries or entities; supporters framed it as a national security measure, and opponents voted no. The committee then adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the most common mental health expense, from districts with social work activities, psychological testing
- that's taking place, how are we diagnosing... ...present some information on the testing that's taking
- And then, just two weeks ago, I was in Raleigh and was kind of introduced to dyslexia testing that could
- And ALE is an alternative learning environment, and that's what's going to be connected to special needs
- I've never seen it associated with anything other than alternative learning or special needs.
Summary:
The House/Joint Education committee continued its adequacy study with a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on resource allocation, focusing first on matrix spending and then non-matrix spending. Staff explained the methodology for mapping APSCN expenditure data to matrix lines, reviewed district and school categories used in the analysis, and highlighted key findings: foundation funding covered a large share of matrix costs but total spending on matrix items exceeded foundation funding, with classroom teachers making up the largest share. Members asked for additional breakdowns on waivers, superintendent survey responses, trend data, and spending by district type, size, and rural/urban status. Staff also noted limitations in tracking two matrix lines—salary enhancement for other employees and all personnel health insurance—because of coding and definition issues.
The committee then reviewed non-matrix expenditures, including instructional aides, facilities, school safety, mental health, dyslexia services, gifted and talented, and career and technical education. Staff reported that non-matrix spending remained above $2 billion over the last three years, with most of it coming from other funds rather than foundation funding. Members raised concerns about dyslexia identification and funding, mental health needs, school safety, food service, athletic transportation, and whether some items should be added to the matrix. The Department of Education clarified that the building fund reflects district-held funds for construction and maintenance projects, while the facilities partnership program is a separate state process for approved projects.
In the final discussion, staff summarized total spending as more than $15,800 per student in 2025, with about 69% going to matrix resources and 31% to non-matrix resources. The chair explained the adequacy process and the committee’s role in setting future funding recommendations, and members discussed the recommendations worksheet included in the binder. The chair then proposed postponing the remainder of Part Two of the presentation until a May meeting after the fiscal session, along with inviting the Department of Education back for more detailed questions; with no objections, the committee adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The most common expenditure type was social work activities, psychological testing, and other psychological
- And then just two weeks ago, I was in Raleigh and was kind of introduced to dyslexia testing that could
- And then just two weeks ago, I was in Raleigh and was kind of introduced to dyslexia testing that could
- An ALE is an alternative learning environment, and that's what's going to be connected to special needs
- I mean, LEA, I've never seen it associated with anything other than alternative learning or special needs
Summary:
The joint education committee continued its adequacy study with a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on resource allocation, covering how Arkansas school spending is mapped to the adequacy matrix and how expenditures are split between foundation funds and other funding sources. Staff explained the methodology, district and school categories used for comparisons, and key findings for matrix spending, including that classroom teachers account for the largest share of matrix expenditures and that districts spend more per student than charter districts in most categories. Members asked for additional breakdowns on waivers, trend data, and more detailed spending by district type, and staff agreed to provide follow-up information.
The committee then reviewed non-matrix spending, including instructional aides, facilities, school safety, mental health services, dyslexia support, gifted and talented, career and technical education, and other items not explicitly in the matrix. Staff noted that non-matrix spending exceeded $2 billion and that superintendents consistently identified mental health services, school safety, and dyslexia support as important needs not fully captured in the matrix. Members raised concerns about dyslexia identification and funding, school safety, facilities spending, and whether some items such as food service should be included in adequacy calculations. Staff and Department of Education representatives explained that some expenditures are difficult to isolate because of coding and commingled funds, and that certain items are funded outside the matrix or through separate programs.
In the final section, staff summarized total spending across matrix and non-matrix items, noting that districts spent more than the foundation amount per student and that most total spending was on matrix resources. They also highlighted data limitations, including two matrix lines that cannot be fully tracked through current accounting codes. The chair then proposed postponing the second part of the presentation until a May meeting after the fiscal session, with additional time set aside to address questions for both staff and the Department of Education. The committee agreed, and the meeting adjourned without any formal vote on policy changes.