Video & Transcript Research : 'paraprofessional qualifications'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Furthermore, there are exceptions to seniority-based layoffs when a less senior employee has specific qualifications
- Furthermore, there are exceptions to seniority-based layoffs when a less senior employee has specific qualifications
- That means that at some point, a school administrator, paraprofessional, somebody in the front office
- That means that at some point, school administrator, paraprofessional, somebody in the front office is
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.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I heard... you say that all teachers... the qualification... the average person qualifying... for the
- Not in the bill, they're not an automatic qualification.
- billion for our special education programs in public schools, we could hire more than 100,000 new paraprofessionals
- . an army of paraprofessionals.
- scores, any way that you can think of to judge a school - facilities, health and safety, teacher qualifications
Bills:
HB 3
Keywords:
emergency communication, public safety, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, grant program, emergency communications, public safety radio, first responders, radio system, dispatch, 911, emergency management, Texas Division of Emergency Management, public safety infrastructure, Project 25, P25, broadband emergency alerting, outdoor warning sirens, homeland security, disaster response
OK
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
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Feb 4th, 2026
State Governmental Affairs
Keywords:
elder abuse, financial exploitation, inheritance, joint tenancy, conviction effects, HB110, sunset bill, Alabama Sunset Law, State Board of Medical Examiners, Medical Licensure Commission, medical licensing, physician regulation, healthcare regulation, professional licensing, ethics law, state ethics code, public servants, board members, agency continuation, sunset review
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 24th, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Keywords:
digitized signature, waiver of citation, marriage dissolution, electronic notarization, family law, HB 1193, informal marriage, common-law marriage, declaration of informal marriage, confidentiality, privacy, county clerk, vital statistics unit, Family Code, Health and Safety Code, marriage records, public records, personally identifying information, PII, legal representative
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (05/13/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Some paraprofessionals are making $15 an hour, some paraprofessionals are making $18 an hour. significantly
- We got a paraprofessional filling that job. Would that eliminate a vacant position?
- So we have to fill with two or three paraprofessionals, uh, to try to get that same thing.
- I think that the examples that we heard about these paraprofessionals, it could be paraprofessional grade
- be paraprofessionals, it could be paraprofessional paraprofessional paraprofessional uh<01:14:00.480
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Jan 14th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm briefly going to tell you a story about the MSU Pathways for Paraprofessionals program, so you
- It started when we created an undergraduate pathway in special education that allows paraprofessionals
- Another is thinking about paraprofessional employment as soon as they are done with their high school
- And then when I have a teaching position open, a third grade, that paraprofessional would probably make
- They've had two years of classroom instruction at a community college, two years of paraprofessional
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This could mean shortages in food service, paraprofessional support for students attending summer school
- We employ over 900 teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, nurses, and more.
- In addition, I have a paraprofessional special education position unfilled.
- require substantial resources, including subsidizing advanced education for teachers to meet strict qualifications
- a teachers to meet strict qualifications a masters<01:17:22.920>
plus <01:17:23.520>18
Summary:
The Senate Education Policy Committee met under a co-chair arrangement and heard opening remarks emphasizing civility, direct testimony from school leaders, and a focus on whether state policy is meeting student needs in the least intrusive and most cost-effective way. Chair Coleman asked testifiers to keep remarks brief and policy-focused, and the committee began with a series of superintendents describing local budget pressures and the cumulative impact of state mandates.
Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Corey McIntyre said the district, the state’s largest, is serving about 37,000 students and faces a roughly $26 million deficit even after major reductions, including cutting about $44 million and roughly 250 central office jobs. He cited rising costs tied to compensation, special education and multilingual cross-subsidies, unemployment, paid leave, READ Act implementation, student/staff safety and K-3 discipline requirements, and transportation, saying the district still faces about $50 million in mandate-related shortfalls and may need to reduce class size and student supports. Senator Kunesh responded that summer unemployment claims are paid from a separate state budget line, not the district general fund, and asked about paid leave costs; McIntyre and the chair clarified the district’s concern was the possibility of future costs if state funding ends.
Prior Lake-Savage Superintendent Michael Thomas said district revenues are rising only about 2.5% to 3% while expenses are growing 5% or more, driven by inflation and vendor costs. He argued that the state’s inflationary funding tie should be maintained, and asked for an increase in local optional aid of $250 per pupil and more flexibility for districts that struggle to pass local levies. Minnetonka Superintendent David Law argued that schools are being asked to absorb broader community burdens, including food and mental health needs, while still being judged on academics and graduation; he said REACT funding fell short, forcing the district to shift reading funds to staff development, and urged the committee not to roll mandates forward without funding. Fergus Falls Superintendent Jeff Drake said expanded unemployment, earned sick and safe time, and paid family leave are creating staffing and budget challenges for rural districts, estimating unemployment costs could reach $240,000 annually and sick and safe time about $25,000, with added difficulty recruiting support staff and substitutes. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 118 May 12th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- principal, a teacher, a school bus driver, a school food services cook, a school nurse, or a paraprofessional
- Teacher, a school bus driver, a school food services cook, a school nurse, or a paraprofessional as defined
- a vice principal, or assistant principal, a school food services cook, a school nurse, or a paraprofessional
- 22-60.3-201, as applicable, and that the service retiree has specific experience, skills, or qualifications
- ...superintendent, principal, vice principal, principal or assistant principal, or qualified paraprofessional
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Education Finance Committee hears HF2210 3/20/25
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Kristen Scott, and I'm a special education paraprofessional in the Elk River School District
- Retaining well-trained paraprofessionals is essential to having schools that work for our children.
- Retaining well-trained paraprofessionals is essential to having schools that work for our children.
- Retaining well-trained paraprofessionals is essential to having schools that work for our children.
- Retaining well-trained paraprofessionals is essential to having schools that work for our children.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- 32 students to one paraprofessional.
- 32 students to one paraprofessional FSA provides appropriate instruction both personally and virtually
- Then they have paraprofessionals in the classroom to support the kids, to help them get the answers they
- It's either a paraprofessional or a teacher in person, and then there's an online teacher specific to
- Has a one-on-one online with their English teacher, with a paraprofessional certified in a subject, may
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems.
DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support.
The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 11th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Appropriations - Education and Environment Division
Transcript Highlights:
- A paraprofessional teaching program, which is $3 million. ...of what we did.
- Paraprofessional teaching program, which is $3 million.
- We've talked about that fast track for paraprofessionals to become teachers.
- Section 12 was a paraprofessional grant for $300 million.
- Section 12 was a paraprofessional grant for $300 million.
Bills:
HB1540
Keywords:
education savings account, ESA, school choice, private school vouchers, nonpublic school, tuition assistance, education tax credit, homeschool exclusion, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Public Instruction, public funding for private education, voucher program, student scholarships, special education, parental choice, curriculum funding, tutoring, online learning, state per-pupil payment, income-based eligibility
Summary:
The committee first took up amended bill 10-13, a school funding and education appropriations measure. Senator Schaible walked through the final version, which included changes to foundation aid, transportation grants, free and reduced-price meals funding, paraprofessional and teacher support programs, Native American education items, library and school facility projects, and several one-time grants. Members discussed removing the science center grant funding, and Senator Meyer objected to that removal, arguing that Grand Forks had raised matching private and local funds and that other cities had received similar state support. The committee also agreed to adjust regional education association funding to reflect six centers rather than seven, reducing that line to $600,000.
The committee then adopted the amendment to 10-13 unanimously and passed the bill as further amended on a unanimous roll call, with Senator Shively designated as carrier. After a brief recess, the committee turned to bill 1540, but no formal action was taken. Bank of North Dakota and OMB representatives raised concerns that the draft included policy changes and procurement/IT exemptions that needed further discussion. Members agreed the bill would be delayed until Monday so the Bank, OMB, and NDIT could confer and work through the mechanics and policy issues before the committee moved it forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Minnesota House passes the education finance bill, HF2433 5/16/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:57:06.400>
and <00:57:06.640>she paraprofessional for 25 years and she paraprofessional - of the paraprofessionals in the district of the paraprofessionals in the district at<00:58:13.680
- Unemployment is a huge asset to paraprofessionals.
- We're driving a one-room schoolhouse through traffic. paraprofessionals.
- And Cat Briggs, who paraprofessionals.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that this program, specifically with paraprofessionals, has really highlighted everything we
- This program, this model, allows us to help them, help our paraprofessionals build that, um, lure in
- So there’s a commitment from our paraprofessionals to do this work, and building their opportunities,
- So there’s a commitment from our paraprofessionals to do this work, and building their opportunities,
- I've worked as a paraprofessional for Northeast Metro since 2016.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (04/13/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- who came to the class sometimes and was also a paraprofessional in other classes because there were
- you however many hours that paraprofessional works with your student.'
- you however many hours that paraprofessional works with your student.'
- you however many hours that paraprofessional works with your student.'
- You would be funding a portion of six paraprofessionals based on the number of hours the paraprofessional
AL
Bills:
SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307, SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, drug courts, accountability, veterans, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, criminal justice, court intervention, terrorist threat, terroristic threat
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 16th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our paraprofessionals worked hand-in-hand with me, right alongside me every day.
- more than 70% of the paraprofessionals in the district at that time were five-niners.
- Kristen from Elk River says she's been a special education paraprofessional for almost 20 years.
- I know because I'm a mentor every year talking to other paraprofessionals about the summer."
- Unemployment is a huge asset to paraprofessionals."
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- They're like, I didn't know about education until I became a paraprofessional.
- They're like, I didn't know about education until I became a paraprofessional.
- They're like, I didn't know about education until I became a paraprofessional.
- I was super pumped about this program because I knew we had quite a few paraprofessionals that would
- Very often that’s a paraprofessional or other unlicensed person that works in the district, and at least
Keywords:
education, special education, apprenticeship, funding, grants, intermediate school districts, teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Getting to classes so that those peer mentors aren't meant to be like a paraprofessional type of staff
- They've met all the same qualifications as their peers.
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on three Arkansas programs serving students and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. University of Arkansas representatives described the Empower Program, a non-degree, four-year inclusive postsecondary program for young adults with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program, which provides intensive academic, peer, and career coaching for degree-seeking students with autism. They explained the programs’ person-centered planning, residential and employment supports, fee structure of $5,000 per semester for each program, and scholarship/fundraising efforts to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, mentoring, individualized plans, and how students move in and out of support services, and the presenters emphasized independence, integrated campus life, and transition planning.
Pulaski Technical College staff then presented the 3D program, a three-year transition program in culinary, baking, and hospitality for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They outlined integrated classes, internships, job placement outcomes, and data showing strong completion and employment retention rates. Questions focused on how success is measured, tuition and financial aid, and the challenge of securing community partners for practicum and employment sites. The presenters said the program uses rubrics that include technical and professional skills, charges $5,700 per semester, and is pursuing accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council.
The final presentation was from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, and community initiatives. Leaders described their vision for a future mixed-use “live-work-play” development at Cato Springs, current residential and vocational services, and community events such as a 5K and a neurodiversity health care conference. Family members testified about the need for adult services, trained direct support professionals, and better reimbursement and behavioral health supports after age 21. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes, and members also announced upcoming autism-related events and requested future discussion on task force appointments and ABA-related issues.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 16th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Bills:
SB44, SB546, SB1213, SB1256, SB1287, SB1443, SB1644, SB1653, SB1716, SB1209, SB1826, SB1919, SB1930, SB1976, SB2028, SB2067, SB2072, SB2117, SB710, SB1477, SB1405
Keywords:
sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits