Video & Transcript Research : 'special needs'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- The real work we need to do, we need to fight to make our districts more responsive to our students,
- by DESE. 85% come from low-income homes, and nearly a quarter have special needs.
- to be, we need to address it.
- Of course we need to know. Of course we need to know, and that gives us visibility.
- My daughter has complex special needs, including learning and developmental delays.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on several bills centered on school accountability, receivership, graduation requirements, charter school access, community schools, school libraries, and student voting rights. Much of the discussion focused on the Thrive Act, S. 374, which would end state receivership and change the state’s accountability approach. Supporters, including educators, parents, advocacy groups, and students, argued that receivership has not improved outcomes in districts such as Lawrence, Holyoke, Southbridge, Boston, and the Dever, and that local communities should have more control, with greater emphasis on community schools, wraparound services, and broader measures of school quality. They also supported related bills on community schools and school library standards, and several witnesses backed a bill to expand student representative voting rights on school committees.
Opponents of S. 374, especially charter school leaders, parents, students, and some education advocates, focused on Section 4 of the bill, which would change the charter school net school spending cap in the lowest-performing districts. They argued that the provision would reduce access to charter seats in communities where families are seeking more options, and that schools such as Roxbury Prep, Excel Academy, Brook, Veritas Prep, and Libertas Academy have produced strong results for students, including students of color, low-income students, and students with special needs. Several witnesses said the section would force schools to shrink or close and would remove opportunities for families in districts with long waitlists.
Committee members questioned witnesses on both the effectiveness of receivership and the charter school cap language. Chair Lewis and Chair Gordon emphasized the need for a better accountability system and noted concerns about whether current measures, including MCAS-based designations, accurately reflect school quality. Some witnesses said they had discussed the possibility of removing Section 4 from the Thrive Act and suggested it might be addressed in separate charter reform legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing; testimony was received and the committee later closed testimony on S. 374 and several related bills before moving on to the student voting rights bill, S. 367.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They all agree that our current approach needs to change.
- You know, all of that needs to be taken into consideration.
- I do believe we need to build more.
- I do believe we need to build more.
- The other 80% were special districts and things like that.
Summary:
The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills. SB 457 would direct HCD to develop statistical formulas based on historical development data to help cities complete housing element site inventories, with the author and supporters arguing it would make RHNA compliance more realistic and less costly; the California Building Industry Association opposed, and the bill was later approved on a 7-1 vote. SB 904 would codify and expand wildfire-rebuilding coordination and reporting practices used after recent fires, with supporters saying it would speed recovery and opponents questioning the need for additional reporting; it passed 11-1. The committee also took up SB 1091, which would create a state acquisition-and-preservation program for unsubsidized affordable housing to prevent displacement; it drew broad support from housing and tenant groups and passed 9-1, with members emphasizing preservation as a key housing strategy.
Members also considered SB 1267, which would require EV charger installers in common-interest developments to indemnify associations during installation and make homeowners responsible for costs arising from use of privately owned chargers. The bill was presented as a follow-up to prior HOA-related EV charging legislation, with support from HOA, EV, and climate groups and opposition from the California Association of Realtors pending amendments; it passed 10-0. SB 1117 would clarify that ADU impact fees above the 750-square-foot exemption are charged only on the portion above that threshold, not the entire unit, and supporters said it would remove a fee cliff that discourages slightly larger ADUs. Cities, special districts, and fire agencies opposed or opposed unless amended, citing infrastructure funding concerns, but the bill passed 10-0 after extensive debate.
The committee also heard SB 1361, which would prevent local governments from taking actions to avoid SB 79 transit-oriented housing requirements at existing or planned transit stops. Supporters from L.A. Metro, labor, and housing groups said it would protect transit investments and jobs, while the City of Burbank opposed; the bill passed 9-0. Two consent items, SB 722 and SB 1426, were approved without discussion. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly stressed the goals of streamlining housing production, preserving existing affordable homes, and reducing barriers to rebuilding and transit-oriented development.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty - Wednesday, April 29
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The next order of business is introduction of special guests. Introduction of special guests.
- Introduction of special guest. Proceed, lady.
- Last fall, UMKC called me, A very special guest.
- Special introduction from a microphone not my own.
- It was not needed.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the previous day by roll call vote, 126-0. Members then offered several points of personal privilege, including recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day and a moment of silence for journalist Ray Hartman. The chamber also welcomed numerous student groups, interns, and other special guests in the gallery.
The main floor action centered on the conference committee report for House Bills 2637 and 3155, a very large public safety/criminal justice package. Supporters said it refined earlier legislation, including narrowing juvenile certification to certain A and B felonies, sex offenses, and repeat offenses, adding mental health and cyberstalking provisions, addressing sex offender registry issues, and including a drone-related section with an emergency clause. Critics argued the bill was overly long, multi-subject, and difficult to vet. The House adopted the conference report 124-13, passed the bill 119-18, and then adopted the emergency clause 125-15.
The House also passed Senate Bill 834, a consumer protection measure on mortgage modifications and residential sale-leaseback transactions, by 139-1 after members described it as a companion to a House bill and a way to protect homeowners from predatory practices. Senate Bill 937, a land transfer bill authorizing the governor to dispose of certain state properties, passed 137-2 after amendment. Senate Bill 938, which raises recording fees to support the land survey program and recorder of deeds offices, passed 121-21-2 after supporters said the fee had not been increased since 1969 and was needed to keep the program operating. Finally, House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973, dealing with wholesaler disclosures and land banks, passed 110-36 after an amendment removed a school property right-of-first-refusal provision and added land bank language. The House then moved several other bills to the informal calendar, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, March 2, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- That was all I really needed.<00:17:01.680>
Thank <00:17:01.839>you. needed. - Thank you. needed. Thank you.
- depositor special purpose 55 special depositor special purpose depository<00:39:43.760>
institution - special relationship with Taiwan. special relationship with Taiwan.
- Um and um needs.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- My mom was a special ed teacher.
- My mom was a special ed teacher.
- to go uh and and meet their local needs. to go uh and and meet their local needs.
- need for special education reduce the need for special education services<01:08:12.720>
to <01: - best decisions for their local needs. best decisions for their local needs.
Keywords:
short-call substitute, substitute teacher, substitute teaching license, pilot program, teacher shortage, education workforce, school district, charter school, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, background check, paraprofessional, education support personnel, temporary license, substitute training, retaliation, teacher pay, daily substitute pay, Minnesota education law, education innovation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Prioritizing Public Safety – Senator Warren Limmer Apr 14th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :22.560>
to <00:04:23.000>respond the legislature needs to respond the legislature needs - about 21 troopers short and they need about 21 troopers short and they need the<00:05:01.680>
- and the DFL majority that troopers need and the DFL majority that troopers need more<00:05:10.400
- They're specialized units.
- special session. special session.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (1-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:26:01.679>
has Special Needs Trust that Congress has Special Needs Trust that Congress - <00:28:41.919>
person <00:28:42.360>is Special Needs Trust if a person is Special Needs - needs IND idual if you name a special needs IND idual without<00:28:58.840>
a <00:28:59.080> <00:30:28.159>would that Special Needs Trust if they would that Special Needs Trust if they - up<00:31:04.159>
so have a Special Needs Trust set up so have a Special Needs Trust set up
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:02
Attendance Roll Call: 00:49
Approval of Minutes: 01:55
CERS Retiree Health Subsidy Proposal: 02:14
SB 58: 24:05
TRS Sick/Annual Leave Proposal: 32:53
Adjournment: 48:00, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the prior month’s minutes after a roll call established a quorum. It then heard testimony on a draft proposal from Senator Robbie Mills to increase CERS retiree health subsidies for members retiring on or after July 1, 2003. The bill would raise the non-hazardous subsidy from $14.63 to $40 per month per year of service and the hazardous-duty subsidy from $21.94 to $50, with employee contribution rates adjusted based on the health trust’s funded status. Supporters from sheriffs, firefighters, police chiefs, and the Kentucky League of Cities said the change would improve recruitment and retention, better align the subsidy with the cost of a single health plan, and preserve the system’s financial footing through shared employer-employee costs and funding triggers.
Committee members asked about the fiscal impact, the effect of funding levels above 150%, and how the subsidy would work for rehired retirees or employees who later take private-sector jobs. Mills and other witnesses said preliminary actuarial work was still forthcoming, that the bill was intended to be revenue-neutral or close to it, and that the subsidy would continue to be paid monthly; they also noted existing 2008 rules for rehired retirees and said the benefit would still be available even if a retiree later had other insurance. One member suggested looking at stable accounts as an additional option for special-needs planning in a later bill.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 58 from Senator Robin Webb, which would allow state employees to designate a Special Needs Trust as a beneficiary for retirement benefits. Webb said the measure would help employees provide for disabled dependents without jeopardizing SSI or Medicaid eligibility, and that the bill follows federal special-needs trust rules. He said the proposal could be revenue neutral, but actuarial analysis was still pending and KPPA had asked for electronic rather than paper transfer provisions. Members questioned whether the authority already exists, how the trust would work, and whether stable accounts should also be considered; Webb said he would follow up with additional information.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- What we need to be able to review these plans includes specialized staff.
- So specialized staff, you heard it from our sister agencies, that's a dire need for us.
- What do we need to do?
- If the money really needed to be spent, she could have brought us in for a special session and had us
- Again, critical need in the Rio Grande. Again, critical need in the Rio Grande.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 28th, 2026 at 05:50 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to show that as a resolution. And we need to have a lot of side of that.
- Some of those investments need to kind of start showing, and we're starting to see that it needs time
- And if we're going to do the HAFC, then we need a special, and we truly do. Okay, no, that's great.
- And if we're going to do the HAFC, then we need a special, and we truly do. Okay, no, that's great.
- And if we're going to do the HAFC, then we need a special, and we truly do. Okay, no, that's great.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session: 2025 First Special Session - part 2 Jun 9th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to achieve a straight majority.
- We need to deal with it more effectively.
- So they are They are working full-time in the setting that they need to know the skills of special education
- We need to do some work around PSEO as well.
- We will need to look in every line for funding to save special education.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Jun 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Shortage needs.
- in a long time, a significant increase, recognizing that the needs of families in special education
- in a long time, a significant increase, recognizing that the needs of families in special education
- need for HR1-related impacts that we're able to do a little bit more for longstanding needs that Californians
- We don't have a fee-for-service solution for those needs, and we really need time to craft an alternative
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders said was the negotiated compromise with the Senate and was expected to move to the floor that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core services in the face of federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget framework and the likely floor bills, including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. Department of Finance representative Eric Khali said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced approach and supported the modification in SB 122, while noting the package uses additional revenues and new spending to soften or reject some proposed cuts.
Most of the discussion focused on major spending areas. Members and subcommittee chairs highlighted protections and additions for health care and human services, including rejecting the proposed Medi-Cal asset limit change, delaying premium increases, restoring clinic and dental funding, supporting distressed hospitals and county indigent care, and expanding county eligibility staffing to handle H.R. 1-related workload. Education members described record or expanded support for TK-12 schools, child care, special education, community colleges, teacher recruitment, and higher education, including a change to extend Cal Grant eligibility to age 30 for some community college students. Housing and homelessness funding was increased for HAP, multifamily housing, and the low-income housing tax credit, while public safety members pointed to investments in victims’ services, restorative justice, and prison closure savings.
Several members also raised concerns or priorities tied to the budget deal. Some praised the package as a moral document that protects vulnerable Californians, immigrant communities, LGBTQ residents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Others noted unresolved issues, including the MCO tax’s impact on districts, the need for more support for local journalism, arts, biotech R&D incentives, transit and GGRF-related concerns, and the need for continued work on Prop. 98 and long-term fiscal resilience. The vice chair cautioned that despite the current progress, the state remains vulnerable to revenue volatility and warned that the budget should build more resilience against a possible downturn. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the committee was preparing the budget package for floor action and final negotiations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The second was Special Stefan Education— Some of you may be aware of, there was a commission on special
- The fiscal size up, the last one that we got, special education.
- The special education student population is 14%.
- So as more special education...
- They have to be identified as special ed.
Summary:
The meeting covered various topics, but specific discussions and bills were not detailed in the available transcript. Despite the lack of documented debates or acknowledgments, it was noted that committee members were present, and there may have been attempts to address crucial legislative matters. The dynamics of the meeting suggested a standard procedural gathering where routine insights were likely shared among the attendees.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But prevention also means being ready to act when students need help. Thank you.
- Prevention also means being ready to act when students need help.
- To ensure meaningful participation, parents need to have information.
- needs.
- Raquel D'urfleur, special education advocate, in support. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee met without a quorum at first and began as a subcommittee, with the chair outlining hearing procedures and several bills on consent. The committee heard and advanced AB 1581, which would improve collection of tribal affiliation data for California students so Native students are more accurately counted and better served; supporters said current systems undercount Native students and erase their needs. AB 1586 also passed, requiring school resource officers who volunteer to carry naloxone to receive opioid overdose response training every two years; supporters emphasized student safety and the need for rapid response to overdoses on campus, while one school employees’ group raised concerns about retaliation protections for non-volunteers. Both bills were moved do pass as amended to Appropriations, with roll calls held open for absent votes.
The committee then approved AB 1943, which updates school notices about secure firearm storage by making the information clearer, more visible, and more likely to reach families at key moments such as counseling or discipline interventions. Supporters from gun violence prevention groups, educators, and parents argued that many school shooters obtain guns from home and that plain-language, digital, and timely notices could help prevent child deaths and suicides; the author shared a personal story about a child accessing a gun at home. AB 1792 also advanced, directing the Instructional Quality Commission to consider updating health education to address digital safety issues such as deepfakes, extortion, grooming, and AI-generated exploitation; supporters said students need instruction that reflects modern online risks, while an opponent objected to language referencing LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse students. AB 1653 passed as well, adding heat-illness guidance to the health framework after a young Girl Scout described students suffering during extreme heat and not recognizing symptoms.
Later, the committee approved AB 1861, which would require the California Department of Education to create a public database of special education investigation reports with personal information redacted; supporters said families need better access to complaint outcomes and accountability, while an opposition witness warned of unintended consequences, misuse of incomplete information, and added burdens on districts. AB 1721 also moved forward, creating a stakeholder work group to review and streamline school safety plan requirements so plans remain practical and focused on emergency preparedness. AB 1631, which would make kindergarten mandatory, received mixed testimony: supporters argued it would help close achievement gaps and improve readiness, while opponents framed it as an intrusion on parental choice; the bill was held on call after a split vote. Finally, AB 1809, extending job order contracting authority for school and community college districts, was also held on call after opposition from contractors who argued project labor agreement requirements raise costs and reduce competition. The committee then began hearing AB 1659, aimed at improving transitions for court school students back to their home districts, with testimony describing re-enrollment barriers and the need for a designated district contact.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Specialized training.
- So all the projects that they do, they need archaeologists, and they need—I know at one time there was
- But we do need to get those numbers up.
- The report that is needed will probably take a year to complete, so it is a special appropriation we
- , how much we need to raise our rates.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Nine - Wednesday, May 13
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Be special again.
- It's that 5% that special interests make money on. Special interests for businesses.
- We don't need a reminder about abortion. We do need doctors and nurses.
- We don't need a reminder about abortion. We do need doctors and nurses.
- We need to protect children. We need to protect mothers.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by a 123-0 roll call vote. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize National Police Week, honor Rep. Prouty, and share personal remarks, followed by numerous introductions of special guests, including school groups, interns, a militia reenactment group, and student teams from the University of Missouri and Hallsville FFA.
The chamber then handled Senate messages and committee reports before taking up House Bills 1839, 2921, and 3015. Rep. from Cass explained a Senate amendment as a technical correction to House Bill 1839, which would add age-verification requirements for online pornography; the House concurred 104-30 and then finally passed the package 112-25. The House also adopted and then passed the conference committee report on House Bill 2596, which was described as modernizing pooled health plan language for small businesses and adding a provision expanding contraception insurance coverage from a six-month to a 12-month supply, while removing a Senate-added blood pressure cuff provision. The conference report was adopted 120-26 and the bill was third read and passed 119-27.
The final major item was Senate Bill 905, creating the Missouri Ranger training program and allowing school districts to optionally place highly trained rangers on campus with narrow law enforcement powers. Supporters argued it would give districts another local-control option to improve school safety, especially where school resource officers are unavailable, and emphasized that it could be volunteer-based and not require state funding. Opponents argued the bill would add guns to schools, increase trauma and liability, and fail to address underlying mental health and school safety needs. After extended debate and a successful previous-question motion, the House adopted the amendment and continued consideration of the bill.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh we've got a special order calendar 87. This is a third reading bill that needs an amendment.
- Uh we've got a special order calendar 87. This is a third reading bill that needs an amendment.
- So, I need to special order it to second session today. All right. Thank you. Any objections?
- Press the motion for special order. Okay. Well, the question is on the special order.
- Press the motion for special order. Okay. Well, the question is on the special order.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation by Associate Pastor Justin Wills of Miracle Temple Church in Lothian, followed by remarks recognizing his family’s ministry and requesting that the prayer be journalized. The chamber then moved through several introductions, including Johnston Square Elementary students who were recognized for strong grades, education-related guests, and staff and family members of senators. After the roll confirmed a quorum, the Senate returned to business.
On third reading, House Bill 563, concerning emergency response animals, was amended to align the House and Senate versions. The amendment added self-defense as an affirmative defense, included horses used in search and rescue within the definition of emergency response animal, added a definition of law enforcement unit, and adjusted penalties. The bill then passed with 44 affirmative votes. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 159 on EMS vehicle supplies and neonatal care; the chamber refused to concur in House amendments and sent a message asking the House to recede or appoint a conference committee.
The Senate introduced House Bill 420 and referred it to Rules. In Judicial Proceedings, Senate Bill 791 on immigration enforcement prohibitions in correctional facilities was reported favorably with three amendments, including technical changes, limits tied to certain convictions, notice requirements for state facilities, and authorization for judges or commissioners to consider immigration detainers in bail decisions. The minority leader and others requested that the bill be special ordered for more time to review and prepare amendments, arguing the issue was controversial and had been fast-tracked; supporters of the committee report said the bill had already been heard and discussed. The debate over the special-order motion was ongoing at the end of the transcript.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- If my region finds out DeValle needs something, I will send my people if I need to.
- So we, I, need more people that... So we, I, need more people that can be out there.
- I need... I have three people doing that. I need, I have three people doing that.
- But we need the tools.
- So we need to look at that as well. So we have to change our tools to meet the need.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting and received an overview of the Pre-K-12 education appropriations jurisdiction and base budget. Staff explained that education funding is driven largely by enrollment and per-student formulas, with most money coming from state and local sources. The presentation highlighted the major budget areas: early learning, the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), non-FEFP K-12 programs, federal programs, and the State Board of Education. Members asked about instructional materials funding and how scholarship students who return to public schools are counted and funded; staff explained that instructional materials remain in the base and that funding depends on survey timing, with districts ultimately funded through the enrollment count process.
The committee then reviewed federal IDEA funding for students with disabilities. Department of Education officials explained how IDEA Part B funds are split between state set-asides and local educational agencies, and noted that Florida ranked fourth nationally in total IDEA Part B funding and received a 95% state determination for meeting IDEA requirements. They also described the bureau’s responsibilities, including monitoring, dispute resolution, instructional support, and the Hope Florida unit for ages 3 to 5. Members asked for more information on student performance outcomes and how the state measures success beyond compliance, and the department agreed to provide follow-up data.
The final major topic was the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), including associate centers, multidisciplinary centers, and specialized centers for deaf/hard of hearing and visually impaired students. Presenters described services such as child find, family support, assessments, professional learning, accessible instructional materials, and technical assistance. Committee members focused on whether families and schools have equal access to services across the state, how IEP disputes and reevaluations are handled, and whether more support is needed for parents, teachers, and rural districts. FDLRS representatives said they do not write IEPs but help connect families to districts, provide training and assessments, and support compliance and data collection; they also emphasized staffing and resource needs, especially for low-incidence disabilities and multilingual family outreach.
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There is no actual need here.
- You'll simply need to unmute. Mr.
- Just need to unmute. Thank you. We can see your video. Just need to unmute. Thank you for member.
- Texas doesn't need more backroom maps. We need a democracy that honors every voice.
- I need to stop you at that point.
Summary:
The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting met virtually for its West Texas regional hearing, established a quorum, and explained that the hearing was part of a series of statewide information-gathering sessions before any map was filed. The chair outlined the Zoom procedures, the two-minute testimony limit, and the availability of written comments through the committee’s public portal. Senators also discussed the logistics and transparency of the process, including the expectation that any proposed map or amendment would be made public once filed and that additional hearings would follow.
Senator Blanco, whose district includes West Texas and the border region, said the area’s communities of interest should be kept together and warned against repeating the loss of representation that followed the last redistricting cycle. Senators Alvarado, Hinojosa, Miles, and others debated the value of virtual hearings versus in-person hearings, the number of people who had testified, and whether the committee could subpoena witnesses after the regional hearings ended. The chair said he was awaiting legal guidance and would consider a subpoena motion at a formal meeting the next day. A lengthy exchange also occurred over the tone of public testimony and the chair’s view that some comments directed at Republicans and the president had been offensive or historically inaccurate.
Invited witnesses and public commenters largely opposed mid-decade redistricting and argued that any new map should reflect population growth, especially among Latino and other minority communities, and comply with the Voting Rights Act. Nina Perales of MALDEF said the hearings were not meaningful without a draft map and testified that Texas has a long history of discriminatory redistricting; senators questioned her about litigation, DOJ’s July 7 letter, and the 2021 congressional map. Tania Chavez Camacho, Luis Figueroa, and several El Paso residents emphasized that maps should preserve communities of interest, avoid cracking and packing, and be transparent and participatory. A smaller number of witnesses supported redistricting, including one El Paso resident who said the current districting leaves the area underrepresented and another who argued that some communities want to return to a map closer to the earlier District 16 configuration. Several witnesses also criticized the DOJ letter as inconsistent with the state’s position that the 2021 maps were drawn race-blind, while others said the current process was too rushed and lacked sufficient public input.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- The question before the House is to special order House Bill 28.
- All those special order house bill 28.
- The question before the House is to special order House Bill 229.
- <00:19:34.160>
until <00:19:34.400>the have been special order until the have been special - >> Seeing none, we are going to go on to a special moment.
Summary:
The House convened with 129 members present, offered a prayer, and then took up a series of ceremonial resolutions recognizing Maryland Library Day, the Clarksburg High School girls flag football team for winning the 4A/3A state championship, and the Stephen Decatur High School boys varsity soccer team for winning the 3A state championship. Each resolution was read and adopted with applause. The chamber also received and adopted messages from the Senate and House regarding a joint meeting for the Governor’s address on February 11, 2026, and the appointment of joint escort committees for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
The House then moved through committee reports on several bills, adopting favorable reports and ordering bills printed for third reading, including House Bills 1068 through 1090 by consent, House Bill 273 on SHOP enrollment effective date changes, House Bill 275/277 on Medicare supplement policies and insurance third-party administrators, Senate Bill 245 on prohibiting immigration enforcement agreements, House Bill 20 and Senate Bill 17 on Baltimore City alcoholic beverages related event promoters permits, House Bill 3 on tuition exemptions for dependents of public safety employees, and House Bill 60 on sickle cell disease policies and educational campaigns. House Bill 226 on Department of Disabilities housing programs was amended to clarify Attorney General review of policies before its favorable report was adopted.
Two bills were special ordered for later consideration: House Bill 28 on private career schools advertising, at the request of a delegate for a committee amendment, and House Bill 229 on Maryland Transportation Authority revenue bond limits. The House also heard a floor amendment to House Bill 60 adding “Caitlyn’s Law” to line three, which was adopted. The session included committee, subcommittee, delegation, and caucus announcements, a Black History Month moment on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and several guest recognitions. The House adjourned on motion of the Majority Leader until Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., with a reminder that bills must be submitted to the Chief Clerk by February 12 to avoid referral to Rules.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Press Conference: DFL Media Availability on Threat to Dismantle the US Department of Education Feb 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We still need to make sure and find out if they intend to pursue these goals.
- We still need to make sure and find out if they intend to pursue these goals.
- enrolled in English Learners or special enrolled in English Learners or special education<00:04:
- Kids need in the classroom the same teacher year after year.
- and that we must have kids that we need and that we must have kids need<00:10:34.440>
in <00:10
Summary:
Minnesota Senate Democrats held an education finance press conference focused on concerns that the Trump administration may dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and freeze or reduce federal education funding. Speakers said such actions could jeopardize Title I, special education, English learner, school meal, transportation, and other programs, and noted that federal education aid is often reimbursed after districts have already spent the money. They argued that even a 10% cut would amount to roughly $1 billion and could leave districts unable to cover costs they have already incurred.
Several speakers also raised concerns about broader federal actions, including school vouchers, curriculum restrictions, and access to student and Treasury data by Elon Musk and others, warning about privacy and the possible targeting of DEI, ethnic studies, truth-and-history curriculum, and efforts to recruit and retain teachers of color. They said the instability makes it impossible for districts to plan budgets and maintain staffing, and that the harm is already being felt through frozen aid and other disruptions.
The speakers criticized Republican colleagues for downplaying the threat and said Republicans were inconsistent because they had recently highlighted teacher shortages and school infrastructure needs while now minimizing potential cuts. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the press conference; the event was a call for public pressure on Republican lawmakers to oppose the federal changes and protect Minnesota schools and students.