Video & Transcript : 'uncertified educators' :

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> would think we'd want to be as educated would think we'd want to be as educated as<00:48:02.000>
  • that are on the education committee.
  • that are on the like that in education that are on the education<00:52:32.119><c> committee</c><00:52
  • </c> bill is making its way to um education bill is making its way to um education policy<01:01:59.599
  • We’ll move to Education Policy.
Bills: HF550, HF412, HF796, HF140
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Fri Feb 6, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 11

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . education. education.
  • Welcome to the House of Representatives. educators joining us today from Capo educators joining us today
  • </c><00:13:59.360><c> Deborah</c> Falante Mao and their educators Deborah Falante Mao and their educators
  • So, teacher on the board of education.
  • It's a great day for education here in the House.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education Apr 15th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • 2026, and this is a meeting of the House Education Committee.
  • Chairwoman Schlegel and House Education Committee.
  • That's what they sent us here for, to be educated about it.
  • That's what they sent us here for, to be educated about it.
  • Louisiana has a rich history of non-public education, particularly religious education, and has respected
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • :00:51.200><c> really</c> through the education rules really through the education rules really quickly
  • That's how passionate I am about public education and good actors in public education. sub<00:25:02.559
  • and good actors in public education and good actors in public education. education. education.
  • </c><00:44:06.319><c> They</c> to be educated. They're children. They to be educated.
  • </c> Education. Please proceed. Education. Please proceed. Thank<00:52:41.920><c> you.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard House Bill 132, which would change home and hospital instruction funding so schools can be reimbursed sooner when students miss school for short-term mental health-related stays. Representative Nick Wilson said current law requires a student to be out five days before funding begins, leaving schools unpaid when they provide instruction during 2- to 4-day absences. The committee gave HB 132 favorable expression unanimously. The committee then heard House Bill 193, a cleanup bill on dual credit scholarships. Representative J.T. Payne and KHEAA’s director explained that the bill consolidates academic and CTE dual credit scholarships into one statute to reduce administrative confusion, since the programs have been funded together in recent budgets. HB 193 passed unanimously with favorable expression. House Bill 241 drew the most discussion. The committee first adopted a substitute, which members said changed the bill to give the Commissioner of Education discretion, rather than a mandate, to grant calamity days. The bill and substitute centered on virtual instruction and Cloverport Virtual Academy: supporters said the school was a pilot project that needed more time and that a prior agency effort to cap virtual instruction would have effectively shut it down, while opponents argued the substitute would reward a low-performing virtual model and extend NTI/virtual learning too broadly. Testimony from an Oldham County parent criticized NTI quality and opposed adding more virtual days. No final vote on HB 241 was included in the portion provided.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Education Funding (02/18/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:25:09.000><c> institutions</c> Hampshire higher education institutions Hampshire higher education
  • House Education committee so where where House Education committee so where where where<01:14:33.159>
  • Whenever the State Board of Education proposes to adopt or amend any special education rule which exceeds
  • Whenever the State Board of Education proposes to adopt or amend any special education rule which exceeds
  • </c> State of New Hampshire higher education State of New Hampshire higher education institutions<01:
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first took up HB 112, which would require students in the University and Community College systems to pass the U.S. citizenship civics naturalization test. A motion was made to retain the bill, and the committee voted unanimously to retain it, resulting in no report. HB 510, dealing with due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty in higher education disciplinary proceedings, was passed over for a later meeting so the University and Community College systems could meet with the committee. The committee then discussed HB 659, creating a college graduate retention incentive program, but retained it without further debate after noting the prime sponsor was unavailable. HB 770, concerning tuition credits for community service, was also held for later in the day because an amendment was expected. The most extensive discussion centered on HB 583, which would have the state participate in Medicaid direct certification for free and reduced-price school meals. Supporters argued it would identify more eligible students, reduce paperwork, improve accuracy in school funding formulas, and bring in additional federal child care scholarship money; opponents argued it would significantly affect school funding calculations and should be delayed. The committee rejected the amendment by a 10-8 vote and then voted 10-8 to retain the bill, with a majority report and minority report to follow. HB 646, requiring school districts to establish an online application for free and reduced-price meal participation, was also debated. One member said many districts already do this voluntarily and that the bill was unnecessary; another proposed an amendment to convert the mandate into a grant program to offset startup costs, but the committee proceeded on the underlying motion and voted 10-8 to retain the bill, with a majority report and a minority OTP report. HB 665, concerning eligibility for the free school meals program, was then retained by an 11-3 vote. Finally, the committee began work on HB 703, which would prohibit school districts from denying meals to students with unpaid balances and appropriate funds for that purpose. An amendment was explained that would remove state payment of district meal debt and instead require district policies against shaming or bullying students and allow voluntary donations to reduce debt. After discussion, a motion was made to ITL the bill, with the sponsor saying constituents opposed subsidizing the program and wanted districts to retain collection tools; further debate was underway when the transcript ended.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Finance - 03/25/26

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • <c> compliance</c><00:03:36.880><c> to</c> educator mindsets from compliance to educator mindsets from
  • Would you remind us, you know, is there this phase two educators? Is that a subgroup of educators?
  • We had a new education institutes.
  • </c> Education bill for 2026.
  • </c> of our education system in Minnesota. of our education system in Minnesota.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/16/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was not in Education Committee.
  • I move that the amendment to the Education Committee amendment be adopted, the Education Committee amendment
  • I move that the amendment to the Education Committee amendment be adopted, the Education Committee amendment
  • It was under public education. Third reading, House Bill 2621.
  • I was under public education. Here, third reading, House, Bill, 26, 21.
Keywords: 1182, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 2nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • You have before you the requested budget for the health education programs.
  • I move for FY 2027 for the Office of the State Board of Education...
  • That's one-time money that will be put back into education.
  • "We're competing with other salaries, even in K-12 education.
  • For the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education.
Keywords: 989, all
Summary: The committee took up a series of JFAC budget items, beginning with health education programs. Members approved an FY 2027 increase of $900,000 and 2.5 FTP for psychiatry, family medicine, OB fellowship, child psychiatry, and veterinary education slots. They then adopted language to shift funding for the family medicine OB fellowship to the rural health transformation program if those funds become available before July 1, 2026, with the general fund then redirected to undergraduate medical education seats under H 368. The language drew debate about whether rural health money should be reserved for rural facilities and whether the provision would preempt a future committee’s role, but it ultimately passed. The committee next approved the Office of the State Board of Education budget, including Canvas LMS renewal, transfer of risk managers to institutions, and a federal post-secondary improvement grant, with a net increase of $4,487,900 and a reduction of four FTP. For colleges and universities, a substitute motion to add general fund support for an additional rescission restoration and other items failed, and the original motion passed instead, providing a smaller increase. Community colleges received a one-time general fund increase of $1,123,200 after the committee rejected a substitute that would have only reduced Canvas costs. Career Technical Education was addressed twice: first, the committee approved $957,600 one-time from the Career Ready Students Fund to restore a prior rescission in secondary programs; later, it approved $1,877,300 one-time from the same fund for secondary CTE programs after rejecting a substitute that would have used ongoing general fund support. The Department of Administration budget included utilities, Medicaid procurement staffing, training, document services, IT hardware, and a rescission correction. The committee rejected the main motion after concerns were raised about staffing for a large Medicaid managed care contract, but then approved the Permanent Building Fund budget, including $890,100 for design of a National Guard Readiness Center in Bonneville County and $71.6 million for replacement items and maintenance projects. Standard language and reporting language for that fund were adopted by unanimous consent. Finally, the State Lottery received approval for $25,800 in dedicated funds for replacement computers used in scratch-game design. The committee adjourned after announcing future work group meetings and upcoming budget agenda items.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) May 8th, 2025

Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Education K through 16 will come back to order and we will resume public testimony
  • My name is Gabe Grantham, education policy advisor for Texas 2036.
  • We would not be in education if we did not want to educate them, so we will provide Texas with the best
  • It's good to see public education doing so well for our students. Thank y'all.
  • The bill passed the House Committee on Public Education unanimously 14 to 0.
Bills: HB6, HB120, HB210
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 11th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , her family who is here with us today continues to shine the light of Aspen's life by working to educate
  • UHV educates a approximately 3,600 students annually with over 1,000 degrees conferred each year and
  • Refer to the Committee on Public Education.
  • Refer to the Committee on Public Education. HB 1416 by Allen relating to the program.
  • I'll refer to the Committee on Public Education HB 1445 by Hernandez.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on New York City Education - 05/19/2026

New York City Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have the privilege of chairing the New York State Senate's Committee on New York City Education.
  • S-79 by Senator Liu, an act to amend the education law in relation to requiring all special education
  • elected by the Community District's Education Council presidents.
  • Caribbean Steel Pan Educational Music Program Act.
  • to the Committee on Special Education for the educational services mandated by an individualized education
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The New York State Senate Committee on New York City Education met with quorum and considered nine bills, with Chair John Liu presiding and Senators Jackson, Sutton, Tedisco, Sepúlveda, and Chan participating. The agenda focused on New York City education issues including special education placement during school closures or major changes (S-79), assistant principal assignments in NYC schools (S-82B), school transportation contracts and after-4 p.m. transportation for students (S-1018 and S-8266A), participation in selecting members of the city Board of Education (S-1510A), charter school transitional aid for large city school districts (S-4449), a Caribbean steel pan educational music program (S-6138), qualifications for citywide council membership (S-6355A), and requests to the Committee on Special Education for services mandated by an individualized education services program (S-10007A). Members generally described the bills favorably, and most were moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote. Several bills were reported to the Senate calendar, including S-79, S-1018, S-1510A, S-6138, S-6355A, and S-10007A. S-82B and S-4449 were approved and referred to the Senate Finance Committee, while S-8266A was approved and referred to the Senate Education Committee. One member, Senator Chan, was noted as voting without recommendation on S-8266A. The meeting concluded after all nine items were acted on and the committee adjourned.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • The next bill is House Bill 3010, Senate Bill 1963, an act excluding the Siegel AmeriCorps Education
  • The value of that education award for a full-time AmeriCorps member is $7,395.
  • However, some members refrain from redeeming their education award because of the tax burden.
  • award at one of our institutions of higher education.
  • This service is invaluable to the state, and removing the tax on the education award would only help
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on bills related to income and estates, with Chairs James Eldridge and Adrian Madaro presiding and members participating in person and virtually. The committee explained hearing procedures, written testimony deadlines, and the new joint rules for acting on bills. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was increasing Massachusetts 529 college savings deductions, through House Bill 3151 and Senate Bill 2066. Brad Freeman of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts testified in support, saying the current deduction has encouraged more families to save for college and should be expanded to match other states. He argued the change would help middle-income families and noted the original deduction was designed with a revenue offset and later made permanent. The committee also heard support for House Bill 3010 and Senate Bill 1963, which would exclude the federal Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from Massachusetts taxable income. Beth McGuinness and Lindsay Rooney of the Massachusetts Service Alliance said the tax creates a burden for AmeriCorps members, many of whom have low incomes and use the award directly for tuition or student loans, and that removing the tax would aid recruitment and retention. Another bill, House Bill 3062 on settlements of tax liability, drew testimony from a taxpayer, a tax practitioner, and a legal aid attorney who described the current offer-in-settlement process as too restrictive and underused; they urged changes to make tax debt resolution more equitable and more consistent with federal practice.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALC-REVIEW Jun 16th, 2026

ALC-REVIEW

Transcript Highlights:
  • services co-op this is for online education programs to youth in the DYS The Arch Ford Education Services
  • Number 30 is with the Department of Education and ACT Education Corp.
  • Number 31 is with the Department of Education and Deloitte.
  • Number 31 is with the Department of Education and Deloitte.
  • Number 32 is with the Department of Education and Education Hall.
Summary: The committee met to review a supplemental agenda, procurement rule revisions, methods of finance, discretionary grants, contracts, and a member disclosure. The Office of State Procurement presented rule changes tied to 2025 legislative changes, including Act 782, with updates to sole-source definitions, unrealistic bids, protest requirements, debarment procedures, and recodification references; the committee voted to accept the supplemental agenda and approve the rules. Members also approved eight methods of finance covering university repairs, equipment replacement, property purchase, and capital projects, along with a large slate of discretionary grants for courts, health, DHS, historic preservation, and tobacco prevention programs. The committee then reviewed RFQs and six ratifications. The ratifications included a Workforce Connections payment to ACT WorkKeys, Department of Health costs from an ice-storm-related water leak, a large Department of Public Safety ratification for Motorola’s Arkansas Wireless Information Network upgrade, Veterans Affairs HVAC and medical-service payments, and a UA Little Rock painting contract. The Department of Public Safety ratification drew extended questioning about why the expired Motorola contract had not been renewed sooner and why the issue took months to reach the committee; agency officials said the project was bond-funded, had not been tracked in ASIS, and involved ongoing negotiations and system updates. Despite concerns, the committee approved the ratifications. Members also reviewed a long list of construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including numerous university, DHS, health, corrections, and state agency agreements. Several contracts were discussed in more detail, including an SAU custodial contract question about sales tax and transparency reporting, and Department of Corrections aerial application contracts for Tucker and Cummins farms, which officials said served separate facilities in different parts of the state. The committee approved the contract lists, reviewed reports, and accepted a disclosure from Representative Andrew Collins regarding his investment interest in a company leasing property to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services before adjourning.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Appropriations Committee May 6th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • AB 1792 ensures our education system keeps up with reality and gives students the knowledge they need
  • California has long been a leader in technology and education policy, and the bill ensures that our education
  • governor-appointed education commissioner to lead the Department of Education and shifting the elected
  • Christian Smith, physical therapist and physical therapy educator, in support of AB 2497.
  • It's Maxine Dugin of the Erotic Service Provider's Legal Education and Research Project.
Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and began by approving a large consent calendar of bills on two unanimous-support motions. The committee then heard a series of individual bills, with authors and sponsors generally describing low or absorbable state costs and asking for aye votes. Topics included AI/digital safety education for students (AB 1792), hepatitis C treatment access (AB 1843), rent-now-pay-later consumer protections (AB 2350), retirement information for community college faculty (AB 2417), cannabis regulation changes including tribal commerce, drive-through sales, and beverage labeling (AB 2506, AB 2697, AB 2532), emergency equipment training for law enforcement volunteers (AB 1913), cannery law modernization (AB 2706), child care planning in local governments (AB 1914), EV charger permitting fees (AB 1820), election-record notice requirements (AB 1664), nursing home discharge notices (AB 2135), a San Diego energization-delay pilot (AB 2518), mental health training for school coaches (AB 1665), and education governance and oversight changes (AB 2117). Several bills were described as committee or sponsor measures with technical or clarifying changes, including AB 2780, AB 2615, AB 2121, and AB 2771. Testimony was largely supportive, often from sponsor groups, industry representatives, labor, or advocacy organizations. Notable support included TechNet for AB 1792, the California State Sheriffs’ Association for AB 1913, California Dairies and food manufacturers for AB 2706, the Low Income Investment Fund for AB 1914, EV and environmental groups for AB 1820, the Attorney General’s Office for AB 1664, long-term care ombudsman advocates for AB 2135, and the California State Association of Psychiatrists for the cannabis and mental-health-related bills. Some bills drew limited opposition or “opposed unless amended” positions, including AB 2350, AB 1820, and AB 2506, while AB 2697 and AB 2532 were presented as efforts to support the legal cannabis market and consumer safety. The committee also heard a presentation-only item, AB 2541, creating a lowrider specialty license plate, which drew enthusiastic bipartisan comments and co-author requests from members. Most bills were reported out with due pass recommendations, many on roll call and several with specific members not voting or voting no. AB 1664 was reported out as due pass as amended and placed on call before later being moved out on a B roll call. AB 2350 and AB 1914 were also later reported out from call on B roll calls, with AB 1914 noted as passing despite some Republican no votes. The suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual action, and the meeting concluded after a brief public comment period in which members of the public voiced positions on unrelated bills, including support for AB 2497, AB 1729, AB 2189, AB 1575, AB 2170, and opposition to AB 1603, AB 2447, AB 2411, AB 2492, and AB 1952.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Session Day 59 Mar 11th, 2026

Idaho Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I know many of you support a choice in education, as I do, and I would like to make public education
  • So I know many of you support a choice in education, as I do, and I would like to make public education
  • So I know many of you support a choice in education, as I do, and I would like to make public education
  • education world, in today's education market.
  • In the House of Representatives, House Bill 846 by Education Committee: an act relating to education.
Summary: The Senate convened with 31 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. The body then moved through routine orders, including referral of memorials and resolutions and reports from standing committees. Among the items reported were several bills printed or enrolled, House bills referred to Senate committees, and messages from the House transmitting additional bills and memorials for referral. A major floor item was Senate Concurrent Resolution 121, which called for modernizing Idaho’s public school funding formula. Supporters argued the current formula is outdated, overly focused on inputs and adults rather than students, and should be redesigned to give local school leaders more flexibility and better outcomes. The resolution was adopted and transmitted to the House. The Senate also adopted SCR 123 recognizing 2026 as the Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists, SR 118 supporting development of a state plan for kinship caregivers, SCR 124 supporting wildlife crossings to reduce collisions and protect wildlife migration, and SR 119 approving certain administrative rules from the Department of Agriculture and Idaho Hops Growers Commission, with one seed-related rule exception. The Senate adopted SJM 114 urging Congress to address problems in college athletics created by name, image, and likeness rules and transfer/agent issues. It then passed SB 1350, which authorizes optional cash rounding to the nearest five cents when pennies are unavailable; the bill passed 24-9 after debate over whether the change could lead toward broader cashless practices. The chamber also passed SB 1373, the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill for economic development and related agencies, after extended debate over across-the-board budget cuts, especially the impact on the state public defender system and constitutional indigent defense obligations. The Senate concluded with announcements and adjourned until the next day.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Session (05/15/2025)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • From the Education, House Bill 677.
  • ><c> which</c><01:46:56.960><c> was</c> Committee on Education to which was Committee on Education to
  • </c> to provide education. to provide education.
  • </c><01:56:24.480><c> to</c> elementary and secondary education to elementary and secondary education
  • In contrast, education issues.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Education Funding (02/03/2026)

Education Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um and this would ensure that education Um and this would ensure that education educational<00:17:47.600
  • </c> physical education. physical education.
  • education.
  • </c> in the Department of Education. in the Department of Education.
  • </c> That's the education part. That's the education part.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education May 19th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today is May 19, 2026, and this is a meeting of the House Education Committee.
  • Cade Brumley with the Department of Education.
  • And education policy certainly does matter.
  • The bill also creates the parental leave for educators fund.
  • I'm Ashley Townsend with the Department of Education.
Summary: The committee met on May 19, 2026, with a quorum present and first heard a presentation from Superintendent Cade Brumley on Louisiana’s recent education scorecard, which showed the state ranked first nationally in reading growth, second in math growth, and first overall in academic growth from 2022 to 2026. Members praised teachers and the department for the results. The committee then deferred SB 507 at the author’s request. The committee reported several bills favorably. SB 484 by Sen. Abraham, as amended, transfers selected duties from the Board of Regents to university management boards and Louisiana Works, adjusts authority over certain higher-education initiatives, creates a study of LUMCON’s placement, and adds financial reporting and early-warning requirements for universities. SB 157 by Sen. Jenkins, as amended, creates six weeks of paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 employees for birth, adoption, or fostering, with a reimbursement fund subject to appropriation; testimony emphasized family support, recruitment and retention, and health benefits. SB 83 by Sen. Edmonds, as amended, requires human trafficking prevention and victim-identification training in schools and updates coordination and service language; the amendment made implementation subject to appropriation and clarified the governor’s office role. The committee also reported SB 450 by Sen. Edmonds, as amended, requiring mandatory reporting of school threats and physical security assessments, with student witnesses and members stressing school safety and the need for funding and practical security measures. SB 132 by Sen. Klein-Peter, as amended, requires exterior master key boxes and updated school mapping data for emergency response, with an amendment exempting districts already using such boxes. Finally, Rep. Carver presented HR 251 on recess for K-3 students, citing Oklahoma’s expanded recess law and research on physical activity and learning, but said he would keep the resolution parked for further discussion rather than seek a vote.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 11, 2026 - 12:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • The name of the bill is Speech and Debate in Education.
  • and communities to highlight student engagement and instructional activities while honoring the educators
  • TO HIGHLIGHT STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND INSTRUCTIONAL&nbsp; ACTIVITIES WILL HONORING THE EDUCATORS COACHES
  • OUR EDUCATORS WORK HARD AS WELL AS THE&nbsp;&nbsp; 57 STUDENTS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE A QUALITY&nbsp
  • BECAUSE THEY DESERVE TO BE AT THE FOREFRONT&nbsp; OF OUR CONVERSATION AND ARE EDUCATION SYSTEM.
Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two PCS bills. PCS for HB 1059, by Rep. Booth, would designate the first week of November as Florida Speech and Debate Week to recognize speech and debate programs and the educators, coaches, judges, and school districts that support them. Supporters, including students and advocates, testified that speech and debate builds critical thinking, civics knowledge, confidence, and respectful civil discourse, and several members praised the students’ testimony and the program’s value. The bill was reported favorably by a 14-0 vote. The committee then heard PCS for HB 851, by Rep. Long, which requires each school district’s professional learning system to include at least one annual autism-specific training opportunity for teachers and school-based administrators, developed with the Center for Autism and grounded in evidence-based practices. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give educators practical tools to support students with autism, while members asked questions about scope, virtual training, charter schools, and the relationship to existing law. Public testimony and member debate largely supported the bill, with speakers emphasizing the need for better educator preparation and inclusion for students with autism. The bill also passed unanimously, 14-0, and was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, members and the chair offered brief closing remarks thanking colleagues and staff and reflecting on the committee’s work, with the chair noting it may have been the committee’s last meeting of the session.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) May 23rd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • A lot of what we at that time wanted to see done in education.
  • And this will be your lifetime bill for public education. Your lifetime bill for public education.
  • It's Education package in Texas history.
  • So this is a great bill, a great day for education.
  • And as a former education For education, and so I'm real proud of all the work you've done.
Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills. The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0. Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them. At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.