Video & Transcript Research : 'donations'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- the maximum donation to $5,000, and the candidates who opt in could get...
- or a $20 donation matched by the public election practice of funds.
- In New England, Connecticut has a democracy fund where small-dollar donations, candidate donations, are
- New York City small-dollar donations from New York City residents are matched 8 to 1.
- If you can know folks in your job, you can get a $10, $20 donation matched.
Summary:
The House and Senate Election Laws committees held a hearing focused on campaign finance and several local election-related bills. Office of Campaign and Political Finance Director William Campbell testified in support of H. 848 and S. 515, saying the campaign finance law needs modernization and highlighting proposals for stronger Super PAC disclosure, more timely reporting, improved security for campaign participants, and other reforms. He said the bills would help update a 50-year-old system to reflect legal, economic, and cultural changes.
A major portion of the hearing concerned H. 868/S. 507, which would require earlier and more frequent reporting by ballot question committees. Witnesses from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, and others argued that ballot campaigns now involve tens of millions of dollars, much of it raised during periods with no real-time disclosure, and that moving these committees into the depository system would improve transparency without burdening grassroots signature-gathering. The committee also heard support for H. 811 and H. 812, which would allow municipalities to create citizen-funded election programs and require identifying information on political text messages, as well as S. 525/H. 875, which would bar political spending by foreign-influenced corporations.
The committee also heard testimony on S. 2605, a Canton home rule petition to move town elections from April to November. Canton residents, a select board member, and a poll worker said the change would increase turnout, better align local elections with the November voting cycle, and give newly elected officials more time to prepare for town meeting. Senator Rausch also testified in support of S. 530, requiring presidential primary candidates to disclose recent tax returns. The hearing ended with no votes taken and the committee adjourning, with a note that the next hearing was tentatively scheduled for January 13.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Jan 30, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- We operate many donation locations across the state, as well as our community stores.
- As to they're getting paid pennies per pound for those collected donations, as opposed to when you donate
- donations as opposed to when you donate donations as opposed to when you donate to<00:41:28.880>
- to their donations and what happening to their donations and what can<00:42:23.440>
they <00:42 - property or items is donated to the charitable organizations.
Keywords:
economic development, business, state statutes, Hawaii Revised Statutes, legislation, development strategy, state funding, infrastructure, employment opportunities, legislative intent, state legislation, development initiatives, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 1829 on marine affairs. Most testimony was in strong support, with speakers from state agencies, ocean-tech companies, startups, nonprofits, and community groups backing the creation of an Office of Marine Affairs and a marine affairs coordinator under HTDC. Supporters said the measure would better coordinate ocean policy, strengthen the blue economy, and help Hawaii capture jobs, investment, and innovation in marine-related industries. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HTDC-related measures, including HB 1615 and HB 1613, which also drew broad support from business, technology, and economic development interests. Testifiers said the bills would strengthen Hawaii’s technology and innovation ecosystem, support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, and help build a more diversified economy with higher-wage jobs. The committee also heard HB 1607 on public procurement and HB 1772 on small business procurement; state procurement staff and several business groups supported efforts to expand opportunities for local firms, while one speaker from the city’s economic revitalization commission argued that a flat 5% preference could help keep more revenue and jobs in-state.
On HB 1636 relating to shopping carts, the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition, saying the bill would penalize businesses for carts that are stolen rather than abandoned and would add costs that could especially burden small and local retailers. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation drew support from Goodwill Hawaii and other nonprofits, who said the bill would improve transparency around donation bins and protect donors from misleading for-profit collection practices; the Attorney General’s office asked for a delayed effective date to allow system changes and staffing. HB 1782 on AI and the protection of minors received broad support from state agencies, educators, and advocacy groups, but some business and retail representatives urged narrowing the definition of covered AI services so ordinary customer-service chatbots would not be swept in. Finally, HB 1759 on theft drew opposition from the Public Defender’s Office, which said the bill could create overly harsh penalties and should include defense representation on any task force; the office also noted existing laws already address conspiracy and related conduct.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think it's a way to incentivize private donations.
- And I think it's a way to incentivize private donations.
- And there's nothing tying these private donations to any purpose.
- And I think it's a way to incentivize private donations.
- In case, they're able to get donations.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 007 Jan 21st, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We hereby urge all citizens to celebrate the cause of blood donation.
- To celebrate the cause of blood donation and recognize volunteer blood donors for their generous
- We further urge all eligible blood donors to donate regularly.
- Blood donations are essential for trauma care, cancer treatment, surgeries, emergency response, and a
- single donation can help save many lives.
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal from the prior day. Members then adopted House Joint Resolution 1001, which set the officers, employees, and positions for the second regular session of the 75th General Assembly, and House Resolution 1001, which solidified House staff titles and positions. After that, House staff were invited to the well and sworn in, with members offering thanks and applause.
The chamber also adopted House Joint Resolution 1003, recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Colorado. The resolution highlighted the need for blood donations, especially during winter shortages, and urged citizens, businesses, and organizations to support blood drives. Floor remarks from both majority and minority leaders emphasized the importance of donating blood, including the special need for type O and O-negative donors, and noted a blood drive taking place that day with a friendly House-Senate competition.
Members then confirmed Assistant Majority Leader Bacon’s appointment to the Legislative Audit Committee by recorded vote. The House also laid over the balance of the calendar until the next day and made several announcements, including upcoming Judiciary and Transportation SMART Act presentations, recognition of visiting schoolchildren, birthday celebrations for Representatives Suckla and Michael Carter, and reminders about the National Western Stock Show and related fundraising. The House ultimately recessed for the day.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that's important, that we make the change on the gifts and donations.
- In regards to the proposed amendment, I do note that the increase in the introduction gifts and donations
- gifts and donations. gifts and donations.
- <00:49:38.000>
that there would be in-kind donations that there would be in-kind donations - Recognized for their donation.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 098 Apr 22nd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When a donation occurs in a hospital, a Donate Life flag is often flown to honor the gift of life.
- When a donation occurs in a hospital, a Donate Life flag is often flown to honor the gift of life.
- Tissue donation is as important as organ donation.
- Tissue donation is as important as<00:44:44.240>
organ <00:44:44.640>donation. - Also with us today is the donation.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several housekeeping notices, including corrected engrossments/enrollments and committee reports. The Committee on Education reported Senate Bill 23, and the Committee on Judiciary reported Senate Bill 149, both amended and referred to Appropriations with favorable recommendation. The chamber also recognized former Representative Lang Sias as a special guest and heard several moments of personal privilege, including introductions of guests connected to the Boulder Boulder race and the Leadership Program of the Rockies.
The Senate then took up Senate Resolution 6, designating April 2026 as National Donate Life Month. Supporters highlighted Colorado’s high donor registration rate, the work of Donor Alliance, and personal stories about organ and tissue donation saving lives. The resolution was adopted 34-0, with the current roll call added as co-sponsors. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 7, designating April 2026 as Second Chance Month. Proponents emphasized the impact of collateral consequences on people with criminal records, the importance of employment and reentry, and the value of redemption and public safety; the resolution passed 34-0 and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors.
Finally, the Senate considered Senate Joint Resolution 23, recognizing Young Americans Bank and the Young Americans Center for Financial Education for their contributions to financial literacy education in Colorado. The resolution cited House Bill 25-1192’s new financial literacy requirements and praised the organizations’ experiential learning model and statewide reach. Senators spoke about Bill Daniels’ legacy and the programs’ impact on students, including testimony that the institutions have served hundreds of thousands of Colorado youth. The resolution was read at length and discussed, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.
HI
Bills:
HB2459, HB1616, HB1799, HB1604, HB1732, HB1736, HB1931, HB772, HB2153, HB2122, HB2009, HB2012, HB1779, HB2296, HB2397, HB2398, HB1596, HB2233, HB1976, HB1563, HB815, HB1655, HB1851, HB1941, HB2037, HB1635, HB2201, HB1943, HB1163, HB2452, HB2429, HB2148, HB2306, HB2007, HB2049, HB2616
Keywords:
food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification, performance indicators, agriculture, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, housing development, commercial projects, county authority, public works, construction standards, exemption, zoning, housing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- punishment to those people that prey on the folks regarding money solicitation and improper use of donations
- Going forward for those natural disasters where solicitation for donations occurs, the locals will be
Bills:
SB 8, SB 1, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB27, HB7, HB17, HB1, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB20, HB18, HB7, HB17, HB1, HB20, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, SR85, SR87, SB8, SB5, SB2, SB10, HB27
Keywords:
sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam
TX
Bills:
SB 8, SB 1, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB27, HB7, HB17, HB1, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB20, HB18, HB7, HB17, HB1, HB20, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, SR85, SR87, SB8, SB5, SB2, SB10, HB27
Keywords:
sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 15th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 881 extends the sunset on two important programs: the donated fruit and vegetables tax credit and
- The donated fruit or vegetables credit, often called the farmer-to-food-bank credit, gives farmers a
- 15% tax credit for donating California-grown food to food banks.
- This credit helps farmers cover the cost of donating food that might otherwise have gone unharvested.
- And in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, these donations have greatly increased.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and heard several tax-related bills, with initial items identified as suspense candidates because of their fiscal impact. SB 881 would extend the farmer-to-food-bank tax credit and the Emergency Food for Families voluntary tax contribution; the author and supporters from food banks, agricultural groups, local governments, and climate organizations said it would reduce food waste, help farmers donate surplus produce, and address rising food insecurity. No opposition was presented, but the bill was ultimately referred to suspense. SB 1406 would target the so-called Montana tax loophole used to avoid California taxes on luxury vehicles and similar purchases; supporters said it would recover revenue and improve fairness, while a business group opposed it unless amended, warning the shell-company language could affect legitimate small businesses and passive owners. That bill was also sent to suspense.
SB 1349, which directs the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major existing tax expenditures and evaluate whether they are meeting their goals, drew support from the California Teachers Association, tax reform advocates, school employees, local governments, and others who argued that California needs more accountability for billions in tax breaks. The committee later took a quorum and passed SB 1349 on a due pass as amended motion to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The committee also approved two consent items, SB 1436 and SB 1437, sending them forward on the agreed motions.
SB 1249 would provide a $3,000 tax deduction for seniors ages 86 to 90 through 2032, with the author and LeadingAge California describing it as targeted relief for older adults facing rising costs. The bill received supportive comments from a committee member but was referred to suspense. SB 1151 would codify the sales tax exemption for infant formula by expressly defining it as a food product; the author said this would remove uncertainty for families, and members cited the high cost of formula and the need for clarity. The committee passed SB 1151 on a motion to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. After completing the remaining business, the committee adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Feb 24th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The program is privately funded, it's relying on support. from the public through donations, merchandise
- So including the option to donate to the fund on license applications will make a significant difference
- . impact on the amount of donations that the fund receives.
- My concern is, is that. 15 years from now, 10 years from now, eight years from now, a $20 donation, 17
- Licensing or two other programs that receive donations.
Keywords:
hunting license, fishing license, donation, operation game thief fund, wildlife conservation, livestock, electronic registry, marks and brands, Texas Animal Health Commission, animal identification, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water and Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened under the leadership of Chairman Kelly Hancock, who opened the meeting with a prayer in remembrance of Chairman Perry, who was absent due to a personal loss. The session focused on the discussions surrounding SB384, which aims to support the longstanding initiative known as Operation Game Thief. Senator Flores presented the bill, emphasizing its essential role in the fight against poaching through public support. The operation has a successful track record of convictions but is currently dependent on donations and merchandise sales for funding. The committee aimed to vote on multiple bills during this session, contingent on achieving a quorum. Notably, discussions also revolved around fiscal notes on two bills that were set aside for later consideration, indicating the committee's intention to carefully manage their legislative decisions. The meeting showcased a productive atmosphere, with committee members actively engaged in the review and potential advancement of key legislative measures.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/17/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:58.439>
directly law uh are eligible to donate directly law uh are eligible to donate - If they were to donate to other groups or subsidiary groups of a PAC or independent expenditure group
- If they were to donate to other groups or subsidiary groups of a PAC or independent expenditure group
- Receipts are only issued for donations in excess of $10 under this proposal.
- Receipts are only issued for donations in excess of $10 under this proposal.
Keywords:
campaign finance, state funding, political activity, nonprofits, government transparency, HF66, Minnesota second-degree murder, unintentional murder, protective order, order for protection, harassment restraining order, domestic violence, victim protection, cross-jurisdictional orders, out-of-state restraining order, tribal court order, Canadian protective order, public safety, criminal law, homicide
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (05/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- and mechanism, you did mention donations and mechanism, you did mention donations to<00:15:51.680
- you believe that accepting donations you believe that accepting donations should<00:25:50.240>
- guess it uh obviously if you're donating guess it uh obviously if you're donating to<00:25:58.159
- <00:27:07.840>
or where school boards accept donations or where school boards accept donations- uh contributions, gifts, and donations uh contributions, gifts, and donations by<05:25:38.400>
Summary:
The committee opened hearings on SB 69, including a germane amendment on school board votes to accept or reject gifts and donations, and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Prime sponsor Rep. Glenn Cordelli said the literacy program was modeled on earlier HB 671, would be funded through gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements to the governor and legislature. Members questioned changes from the earlier bill, including the move away from center-based language, the lack of a dollar threshold for school board action on donations, anonymous gifts, and whether the amendment preserved enough evaluation data.
Testimony on the donation provisions raised concerns about broad language, timing, and public-meeting requirements. Rep. Timothy Han and Becky Wilson of the New Hampshire School Boards Association both noted that school districts already have policies and asked how the bill would work for routine donations, anonymous gifts, and situations that might require non-public discussion under right-to-know law. Wilson cited examples such as field-trip scholarships, backpack drives, and sports uniforms, and said the association was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails. Rep. Han said school boards may need to discuss some gifts in non-public session and that the bill should better address those circumstances.
On the early literacy amendment, Wilson and others questioned whether the program was sufficiently developed, whether it was appropriate to rely on a primarily online model for very young children, and how it would interact with special education services and IEPs. A representative from Waterford.org, Rob Riley, testified in support, saying the program would be supplementary, adaptive, and family-engagement based, and that Waterford could provide devices and internet access for families who need them. He said the program would work alongside school districts and IEP teams rather than replace existing services. No vote was taken during the hearing; the chair said the committee would later exec the bills and try to get reports in for the calendar.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- items at Goodwill Industries of New Mexico donation centers.
- Arrange for home pickup of donations or make a purchase at a Goodwill Industries store that helps New
- It is important to know that 88 cents of every dollar generated by the sale of donated items goes to
- So I encourage everyone to donate and to give back to Goodwill and their community. 100% of every dollar
- President, I want to end with every donation setting up New Mexicans for the ability to thrive at any
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee Oct 28th, 2025
A&B Finance Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- as people that just rely on donated money.
- To stock the shelves, we have to run a truck to pick up the donations.
- Supplies from us. 57% of our inventory is donated.
- Last year, we distributed 369,000 diapers; 60% of those were donated.
- Last year, 60% of the diapers were donated.
Summary:
The committee heard an interim study on expanding or simplifying sales tax exemptions for Oklahoma nonprofits. Representatives Stark and Schreiber said the issue has been filed repeatedly over several sessions and framed it as a bipartisan effort to keep more charitable dollars in service of communities rather than paying sales tax. Schreiber also suggested broader tax reform or an omnibus approach rather than continuing to add individual exemptions.
Marnie Taylor of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits gave an overview of the sector, describing nonprofits as a major part of the state economy and safety net, and argued that many organizations are highly regulated, under-resourced, and facing declining donations and funding. She said the current patchwork of exemptions is uneven and that a blanket or broader exemption would help organizations serving public needs. Committee members asked for sources behind some of the poverty, education, and health rankings cited in her presentation.
Several nonprofit leaders testified about how sales tax affects their operations. RG Foods described the cost of opening neighborhood grocery markets in food deserts and said sales tax on a Tulsa project would divert about $85,000 from programming. Jubilee Partners, Skyline Urban Outreach, the Pencil Box, the Tulsa Police Foundation, Blue Rose Ranch, and Legacy Parenting Center each explained how exemption status or the lack of it affects food assistance, school supplies, public safety equipment, animal rescue, and diapers and family support. Members asked follow-up questions about food desert definitions, budgets, and how much sales tax savings would change operations. No vote was taken in the excerpt, but the study concluded with closing remarks emphasizing that the exemption would keep more money in direct services and support the nonprofit sector statewide.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And the way it was worded was, you know, you can donate $20.
- But I think we need to make the distinction between an ask to opt in to a recurring donation and what
- You have to opt in to a recurring donation.
- You have to be reminded every time you make a donation; you have to have information on how to do it
- You have to, you have to opt-in to a recurring donation.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/11/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
- , and over one million platelet donations annually.
- Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
- , and over one million platelet donations annually.
- Blood donations: they do blood drives and collect blood, almost four and a half million blood donations
Summary:
The Senate convened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the prior journal and took up motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris moved to reconsider and restore Senate Print 3179A, an Environmental Conservation Law bill, to the third reading calendar, and amendments were also received on Senate Print 8491. The chamber then considered and adopted Resolution 1716, designating March 2026 as Greek History Month in New York, with remarks from several senators about Greek heritage, Greek independence, immigration, and the contributions of Greek Americans. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1607, proclaiming March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with extensive testimony praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood donation, preparedness work, and volunteers; several senators highlighted local volunteers and urged greater support for the organization, including budget resources. The Senate welcomed guests, including Red Cross representatives and students from Brooklyn, and later opened the resolutions for co-sponsorship.
The chamber then moved through the calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures affecting mental hygiene, elder law, penal law, public authorities, labor, public service, correction, education, election law, alcoholic beverage control, and state administrative procedure. Most bills passed by wide margins, though some drew recorded opposition, including the public authorities bill and several election, public service, and correction measures. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as a workplace dignity and anti-bullying measure, and Senator Ryan explained his support for the small-business regulatory website bill as a way to simplify access to agency rules and guidance. Senator Skoufis’s Public Health Law bill was also recalled from the Assembly, restored to the third reading calendar, and amended. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Mar 19th, 2025
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- OK, so we will go to Senate Bill 122 as amended, expand the prescription drug donation program, and um
- They also redefined recipient to mean patient, and it permits donations from individuals from out of
- state pursuant to the Board of Pharmacy rules to clarify that redistribution of donated prescription
- It also permits in-state and out-of-state pharmacies experienced in managing donated prescription drugs
- and requires that donated drugs have been inspected prior to dispensing.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Budget Commission Feb 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The agency is requesting $153,711,287 in the Grants and Donations Trust Fund and... $153,711,287 in the
- Grants and Donations Trust Fund and $205,175,676 in the Medical Care Trust Fund within the Medicaid
- in the Grants and Donations Trust Fund and $453,814,138 in the Medical Care Trust Fund to provide those
- The agency requests budget authority in the amount of $922,464,608 in the Grants and Donations Trust
- The agency is asking for budget authority in the amount of $13,550,101 in the Grants and Donations Trust
Summary:
The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present and considered 12 budget amendments, most of which were adopted without opposition. The first amendment transferred $8.2 million in Department of Corrections general revenue authority from salary incentives to contracted services to support the phased demobilization of Florida National Guard troops assisting with correctional staffing. Senator Pizzo questioned the length of the Guard’s deployment and urged a long-term staffing solution, while the department said the Guard presence was being reduced and that about 2,200 employees were in training. The Department of State received an additional $618,391 in federal grant authority for library grants and private cloud costs, and the Department of Transportation’s two amendments were zero-sum work program changes: one realigned funds to production-ready projects and another added three projects over $3 million each to the current-year work program.
The commission then approved several Agency for Health Care Administration amendments tied to Medicaid supplemental payment programs. These included funding for the Florida Cancer Hospital Program, indirect medical education payments, disproportionate share hospital payments for the state mental hospitals, the Low-Income Pool program, physician supplemental and public hospital payments, Florida KidCare, and Medicaid services realignment. Members asked about possible federal disallowances in the LIP and physician/public hospital programs, and agency staff said some disallowances were likely but the amount was not yet known. For KidCare and Medicaid, staff explained the changes were based on the December estimating conference, enrollment shifts, and updated actuarial assumptions, including changes to managed care regions and program design.
The final amendment restored budget authority for a hospital direct payment program after a prior payment, including a $24.3 million CMS-related amount and $3.2 million in administrative fees, was not processed before fiscal year-end and reverted. Senator Pizzo pressed the agency on how the payment was missed and whether any penalty applied; staff said the invoice was not received and processed in time and that communication issues contributed. After brief debate on each item, the commission adopted all amendments, with one recorded nay on the final item, and then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (05/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's really based on gifts and donations.
- Um so uh no state funds would donations.
- and mechanism, you did mention donations and mechanism, you did mention donations to<00:15:51.680
- guess it uh obviously if you're donating guess it uh obviously if you're donating to<00:25:58.159
- <00:27:07.840>
or where school boards accept donations or where school boards accept donations
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 69, including a germane amendment about local school boards’ acceptance or rejection of gifts and donations and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Rep. Cordelli said the early literacy proposal was a modified version of an earlier kindergarten readiness bill, would rely on gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements. Members questioned the shift from a broader technology program to an online-only model, the lack of detailed evaluation metrics, how long children would use the program, and whether it was appropriate for very young children. Cordelli said the change was intended to avoid government dependence and still allow the program to be offered next school year.
Several members raised concerns about the gift-acceptance language on the underlying bill, including whether school boards would need to vote on small donations, whether gifts could be handled in blocks or at regular meetings, and how anonymous donations would work under right-to-know laws. Rep. Han noted that some gift discussions might belong in non-public session under RSA 91-A, while Rep. Cornell said acceptance or rejection of gifts could be handled at regular meetings and suggested a dollar threshold could be added later. The New Hampshire School Boards Association said it was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails, policy guidance, and clarification on timing, anonymity, and public-meeting requirements.
Supporters of the early childhood program, including Waterford.org, said the proposal would provide an evidence-based, adaptive online literacy program with family engagement for four- and five-year-olds, and that it could help close early learning gaps. Waterford said it could work collaboratively with school districts and IEP teams, and that it would provide devices and internet access for families who need them. Committee members pressed on how the program would interact with existing special education services and whether districts could use it as part of an IEP; the response was that it would be supplementary and not an approved special education service. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair indicated the committee would later executive the bills and try to get reports filed promptly.