Video & Transcript : 'first grade' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/19/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, first up, we have Senate File 4379.
- </c> first 21 days. first 21 days. Senator<00:26:17.040><c> Bar.
- In eighth grade, I stood on the House floor for the first time during Youth in Government.
- In eighth grade, I stood on the House floor for the first time during Youth in Government.
- In eighth grade, I stood on the House floor for the first time during Youth in Government.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh first, the problem in two ways.
- ><c> is</c><00:37:40.560><c> for</c> Actually my first question is for Actually my first question is
- Um, so does this mean a Fate first.
- Graves first. Mr. Graves first. All right. Uh, Mr. Graves. Thank you, Mr. Chair, members.
- </c> challenges under the first amendment. challenges under the first amendment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (02/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Some programs are administered first come, first served, and some are administered so that distribution
- Some programs are first come, first served; others are distributed on a pro rata basis.
- Some programs are administered first come, first served, and some are administered so that distribution
- We may be open enrollment for sixth grade but not fifth grade or fourth grade due to various issues.
- ><c> various</c> grade or fourth grade due to various grade or fourth grade due to various issues<03:
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 659, which would establish the New Hampshire College Graduate Retention Incentive Program. A Department of Revenue Administration analyst explained technical issues in the bill, focusing on whether the incentive is intended to operate as a rebate or a tax credit, how it would be administered, and how it would interact with the business enterprise tax and business profits tax. She said the bill’s language was unclear on the administering agency, effective tax years, caps, and carry-forward treatment, and noted that reducing BET can also reduce the BET credit against BPT, though not on a one-for-one basis. Committee members asked follow-up questions about the BET/BPT interaction, administrative costs, and whether the Department of Business and Economic Affairs would need additional staffing. Andrew Horn then testified in support, saying the bill is meant to address the large number of New Hampshire college graduates who leave the state after graduation by encouraging them to stay and by incentivizing businesses to hire them. The chair closed the hearing on HB 659 after no further public testimony.
The committee then took up HB 770, a bill to establish a program allowing New Hampshire high school students to earn tuition credits at state higher education institutions through community service. Representative Schultz described the bill as a “triple play” intended to increase volunteerism, expand service and internship opportunities for students, and make college more affordable. Ryan Casey, a junior at Bishop Brady High School, testified that the proposal would help students reduce future loan debt while benefiting communities and encouraging young people to attend college in New Hampshire. Committee members asked about eligibility, including why private and preparatory school students were excluded, whether public school students would qualify, whether mandatory service hours would count, and how the bill’s references to education and business eligibility should be read. Schultz said the exclusion of private and prep schools was intended because public school students are more clearly New Hampshire residents, and she noted that mandatory school service hours had been excluded in revisions. The Department of Education then testified that the program would require significant administration, estimating at least three full-time staff, software or tracking systems, and rulemaking to oversee volunteer sites, schools, student eligibility, and tuition credit distribution. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the hearing remained in testimony phase.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 51 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members and guests are asked to join the third grade class. Thank you.
- Murphy School, the third grade class.
- First question is on the amendment offered by Ways and Means.
- First division, 22.
- I first want to thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your leadership on this issue.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed students from the Frederick C. Murphy School in Weymouth, along with other guests introduced by members. The chamber then suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including proposals on alcohol labeling for beers consumed on premises, parity in funding for regional vocational and traditional public schools, and legal protections for victims of childhood sexual abuse.
The main floor business was House No. 4187, An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth’s Cannabis Laws, reported by Ways and Means as a substitute bill. Members speaking in support described it as a comprehensive overhaul of the Cannabis Control Commission and the state’s cannabis and hemp regulatory framework. The bill would reduce and restructure the CCC, expand options for cannabis businesses and social equity operators, raise license and ownership caps, remove the vertical integration requirement for medical marijuana, and create stronger rules for hemp and CBD products, including a ban on unregulated intoxicating hemp products and a new regulatory structure for allowable hemp beverages and CBD items.
Several amendments were offered and adopted by roll call, including changes narrowing the hemp beverage ban from 11 ounces to 7.5 ounces, requiring out-of-state testing labs to be certified in good standing with the commission, and other technical revisions. After debate, the House passed H. 4187 to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 153-0. The chamber also passed to be engrossed two sick leave bank bills, for Andrew Satara and Dana Johnson, and ordered House No. 1590, establishing a sick leave bank for Eric J. Wenaka, to a third reading. The House then adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjourned.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- The first one there is statewide guidance and direction.
- The first one there is statewide guidance and direction.
- The first one there is statewide guidance and direction.
- So the first one on the left, again, as Rep.
- She began experiencing anxiety in seventh grade.
Bills:
HB1634
Keywords:
mental health, behavioral support, education, school districts, student assistance, 904, all
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 19 Mar 4th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If you remember correctly, last year they were here, and they won the school's first state championship
- It's the eighth grade at Pocola. We've got with us today Jeremy Jackson.
- And then, on top of that, we've got 45 beautiful, smart students from Pocola eighth grade.
- Beautiful, smart students from Pocola eighth grade. Y'all stand up.
- If a DA, if there's a court case, they can prohibit them being able to practice the first time, correct
Bills:
HB4358, HB2398, HB3557, HB3129, HB3312, HB2210, HB1937, HB3021, HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464, HB3552, HB2984, HB4124, HB3934, HB3448, HB3131, HB4200, HB4201, HB3011, HB1912, HB3380, HB3881, HB3538, HB3851, HB3907, HB4430, HB4431, HB4457, HB2947, HB2951, HB2980, HB3082, HB3519, HB3644, HB3882, HB3661, HB3996, HB4335
Keywords:
screen time, education, public schools, child development, digital learning, youth health, academic performance, credential of value, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, free expression, colleges, security fees, public forums
Summary:
The House convened, took the roll, heard an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of introductions and floor presentations recognizing visitors, students, local officials, and the Luther cheer team. The chamber also introduced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Lydia Dennis, and several members made personal announcements later in the day.
The House then considered and passed several bills, mostly by wide margins. Measures included HB 2947 on behavioral health, allowing Medicaid billing for supervised mental health interns; HB 2951 cleaning up Department of Corrections prison listings in statute; HB 2980 allowing DMVs to accept valid physical proof of insurance; HB 382 barring fire departments from employing people who must register as sex offenders; HB 3519 changing the abandoned medical marijuana grow cleanup process from a bond to a fee; HB 3644, the Blake Burgess Act, requiring clot and embolism training and reporting; HB 3882 creating a revolving fund for ODOT lake and industrial access grants; HB 3661 removing a sunset from the forestry equipment tax provision; and HB 3996 memorializing OIDS obligations in capital appeal cases. Several bills drew brief questions about fiscal impact or implementation, and title-striking motions were made on some measures.
The most debated item was HB 4335 on pet shops and local regulation. Supporters said it created a framework for municipalities and counties to regulate pet shops without outright bans, while opponents argued it undermined local control and favored a commercial retailer. After debate from both sides, the bill passed 60-26. The House also adopted the emergency on HB 3882, and at the end of the day the chamber adjourned until March 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Diagnosed lifetime psychosis have their first episode in that 17 and 25 range.
- So the first one on the left, again, as Rep.
- I will never forget the first time I heard that in this committee.
- I saw that firsthand in my district when I was only in eighth grade.
- She began experiencing anxiety in seventh grade.
Summary:
The House Education Committee held a work session on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and its school-based behavioral health and suicide prevention subgroup, followed by a public hearing on House Bill 1634, as amended in a proposed second substitute. Work group leaders Lisa Callan and Tisha Kirschbaum described the group’s statewide, cross-agency structure, its Washington Thriving strategic plan, and the goal of moving toward a more integrated “system of care” for children and youth. They emphasized that behavioral health, physical health, and education are interconnected, that families and schools often face a fragmented system, and that Washington’s youth flourishing outcomes show a need for stronger supports. Committee members raised concerns about regional disparities, rural access, language and cultural responsiveness, and the burden on schools and educators, while the presenters stressed that schools should be supported to identify needs and connect students to outside clinical services rather than carry the full burden themselves.
Representative My-Linh Thai and Christian Stark then outlined the school-based subgroup’s work and recommendations. They said the subgroup meets monthly, includes students, parents, educators, providers, and agencies, and has focused on prevention, early identification, early intervention, and crisis response in schools. For the 2026 session, the subgroup recommended maintaining current investments in school behavioral health programs, strengthening statewide guidance on school behavioral health, and creating a coordinated technical assistance and training network for schools. They explained that the proposed substitute for HB 1634 would direct OSPI and the educational service districts to work with behavioral health agencies and community partners to conduct a needs assessment, map resources, and build a statewide framework for technical assistance and training, with public posting required by August 1, 2027. Testimony in support came from school staff, OSPI, behavioral health professionals, students, parents, and advocacy groups, who described high student anxiety, suicide risk, staffing shortages, and the need for coordinated, accessible supports. One witness from a psychiatric watchdog group opposed the bill, arguing it could increase labeling and drugging rather than holistic care. No vote was taken in the transcript provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- ; fourth-grade students from Penri Hill School, guests of Representatives Megan and Seaworth; and fourth-grade
- </c> Megan and seaworth and fourth grade Megan and seaworth and fourth grade students<00:10:18.720><c
- </c><03:34:09.439><c> EFA</c> status quo crowd since the first EFA status quo crowd since the first EFA
- </c> it from happening in the first it from happening in the first place<03:47:36.040><c> this</c><03
- first to share what we heard.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Our first testifier will be by telephone, Sierra Clark. Oops, I started her before she's here.
- Should we go to one of them on the other side first? Yeah, whenever you need to do.
- Our first testifier will be by telephone, Sierra Clark.
- Should we go to one of them on the other side first? Yeah, whenever you need to do.
- and less can do math at grade level.
Summary:
The House Education Committee first considered RS 33118, which would repeal Idaho Digital Learning Academy’s current statutory framework. Rep. Elaine Price argued the program had expanded beyond its original rural purpose, had weak oversight, and was costly, while several members objected that IDLA serves both rural and urban students and provides a high-quality, cost-effective option. After discussion, the motion to introduce the RS failed on a tie vote.
The committee then heard RS 33604, a more limited proposal from Rep. Doug Pickett to preserve IDLA for rural districts while changing its board, adding audits and transparency, limiting virtual charter participation, and reducing “double dipping.” Supporters called it a middle-ground approach; opponents said it still cut funding too sharply and did not fully account for the program’s value. The committee voted to introduce the RS, with the motion passing on a narrow roll-call vote.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 794, which would require student walkouts or absences for political protest to be treated as unexcused absences and reported to state officials. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect instructional time and clarify attendance rules, while opponents argued it would chill student speech, burden schools, and conflict with parental rights and constitutional protections. Testimony was split between supporters who viewed the bill as a reasonable attendance rule and opponents, including students, parents, school board representatives, and advocacy groups, who defended walkouts as civic engagement. After debate, the motion to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation failed on a tie vote.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 8, February 18, 2026-AM 2
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. >> Representative Angelos first time. >> First for a second. >> First for a second. >> Representative
- Representative Haroldson, first time. First for a second. Representative Yen, first time. Mr.
- </c> Provenza for your first Provenza for your first >> first<02:03:10.560><c> for</c><02:03:10.719
- </c> >> first for a second. >> first for a second.
- </c> Posey for your first time. Posey for your first time.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Learn more about the Minnesota Youth in Government program! Feb 3rd, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The program is open to eligible 8th through 12th grade students and begins annually in the fall when
- My eighth grade year, I went. It was my first year. I was scared.
- In eighth grade, we had representatives from the high school come over and they explained a little bit
Summary:
The transcript is a promotional overview of Minnesota Youth and Government, a four-day mock state government conference held each January at the Minnesota State Capitol Complex and the Hilton in downtown Minneapolis. It explains that eligible 8th through 12th grade students from Minnesota and western Wisconsin participate through school or community delegations, which meet during the year to prepare for the conference.
Participants described the program as a hands-on way to learn how state government works and to build skills in public speaking, debate, leadership, scheduling, and interviewing. High school students can take on roles such as legislators, judges, attorneys, lobbyists, media representatives, or cabinet members, while eighth graders participate in a leadership corps that samples multiple program areas. Several speakers emphasized the value of meeting students from different schools and states, hearing new perspectives, and gaining access to spaces like the House Chamber.
The transcript includes personal testimonials from students and program alumni about making friends, gaining confidence, and learning from committee and floor debates. One speaker noted a committee discussion on curriculum that brought in views from teachers, students, and families. A representative from Shakopee said the district has one of the largest delegations, with over 150 students involved, and praised the program as a way to prepare future leaders. No formal legislative votes or actions were taken, since this was an informational segment about the youth program.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> There it would be allowable and certain grades, right?
- first, raise your children.
- First of all, to be in yours for we reference somewhere else.
- Where does the First Amendment Foundation stand under Bill?
- First up. So you are recognized. >> Okay. So good afternoon.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 10 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> grade.
- </c> through eighth grade. through eighth grade.
- the ninth grade.
- the ninth grade.
- </c> >> Okay,<02:14:21.960><c> first</c> >> Okay, first >> Okay, first Senator<02:14
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Getting a first level of nursing degree as CTE.
- I think the best example is that first level of auto mechanics.
- LESC has added a 0.05 to the formula for 6th grade through 12th grade.
- I used your first name; I shouldn't have done that. Mr.
- And Senator, yes, you will be first on Friday.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Live Feed Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Knox is the district's first female person of color leading the district. Dr.
- He became the first child in Missouri to receive a medical marijuana card.
- May I inquire of, first, the gentleman from Douglas.
- What this does is, first of all, it raises the age from 17 to 18, I saw, right?
- For rape, it goes from currently 5 to 30, first degree, and this goes to 10 to 30.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal by roll call, and recognized a Black History Month tribute to Dr. Penelope Martin Knox, superintendent of Raytown C-2 Schools. Members also introduced guests, including the day’s pledge leader Adeline Overcast and visitors from a rural hospital in Rolla. Several new bills were read for the first time, including measures on blind pensions, first responder harassment, and flag display at the state capitol, and committee reports were received recommending passage of several deferred measures.
The chamber then took up multiple third-reading bills. House Bill 2596, concerning multiple employee self-insured health plans for small businesses, passed 145-0 after supporters said it would help small employers offer affordable coverage. House Bill 1644, addressing franchise employment liability and joint-employer issues, passed 103-45 after debate over whether it would unfairly limit workers’ rights to sue franchisors. House Bill 2423, dealing with Division of Finance licensing fees and oversight, passed 146-0 despite concerns about fee increases. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2641, which aligns state law with federal restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived products, passed 109-34 after extensive debate over whether the bill unfairly carves out beverages and harms hemp businesses. House Bill 2498, a juvenile justice reform measure shifting some certification-related responsibilities and expanding information sharing, passed 100-44 after supporters argued it would improve accountability and opponents warned it would politicize juvenile cases and burden treatment facilities. House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2637 and 3155, a sentencing bill increasing mandatory minimums and clarifying time-served and parole eligibility, passed 102-45 amid debate over whether it was truly a transparency measure or an increase in punishment.
The House also debated House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolution 154, a proposed constitutional amendment tied to Medicaid expansion/work requirements. Supporters said it would encourage work and reduce administrative costs, while opponents argued it would undermine Medicaid expansion and risk coverage for vulnerable residents. After a previous-question motion, the resolution passed 99-48. The session ended with announcements about upcoming committee meetings, a Black History Celebration, and other caucus and committee gatherings, followed by adjournment until Monday afternoon.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Our first panelist is Secretary Alex Kelly from the Florida Department of Commerce.
- First of all, policy, tactical, here's exactly what we can do.
- And I first want to say how proud I am to have you and your industry in Pinellas County.
- And I first want to say how proud I am to have you and your industry in Pinellas County.
- Because they don't know the first thing about it until they're exposed to it.
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee met to hear an overview of its jurisdiction and then focused primarily on Florida manufacturing. Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly described manufacturing as central to a more resilient, diversified economy, citing the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report and noting strong growth in manufacturing businesses, jobs, exports, and workforce programs. He emphasized that most Florida manufacturers are small businesses, that the sector is increasingly STEM- and technology-driven, and that the state’s main challenge is workforce aging and the need to retain trained talent. Members also discussed how to better expose students and parents to manufacturing careers, improve startup access to capital, and strengthen regional manufacturing corridors and transportation links.
Kevin Carr of FloridaMakes said Florida is on track to become a top-five manufacturing state, but warned that productivity, technology adoption, and workforce shortages remain key issues. He said a proposed manufacturing bill would create a chief manufacturing officer and help address workforce, technology, and market-visibility challenges. Bain Beecher of PGT Innovations described the company’s growth and community role, but highlighted obstacles such as affordable housing, insurance costs, permitting delays, supply-chain disruptions, and limited awareness of manufacturing careers among students and parents. Andrew Kosowski of Veterans Metal focused on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, citing labor shortages, the cost of adopting new technology, regulatory burdens, and cybersecurity compliance as major pressures, and urged support for the draft manufacturing bill.
Brian Giuliani of the Port of Tampa Bay outlined the port’s cargo mix, infrastructure investments, and role in moving fuel, construction materials, and manufactured goods, saying the port’s expansion and transloading plans could better connect Florida manufacturers to suppliers and markets. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need to promote manufacturing careers earlier in school, improve public perception of the industry, and reduce barriers to investment. No formal vote was taken during the discussion, but the panelists broadly supported the draft manufacturing legislation and the committee’s focus on manufacturing policy.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- If the page would bring them here first.
- Our first testifier will be by telephone, Sierra Clark. Oops, I started her before she’s here.
- Should we go to one of them on the other side first? Yeah, whenever you need to do.
- The first is in section 2B, which removes excused absences for participation with questions.
- and less can do math at grade level.
Summary:
The House Education Committee took up two RS requests related to Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA). RS 33118, offered by Rep. Price, proposed repealing IDLA’s current statutory structure amid concerns about its growing budget, oversight, board composition, and what she described as double funding and expanded use beyond its original rural-school purpose. Several members objected that IDLA serves both rural and urban students and provides quality online courses; after debate, the motion to introduce the RS failed on a tie vote. Rep. Pickett then presented RS 33604 as a middle-ground alternative that would preserve IDLA for rural schools, allow some pay-to-play access for others, remove virtual charter schools from participation, add auditing and transparency, and address double-dipping concerns. Members praised the effort but raised concerns about funding cuts and the impact on rural districts; the motion to introduce this RS also failed on a tie vote.
The committee then heard House Bill 794, which would require student walkouts or absences for political protest to be treated as unexcused absences and reported to state officials. Supporters, including the sponsor Rep. Tanner, argued the bill would protect instructional time, clarify attendance rules, and prevent students from leaving class to protest during the school day. Testifiers in support said schools should not be used to promote activism and that parents and districts need clear guidance. Opponents, including students, parents, and education groups, argued the bill would chill First Amendment activity, interfere with parental rights, create enforcement problems, and conflict with existing law and the Tinker v. Des Moines framework. They also noted that absences already count against attendance regardless of whether they are excused.
During committee discussion, members debated whether the bill would apply to charter schools, whether it conflicted with constitutional protections for student speech, and whether it was necessary at all. Some members supported the bill as a way to keep students in class and avoid using children as political tools, while others said it singled out political speech and lacked a sufficient state interest. Rep. Hostetler moved to send HB 794 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, but after a roll call vote the motion failed on a tie vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Republican Media Availability 3/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Live Feed Feb 19th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Knox is the district's first female person of color leading the district. Dr.
- He became the first child in Missouri to receive a medical marijuana card.
- May inquire of first the gentleman from Douglas.
- What this does is, first of all, it raises the age from 17 to 18, I saw, right?
- Gentlemen, well, based on, as I indicated, I first of all wanted to lay out some facts.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous journal by roll call. Members then offered personal privilege remarks honoring Dr. Penelope Martin Knox of Raytown Schools for Black History Month and introduced guests, including Adeline Overcast, who was made a page for the day, and visitors from a rural hospital in Rolla. Several new bills were first read, including measures on blind pensions, penalties for impeding first responders, and flag display in the state capitol.
The chamber then took up multiple third-reading bills. House Bill 2596, dealing with multiple employee self-insured health plans for small businesses, passed unanimously after supporters said it would help small employers offer affordable health coverage. House Bill 1644, addressing franchisor liability and joint-employer issues, passed 103-45 after debate over whether it protected small businesses or limited workers’ ability to sue franchisors. House Bill 2423, increasing funding for the Division of Finance through fee authority, passed 146-0 despite concerns about higher costs being passed on to consumers. House Bill 2641, regulating intoxicating hemp-derived products and aligning state law with federal changes, drew extensive debate over a beverage carve-out, impacts on hemp businesses, and public safety; it passed 109-34.
The House also passed House Bills 2498 and the combined House Bills 2637 and 3155. HB 2498, a juvenile justice reform bill shifting some referral responsibilities to prosecutors and expanding information sharing, passed 100-44 after strong debate over whether it would politicize juvenile cases and overburden treatment facilities, versus claims it would improve accountability and public safety. The combined sentencing bill, HB 2637/3155, passed 102-45 amid disagreement over whether it was truly a transparency measure or instead increased mandatory minimums and reduced judicial discretion.
Finally, the House considered House Joint Resolution 154, which opponents described as an attack on Medicaid expansion tied to work requirements. Supporters argued it would encourage able-bodied recipients to work, volunteer, or attend school and reduce administrative costs, while opponents warned it would increase bureaucracy and risk coverage losses for vulnerable Missourians. The transcript ends during the procedural vote on the previous question for HJR 154, before the final disposition is shown.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So we have to have the testimony first? New learning curve. We have some testimony.
- The first is student behavior.
- I can tell you the first part, but does anybody have the percentage?
- Visit an eighth-grade classroom that things aren't going well. That's horrible.
- So our students, even in their first class they take in the education program, or purpose.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 515, which would require school districts to adopt procedures for reporting serious bullying/harassment incidents to families. The sponsor explained that earlier versions of the bill had included language about limiting access to means of harm and notifying law enforcement if conduct rose to a criminal act, but those provisions were removed after prior concerns in the House and Senate. Testimony in support came from the Idaho School Boards Association, which said the bill would improve communication, accountability, and trust while keeping reporting requirements at the local level. The committee asked about whether sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct would be covered; the sponsor said Idaho’s existing harassment, intimidation, and bullying statute is broad enough to include those situations. The committee then voted to send House Bill 515 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The remainder of the meeting featured a presentation from the Idaho Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and Dr. Brooke Blevins of the University of Idaho on educator preparation in Idaho. She described collaboration among Idaho’s higher education institutions and state education agencies, and highlighted recent program changes in six areas: classroom management and student behavior, educator ethics, career and technical education, rural teacher preparation, literacy/science of reading, and artificial intelligence. She said programs are adding coursework, field experiences, and professional development in these areas, and emphasized support for rural placements and ongoing teacher mentoring.
Members asked several questions about literacy instruction, including why the state needed additional spending after prior literacy investments. Dr. Blevins said teacher preparation programs do teach the science of reading, but ongoing professional development is needed because many current teachers were trained under older methods such as whole language. She also explained that the state’s literacy initiative funds go to the Department of Education rather than directly to universities. Other questions addressed how teachers are certified in Idaho and whether institutions track outcomes across different education pathways; Dr. Blevins outlined traditional, alternative, graduate, apprenticeship, and CTE-related routes, and said about 63% of current Idaho teachers were educated through Idaho higher education educator preparation programs. The meeting ended with general comments about the importance of early field experiences and classroom management, and the chair adjourned the meeting.