Transcript Highlights:

• I was hoping that in the testimony from other people the charters would come up because they actually
• So when one of these special needs children goes to a charter school, that really puts them in a bind
• Training for districts and charters.
• will be high-performing... ...districts and charters.
• Charter schools were brought into the state to be the incubators of change.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1288, which would create a high-cost special education student fund to reimburse school districts for extraordinary special education expenses above $30,000 per student. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is a response to federal and state obligations to serve students with disabilities, and that the initial $5 million appropriation would provide limited relief to districts, especially rural and charter schools, that must absorb unpredictable costs. Testifiers from school districts, Idaho Parents Unlimited, parents, and Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind described very high costs for aides, therapies, assistive technology, and specialized services, and said the bill would help districts maintain services for all students. Some members raised concerns about whether schools are being asked to provide health-related services and about the long-term fiscal burden, but the bill was advanced to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also took up Senate Bill 1339, which would replace the current continuous improvement plan framework with strategic performance plans and related training for districts and charters. The sponsor and supporters argued that the bill would encourage long-term goal setting, stakeholder involvement, annual review, and more local flexibility, while reducing redundant reporting and focusing oversight on schools that are not meeting goals. Supporters said many high-performing districts already use similar practices and that the bill would help align resources with student outcomes. One testifier said her district already has strategic and continuous improvement plans and questioned whether the proposal added value without new funding, while another superintendent said the bill improved clarity and community engagement. The committee voted to send Senate Bill 1339 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and also approved the March 12 and March 13 minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Representative, currently there are two charter schools that went through a rigorous process.
• And the reason for that is because, like Representative said, we have a couple of full-time charter,
• virtual charter schools.
• One of those charter schools moved its headquarters from Carlsbad, which is not a rural district, to
• Not all charters and districts have completed the survey yet.

Committee: Senate House Education

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 47, the school employee insurance “80-20” bill, which would require school districts and charter schools to pay 80% of employee health insurance premiums, bringing K-12 employees into parity with other public employees. Supporters from school superintendents, school boards, charter schools, teachers, AFT, NIA, and labor groups said the bill would improve recruitment and retention, reduce the burden of rising premiums, and increase take-home pay, especially in rural districts. One amendment proposed by Senator Ramos would have expanded the bill to require a cooperative purchasing process and more insurance options, but it was opposed as a structural change not vetted for this bill and was withdrawn. The committee then approved HB 47 on a roll-call vote and sent it to the Senate floor. The committee next took up House Bill 253, the public education changes bill, which focuses on full-time virtual education and related funding issues. The sponsor and education officials said the bill preserves virtual learning options, requires districts and charters to report virtual enrollment, creates an evaluation/certification process for full-time virtual programs, and includes a temporary funding fix to address budget shortfalls caused by virtual enrollment growth. Testimony from school leaders and boards supported the compromise, noting the need to avoid a statewide loss in unit value while also addressing the Gallup-McKinley situation and other funding distortions. Several senators raised concerns about impacts on small rural districts, out-of-state students, and the treatment of full-time virtual students in rural-unit calculations, but officials said emergency supplemental funding could address shortfalls and that a broader study would be done in the interim. The committee then passed HB 253 on a roll-call vote and advanced it to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:59.360><c> and</c> director of the Division of Fish and director of the Division of Fish and
• ,</c> There is enough space for both fishing, There is enough space for both fishing, recreating,<00:
• Have Are there animals, fish, or Have Are there animals, fish, or wildlife<00:36:18.840><c> that</c><
• And so, really, part that can kill fish.
• </c> it's if it's animals, if it's the fish it's if it's animals, if it's the fish and<00:42:19.400><

Bills: HF3426 , HF3896 , HF1426 , HF3793 , HF4061 , HF4246

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, wild rice, watercraft regulation, environmental protection, aquatic ecosystems, HF1426, product stewardship, extended producer responsibility, EPR, electronics recycling, e-waste, battery recycling, circuit boards, printed circuit boards, electrical products, covered products

Transcript Highlights:

• ILA is a virtual online public charter school based out of Malad City, Idaho, and it's authorized by
• ILA does not fall under the Charter School Commission because it is a district-authorized charter school
• We compared ILA to two other large virtual schools that are charter schools operating under the same
• flow to the charter school itself.
• ILA has only been a charter school for the past two school years, I believe.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Both of my kids attended district and charter schools during their K-12 experience.
• And I can attest that my kids went to district and charter schools over the years.
• And I can attest that my kids went to district and charter schools over the years. that my kids went
• to district and charter schools over the years.
• We asked Senator Gowan to run this bill at the request of school districts and charters.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But IDLA is not a virtual charter school.
• But IDLA is not a virtual charter school. So here's some ways that we differ.
• school, their in-person charter school, wherever they attend.
• Many of them may also be under contract in their district or in a charter school.
• , virtual charter school.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first considered RS 33030 C2, introduced by Representative Doug Pickett, which would add transparency and accountability requirements for virtual education programs, especially Idaho Home Learning Academy. He said the proposal would require school board approval of contracts with education service providers, confirm Idaho residency for students, require state standards for curriculum, disclose services and costs, address conflicts of interest, prohibit direct payments to parents, require certified teachers, and define eligible uses for supplemental learning funds. The committee voted to introduce the RS. Superintendent Jeff Simmons then presented on Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA), describing it as the state virtual program created to provide choice, access, flexibility, quality, and equity through supplemental online courses. He said IDLA is funded mainly by a per-enrollment state appropriation and course fees, serves all students statewide, uses Idaho-certified teachers and principals, and offers a broad catalog including core classes, electives, dual credit, CTE, credit recovery, LaunchPad literacy support, and open educational resources. Anthony Butler, superintendent of Cambridge School District, testified that IDLA has been valuable for a small rural district by expanding course offerings, supporting dual credit, credit recovery, and helping students stay on track to graduate. Members questioned Simmons extensively about IDLA’s original purpose, its growth in budget and enrollment, teacher pay, audits, accountability, use by homeschool and private school students, and whether the program is serving rural students as intended. Simmons said the program remains supplemental, that most courses are asynchronous, that teachers are part-time and paid per enrollment, and that IDLA undergoes annual independent audits and reporting. He also said a proposed $10 million cut would significantly reduce services, likely affecting rural schools and programs like LaunchPad. The committee did not take a vote on IDLA during this portion, but the chair indicated further budget discussions would continue later.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I also know the Game and Fish do the same thing. They have a foundation, too.
• We're looking at having a March meeting in Lone Oak at the fish hatchery and having a tour of that fish
• I talked to the director of Game and Fish about perhaps doing that next month.
• Hi. oak at the fish hatchery and having a tour of that fish hatchery there.
• I talked to the director of the game and fish about perhaps doing that next month. Okay.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about efforts to reduce vehicle pursuits and fleeing from law enforcement. Members discussed prior legislation that made fleeing a felony and enhanced penalties when suspects exit moving vehicles, and the State Police reported those changes, along with a social media/public service campaign and work with prosecutors, were associated with a 29% decline in pursuits from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. Members also asked about a recent mistaken PIT/TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; the agency said the family was not injured, had requested privacy, and the trooper involved was terminated. The committee also received an overview of the Arkansas State Police Foundation, which funds scholarships, emergency assistance for troopers’ families, and facilities and training support, with no lobbying role reported. The committee then heard from the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training on officer decertification and hiring accountability. Director Chris Chapman explained that every officer separation must be reported, that files are flagged when conduct may warrant decertification even if it does not meet that threshold, and that hiring agencies must be told about prior misconduct before they can add an officer to their roster. He said the commission now receives more decertification requests than before, with requests rising from 158 in the prior three-year period to 256 in the last three years, and that 147 officers were pending hearings, down from a prior backlog that had stretched to about four and a half years. He also said the commission meets every other month for two-day hearings, and that most decertifications involve integrity or honesty issues. Members asked about open investigations, citizen complaints, appeals, and public access to decertification records. Chapman said resignations during internal affairs or criminal investigations are flagged, citizen complaints are usually handled through supervisors, chiefs, sheriffs, or prosecutors and may lead to decertification review if warranted, and decertified officers can appeal to circuit court. He added that decertification records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and may be used in civil claims. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee meeting at the fish hatchery in Lonoke.

Transcript Highlights:

• People do not choose public and charter schools for Bible education.
• Although I am usually against regulating charter schools in any way,...
• And that relates to the role of government in regulating charter schools.
• Charter schools are government-issued charters.
• and districts will and will not do, because they're government-issued charters.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day, guests, and visiting student groups. Members also made several personal privilege remarks, including birthday recognitions and comments about Easter and Arizona’s role in the Artemis moon program. The chamber then took up several Senate bills on third reading. SB 1126, relating to educational records, passed 31-17. SB 1252, relating to assignment for benefit of creditors, passed 48-1. SB 1479, relating to real property and photo ID for official acts, passed 49-0, with one member explaining support for photo identification. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole for additional measures. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and advanced SB 1099 on defamation and online publication, SB 1107 on public safety and law enforcement, SB 1148 on judiciary matters, SB 1294 on property tax treatment of destroyed property, and SB 1366 on transportation and infrastructure. The committee also considered SB 1237 on election procedures manuals, SB 1243 on notice to guardians in court-ordered treatment releases, SB 1281 on notice of federal land acquisitions, SB 1586 on government matters, and SB 1741 on school release time for religious instruction and academic credit. Several bills drew debate over free speech, election administration, guardianship rights, federal land transactions, and religious accommodation in schools, but all were ultimately recommended do pass. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, placing SBs 1237, 1243, 1281, 1586, and 1741 on third reading and engrossing or advancing the other measures as required. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Charter schools are not political subdivisions.
• Natalie: In addition, while charter schools are not political subdivisions, the charter school at issue
• Stroma: Oh, what makes this a corporation is that it's a charter school.
• Commissioner: It's a charter school, okay. And she doesn't work there.
• Charter school is not a...

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission convened at 9:03 a.m. and held an executive session, reconvening at 10:18 a.m. During the meeting, the Commission approved a settlement agreement with Michael Quinn Sullivan, ending ongoing litigation. The agreement involved Sullivan dropping his legal challenges regarding a civil penalty previously imposed by the Commission. The Commission also announced personnel changes, including the departure of the director of enforcement, Marie Prim, and the appointment of Jordan Hun as interim director. The Commission discussed outside counsel contracts, approving the addition of Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP to their pool of qualified vendors. They scheduled their next meeting for September 23rd and approved minutes from previous meetings. The agenda included several rulemaking items, with three rules adopted and five proposed for publication in the Texas Register. Notably, amendments to Chapter 20 regarding reporting contributions and expenditures were approved, as well as changes to lobbyist registration thresholds in Chapter 34, which were proposed for publication. The Commission also addressed advisory opinions, adopting several, including one regarding political advertising by charter schools and another concerning the revolving door prohibition for former state employees. Appeals for administrative waivers and reductions of fines were considered, with several fines waived or reduced based on individual circumstances. Lastly, the Commission discussed policies related to alternative dispute resolution and clarified responsibilities between the Commission and staff, concluding the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where in the budget is the transportation allocation for charter schools?
• There is no transportation funding line item for charter schools.
• a charter school.
• Not listed there is the charter entity that may be operating.
• This will be for all public schools, which include charter schools.

Summary: The House took up a series of Senate messages and concurred in several amendments before passing multiple bills. Early actions included unanimous passage of CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after removing a Senate-added trust-account provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties in business ownership after trimming registration requirements. The chamber also insisted on its housing amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 after the Senate refused to concur. A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation. The House adopted an amendment restoring two teacher-prep courses, preserving the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College in partnership with USF, and modifying the teacher candidate testing framework and mentor qualifications. Supporters said it reduced barriers while keeping standards; opponents raised concerns about the remaining “identity politics” language and other provisions. The bill then passed 91-22. The House also passed HB 1101 on out-of-network providers after adopting a House amendment that kept the original bill’s notice and referral provisions with a good-cause exemption, despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors. Later, the chamber approved CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, with members highlighting debris management, emergency planning, crane safety, and hurricane recovery provisions; it passed unanimously. The House then rejected concurrence in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration, and later spent substantial time debating CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, especially Schools of Hope, expanded co-location authority, funding, transportation, and school-district agreement terms. Critics argued the language was added late and could disadvantage traditional public schools, while supporters said it would expand options for students; the debate continued with the bill still under consideration at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 8677, recognizing the commercial and tribal fishing industries and the blessing of
• Whereas the Washington State Commercial Fishing Fleet will set off for the Pacific in May 2026 ...
• The fishing community is one of the most generous ... Senator Schumey. Thank you, Mr. President.
• The fishing community is one of the most generous, most giving communities that you'll find.
• They're a blend of fishing families, and from Ilwaco to Chinook to Long Beach, to all of those that I

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It will burden state-chartered credit unions more heavily while federally chartered institutions receive
• But if payments rules become more burdensome for state charters than for federal charters, it will create
• That would further weaken the state charter over time and undercut a system built on meaningful charter
• credit unions and Illinois-chartered banks.
• credit unions and Illinois-chartered banks.

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard testimony from credit union, retail, banking, and payments industry representatives. Much of the discussion focused on proposals to exclude sales tax and tips from interchange fees, the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and related litigation, and whether similar state action in Massachusetts would help small businesses or instead create a patchwork that burdens state-chartered institutions. Witnesses from defense and community credit unions argued interchange helps fund fraud prevention, cybersecurity, member services, and low-fee products, while retail and NRF representatives said merchants are paying significant swipe fees and that state laws like Illinois’s are aimed at reducing costs that are not being passed on to consumers. Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides security, fraud protection, rewards, and access to credit, and that many of the costs merchants complain about are actually bundled processor or acquirer fees rather than interchange itself. Others countered that small businesses are struggling with rising overall costs and that Massachusetts should consider reforms such as allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as meaningful relief for merchants and opponents saying it is temporary and incomplete. No formal votes were taken on legislation. The commission accepted oral testimony, noted that written testimony would be accepted through July 31, and concluded the meeting by unanimously voting to adjourn. The chair and members said they would continue gathering testimony and work toward recommendations, with the chair stressing the need to find a fair middle ground that supports both small businesses and the broader payments ecosystem.

Transcript Highlights:

• And not only that, I'd just like to point out to the body, we already do this in every charter school
• And what this bill does is it addresses how students are placed on the public charter school lottery
• system, especially when it exceeds the capacity of what the charter school has.
• system, especially when it exceeds the capacity of what the charter school has.
• and they would like to get into that charter school.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Fish and Game Department has an additional agency request.
• It's it's fish and general fund bonding. It's it's fish and game<00:44:54.880><c> funds.
• </c><00:45:10.640><c> It</c> But it's not fishing game funds. It But it's not fishing game funds.
• Thank you. hearing from not only fishing game, but hearing from not only fishing game, but from<00:48
• Did Fish and Game tell you that this $350,000 would be for a brand new backhoe?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on proposed improvements to the State Police gun range and related Public Works estimates. Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn and Major Brendan Davy explained that the range is used for realistic, scenario-based training that includes vehicle work, movement, cover, elevation, and stress inoculation, and that it also supports requalification and special unit training for state, local, and federal partners. They said the current facility lacks running water, continuous power, and permanent restrooms, and that the PSTC range cannot accommodate rifles because its backstop is handgun-caliber only. Public Works Director Theodore Copper said the project estimate is $2.3 million, including $1.5 million for the building and site work plus soft costs, inflation, and design fees; he described the proposed building as basic, with office space, classrooms, restrooms, and HVAC. Committee members asked about the cost and scope, and Copper provided a breakdown of the estimate. The committee also heard from Commissioner Edelblute and Milford School District Superintendent Christy Misho regarding career and technical education capital funding. Edelblute urged the committee to include $10 million for the Milford CTE project, saying the district had reduced the scope after a prior bond vote and that the project would support high-demand workforce programs. Misho said Milford’s initial bond vote received 42 percent and the revised proposal received 56 percent, short of the 60 percent needed, but that the community still supports the project; she said the district plans to move forward with a CTE-only ballot and a smaller local bond. Committee members expressed concern about holding state funds for a project that has not yet won local approval, but said the request would be taken under advisement. In work session action, the committee corrected a prior vote on the Market Street Marine Terminal warehouse removal and office replacement project, increasing the appropriation by $353,300 to $1,973,300 and raising the agency subtotal to $4,155,300. The committee also accepted a motion to add $1.8 million for the community college system, including $1.3 million for critical maintenance and $500,000 for an energy management system. The committee then discussed a Fish and Game request for a $350,000 backhoe, with members debating whether it should be funded with general funds or other funds and whether the cost was excessive; no final objection was recorded in the portion provided. Later discussion also referenced the new parking garage project, with staff saying it is expected to be operational in March 2026 and fully completed by May or June 2026, with 409 spaces and a mix of assigned and open parking.

Transcript Highlights:

• Districts and charter schools must document their eligible costs, demonstrate that all other funding
• This is in the section of code that applies to charters.
• So either the charter board or the school district will be over those.
• A virtual charter school, they said, sorry, will be affected by this legislation.
• At that time, we joined two other virtual schools, which were both charter schools.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we also visited the DNR's Metro Fish Hatchery to see the crucial research and fish management work
• </c><00:03:25.760><c> to</c><00:03:25.920><c> see</c><00:03:26.000><c> the</c> DNR's Metro Fish Hatchery
• to see the DNR's Metro Fish Hatchery to see the crucial<00:03:26.560><c> research</c><00:03:26.959><
• c> and</c><00:03:27.280><c> fish</c><00:03:27.599><c> management</c> crucial research and fish management
• crucial research and fish management work<00:03:28.400><c> being</c><00:03:28.720><c> done</c><00:03

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Charter Schools Week, and I'm testifying for the bill.
• and had heard that some charter schools were issuing debt.
• whether the goal was parity between public charter schools and public ISDs.
• for charter schools.
• The entire public charter community knows about Riter 59.

Bills: HB2

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Keywords: disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license, volunteer management system, volunteer registration, criminal history check, background check, Texas Division of Emergency Management

Summary: The committee continued public testimony on House Bill 2, which would make major changes to public school funding, teacher pay, special education, early learning, school safety, and related programs. Many superintendents and education advocates supported the bill’s overall direction but urged changes, especially a larger basic allotment and more flexible funding for rural and small districts. Witnesses from Paint Creek, West Hardin, Cushing, Blooming Grove, Mildred, Buffalo, Plano, and rural school groups said the bill’s targeted raises and new requirements would not fully cover inflation, TRS/Medicare costs, transportation, insurance, or support staff salaries, and several asked the committee to restore the House version’s higher basic allotment and small-school allotment. Charter school representatives supported the facilities funding changes and said charter schools need state help because they cannot levy taxes, while also noting the funding gap with ISDs. Fine arts advocates asked the committee to restore the fine arts allotment, arguing arts improve engagement, attendance, and academic outcomes, especially in rural and at-risk communities. Early learning and special education witnesses supported parts of the bill but raised concerns about pre-K restrictions, disability-related pre-K access, and the need to preserve or clarify special education provisions and mental health oversight language. Several witnesses praised the teacher pay raise, teacher incentive allotment expansion, and teacher preparation investments, saying they would help recruit and retain educators and improve student outcomes. Others, including counselors and support staff advocates, argued the bill should also include raises for counselors, nurses, librarians, bus drivers, custodians, aides, and other non-teaching employees who keep schools running. One witness from the Texas Counseling Association opposed the substitute because it removed a counselor pay provision, warning of counselor shortages and inequities. A parent and special education advocate said the bill’s structure creates too many strings attached and asked for a larger basic allotment instead of more targeted funding. Another witness from Mental Health America urged keeping the collaborative task force on public school mental health services through 2031, and a disability rights advocate said the committee substitute appears to omit some special education items that were in the House version. The committee also briefly took up House Bill 6, a school discipline bill. After questions about automatic mandatory expulsion for vape possession and concerns about younger students, the committee adopted the substitute and voted to report HB 6 favorably to the full Senate by a 9-1 vote, with Senator Menendez voting no and Senators West and Menendez expressing reservations but supporting further discussion. After that vote, testimony on HB 2 resumed. Senators used the hearing to ask about the bill’s cost, the difference between the basic allotment and the bill’s targeted funding buckets, and whether the permanent teacher pay increase shifts pressure off districts. The bill’s supporters emphasized that it represents an historic, roughly $8 billion investment and that many of the new funding streams are intended to be permanent or to address specific district needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next proposal is charter schools.
• The next proposal is charter schools.
• charter schools.
• <00:28:41.279><c> Schools</c> Charter Schools Charter Schools specifically specifically specifically
• Thank you. what is the impact on Charter what is the impact on Charter Schools<00:40:24.359><c> thank

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it<00:08:15.039><c> fishing</c><00:08:15.440><c> game.
• On um on it fishing game. I'm sorry.
• years, with towns paying for a certain amount of fish so they could stock the ponds.
• </c> seeing a fish brought out by the child. seeing a fish brought out by the child.
• That's how they acquire the fish that they start with.

Committee: Senate Capital Budget

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• hunting and fishing license fees, federal dollars, and lottery in-lieu dollars.
• </c><00:09:16.519><c> and</c> and Dingle Johnson funds for fish and and Dingle Johnson funds for fish
• </c> in the game and fish in the game and fish fund<00:09:45.399><c> our</c><00:09:45.640><c> ecological
• </c><01:30:05.080><c> assistant</c> Adrian fish assistant Adrian fish assistant director<01:30:08.159
• As Director Jasi said, my name is Andrea Fish.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all