Video & Transcript : 'teacher layoffs' :

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ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 5th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Being an elementary school teacher, I can argue that all day long.
  • We are not allowed as public school teachers to take away the instructional time.
  • A teacher will not be able to because it says for any purpose. So then we’re, we’re...
  • A teacher will not be able to because it says for any purpose.
  • So if there is... ...local training of their teachers on how to do this, but here we are.
Committee: House Education
Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 27 and March 3. It then took up House Bill 785, which would expand the definition of inappropriate online behavior involving public school employees and other persons, and add disciplinary options for school boards to address vulgar, false, or defamatory online conduct directed at teachers and others. Representative Redmond said the bill was prompted by complaints from teachers, and State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield testified in support. After a brief question about public records and executive session handling, the committee voted to send HB 785 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next introduced RS-33-6-23, a proposal from Representative Harris to remove statutory hour requirements for career and technical education instructors so the Department of CTE would have more flexibility in recruiting trade professionals into classrooms. The motion to introduce the RS passed. The bulk of the meeting focused on House Bill 784 and its RS, which would require daily recess for elementary students and unstructured activity time for middle school students, while barring recess from being withheld for discipline except when the misconduct occurred during recess. Representative Redmond and Superintendent Critchfield argued recess improves focus, behavior, and health, and that schools need flexibility and guidance rather than using recess as punishment. Several members raised concerns that the language was too rigid and could limit classroom management or disciplinary discretion, especially for behavior occurring outside recess. After extended debate and testimony from John Mason of FGA Action in support, the committee voted to hold HB 784 in committee and then approved the RS for second reading, with some members recording opposition.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 26th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Then there's the lens of the teacher.
  • When teachers are leading with AI, they are able to bring scaffolding to their lessons.
  • So if you think about a teacher that is teaching 30 students how to read, giving them the opportunity
  • The question is, are we going to meet the teachers and give them the knowledge and the understanding
  • students in student-centered ways and teacher-led ways because the technology is here.
Committee: House Education
Summary: The committee first heard an informational presentation on artificial intelligence in education and workforce development. Presenters described AI as a rapidly changing tool that can support student AI literacy, help teachers with differentiation and data analysis, and operate through platforms such as chatbots and reading tutors. They also emphasized both opportunities and cautions, including concerns about screen time, overreliance on technology, and the need for human connection, especially for struggling students. Members discussed the potential for AI to change jobs and education pathways, and the presenters suggested schools and the state should thoughtfully develop safe, closed systems and prepare students for future work. The committee then considered three RS requests from Rep. Jordan Redman. RS 33434 would require daily recess for elementary students and unstructured activity time for middle school students, with at least 20 minutes and no withholding of recess for discipline; it was introduced after questions about local control and discipline. RS 33254 would define inappropriate online behavior by students directed at school employees and others, allowing school boards to investigate and discipline harmful online conduct; it was also introduced. RS 3331 would allow school boards and administrators to extend school levy cycles from the current two-year cap to as long as four years to reduce levy fatigue and improve budgeting stability; it too was introduced. The committee approved each RS for introduction by voice vote and then adjourned.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Special Committee on Rural Issues Jan 14th, 2026

Special Committee on Rural Issues

Transcript Highlights:
  • thing of it, it doesn't have to be necessarily an ag teacher, but one of the grade school teachers can
  • You have teachers who may not be there on the weekends or during off times.
  • in the number of teachers we have in the pipeline.
  • These include lesson... ...for teachers to tap into, if need be.
  • don't have an agricultural background, but even if they do... ...elementary teachers.
Keywords: 959, house, all
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. (1-21-26)

Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> history teacher history teacher and<00:03:08.239><c> we're</c><00:03:08.480><c> going</c><00:03:
  • </c> that that teachers are required to take. that that teachers are required to take.
  • </c><00:08:26.319><c> prep</c> conversations with our teacher prep conversations with our teacher prep
  • who are seeking for these teachers who are seeking certification. certification. certification.
  • It requires post-secondary institutions to include dyslexia instruction for teacher programs.
Keywords: 958, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a critical investment that continues to support our teachers, especially your teachers in our
  • across California, especially teachers in other high-need areas.
  • It protects the teacher-to-community pipeline for our schools.
  • The Golden State Teacher Grant was influential in my decision to become a teacher because it allowed
  • who need qualified teachers the most have the least access.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education May 8th, 2025

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • For teachers, the bill clarifies and broadens eligibility for reimbursement.
  • So there's a couple of things here for students, teachers, and then school districts.
  • And so this allows other CTE examination costs to be reimbursed for teachers.
  • Yeah, it's for teachers. It's a subsidy, it says, and for students it's reimbursement.
  • And so this, this allows other CT examination costs to be reimbursed for teachers.
Summary: The Subcommittee on Academic and Career-Oriented Education met briefly and considered only House Bill 1061, laid out by Representative Bojani. The bill would expand reimbursement for career and technology education (CTE) certification exam costs for students, teachers, and school districts. For students, it removes the current limit of one reimbursement so they can be reimbursed for multiple certification exams if they pass. For teachers, it broadens reimbursement beyond cybersecurity certifications to all CTE-related certifications. It also allows school districts that pay exam-related costs, including application or processing fees, to seek reimbursement from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) through an application process. During questions, members clarified that reimbursement would not be available if an individual failed the certification exam. Representative Schoolcraft asked about how the subsidy amount is determined and how the program is funded; the bill author said the amount is unchanged from current law and said he would follow up on funding details. No one testified for or against the bill. Representative Bojani closed on the bill, and the subcommittee left HB 1061 pending without objection. With no further business, the meeting adjourned.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Tue Apr 14, 2026, 9:00AM HST - Day 44

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> have a qualified teacher. have a qualified teacher.
  • teachers and making sure that those teachers thrive in the workplace.
  • </c> teacher workforce. teacher workforce.
  • </c> substitute teachers. substitute teachers.
  • </c> teachers fast enough. teachers fast enough.
Keywords: 910, house, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 5th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • The issue was brought before me from multiple teachers throughout the state, including some of my own
  • Being an elementary school teacher, I can argue that all day long.
  • We are not allowed as public school teachers to take away the instructional time.
  • A teacher will not be able to because it says for any purpose.
  • So if there is... ...local training of their teachers on how to do this, but here we are.
Committee: House Education
Keywords: 989, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Tue Feb 10, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 12

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • "This bill responds to a real and ongoing teacher shortage that has left too many classrooms without
  • apprenticeship program which is designed to train and support future teachers while they work, pair
  • "This bill responds to a real and ongoing teacher shortage that has left too many classrooms without
  • apprenticeship program which is designed to train and support future teachers while they work, pair
  • status without full preparation or licensed teacher.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Establishing a felony offense for teachers grooming a child 2/24/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:05:08.320><c> each</c> and had the same same band teacher each and had the same same band teacher
  • Early on, this teacher made me year.
  • :10:00.959><c> and</c> power imbalances between teacher and power imbalances between teacher and student
  • And then, as a former teacher of 33 years, I want to add that the vast majority of teachers do not groom
  • </c> add that the vast majority of teachers add that the vast majority of teachers do<00:20:04.000><c
Keywords: 1183, house
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> we can give this service to teachers. we can give this service to teachers.
  • </c> on retired teachers health insurance. on retired teachers health insurance.
  • </c> of retired teachers health insurance. of retired teachers health insurance.
  • </c><00:35:43.839><c> and</c> those contributions from teachers and those contributions from teachers
  • </c> teacher retires. teacher retires.
Summary: The Public Pension Oversight Board met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and heard updates from the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority and the Teachers Retirement System. The deferred compensation update highlighted continued growth in assets to about $4.787 billion and roughly 88,000 participants, strong retention from auto-enrollment, a marketing campaign tied to pay raises that generated additional participation, and a new self-directed brokerage account expected to launch July 1 of the coming year for participants with at least a $40,000 balance, allowing up to 25% of their account to be moved into the brokerage window. The director also described the free financial planning service, which has been used by about 3,500 participants with a high return rate, and said the plan is currently in a fee holiday; if fees are charged, they are capped at $237 per year for most participants. Members asked questions about who provides the CFP service, the fee structure, and the brokerage eligibility threshold. The director said the CFP service is provided through the authority’s service bundle with Nationwide, not as a separate paid service, and explained that the fee cap and current fee holiday are intended to keep the program low-cost. Board members praised the deferred compensation program’s performance and asked for a copy of the legislation referenced in the presentation. TRS then presented on retired teachers’ health insurance. Barnes first clarified how declining federal contributions for federally funded school positions affect the retirement annuity trust, explaining that if those federal dollars fall, the amounts would need to be covered through the SEEK formula and that the projection for those contributions is about $80 million over the next three years. He then reviewed TRS retiree health coverage, distinguishing between KEHP for retirees under 65 or not Medicare-eligible and MEHP for Medicare-eligible retirees, and explained that TRS recently completed RFPs for both prescription drug and medical coverage. TRS will keep Express Scripts for prescription drugs, but will move the Medicare Advantage medical plan from UnitedHealthcare to Humana on January 1, 2026, while keeping the plan design, provider access, and out-of-pocket structure largely unchanged, with a new hearing-aid benefit of $500 per ear. Barnes also reported the 2026 premium and contribution changes: the maximum TRS contribution toward KEHP will rise to $1,144.96 from $930.76, an 18% increase that he said will require roughly $15 million to $16 million more in the state budget, while the MEHP premium will drop to $200 per month from $210. He said the TRS board has statutory authority to set these amounts and that the changes will have mixed actuarial effects, with the KEHP increase being negative overall and the MEHP decrease positive.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Jul 1st, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Will Bands, fourth-grade teacher in Monterey County and proud member of the California Teachers Association
  • I'm Patricia Rucker with the California Teachers Association.
  • I'm from Teachers Association of Long Beach.
  • Amy Louie, LUSD teacher and member of CTA and UTLA.
  • Melissa Irvin, teacher in San Jose, California, full support.
Committee: House Education
Keywords: 988, house, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Elementary and Secondary Education Apr 1st, 2026

Elementary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I see this as being a very effective tool for teachers.
  • I know that you have been a favorite teacher to thousands of students.
  • mentor to probably thousands of teachers that have learned their craft.
  • Yes, I was a middle school teacher for 23 years. And now I'm the K-12...
  • These are nominations that come through teachers.
Summary: The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2722, then voted the bill do pass by a roll call vote of 13 yes and 2 no. The sponsor explained that the substitute clarified the roles of liaisons for foster care students, McKinney-Vento students, and unaccompanied youth in higher education, and added language to avoid conflicting with Missouri law on public benefits for non-citizens. Members also discussed the fiscal note, which was expected to be minimal or not yet available until after committee reporting. The committee then heard House Bills 3483 and 3532, sponsored by Representatives Prouty and Pollitt, which would require the General Assembly to create Missouri-specific educational materials about how the state legislative process works and how a bill becomes law. Supporters, including legislators, teachers, students, and social studies coordinators, said the materials would help students understand Missouri government, civic engagement, and the differences between state and federal lawmaking. Several witnesses suggested the materials should be tailored by grade level, with third grade and high school mentioned as likely targets, and some members raised questions about drafting, implementation, and the estimated fiscal note. One witness spoke in opposition, saying only that he opposed the bill in the spirit of civil discourse. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 31, sponsored by Representative Martin, which would establish a Missouri seal of civic recognition for students who demonstrate civic knowledge, participation, and service. The sponsor described a tiered recognition system tied to coursework, civic engagement, and community or military service, administered through DESE and the existing civics and patriotic work group. Members asked about the resolution format, the role of the work group, how schools would track eligibility, and whether the measure should be narrowed to high school graduation before expanding to younger grades. Supporters, including a retired educator and civic education advocates, said the seal could encourage stronger civic learning and student engagement, while one coalition witness urged a streamlined, merit-based model and local district flexibility. The committee took no final action on the latter two measures during the hearing and adjourned after testimony.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So right now, the Golden State Teacher Grant Program, it's limited, it focuses on teachers in high-priority
  • candidates, teacher support, Subject matter transcript review of service for teacher candidates, a teacher
  • What exactly is the expectation for the use of the block grant for teacher pipeline and teacher preparation
  • What exactly is the expectation for the use of the block grant for teacher pipeline and teacher preparation
  • So while a teacher is on...
Summary: The committee heard an overview of the May Revision’s Proposition 98 changes for K-12 and community colleges. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee rises by $6.4 billion over the Governor’s Budget across the three-year window, with higher guarantees in each year, full payment of the prior settle-up, and larger deposits into the school rainy-day fund. The LAO said the revenue and LCFF updates were reasonable, but urged caution about the settle-up approach and recommended using more of the available funding to protect ongoing programs and build budget resilience. Members focused heavily on the size of the proposed $3.9 billion settle-up, the $10.3 billion reserve deposit, declining K-12 enrollment, and how much of the new funding should be ongoing versus one-time. The committee then reviewed the community colleges portion of the budget. Finance described the May Revision’s higher SCFF COLA, additional funding for enrollment growth, a student support block grant, apprenticeship adjustments, and continued funding for deferred maintenance, Calbright, Common Cloud, and credit for prior learning. The Chancellor’s Office supported the core investments but asked for more funding for enrollment growth, changes to the growth formula, and a COLA for Student Equity and Achievement. The LAO recommended prioritizing the statutory COLA increase, noted that more than half of districts are already above current-year growth targets, and said the new adult learner demonstration project should be rejected because districts already have tools to support similar services. Members also discussed a $52 million current-year apportionment shortfall, which Finance said was discovered too late for the May Revision and would need to be addressed later. Finally, the committee took up the proposed implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance proposed one-time funding for the California Student Aid Commission and Cradle to Career to build eligibility and data systems, along with trailer bill changes to set up state approval processes. CSAC said the program is promising but highly complex, that California lacks the needed infrastructure, and that the state will need emergency regulations, data linkages, and ongoing funding beyond the one-time proposal. The LAO agreed that some initial funding is needed but warned that the amounts and ongoing costs remain uncertain and that the Legislature should carefully draft the trailer bill language. Members asked about timing, other states’ actions, and how the state would ensure the program is ready for students and institutions.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Education policy panel hears HF6 1/22/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Eventually here, Representative Bakeberg will, with his real-life experience as both a teacher and a
  • Eventually here, Representative Bakeberg will, with his real-life experience as both a teacher and a
  • Eventually here, Representative Bakeberg will, with his real-life experience as both a teacher and a
  • We cannot do that to our teachers and our staff and those leaders in our district.
  • We cannot do that to our teachers and our staff and those leaders in our district.
Keywords: 1183, house
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • That was very frustrating as a classroom teacher.
  • That's going to create better morale for our teachers and better outcomes for our students.
  • I don't think when you set the tone for teachers and families and students across the state of Oklahoma
  • As a former teacher myself, I did not like when I was being told I needed to do this, this, and this.
  • But with teacher changeover, with not enough time with not with principal changeover.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • You're supporting future teachers, business owners, and nurses.
  • As a proud product of Lawton Public Schools, the teacher walkout was very emotional for me.
  • I would not be where I am Today, without all of my public school teachers, I would not be where I am.
  • Nearly every teacher I had growing up came to the teacher walkout, and I have never been more proud to
  • So to all of my teachers, thank you. The greatest and most important title I hold is Auntinny.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • And as a former classroom teacher, in dealing with administrators, one of the...
  • That was very frustrating as a classroom teacher.
  • From the frustration that teachers and families... ...has declined from the frustration that teachers
  • Senate Bill 1432, by Schreiber of the House and Dossett of the Senate, an act relating to teachers.
  • Senate Bill 1432, by Schreiber of the House and Dossett of the Senate, an act relating to teachers.
Summary: The House convened in quorum call and first took up several Joint Committee reports on appropriations and tax measures. HB 4028 extended the sunset on the qualified equity investment deduction for venture capital investments and passed 54-27. HB 4075 appropriated $26 million in interest funds to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for water and wastewater projects and passed 84-4, with the emergency clause also approved. HB 477 appropriated up to $10.58 million to the Department of Emergency Management for the Emergency Response and Relief Grant Program and passed 84-5, with the emergency clause approved. HB 476 appropriated up to $21.64 million to the Department of Commerce for rural economic impact grants tied to water and wastewater needs at rural industrial parks and ports; it passed 79-11 and its emergency clause also passed. HB 474 closed out ARPA funds for health care workforce training and passed 79-12, with emergency approval. The House then considered several Senate bills. SB 1221 would add tracking numbers for mailed Real ID cards and offer expedited delivery; members raised concerns about voting access and possible poll-tax issues, but the bill passed 82-9 and the emergency clause passed. SB 1921, an OSBI request bill, raised fees for criminal history/background checks and passed 84-8. SB 2118 expanded the use of sheriff commissary funds for sheriff duties and jail operations and passed 87-4. SB 1932 allowed motor carriers to represent themselves in Corporation Commission administrative hearings without an attorney and passed 92-1. SB 2134 required wreckers responding to livestock transport accidents to contact local emergency management for humane handling of livestock and passed 71-20. A lengthy floor debate centered on HCR 1025, which supports eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Supporters argued education is a state responsibility and that federal bureaucracy and mandates add red tape; opponents warned that federal oversight is essential for special education, Title IX, IDEA, and civil rights enforcement. After extended debate, the resolution passed 72-17. The House also passed SB 1432, which removes pilot and sunset language from a successful alternative teacher certification program in Tulsa, making it a permanent pathway; supporters said it has helped career changers enter teaching and could be replicated statewide. It passed 85-3, and the emergency clause passed. The session ended with announcements, including recognition of a special-needs advocate, a rural caucus notice, and adjournment until April 22, 2026.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • You're supporting future teachers, business owners, and nurses.
  • As a proud product of Lawton Public Schools, the teacher walkout was very emotional for me.
  • As a proud product of Lawton Public Schools, the teacher walkout was very emotional for me.
  • Nearly every teacher I had growing up came to the teacher walkout, and I have never been more proud to
  • So to all of my teachers, thank you. The greatest and most important title I hold is Aunt Sinney.
Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships. Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week. On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Apr 9th, 2025

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But even more so, I, uh, you know, my science is my background, you know, up to classroom teacher.
  • Like, would the teacher be privileged to have this information?
  • Like, who all would be, because you know, even with the teachers, you got some schools you may have seven
  • Now, I'm thinking, well, maybe the teacher need to know.
  • Even though we want to say, okay, if there are teachers or administration that they're not going to do