Transcript Highlights:

• These are programs that parents choose.
• early childhood education workforce.
• With regards to tribal services or tribal programs, do we have any... ...or tribal programs, do we have
• It’s called a voucher program. That’s what it is.
• We should not be supplanting federal programs.

Summary: The committee heard first from LFC staff on a brief about New Mexico’s universal child care expansion. Staff said child care assistance has clear benefits for parents and families, but LFC has not found evidence in New Mexico that it improves children’s educational outcomes; they argued pre-K is the better tool for that goal. The brief highlighted four concerns with universal access: an estimated annual cost of about $849.7 million, a sharp decline in registered homes, possible crowding out of lower-income families, and reduced access for children under age two. Staff also suggested possible mitigations such as prioritizing slots for low-income and at-risk families, reinstating sliding-scale co-pays, and tying quality improvements to workforce wages. Members raised questions about the cost estimate, funding sources, provider quality, and whether the data showed actual crowding out. Several lawmakers expressed support for child care generally but concern about the fiscal impact and whether universal access would divert resources from the families most in need. Others emphasized the importance of child care for workforce participation, rural communities, and family stability, and questioned how registered homes are counted and regulated. LFC staff clarified that the cost estimate was for child care assistance only, not the entire ECECD budget, and that the data showed declines in the share of lowest-income children and infants/toddlers served, though not causation. The ECECD secretary then presented the department’s response, saying universal child care is intended to complete a cradle-to-career system and that the department has already seen strong uptake, increased capacity, and rising workforce participation. She said 6,206 families were found eligible in the first month, the share of infants and toddlers served rose, and new provider applications and licensed slots increased after the November rollout. The department also emphasized wage increases, quality improvements, and a new wage scale/career lattice, while projecting a lower near-term cost than LFC’s estimate and requesting additional funding for child care, early pre-K, home visiting, workforce systems, and capacity-building. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on questions and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every five years, degree programs will be assessed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board based
• education in Texas.
• than those who are educators or experts in their field in education.
• It empowers politically appointed individuals to oversee educational programs, which can undermine the
• Without liberal arts classes, my education and my peers' education will suffer.

Bills: SB 37

Keywords: fetal development, education, public health curriculum, middle school, age-appropriate instruction, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My child care program is more than a business.
• Department of Education.
• We link those to education data, employment data... ...all the way to 2022, and we link those to education
• program, and the kinship guardianship assistance payment (Kin-GAP) program by allowing adopted youth
• , the adoption assistance program, and the kinship guardianship assistance payment (Kin-GAP) program

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard a long agenda of child welfare, food assistance, child care, and social services bills. Early actions included AB 308 on regional center safety training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, AB 1049 to remove sponsor deeming from the California Food Assistance Program, AB 1201 to narrow a violent-felony bypass for family reunification services, AB 2379 to require know-your-rights training for family child care providers, AB 2429 to ease requirements in early childhood mental health consultation, AB 1755 to repeal CalWORKs’ 100-hour work penalty, AB 2478 to create a kinship family approval pathway, and AB 1969 and AB 1996 to expand coordinated cradle-to-career and child-poverty reduction efforts. The committee also began discussion of AB 1932, which would continue and strengthen community-based crisis response services. Testimony was largely in support across the hearing. Advocates, county representatives, child care providers, legal aid groups, food banks, disability organizations, and anti-poverty coalitions argued that the bills would reduce administrative barriers, improve access to benefits and services, and better protect children and families. Several authors and witnesses emphasized real-world harms from current rules, including fear of immigration enforcement, wrongful benefit denials, delayed kinship placements, and the burden of outdated eligibility requirements. On AB 1201, county welfare officials and child welfare advocates said the bill would preserve judicial discretion while allowing more parents a fair chance at reunification; on AB 2478, they said a kin-specific approval path would help place children with relatives more quickly; and on the child care bills, providers said current reimbursement and compliance systems are unsustainable. There was some committee concern about accountability and safety, especially on AB 1049 and AB 1201. One senator questioned whether removing sponsor deeming could weaken program integrity, and another raised concerns about whether narrowing the reunification bypass could expose children to unsafe environments or criminal activity. Authors and supporters responded that the bills still leave eligibility screening, judicial review, supervision, and service plans in place, and that the changes mainly remove automatic barriers or overly broad rules. Votes taken during the hearing were generally favorable: AB 308 passed 3-0 and was held on call; AB 1049 passed 2-1 and was held on call; AB 1201 passed and was held on call; AB 2379 passed 3-0 and was held on call; AB 2429 passed and was held on call; AB 1755 passed and was held on call; AB 2478 passed and was held on call; and AB 1969 and AB 1996 both passed and were held on call. The committee also noted that some bills were on the consent calendar and approved those items 3-0 while holding them open.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs a guide to these types of parent advisory
• Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs a guide to these types of parent advisory
• Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs a guide to these types of parent advisory
• <00:28:29.480> programs the District special education programs the District special education
• <01:57:12.040> programs eliminating general education programs eliminating general education

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and noted weather-related absences and a large number of new bills. The chair said a subcommittee would be formed to review three cell phone bills, and a full committee work session on bullying would be scheduled for the week after next. The committee then began a hearing on House Bill 121, which would create local special education advisory councils in school districts. Representative Glenn Cordelli, the sponsor, said the councils would be parent-driven, with parents of children with disabilities advising districts on education, safety, program development, evaluation, planning, policies, and communication with administrators. He said the bill would require at least quarterly meetings with district administration, an annual parent workshop, and a year-end report to the school board. He also cited federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Education on parent advisory councils and said the goal was to improve collaboration between parents and schools. Members raised questions about the use of “shall,” how councils would be formed in districts without PTAs/PTOs, whether the councils could function in very small districts, privacy concerns about parents disclosing their children’s disabilities, whether the councils should include guardians or educational professionals, and whether the councils would have any direct tie to the state advisory council. The sponsor said the requirement was intended to make the councils mandatory, that local districts could organize them organically if needed, that participation would be voluntary, that parents would not be required to disclose private information, and that the councils would remain advisory rather than determinative. He also said costs should be minimal. Testimony then began from Nicole Sheath, a pediatric occupational therapist and parent of four children with disabilities, who described her experience balancing advocacy, school collaboration, and the demands of her children’s therapies and education.

Transcript Highlights:

• We educate more Arizonans than any other education institution.
• I want to speak to you about an adult education program, and I'm going to speak specifically to the community
• Forward, support funding education programs that help Arizona's off welfare systems and ensure skills
• Gretchen Jacobs here on behalf of the Arizona Department of Education, talking about the ESA program.
• The pilot program must include instructional modules for teachers, instruction and education materials

Summary: The joint House and Senate Appropriations committees met to hear the FY 2027 budget package, beginning with the General Appropriations Act (HB 4154/SB 1847). Staff outlined the overall budget, including one-time fund transfers, lump-sum reductions, funding for state employee health insurance, school facilities, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, education and child care, and other ongoing and supplemental items. Members briefly discussed the absence of a requested $1.5 million for the oversight office, but the chair said no amendments would be taken in committee and that only limited technical changes were likely later in the process. Public testimony on the feed bill was largely supportive but focused on specific funding concerns. Testimony highlighted school safety funding, Alzheimer’s services, small business tax expensing provisions, disability oversight for group homes, county use of opioid settlement dollars, adult education/community college funding, victim notification funding, and ESA oversight. Several speakers praised the budget for funding DDD and other services, while others opposed or sought changes to items such as the COMIT group home monitoring program, Maricopa Community Colleges’ lack of operating aid, and a possible cut to the victim notification program. The chair repeatedly emphasized that changes to the negotiated budget would be difficult and should be routed through leadership. The committee then moved quickly through the remaining budget reconciliation bills. Staff summarized bills covering amusement and wagering, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, and K-12 education. Notable provisions included continued wagering assessments, highway and building renewal funding, defense innovation and economic development changes, corrections and wrongful conviction provisions, groundwater and water banking measures, health insurance oversight and opioid settlement provisions, higher education funding and ABOR operating caps, SNAP and housing trust fund changes, and a 2% inflation increase for K-12 formula components. The K-12 bill also included a biometric school safety pilot and a child sexual abuse prevention pilot. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue through the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kincart Jonsson: THIS RELATES TO EDUCATION PUTTING FLORIDA STUDENTS FIRST.
• UNDER THE COMMISSION OF INDEPENDENT EDUCATION.
• THE THREE PROGRAMS, OUR THESE THREE PROGRAMS THE ONLY ONES CURRENTLY EXEMPT FROM THE CIE, IF NOT WHAT
• OTHER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ARE EXEMPT. >> Chair: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Rep.
• HIGHER EDUCATION THANK YOU. >> Chair: ADDITIONAL DEBATE? SEEING NONE.

Transcript Highlights:

• We create a new chapter of law for Education Innovation programs, just like we have a chapter dedicated
• <00:34:36.879> Education<00:34:37.599> Innovation<00:34:38.240> programs law for
• Education Innovation programs law for Education Innovation programs just<00:34:39.399> like<00
• To close, we need the education profession to be retaining our educators.
• The best training from educators was from other educators, and that is what educators are asking for:

Bills: HF6, HF52, HF53

Keywords: education, literacy, science of reading, school performance, funding flexibility, innovation zones, equity and inclusion, HF52, New Germany, wastewater treatment, wastewater facility, sewer infrastructure, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, municipal infrastructure, water quality, sanitation, sewage treatment

Transcript Highlights:

• program, allowing state special schools to offer work-based learning programs, removing academic program
• program, allowing state special schools to offer work-based learning programs, removing academic program
• Career education provides specialized training for jobs.
• Districts want to expand youth apprenticeship programs.
• , not just within the narrow work-experience education program.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several Senate bills focused on student health, access, equity, and career preparation. SB 608 by Sen. Menjivar would expand access to condoms and related sexual health resources for students in grades 7–12 and direct the Department of Education to align with the California Healthy Youth Act. Supporters argued the bill would help address high STI rates among youth and remove barriers to access, while opponents raised concerns about parental authority, local control, and encouraging early sexual activity. The bill was approved on a 6-1 vote and sent to the Health Committee. SB 965 by Sen. Blakespear would prohibit libraries from requiring a parent to be physically present for a 16- or 17-year-old to obtain a library card, while still allowing libraries to require parental consent or signature. Supporters said the current rule creates unnecessary barriers for teens and school research projects, and the California Library Association said it was now neutral after amendments. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 998 by Sen. Gonzalez would define and expand the duties of discrimination prevention coordinators in the state’s Office of Civil Rights, including adding a disability coordinator and deputy coordinators focused on anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Latino, and anti-Native American discrimination. Testimony emphasized the need to address rising hate incidents and discrimination in schools, especially for Black, LGBTQ+, AAPI, and other marginalized students. The bill was approved and sent to Judiciary with amendments to be processed there. SB 845 by Sen. Perez, which expands work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities, also received broad support from education, workforce, and industry groups and passed unanimously to Labor and Employment. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills and adjourned after all items were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• or out of town for their education.
• , CDL programs, nursing programs.
• unique program whose role is to help Florida families pay for the cost of higher education.
• We have far more control over this program. Our 529 program has improved immensely.
• Over the last five or six years, we have started an Aspire program where we pay for college education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmation testimony for a large slate of university and state college trustees. Most of the discussion centered on the nominees’ backgrounds, ties to their institutions, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving university rankings. Several University of Florida trustees emphasized campus improvements, “One UF” integration, institutional neutrality, and ambitions to move UF into the top tier nationally. Other nominees highlighted goals for Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, UCF, Florida State, Florida Poly, the Florida Prepaid College Board, and several state colleges, with recurring themes of affordability, economic mobility, cybersecurity, and keeping Florida students in-state for college and careers. Public testimony was heard on the Florida A&M appointment, where Elijah Hooks spoke in opposition to the current administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from the university after protesting the selection of President Marva Johnson. During questioning of FAU nominee Tina Vidal-Duart, senators asked about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about reports concerning CDR Health’s contracting practices; she said she was not aware of the foundation issues at the time and noted that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate, so subcontractor pricing affected only the company’s internal margins. Other nominees received little or no questioning. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to confirm all nominees except Tina Vidal-Duart separately. Senator Bracy Davis requested the separate vote and opposed her confirmation, citing concerns related to her Hope Florida Foundation board service. Despite that objection, the committee ultimately voted to report Vidal-Duart favorably as well. The committee also noted that one University of West Florida nominee would be taken up at a later hearing because he was unable to attend.

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds a new reference to educational providers participating in the ESA program who do not, under the
• misconduct in our public schools, private schools, and programs under the new ESA, uh, account program
• for religious education for their children.
• These programs serve a vital role for families seeking religious education.
• Um, Curriculum and education that they need.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, this bill establishes the Dula Support for Healthy Birth Pilot Program, program.
• Health care providers should learn from education, an education that extends more than just a paragraph
• Today, I will convey the importance of education. As we all know, education overrides ignorance.
• Education leads to faster care. Education leads to better outcomes.
• Education leads to better outcomes. Education protects lives.

Bills: S0036, S0864, S0268, S0844, S0514, S1404, S0914, S1758

Keywords: nursing title, advanced practice registered nurse, advertising, professional standards, disciplinary action, uterine fibroids, public records, health privacy, epidemiology, medical information, emergency department, physicians, privacy, personal information, sickle cell disease, sickle cell anemia, pain management, controlled substances, prescribing education, continuing medical education

Summary: The committee first considered SB 268, a public records exemption for emergency physicians. Senator Rodriguez’s strike-all amendment narrowed and clarified the exemption, and testimony from an emergency physician described threats, harassment, and safety concerns tied to mandatory reporting and patient encounters. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. Members then heard SB 514, creating the Dula Support for Healthy Births Pilot Program in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties for pregnant and postpartum women affected by substance use disorder. Senator Osgood explained the pilot would provide non-medical doula support and data collection, and an amendment changed the funding source to specific appropriations in the General Appropriations Act. Supporters said doula care can improve maternal and infant outcomes and complement medical providers. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also approved SB 36 on use of professional nursing titles after extensive debate over whether nurses with doctoral degrees should be allowed to use “doctor” in clinical settings, with concerns raised about patient confusion and the need for clearer identification. The bill was amended to align with the House version and then reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee next approved SB 864, a public records exemption for uterine fibroid research data, after a technical amendment setting a July 1, 2026 effective date; Senator Sharif said the exemption is needed so the Department of Health can collect sensitive data for the related research bill. SB 844, requiring continuing education on sickle cell disease care management for certain licensed physicians and nurses, was also reported favorably after emotional testimony from patients and advocates describing delayed care and bias. Later, the committee approved SB 1404 on memory care, after a strike-all amendment creating a new memory care specialty license for assisted living facilities that advertise or provide specialized memory care services, while allowing optional supportive services without the new license. Supporters from the senior living industry backed the clarification. The committee then passed SB 914, which clarifies that licensed occupational therapists may perform dry needling, after an amendment adjusting supervision and continuing education language. Finally, the committee took up SB 1758, a broad Medicaid and SNAP reform bill that would strengthen fraud enforcement, impose Medicaid work requirements for certain able-bodied adults, expand behavioral health services, modernize drug purchasing and prior authorization, and require SNAP fraud-reduction measures. Several amendments were adopted, and members questioned the work requirement, implementation costs, EBT card photo identification, and due process concerns; debate continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:08:12.240> expenditures relating to education fund expenditures relating to education fund
• . education. education.
• > members<00:10:46.000> of These educators, all fellow members of These educators, all
• , their perspective on public education, their perspective on public education, to<00:10:55.920><
• the adult court diversion program. the adult court diversion program.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional led by Rep. Bram Kleppner, who spoke about ethics, the virtues of kindness, wisdom, and courage, and offered an atheist’s prayer focused on those themes for legislative work. After the devotional, the chamber handled first readings of four bills: H.913 on prohibiting certain prediction markets securities, H.914 on compensating the city of Barre for an education property tax overpayment, H.915 on an extended producer responsibility program for beverage containers, and H.916 on education fund expenditures review. H.913 was referred to Government Operations and Military Affairs, H.914 to Ways and Means, H.915 to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A because it affects state revenue, and H.916 to Education. Members also made several announcements recognizing outside groups and events, including a Universal Health Care Caucus meeting, the organization Lond, visiting Vermont NEA educators for “Stand Up for Students Day,” a Federation of Sportsmen mixer, a Vermont State Employees Association reception and dinner, a Council of State Governments East reception, a mental health first aid class reminder, and State House apparel sales. The House then took up orders of the day, first postponing action on H.205, an act relating to agreements not to compete, for one legislative day. The chamber passed H.639 on genetic data privacy, H.694 on amendments to the Bennington town charter concerning the town manager, and H.907 on legislative review of reporting requirements. It then considered H.566 on sealing postcharge court diversion records upon successful completion. The Judiciary Committee explained the bill would replace expungement with sealing for juvenile and adult diversion records, add a limited Burlington Community Justice Center pilot for certain municipal ordinance violations, and align the law with prior record-clearance reforms; Judiciary reported it favorably 10-1. Ways and Means said removal of a proposed fee eliminated any fiscal impact and reported the bill ought to pass 11-0. The House agreed to the Judiciary amendment and ordered third reading. Finally, the House postponed H.635, which would eliminate Department of Correction supervisory fees, for one legislative day, heard additional announcements, and adjourned until Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The more permanent that the education is for students developing as they go through their educational
• We value education in our family.
• I'm particularly motivated to support programs that align education with local workforce needs, especially
• In 2023, I earned my PhD in education.
• We have a $25.5 million increase in operating funds for school district workforce education programs,

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education convened with a quorum and first took up CS for SB 1694 on technology education. The bill would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and would encourage high school computer science courses that include AI to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal settings. The bill sponsor and several supporters emphasized preparing students for an AI-driven workforce while teaching critical evaluation and ethical use; one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the need to preserve real-world skills. Senator Davis supported the measure and suggested introducing similar instruction earlier, possibly in middle school. The committee voted the bill favorably, with Senator Leak later recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a large block of confirmations for higher education boards, including appointees to Tallahassee State College, the University of South Florida, the University of North Florida, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally highlighted backgrounds in education, health care, law, business, technology, and public service, and described priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, affordability, fiscal responsibility, and institutional growth. One nominee to Tallahassee State College was asked about low NCLEX pass rates and said the college had a plan approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Another nominee discussed Florida Poly’s STEM mission, and several members praised the nominees’ community ties and professional experience. After hearing the appointees, the committee voted to report the block of confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The committee then received a high-level overview of the higher education budget, totaling $11.9 billion, with major emphasis on workforce training and development. Highlights included increases for school district workforce education, the Florida College System, workforce development capitalization, a rural educator recruitment program, funding for the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s literacy and math initiatives, UF’s autism and neurodevelopment center, and a postsecondary guardian program for campus security. Members asked a brief question about a workforce fund transfer, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds added. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and related Office of Inspector General programs; from the Department of Education, programs from the
• c><00:04:03.400> Education from the Department of Education from the Department of Education programs
• For example, both the Early Childhood Family Education and Health and Developmental Screening programs
• or education the Northstar program<00:16:07.079> serves<00:16:07.440> over<00:16:07.680
• <00:16:16.399> children education is a program for children education is a program for children

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we expanded to our teacher education program students because the FBI had tightened up who could
• we expanded to our uh teacher education we expanded to our uh teacher education program<01:05:11.760
• are in the education are in the education program<01:20:31.920> at<01:20:32.480> a
• Once again, establishes an inclusive postsecondary education and career preparation pilot program. >>
• This bill is directing the Department of Education to establish a grant program at the postsecondary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and exhibit programs.
• So, I will say during the closure we are working with staff to do education and outreach programs.
• programming.
• The program enjoys a AAA rating from S&P, making it a robust program.
• It's education. It's our education.

Transcript Highlights:

• Working with the State Board of Higher Education, we've developed a low-producing program review process
• education program, which heavily influences the practice of pharmacy across our state and developed
• Our educators are really good at informal education.
• We're not going to talk about educational programming, although that's a huge part of what Sanford and
• program, a biostatistical core.

Summary: The committee met at NDSU and approved the April 9 minutes. The main purpose of the meeting was an informational presentation from NDSU President David Stewart and university leaders on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research, commercialization, and use of New Horizons funding. Stewart emphasized a “One NDSU” approach, thanked legislators for past support, and said the university will focus on recruitment and retention, a new strategic plan, and growing research and tech transfer while serving North Dakota’s workforce needs. University leaders said NDSU is using tuition waivers more strategically and will work to reduce them over time through scholarship optimization. Provost Sherry Vale described academic portfolio reviews, program closures or consolidations, strategic hiring, and workload policies aimed at aligning resources with demand. They also highlighted student outcomes, including high completion rates, strong employment placement, and NDSU’s role in producing a large share of the state’s engineers, nurses, and agriculture graduates. Several students testified about how NDSU’s mentoring, internships, research, and support services helped them succeed. The committee also heard from partners on New Horizons-related collaborations: Gateway to Science described K-12 STEM outreach in rural and tribal areas, and Sanford Research discussed joint research efforts, including COBRE-related work, obesity and GLP-1 studies, and a joint biostatistics hire. Later speakers highlighted Governor’s School and NDSU’s research and commercialization efforts, including growth in research expenditures and invention disclosures. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, reconvening the Joint Committee on Higher Education and Education today.
• The Joint Committee on higher education The Joint Committee on higher education and<00:07:48.360
• Program uh you'll recall that um at the Program uh you'll recall that um at the time<00:08:15.680>
• yeah the C program is a is a Education yeah the C program is a is a program<00:55:58.640> that
• program are free.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 707 on the College Savings Program. Members discussed a suggested amendment from the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities to include the Hawaii ABLE Savings Program. The chair said the Department of the Attorney General advised there was no title problem, so the bill could be broadened to cover both the College Savings Program and the ABLE program. The committee also noted technical, non-substantive changes and a defective date of July 1, 3000 for further discussion. HB 707 HD1 was then voted on and the recommendation to pass with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present, with two members excused. The committee then heard House Bill 424, which would provide free breakfast and lunch beginning the next school year to students who currently qualify for free and reduced-price meals. The Department of Education supported the measure, and testimony in favor came from teachers, public health and food security advocates, and several organizations. Supporters described students being denied meals because of unpaid balances, said school meals should not depend on family debt, and argued that the bill would reduce stigma and help hungry students learn. Committee questions focused on meal pricing, the impact of raising prices on families who pay full price, and whether portion sizes could be increased; DOE said breakfast costs less than lunch, full-price students would bear any increase, and portion sizes must follow USDA rules. Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute and Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network said many families above the free/reduced thresholds still cannot afford meals, citing estimates that the DOE collects about $20 million a year in meal payments and that federal reimbursement totals are much larger. The committee then heard House Bill 757, the universal free school breakfast and lunch bill. DOE and the Department of Health supported it, and testimony was overwhelmingly in favor from county officials, teachers, students, food banks, advocacy groups, and community organizations. Witnesses argued that universal meals would eliminate stigma, reduce paperwork and debt collection, and ensure students do not fall through the cracks because of income cutoffs, language barriers, or administrative hurdles. Several students from Castle High School described classmates asking for food and families struggling to keep meal accounts funded, while teachers said they regularly see negative meal balance notices and hungry students. Advocates also said the bill is the better equity vehicle because it avoids means testing and reaches students who are not currently receiving meals despite needing them. The hearing on HB 757 was still ongoing at the end of the transcript, and no final vote on that bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs?
• for our students whose money went to the scholarship programs, and they came back and were being educated
• The cuts to the scholarships that we see in the higher education program also give me great pause.
• The cuts to the scholarships that we see in the higher education program also give me great pause.
• The cuts to the scholarships that we see in the higher education program also give me great pause.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• PROGRAMS AS WELL AS THE USE OF LINE AND PIPELINE FUNDING AND THE NURSING STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM
• PROGRAM OFFERINGS.
• EDUCATION IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR.
• OUR ESA IS A PROGRAM DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO HELP PREVENT PEOPLE FROM
• SO A SHIFT AWAY FROM LONG-TERM EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.