Transcript Highlights:

• activity each school day through physical education, recess, class or movement, extracurricular activities
• physical activity time to maximize test prep seat time.
• It is through more outside recess and physical activity during the school day.
• Another student was physically attacked on school campus.
• Educators and students have worn kaffiyehs to school and school-related activities, a symbol of violence

Bills: HB2040, HB2142, HB2255, HB2379, HB2482, HB2575, HB2600, HB2764, HB4033, HCR2015

Keywords: public education, adoption, sex education, parental rights, student health information, school safety, resource officers, mental health, training, infrastructure improvements, Arizona Teachers Academy, teacher preparation, education funding, public schools, scholarships, teacher certification, community colleges, school district, governing board, training requirements

Summary: The committee on Education heard a series of bills and took action on each. HCR 2015, a resolution supporting at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for K-12 students and posting dietary guidelines in schools, drew testimony from advocates for recess and student wellness; it was approved 6-0. HB 2040, which would require schools to provide adoption information when contraception or STI topics are discussed and add adoption-related content to sex education, drew opposition from Reproductive Freedom for All and the Arizona Education Association, but passed 4-2. HB 2255, extending Arizona Teachers Academy eligibility for community college students from two to four years, passed unanimously 6-0. HB 2764, creating a voluntary state seal of computer science proficiency for high school graduates, also passed 6-0. The committee then considered HB 2600, requiring written parental permission for students in grades 6-8 to join school clubs or organizations. The ACLU of Arizona opposed the bill, arguing it would suppress participation in clubs involving sensitive identities or topics; the bill passed 4-2. HB 2379, which requires school district governing board members to complete recurring training on school finance and related duties, was amended to narrow the re-election consequences and then passed 4-2. HB 2142, establishing a school safety center and council within the Arizona Department of Education to provide training, technical assistance, and risk assessments, received mixed testimony over its funding source and council makeup but passed 4-2. Later, HB 4033, which would require more detailed bond election pamphlets and separate ballot propositions for certain school bond projects such as stadiums, administrative buildings, and teacher housing, drew opposition from the Arizona Education Association over added barriers to school funding, but passed 4-2. HB 2482, capping job order contracting for building renewal grant projects at $1 million and requiring verification against artificial project splitting, drew concerns from builders and school board groups about slowing repairs and limiting procurement flexibility; it passed 4-2. Finally, HB 2575, the Anti-Semitism and Education Act, which would bar public schools and higher education institutions from teaching or promoting antisemitism and create reporting and discipline procedures, drew strong support from Jewish community representatives describing school and campus incidents, and opposition from the ACLU and AEA over free-speech and liability concerns; the transcript cuts off before the committee vote on this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether it's in classrooms, extracurricular activities, or athletics, schools are uniquely positioned
• It requires mandatory reporting of school threats and provides for physical security school assessments
• Requires mandatory reporting of school threats and provides for physical security school assessments
• It requires K-12 schools to conduct regular physical security assessments of school facilities.
• And the science that we know, that physical activity, and even Ms.

Bills: HR249, HR251, HB395, HB902, SB83, SB132, SB157, SB338, SB450, SB484, SB501, SB507

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, content standards, K-12 education, public schools, curriculum, digital literacy, computer science, STEM, technology education, student privacy, ethical AI, workforce development, future-ready workforce, instructional resources, education policy, school standards, Louisiana education

Bills: HB25, HB38, HB997, HB 1119, HB25, HB38

Keywords: HB 25, Texas nutrition, nutrition education, healthy living, public health, school physical activity, recess, physical education, nutrition and wellness course, health curriculum, State Board of Education, Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee, ultra-processed foods, artificial colors, food additives, chronic disease, metabolic health, culinary medicine, functional medicine, dietary guidelines

Bills: HB25, HB38, HB997, HB 1119, HB25, HB38

Keywords: HB 25, Texas nutrition, nutrition education, healthy living, public health, school physical activity, recess, physical education, nutrition and wellness course, health curriculum, State Board of Education, Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee, ultra-processed foods, artificial colors, food additives, chronic disease, metabolic health, culinary medicine, functional medicine, dietary guidelines

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not mandate religious activity, prayer, or instruction in public schools.
• It does not mandate religious activity, prayer, or instruction in public schools.
• school personnel would be allowed to participate in religious activities on school grounds, which are
• our only school board member who currently has young children in our public schools.
• school board, which I was, and an elected superintendent of schools, which I was.

Bills: S0824, S1170, S1620, S1738, S7036

Keywords: school district, real property, inventory, land use, education, video monitoring, safety, special education, parental rights, public education, school board rights, transparency, employment conditions, nondisclosure agreements, educational facilities, student safety, teacher accountability, physical plant, school design, construction standards

Summary: The Education Pre-K-12 Committee considered several K-12 bills and resolutions. SJR 1104, by Senator Massullo, would place on the ballot a proposed constitutional amendment protecting voluntary religious expression in public schools; supporters said it simply codifies existing law and protects student and employee rights, while opponents warned it could entrench religious pressure and exclusion. The resolution was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1738, by Senator Yarborough, on educational facilities; an amendment removed crime-prevention-through-environmental-design language and adjusted transparency/safe-space provisions, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. SB 824, by Senator Truenow, was amended into a transparency measure requiring districts to submit annual reports on unimproved land holdings to DOE, and it was reported favorably. Appointments in tabs 7 and 8 were recommended for confirmation. The committee then took up SPB 7036, a comprehensive education package by Chair Simon. The bill would expand educational emergency triggers, adjust Title I withholding uses, align charter school rules with school improvement processes, update safety and early learning provisions, expand literacy and math interventions, and revise educator pipeline policies. Members raised concerns about a provision that could allow the state to develop instructional materials; Simon said that section was still being considered and would need guardrails. The committee adopted a motion to submit the bill as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably. SB 1620, by Senator Leak, proposed a “school board members’ bill of rights” giving board members direct access to district documents and staff, limiting district attorneys’ dual representation, strengthening nepotism rules, and prohibiting nondisclosure agreements. Volusia County school board members and others testified both for and against the bill, with supporters citing transparency and accountability and opponents warning about confidentiality, staff pressure, and undermining the superintendent’s authority. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1170, by Senator Calatayud, as amended, would allow parents of students in self-contained ESE classrooms to request cameras, with district policies governing review, notice, timelines, and appeals. Parents, advocates, and educators testified strongly in support, while one witness opposed it as an unfunded mandate. The committee reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we will take up tab 1, CS for SB 556 on requirements for a standard high school diploma by Senator
• CS for SB 556 on requirements for a standard high school diploma by Senator Berman.
• Under this bill, a student with a disability who participates in the Special Olympics for one school
• And I had to make a request to the school... ...for my younger son to have his hours of participation
• Yeah, I mean, this bill is a great opportunity to recognize the rigorous physical activity, discipline

Bills: S0556, S0794, S1600

Keywords: high school diploma, graduation requirements, physical education credit, performing arts credit, marching band, Special Olympics, students with disabilities, IEP, individual education plan, 504 plan, Florida education, school credits, diploma substitution, ROTC, dance class, State Board of Education, public schools, graduation pathways, adaptive physical education, Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and a technical amendment that shifted the bill from creating an accreditation process to requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation, DCF, and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability in the child welfare sector and report findings to the legislature by January 1, 2027; the bill also included enforcement provisions for failure to provide requested information. Support was noted from child and family advocacy groups, and the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard CS for SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, if included in the student’s IEP, and would clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy both PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, families, and other supporters testified in favor, emphasizing flexibility, access, and recognition of rigorous activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 794, which requires background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs serving people with developmental disabilities and directs a review of waiver support coordination, including quality, consistency, access, competencies, recruitment and retention, caseloads, and geographic gaps in services. An amendment to conform to the House version was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members then questioned Secretary Taylor Hatch regarding her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Senators raised concerns about child welfare system performance, parent notification and rights, CBC funding formulas, managing entities, opioid settlement spending, peer support expansion, and technology/interoperability improvements. Hatch described DCF’s recent data and initiatives, including reductions in out-of-home care entries, youth advisory efforts, missing children recovery operations, expanded behavioral health capacity, and technology upgrades for benefits processing. Public comment included support from family and provider organizations and concerns from a former foster care worker about medical misdiagnosis cases. The committee voted to recommend Hatch’s confirmation favorably, with Chair Grall voting no, and adjourned after allowing Senator Sharief to be recorded as voting in favor of SB 1600.

Transcript Highlights:

• children have no access to health care, mental or physical, in their schools.
• I don't know, does this apply also to charter schools? schools and private schools?
• Defined as unstructured physical activity during the school day, recess supports but not replaced. structured
• benefits of recess goes far beyond the outdoor play and physical activity which this bill address.
• activity.

Bills: HB367, HB497, HB549, HB983, HB 1188, HB 1290, HB1368, HB2243, HB2310, HB2849, HB3099, HB3546, HB3629, HB3627

Keywords: education, absences, severe illness, life-threatening, school policy, verification, healthcare, insurance, affordability, coverage, patient rights, school health, respiratory distress, airway clearance devices, medication training, public health, HB 983, Texas Education Agency, TEA, educator privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• . about the rising violence in schools, especially against school employees.
• I was in Del Valle ISD. at two charter schools, KIPP and Harmony Public Schools.
• You're here on behalf of school nurses. I'm a school nurse and yes. And then Ms.
• We've got school social workers, school nurses and school counselors.
• Our concern has been the the amount of treatment-type activity that is going on in schools without parental

Bills: HB367, HB497, HB549, HB983, HB 1188, HB 1290, HB1368, HB2243, HB2310, HB2849, HB3099, HB3546, HB3629, HB3627

Keywords: education, absences, severe illness, life-threatening, school policy, verification, healthcare, insurance, affordability, coverage, patient rights, school health, respiratory distress, airway clearance devices, medication training, public health, HB 983, Texas Education Agency, TEA, educator privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• One question will be, how many absences do you need for each school, each school district to establish
• Texas school districts and open enrollment charter schools. Mr.
• property or at school-sponsored activities, providing a civil penalty.
• school district.
• . ...school nurses, assistant school nurses, and other key personnel.

Bills: SB204, SB570, SB735, SB784, SB1207, SB1396, SB1447, SB2392, SB2540, SB747, SB875

Keywords: parental rights, education, school trustees, training, handbook, truancy, attendance policy, chronic absenteeism, school attendance, student absence notifications, parent notification, home visit, attendance officer, truancy court, school district, open-enrollment charter school, student support services, school counselor, principal, administrator

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of the things in these pioneer schools...
• And one of the things in these pioneer schools...
• Actively participating in the Special Olympics.
• We have the opportunity to recognize that the rigorous physical activity, discipline, and teamwork inherent
• The rigorous physical activity, discipline, and teamwork inherent in the Special Olympics, ensuring these

Bills: S0206, S0420, S0556

Keywords: autism, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, special education, exceptional student education, ESE, teacher preparation, educator certification, micro-credential, loan forgiveness, student loan repayment, teacher stipend, salary supplement, professional development, inclusive education, developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, behavioral disabilities, school district compensation, collective bargaining

Summary: The committee first heard SB 420, which would require portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to be prominently displayed in classrooms used for social studies and in all K-5 classrooms, with the Department of Education selecting the portraits. Senator Burgess framed the bill as a patriotic and educational measure tied to America’s 250th anniversary, while Senator Davis raised concerns about exclusivity, political precedent, and state intrusion into local classroom decisions. Senator Osgood and others asked about sensitivity to diverse student populations and whether additional figures such as Harriet Tubman could also be displayed. Burgess said the bill would not prevent other displays, emphasized the two presidents’ historical significance, and committed to funding support so the mandate would not burden districts. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 206 on autism education and teacher preparation. Senator Harrell’s strike-all amendment required teacher preparation programs to include autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, required ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential, created an autism loan forgiveness program and salary supplement provisions, and directed district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. A second amendment removed a proposed change to the legal definition of autism so that issue could be handled separately. Senators Davis and Osgood asked about implementation timelines, grandfathering current teachers, and how the bill would affect educators already working in autism classrooms; Harrell said he was open to further discussion and wanted to ensure flexibility while still requiring the credential. Public testimony included support from Orange County Public Schools, a parent of children with autism, and others. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 556, which allows students with disabilities to satisfy the high school physical education requirement by participating in Special Olympics for one year if included in the student’s IEP. An amendment also clarified that two years of marching band satisfies both the PE credit and a fine or performing arts credit. Supporters said the bill expands inclusive options and reduces administrative burdens, and Senator Yarborough praised the change as giving students more flexibility. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also took up confirmation votes for appointments in tabs 4 through 7 and recommended all of them favorably by a single roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• public schools.
• school, or charter schools.
• They were actively telling their athletes to stay away from a coach from another school because they
• A junior in high school. I was groomed and abused by my physics teacher.
• This applies to all Texas school districts and open enrollment charter schools.

Bills: SB604, SB843, SB1636, SB2395, SB571, SB1224, SB1832, SB2392, SB747, SB2623, SB2624, SB2185

Keywords: bonds, education funding, Texas Permanent School Fund, financial transparency, speculative rating, school funding, deferred maintenance, tax revenue, education budget, school districts, education, finance, Texas Education Code, misconduct, child abuse, educators, investigation, criminal offense, education law, suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• class I'm not here advocating for or against public schools private schools charter schools I'm advocating
• Schools and school districts should not be invested.
• Students are facing more than just physical abuse. At a private school. in Senator King's district.
• But Dallas ISD, being as innovative as it is, open to high school, CityLab High School. school, right
• . public schools, ISDs, charter schools.

Bills: SB604, SB843, SB1636, SB2395, SB571, SB1224, SB1832, SB2392, SB747, SB2623, SB2624, SB2185

Keywords: bonds, education funding, Texas Permanent School Fund, financial transparency, speculative rating, school funding, deferred maintenance, tax revenue, education budget, school districts, education, finance, Texas Education Code, misconduct, child abuse, educators, investigation, criminal offense, education law, suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• The intent of this bill is to increase physical activity among our school-age kids.
• We have an obesity epidemic; we have kids that are getting very little physical activity after school
• I feel that if we can increase physical activity in some of these kids, we can improve behaviors in the
• So, what this is going to do is increase the amount of time and physical activity in grade school-aged
• kids, and that's that physical.

Bills: HB4274, HB3076, HB4358, HB3312, HB3288, HB3885

Keywords: HB4274, Oklahoma schools, interdistrict transfer, open transfer, school enrollment, military families, active duty, National Guard, Reserve orders, military installation, residency requirements, district of choice, public school transfer, student transfer, special education, IEP, Section 504, military housing, base housing, electronic enrollment

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I think as we promote students being active and volunteering and making a difference in their
• If you're a page this week, if you would stand up and tell your name, what school you go to, and the
• allows required for entry to school allows schools, pediatricians, and other health care providers to
• So I mean is it school test or medical test? Yes.
• So, also understand that the COVID vaccine is not required for school.

Bills: HB491, SB85

Keywords: HB491, public schools, K-12, school nutrition, school lunch, cafeteria, artificial dyes, food additives, food coloring, synthetic dyes, Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, Green Dye No. 3, school fundraising, vending, snacks

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:58.279> Sy Activation Sy Activation Sy syndrome<00:22:01.279> while<00:22:01.480
• 00:26:44.880> and the beginning of this school year and the beginning of this school year and
• again in regards to Criminal activity again in regards to Criminal activity this<00:44:58.000>
• <00:46:47.720> or the consenting before any physical or the consenting before any physical
• protecting the child against physical protecting the child against physical abuse<00:52:36.559><

Bills: HF22, HF45

Keywords: parent's bill of rights, parental rights, minor consent, minors, parents, guardians, education rights, school records, home schooling, charter school, private school, health care consent, medical privacy, patient records, exam room access, biometric data, DNA samples, blood samples, mental health, physical health

Transcript Highlights:

• whose practice is physically located within this state, acting in good faith and exercising reasonable
• States actively reviewing or considering expanding scope of practice is the state of Washington.
• Hospital closures lead to job losses, reduce local economic activity, declining property values, and
• We've done this with school systems that have run into problems.
• These policy bills included the Presidential Physical Fitness Program, Physician Assistant Licensure

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several rural health-related bills. Senate Bill 2401, as amended, required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and also added language allowing criminal history background checks for the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Supporters emphasized the role of nutrition in reducing chronic disease, and the bill passed 92-0. The House then considered Senate Bill 2402, which expanded pharmacists’ limited prescriptive and therapeutic substitution authority for certain low-acuity conditions and clarified related lab-test and communication requirements. Members discussed examples such as motion sickness, cold sores, lice, hypoglycemia, COVID and flu testing, emergency access to medications and supplies, and limits excluding certain drug classes; the bill passed 91-1. Senate Bill 2403 created a temporary medical facility emergency operating loan option through the Bank of North Dakota for qualifying rural hospitals facing severe financial distress, with extensive debate over the targeted nature of the aid, anti-gifting concerns, repayment terms, and the hospital’s turnaround plan; it passed 80-12. Senate Bill 2404 appropriated funds for NDIT to address federal digital accessibility requirements and for the Public Service Commission’s litigation efforts related to transmission costs, with a backup loan authorization available if needed; it passed 92-0. At the close of the session, leaders thanked members and staff for their work on the rural health transformation package, a committee notified the Governor and the Senate that the House had completed its business, absent members were excused, and the House adjourned sine die.

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the reading of communications from the Secretary of State and Governor Kelly Armstrong certifying the special session call. The governor’s executive order said the session was called to act on funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program so the state could accept and appropriate federal funds and avoid interruptions to government services. Three new members, Representatives McNally, Scraw, and Timmons, were sworn in, and the roll showed 91 members present, establishing a quorum. The main business was a Rules Committee report outlining temporary special-session rules. The changes were designed to speed up floor action, including allowing second reading the same day a bill is reported from committee, final passage one day after first reading, and immediate transmission to the other chamber unless reconsideration is noticed. The report also replaced the regular standing committee structure with two joint committees: Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy, allowed remote testimony and remote member participation with approval, and limited bill introduction to Legislative Management-approved bills or bills approved by a two-thirds vote. Several deadline changes for resolutions and bill filing were also described, with some provisions delayed until the special session ends. The House adopted the Rules Committee report after a motion by Representative Bosch and no opposition. During announcements, the clerk listed the membership of the Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy committees, and the Highway Patrol announced safety sessions for legislators in the Rough Rider Room at 11 a.m. that day and the next day. The House then recessed until the joint session scheduled for 10 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We just want to say if you are participating in your school that's doing these activities, you'll be
• Nowadays, most schools have little to no physical education compared to the past, hence optional fitness
• A mountain of research shows that physical activity energizes and literally enlarges brains.
• Regular physical activity is essential to the total child development.
• I commend... ...to be physically active and quality PE programs.

Bills: HB2008, HB2075, HB2203, HB2395, HB2409

Keywords: school libraries, public school libraries, library funding, professional associations, library associations, librarians, information services, dues, membership fees, public monies, school governing body, county free library district, municipal library, library contracts, library services, books and programs, Arizona education, Title 15, Library Freedom Act, school district transparency

Summary: The committee took up several education bills. HB 2395 would create a voluntary Arizona School Fitness Program in ADE to recognize schools that participate in nationally recognized fitness testing or events and allow the designation on school report cards. Supporters, including the sponsor and outside witnesses, argued it would encourage student activity and support the whole child; the bill passed with a 6-0 do pass recommendation. HB 2409, the Getting Arizona Ready for AI Act, would create a voluntary summer AI course program through ADE with curriculum on digital hygiene, civic integrity, and AI for small business/entrepreneurship, with optional facility use and academic credit. The sponsor said it was meant to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption without requiring new appropriations; it passed 4-2. HB 2203 would direct ADE to review public school and agency reporting requirements for duplicative, expired, or obsolete reports and recommend consolidation or repeal, and an amendment making a technical correction was adopted before the bill passed 6-0. HB 2008 would bar school libraries from using public money to pay dues to certain professional library associations; opponents from Secular AZ and the ACLU argued it was viewpoint discrimination and a threat to professional association rights, but the bill still received a do pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote, with one member explaining a no vote because the problem did not exist. The committee also heard HB 2075, which would require school districts to submit superintendent and CFO employment contracts to ADE, post them online, keep them available for five years after termination, and create a searchable database with compensation details. The Goldwater Institute supported the bill, citing difficulty obtaining contracts through public records requests and examples of very high superintendent compensation and opaque contract terms; the Arizona School Administrators opposed the bill as singling out districts while not applying to charters or other public-dollar schools, though they said they could support it if expanded to all schools receiving public funds. Members debated whether charters are political subdivisions and whether the bill should extend to charters and ESAs, and some discussion also focused on transparency and public records access. The bill ultimately received a 4-2 do pass recommendation.

Bills: HB624, HB1022, HB1203, SB82, SB206, SB305, SB376, SB441

Keywords: school safety, emergency operations plan, crisis management, active shooter, drills, training, classroom security, primary health services, behavioral health, school health providers, medical necessity, student health care, education, school week, instructional time, public schools, performance score, student athletes, cardiovascular health, sudden cardiac arrest

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent Desert State's Physical Therapy Network, which are all of the independently owned physical
• The physical therapy 126 physical therapists just to meet those national benchmarks.
• The physical therapy compact currently has 39 member states and is currently active in distributing those
• Charter schools are part of our public school system, so their nurses are part of this bill.
• It adjusts contract language because in our 89 school districts, school-year contracts are varied lengths

Bills: HB10, HB12, HB34, SB130, SM21

Keywords: physician assistants, interstate compact, medical services, licensure, cross-state practice, military families, regulatory authority, physical therapy, licensure compact, interstate practice, healthcare, military spouses, criminal background check, HB34, school nurse, school nurses, nurse licensure, charter school, charter schools, school district