Committee advances multiple education bills; do‑pass recommendations issued for seven measures

The Education Oversight Committee considered a slate of House bills and issued do‑pass recommendations for seven measures covering a range of K–12 and postsecondary education policies.

HP 4358 (Pro Tem Moore) — Screen time for pre‑K–5: Pro Tem Moore described a draft to limit screen time by allocating minutes per class period instead of a single block of classroom time, with exceptions for required online national testing and remediation. He indicated sponsors will revise language and circulate an updated draft; the committee approved a do‑pass recommendation.

HB 2398 (Representative Hill) — Credentials of value: Rep. Hill said the bill aims to ensure career‑tech and higher‑education credentials reflect student investment and workforce needs rather than only price, highlighting high‑need categories such as teaching and public service. The committee voted (recorded in the transcript as 7–1) and will send the bill out as do pass.

HB 3557 (Representative Williams) — 4‑H fundraising: Rep. Williams explained the bill would keep funds raised by 4‑H members in the county where they were raised and prohibit commingling with other funds; he committed to strike the bill title and the committee approved a do‑pass recommendation.

HB 3129 (Representative West) — College security fees and expression: Rep. West said the bill prevents colleges from charging security fees to student groups based on public expression; an amendment was accepted without objection and the committee approved a do‑pass recommendation.

HB 33‑12 (Representative Eaves) — Firearms education: Rep. Eaves introduced a K–12 firearms‑education curriculum that would be viewpoint neutral, omit live firearms and ammunition, and be developed with the State Department of Education (OSDE) and law‑enforcement training partners (CLEAT). Committee members asked whether disarming would be taught; the sponsor said curriculum specifics are for education professionals. The committee approved the PCS as do pass.

HB 22‑10 (Representative Lay) — Youth apprenticeship modernization: Rep. Lay said the bill lets students begin apprenticeship pathways earlier (11th grade), expands eligibility to ages 16–25, and assigns career tech responsibility for implementation and ROI reporting; the committee gave the bill a do‑pass recommendation.

HB 3021 (Representative Lowe) — Graduation statutes consolidation: Rep. Lowe described a 40‑page consolidation of three graduation statutes to resolve contradictions and to add options such as counting Tribal language toward graduation. The sponsor and vice chair thanked staff for negotiations and the committee approved the PCS and will send it forward as do pass.

These items were advanced without extended public testimony; the committee adjourned after concluding business.