HB 260-STATE EDUCATION POLICY: EARLY CHILDHOOD  [Contains discussion of HB 181, HB 136, and SB 6.] 9:30:50 AM CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 260 "An Act relating to the state education policy." 9:31:18 AM REPRESENTATIVE GERAN TARR, Alaska State Legislature, presented HB 260 as prime sponsor and offered her availability for questions or further discussion of HB 260. 9:31:57 AM CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND suggested that HB 181, HB 136, and HB 260 are conceptually similar and would shape DEED's approach to SEL standards and practices and child development, but they remain separate proposed legislation. 9:32:15 AM CO-CHAIR STORY requested that Representative Tarr explain the concepts of restorative practices as proposed under HB 260. 9:32:39 AM REPRESENTATIVE TARR recalled work that had taken place during restorative justice summits and noted that restorative practices and SEL fall under a wider umbrella of trauma-informed approach to learning. She suggested that HB 260 was drafted with the intent and addresses these concepts from the broader umbrella perspective. She recalled that Senate Bill 105 [passed into law during the Thirtieth Alaska State Legislature] instructed trauma-informed approach to the Department of Health & Social Services, whereas HB 260 is instructive to DEED. She referenced AS 14.03.015 and opined that it is brief and lacking. She emphasized her belief and experience that changes proposed to education policy should be undertaken with caution and a measured and deliberate approach to include the educational community in the development of policy. 9:34:12 AM REPRESENTATIVE TARR noted that work has been taking place over the last four years to shape the proposed legislation and include stakeholder input from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Palmer, Wasilla, Valdez, Homer, Sitka, Juneau, Bethel, Chevak, Chignik, and Kwethluk. She explained that stakeholder feedback revealed a consensus to include trauma-informed approach to education policy, and that local districts and schools deploy that approach in SEL, restorative practices, and other strategies. She recalled previous testimony in which witnesses revealed that students experience trauma and bring it with them to school. She explained that HB 260 would serve to orient thinking towards trauma-informed approach as compared to a policy mandate. She noted that the State of Alaska conducts a significant level of crisis intervention, and the bill was drafted with the intent of prevention. 9:36:13 AM CO-CHAIR STORY proffered that the proposed legislation would be a policy statement regarding social/emotional learning and the addition of mental health education standards. 9:36:36 AM REPRESENTATIVE TARR indicated that research conducted during the formation of HB 260 from a variety of locations throughout the country revealed a desired trend from educators and stakeholders wherein policy intent is stated, and SEL and other standards can be deployed with local and culturally relevant implementation. 9:37:12 AM REPRESENTATIVE TARR noted that SB 6 is a detailed bill that contains funding considerations and, comparatively, HB 260 is intended to inform overall policy formation and imparts a gradual approach to policy reform. She indicated her support for SB 6, HB 136, and HB 181 and expressed hope that funds will be made available for implementation of these and other legislation which trend toward a trauma-informed approach to education. 9:37:51 AM CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND restated the concept of "orienting our thinking" as a suitable description of the intent of the proposed language. 9:37:56 AM REPRESENTATIVE PRAX referred to AS 14.03.015 as consisting of only one paragraph and inquired how adding a subsection "b" would occur when there exists no subsection "a" currently. 9:38:23 AM REPRESENTATIVE TARR explained that this is due to the technical draft requirements as provided by the "revisor of statutes" and, if passed, the subsections would appear as intended. 9:38:59 AM REPRESENTATIVE PRAX opined that AS 14.03.015 is a broad statement and asked whether the intent could be accomplished without amending statute, to avoid any unintended consequences that might result. 9:39:44 AM REPRESENTATIVE TARR indicated that the proposed legislation included stakeholder feedback and reflects the modern classroom environment, and the policy statement under the proposed legislation would codify the need to meet the issues that are confronted in the classroom. 9:41:33 AM KATIE BOTZ shared her personal experience of assault that she endured as a school aged child. She explained that the stigma surrounding sexual abuse perpetuated her abuse, and the criminal justice process that ensued interfered greatly with her education. She indicated that in her job as a school bus driver she has noticed and is sympathetic toward children who may not exhibit outward signs of trauma and abuse. 9:45:20 AM REPRESENTATIVE TUCK expressed his gratitude for the courage demonstrated by the public testimony Ms. Botz had provided. 9:45:44 AM CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND closed public testimony on HB 260 and announced that the bill would be held over.