Committee Summary for Committee of Conference on SB 578 (05/27/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB578 2026-2084-S	Committee of Conference	(Second New Title) relative to play-based curriculum and limitations on recess periods for pupils.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025

SB578 2026-2084-S: Information Only 00:02:41.252 - 10:31:27 AM; Opened the committee of conference on SB578 regarding recess times, agreed to a break for House members to review amendments, then reconvened the session.
SB578 2026-2084-S: Support 00:17:30.451 - 10:46:16 AM; Explained two amendments based on the Senate version, one extending recess to eighth grade and one to fifth grade. Advocated for play-based learning through third grade, interactive shared reading instead of guided reading, and emphasized studies showing benefits for mental health and reduced absenteeism. Proposed amendment 2026-2084-S first.
SB578 2026-2084-S: Oppose 00:19:27.344 - 10:48:13 AM; Stated the House position to hold firm against the Senate amendments, citing concerns over expensive mandates and preferring the House version through kindergarten only.
SB578 2026-2084-S: Oppose 00:20:19.406 - 10:49:05 AM; Expressed concerns about mandates, appreciated some changes but held firm on House position for kindergarten, noting existing training investments.
SB578 2026-2084-S: Oppose 00:21:22.926 - 10:50:08 AM; Raised questions about costs of expanding play-based learning, concerns over curriculum decisions being local, and suggested staying with House position.
SB578 2026-2084-S: Support 00:22:44.058 - 10:51:30 AM; Proposed second amendment 2026-2085-S, stressed importance of play-based learning to third grade and recess for mental health, offered to remove interactive shared reading language if needed.
SB578 2026-2084-S: Oppose 00:23:37.543 - 10:52:23 AM; Questioned training scope and costs for additional grades, emphasized fiscal concerns.
SB578 2026-2084-S: Support 00:24:48.534 - 10:53:34 AM; Defended expansion citing existing training, teacher feedback on benefits, mental health improvements, and examples from other states.
SB578 2026-2084-S: Oppose 00:26:39.061 - 10:55:25 AM; Expressed concerns about curriculum alignment, fiscal impacts, implementation time, and lack of support from teachers or public for expansion.
SB578 2026-2084-S: Oppose 00:28:28.328 - 10:57:14 AM; Acknowledged past support for kindergarten play-based learning but raised concerns about fiscal impact on districts and need for professional development in a non-budget year.
SB578 2026-2084-S: Oppose 00:32:46.687 - 11:01:32 AM; Clarified local control over curriculum decisions like Common Core, urged focus on fiscal supports needed for implementation.
SB578 2026-2084-S: Information Only 00:34:43.727 - 11:03:29 AM; Concluded the House insists on its position, noted impasse, confirmed bill is dead as Senate and House could not agree.