We want to share an update on HB 2599.

This bill will not be moving forward during this legislative session. Not because it was voted against, but because it wasn’t brought to a vote before the deadline.

We simply ran out of time.

And that distinction matters.

Throughout this session, HB 2599 gained strong support, sparked thoughtful conversations, and built real momentum. Legislators engaged with the idea. Questions were asked. Conversations moved forward. Doors opened that hadn’t been open before.

This was not a rejection of the work. It was a matter of timing within a system that operates on firm deadlines.

While this is disappointing, it is also part of the process.

One of the things we teach the child entrepreneurs in our programs is that progress doesn’t always look like a straight line. You can prepare, show up, do the work, and still not get the outcome you hoped for on the first attempt.

That doesn’t mean the idea wasn’t strong.
It doesn’t mean the work didn’t matter.
And it doesn’t mean you stop.

It means you learn, refine, and try again.

That’s exactly what we will do.

We are not starting from nothing.
The foundation has been laid.
Relationships have been built.
And the work continues.

Next session, we will return with greater clarity, stronger alignment, and even more momentum behind this effort.

Because the mission has not changed.

Children are building real businesses.
They are solving real problems.
They are leading right now.

And they deserve systems that recognize that.

To everyone who supported this effort, engaged in conversation, asked questions, or helped move this work forward. Thank you.

This is not the end of the story. It is part of the process and part of the learning.

And we’re just getting started.

#SoCEICT