Video & Transcript Research : 'legislative privilege'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 8, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . legislation. legislation.
- this common-sense legislation.
- This legislation is functions.
- The legislation technologies.
- who had the privilege of knowing him. who had the privilege of knowing him.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session: 2025 First Special Session - part 1 Jun 9th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And for a group of folks who proclaim to be pro-life, this is the least pro-life piece of legislation
- In a country where you have all of these benefits, all of these privileges, and all the opportunities
- We had more privileges and more ability, which is why we came here in that way.
- This legislation will set us up well to face whatever we have to face.
- It's a really well-written piece of legislation.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to take a moment of personal privilege, if we will, and welcome Senator Sharief to the committee
- year to cover the expenses at the facilities, the facility... ...via the legislative appropriations
- The results provide not only a funding recommendation for legislative consideration, but also a work
- This was three years ago, and we put this legislation into a bill.
- This was three years ago, and we put this legislation into a bill.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard presentations on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for the health and human services agencies. Kendall Kelly outlined the overall HHS budget at $48.5 billion, with AHCA accounting for the largest share, and agency heads then highlighted major proposals for Medicaid behavioral health redesign, APD waiver enrollment and facility needs, DCF child welfare, opioid, and mental health investments, DOEA funding for Alzheimer’s, home care, and community services, DOH funding for cancer research, public health initiatives, and lab capacity, and VA funding for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management.
Several members praised specific proposals, including increased reimbursement for private duty nursing, Alzheimer’s supports, and the Florida FIRST blood-in-ambulance initiative. Senators also questioned the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), with the Surgeon General explaining that the department expects a reduction in covered patients from about 30,000 to about 20,000 because of funding pressures tied to rebates, federal changes, and premium tax credit issues. Public testimony strongly criticized the ADAP changes, citing lack of transparency and warning that many patients could lose access to medications.
Other questions focused on the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, DCF’s substance abuse and mental health data dashboard, Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, APD bed and facility planning, and the FX Medicaid technology project. DCF said about $7 million is set aside for the dashboard system, and AHCA said the governor’s budget includes $124.4 million for FX maintenance and continued module development, with $13.5 million to begin claims processing work. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the budget presentations and adjourned after questions and public testimony.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 24th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In my first two years as a legislator, and farmer working on the Ag Committee, I was disheartened that
- Paul includes sitting on the Legislative Audit Commission.
- And I get that it is a privilege to be in agriculture and the privilege to pay the government.
- The trust code is one of the legislations, one of their bills, coming from their trust division.
- Be it resolved by the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration of the House of Representatives
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then perhaps bring legislation that would support or help those crime prevention districts.
- I'm going to tell you a little personal privilege, too. We have with us today in the audience...
- I'm going to tell you a little personal privilege, too.
- And so Senator Barrow, in her infinite... ...piece of legislation from Baton Rouge because there was,
- I appreciate the privilege to move this bill.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection.
Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor.
The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Aaron Lukas, of Arkansas, to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joseph Kent, of Washington, to be Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Director of National Intellig Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Intelligence (Select) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I had the privilege of being unanimously confirmed by this committee and the Senate in August 2020 to
- And I was privileged to work with many, many dedicated patriots at the CIA and across other U.S. government
- security of their employees, the civil liberties of Americans, and keeps Congress informed so that legislative
- There have been too many to name here and I've had the privilege of working alongside in all my years
- In 2015, Congress passed legislation prohibiting bulk collection of phone and email records.
Keywords:
national security, intelligence community, Aaron Lucas, Joe Kent, John Eisenberg, China threat, terrorism, collaboration, oversight, intelligence capabilities
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding national security and intelligence community leadership. Notably, nominees Aaron Lucas for Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joe Kent for Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and John Eisenberg for Assistant Attorney General for National Security were introduced. Concerns were raised about the current state of U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly in relation to threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and ongoing risks from terrorism. The dialogue emphasized the necessity for robust oversight and the importance of collaboration within the intelligence community, as well as with international allies, to ensure effective security measures are in place.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Transportation (6-3-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- But the Transportation Cabinet team has been privileged to rise up and to help in the aftermath of disasters
- <00:04:32.560>
to <00:04:32.800>rise cabinet team has been privileged to rise cabinet - team has been privileged to rise up<00:04:33.680>
and <00:04:33.919>to <00:04:34.160>- passed that this past legislative passed that this past legislative session<00:48:06.000>
and - Um that was out of the past legislative<00:48:37.200>
session <00:48:38.079>where <00:48 - passed that this past legislative passed that this past legislative session<00:48:06.000>
Keywords:
00:00:39 Roll Call
00:02:57 Severe Weather Damage
00:39:00 Work Zone Safety
00:47:12 Local Assistance Road Program
01:10:18 Admin. Regs
01:15:37 Aviation Impact Study, 958, all
Summary:
The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call, a quorum, and a briefing from Transportation Cabinet officials on the Cabinet’s response to severe weather and tornadoes in Kentucky, especially the May 16–17 storms that caused deaths and widespread damage in Pulaski and Laurel counties, with an additional tornado noted in Washington County. Secretary Jim Gray, State Highway Engineer James Ballinger, and District 11 engineer Chris Jones described how crews in all 120 counties were placed on alert, how roads were cleared of debris, and how KYTC coordinated with emergency management, law enforcement, local governments, and utilities to restore access and power. They reported major impacts on roads, signals, and other infrastructure, including the EF4 tornado path through Pulaski and Laurel counties, and said KYTC also helped with debris hauling, airport cleanup, and delivery of water and meals.
The officials gave specific recovery figures for Laurel County, including 1,800 loads of construction and demolition debris hauled, about 11,000 tons and 22,000 cubic yards removed, with roughly 50% of vegetative debris cleared at that point. They said all state roadways in Laurel County were reopened, the London-Corbin Airport was returned to flight operations by Sunday, and a transition plan was underway for Laurel County Fiscal Court’s contractor to take over debris operations. Gray also noted that KYTC had helped issue replacement IDs, licenses, registrations, and titles at no cost in disaster areas, and said the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund had raised nearly $1.5 million from more than 6,000 donors.
Members praised KYTC staff as first responders and thanked them for their quick response and coordination. Several legislators recounted local impacts in Washington, Pulaski, and Laurel counties, including blocked roads, rescue challenges, looting concerns, and the scale of property damage. One member asked how KYTC inspects bridges and infrastructure after disasters to check for hidden damage, and officials said the process depends on the event and can include bridge inspections and checks of tall infrastructure such as light poles. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the discussion.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, so we consider the reading of the journal from the prior legislative day.
- President, I move favorable on this<00:10:33.680>
legislation. - point of personal privilege. point of personal privilege.
- And there are 50 Rosenwald schools that remain across 27 legislative districts.
- remain across 27 legislative districts. remain across 27 legislative districts.
Summary:
The Maryland Senate met on Friday, February 27, with an invocation by Reverend Howard Travers and several guest introductions, including family members, defense organization leaders, a South Asian Herald editor, Eagleton Institute fellows, and physicians from Johns Hopkins. The chamber journalized the prayer, confirmed a quorum, and then moved into bill introductions, House messages, and committee reports. Several measures were advanced without objection, including Senate Bill 338 to extend a work group report deadline on transfer of retirement system member services, Senate Bill 448 authorizing Carroll County public facilities bonds up to $27 million, Senate Bill 453 clarifying that the Arabian horse race associated with Preakness can be run at Laurel Park, Senate Bill 614 allowing Dorchester County detention officers to join the correctional officers retirement system if the county opts in, and Senate Bill 724 making a technical emergency adjustment to cost-of-living calculations for retirees because October CPI data was unavailable during a government shutdown. Each of those bills received favorable committee reports and was ordered printed for third reading after no objections or amendments were offered.
Two bills were postponed for later consideration: Senate Bill 538 on Baltimore City raffles tied to organizations affiliated with professional baseball and football teams was special ordered to Wednesday of the following week, and Senate Bill 108 on water resources and wetlands enforcement was special ordered to March 3 while members worked on possible amendments. Senate Bill 56 on the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center and third-party data sharing was also special ordered to the following Wednesday because committee discussion was ongoing. House Bill 6 and House Bill 372 were received and referred to the appropriate standing committees.
The Senate also took up Executive Nominations Committee Report No. 3 and, after no nominations were separated out, confirmed the executive nominations by a vote of 41 in the affirmative. Later, the chamber heard a personal privilege statement from a Montgomery County senator about Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald schools in Maryland, highlighting preservation efforts and an upcoming Scrabble tournament fundraiser at a Rosenwald school. The Senate then confirmed a quorum, and the Majority Leader moved that the Senate stand in recess until Monday, March 2 at 8:00 p.m., which was adopted without objection.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- If the passage of the legislation rode on whether or not you would say Go Bulls, would that change your
- recognizing some of those students today at the Historic Capitol, so we'd love to see you at our legislative
- During my time in state government, I had the privilege of learning from Senator President, Senate President
- During my time in state government, I had the privilege of learning from Senator President, Senate President
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 742 on workforce education, which would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs leading to industry certifications, and would expand the number of programs covered by the money-back guarantee at career centers and Florida College System institutions from three to six. Senator Simon said the bill would help fund CTE expansion; Senator Davis asked whether it could reduce funding for school districts, and Simon said it could depending on available grant funds. A supporter from the Foundation for Florida’s Future appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 892, which would codify the Florida State University Center for Election Law so it can continue operating and become eligible for recurring funding. Senator Simon said the center’s work is focused on nonpartisan, evidence-based research related to improving responses to natural disasters and reducing fraud, mistakes, and irregularities in elections, rather than lobbying or redistricting advocacy. FSU supporters testified that the center has already hosted events such as a Bush v. Gore anniversary conference and has contributed to law school scholarship. After questions from Senator Davis about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably.
The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of confirmation testimony from appointees to university and college boards, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Most emphasized workforce development, student success, affordability, and local community partnerships at institutions including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Daytona State College, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, and Santa Fe College. Several appointees highlighted their personal ties to the institutions and their goals of supporting programs in nursing, technical education, research, internships, and graduation rates. One nominee, Dr. Joel Rudman for Pensacola State College, faced pointed questioning about past public comments; he said his remarks were directed at the Florida House, not the Senate, and denied any knowledge of drug use by current or former senators. Public testimony was mixed on his nomination, with one supporter praising his community service and one critic urging rejection. No final confirmation votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So this bill was to clarify the legislative intent, was that the travel and tourism should still get
- this bill was to clarify the legislative this bill was to clarify the legislative intent.<00:43:
- legislation is adopted uh in Washington. legislation is adopted uh in Washington.
- c> of<01:10:02.000>
attending had the privilege of attending had the privilege of attending - So, I just wanted to speak privileges.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Finance and Taxation Apr 16th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Patten, Chair Weber, it would be my privilege to move the adoption I don't know.
- Chair Weber, it would be my privilege to move the adoption of the amendment, 25.143.0201.0203.0201.
- We added a Legislative Management study to take a look at revising the content of the tax statement to
- And the legislative intent language basically says that whatever...
- It's made this a good piece of legislation, and we really appreciate that.
Bills:
SB2397
Keywords:
oil and gas, tax exemption, development incentive wells, gross production tax, flaring, 908, all
Summary:
The Senate Finance and Tax Committee met and first took up House Bill 1382, the gas tax bill. Members explained an amendment to ensure that the proposed three-cent gas tax distribution would include all counties and townships in oil-producing counties, rather than excluding non-oil-producing counties as in the original draft. The committee adopted the amendment unanimously, but then held the bill for the time being because of related work on the Department of Transportation budget in the House.
The committee then turned to House Bill 1168, a large hoghouse amendment that combined the bill with the contents of House Bill 1176 and added technical corrections. The proposal would raise the primary residence property tax credit maximum from $1,250 to $1,650, keep the 75% cap with a $500 floor, and extend the credit to voter-approved levies while excluding special assessments. Other changes discussed included aligning the disabled veterans property tax credit with the $200,000 exemption level, adjusting budget and distribution dates so taxing districts are made whole sooner, exempting townships from a general-election vote requirement for levy increases, and modifying school funding formulas so schools are not shortchanged if mill levies are reduced under the cap.
Testimony from the Association of Counties and the State Supervisor of Assessments was generally supportive of the technical cleanup and implementation changes, but they raised concerns about the June 1 distribution date, application timing, and the practicality of some programming and administrative changes. Committee members also discussed the policy and messaging implications of the 75%/floor structure and the difficulty of applying the credit to certain voter-approved levies. No final action was taken on House Bill 1168; the committee agreed to continue working on amendments and recessed until later in the day.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- our state and just like any piece within our state and just like any piece of<00:23:50.840>
legislation - not to say that things of legislation not to say that things cannot<00:23:53.279>
be <00:23:53.640 - that's a helpful uh piece of legislation that's a helpful uh piece of legislation to<00:29:03.720
- I had the privilege of being an exchange student when I was in high school some 60 years ago, but Norway
- <00:41:53.400>
of about Norway um I had the privilege of about Norway um I had the privilege
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Implemented into this legislation. Well, and I agree.
- and the Arizona legislation.
- However, not everyone is as lucky and privileged as I am.
- We urge you to oppose this legislation.
- We are in opposition to this legislation.
Keywords:
HB 2442, Texas Election Code, Election Code Section 84.001, early voting, ballot by mail, mail ballot, absentee voting, runoff election, primary runoff, general runoff, voter application, election administration, county election officials, opt-out, voter choice, mail voting, ballot application, voting by mail, Election Code, size requirements
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a pleasure and it's a privilege. Thank you. Chair calls Mr.
- On slide 5, you'll see our our new legislative funding request.
- And it's an honor and privilege to be here with you all today.
- Land bolding legislative budget board.
- Well, she may, she may have earned that privilege. The chair calls Dr.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 15, February 26, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Governor Mark Gordon, this legislative Governor Mark Gordon, this legislative body<00:04:41.000>
- reserve account, what's the legislative reserve account, what's the legislative stabilization<01
- Representative Harshman, privilege.
- Privilege? Yes, Williams, please. Privilege?
- Privilege of the floor, please, sir. Privilege of the floor, please, sir.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 7th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- our guests and visitors today, state law prohibits persons in the gallery from interfering with legislative
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- For illness, Assemblymember- Assemblymember Castillo for Legislative Business, Assemblymember Harbidian
- It is a privilege for them and me to have these future leaders attend our session today.
- And I was proud to advance legislation focused on maximizing CalFresh benefits.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We could do that with legislators as well, but in any case, our education in our state is continuing
- We could do that with legislators as well, but in any case, our education in our state is continuing
- I have the privilege to get up here to Tallahassee. 130,000 people that are living with this virus in
- But I'm blessed and I'm privileged, and I have friends that would help kick in.
- Not everybody has that pleasure, that privilege.
Bills:
S7010
Keywords:
Roth contributions, deferred compensation, retirement savings, Florida Statutes, tax benefits
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Appropriations met to take up SB 7010 by Senator Mayfield, which would authorize Roth post-tax contribution options in state and local deferred compensation plans. The bill was briefly explained, received one appearance in support, had no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended $117.4 billion “Floridians’ First Budget.” The presentation highlighted major spending areas including education, health care, public safety, transportation, environmental restoration, and economic development. Key proposals included increased FEFP funding for K-12 schools, teacher salary funding, higher education support, Everglades and water quality funding, emergency preparedness reserves, corrections staffing and pay increases, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, cybersecurity, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments.
Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserve planning, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and expenditures, the use of federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facilities, the animal abuse hotline, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and the proposed reduction in ADAP eligibility for HIV/AIDS medication assistance. A member of the public also testified at length about concerns that the ADAP changes would harm access to life-saving medications and alleged improper shifting of program funds. Committee members and the presenter acknowledged follow-up questions on several items, but no additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond the favorable report on SB 7010 and adjournment.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU-EIG, HOU DEFER, HOU DEFER, HOU Public Hearings 02-05-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But essentially, the intent of the legislation, what we're looking for is that if they have a position
- I believe the legislative intent here is to enable the agency to attract highly qualified personnel that
- >> It was $43 million. >> Um, that money is just leaving the door with no budget, with no legislative
- <01:15:50.000>
and issue under the privileges and issue under the privileges and immunities - um creates an issue under the privileges um creates an issue under the privileges and<01:16:11.679
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on five housing-related measures. SB 2232 would create a three-year tiny home grant pilot program within HHFDC, with annual reporting to HHFDC and the Legislature; testimony was mixed, and the bill was later recommended for passage with amendments, including a full-time housing development specialist, a residential-use-only restriction for the tiny homes, and a blanked appropriation. SB 2192 would bar county down-zoning that reduces housing capacity unless equivalent capacity is added elsewhere in the county; it drew support from housing advocates and comments from planning officials, and was also recommended for passage with amendments. SB 2378 would clarify insurance requirements for single- and multifamily projects seeking expedited county permitting; engineers and housing groups supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and it was recommended for passage with a technical amendment. SB 2524 would appropriate funds to the City and County of Honolulu for housing-related departments to comply with prior acts; the Honolulu department supported it, and members asked about prior spending and funding sources. SB 2398 would require residential housing utility availability maps; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed the bill as written, citing infrastructure security, accuracy, liability, and administrative burden concerns, while supporters said it would improve transparency for developers. The chair proposed amendments to make the maps broad and geographic rather than parcel-specific, remove contested-case and reliance provisions, allow disclaimer language, and change the date; the bill was then recommended for passage with amendments, with one member noting reservations. All five measures were ultimately passed out of committee with amendments, with votes recorded and some members excused.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation<01:14:38.320>
structure <01:14:38.800>defining legislation structure defining - crisis deepens and emergency legislation crisis deepens and emergency legislation becomes<02:01:
- So what legislation would you like to say? >> I in expent to legislate. >> Okay.
- legislation would you like to say? legislation would you like to say?
- >> I I in expent to legislate. >> I I in expent to legislate.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- The next thing is what we call Cyber First Line, which is, again, a legislatively funded program with
- So we have been—I’ve been privileged to be there since 2019.
- We have our legislative mandates.
- We also provide quarterly legislative updates.
- County commissioners to really engage our local legislators into some of the work we're doing.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting of the session and received an overview of the Higher Education Appropriations budget from staff director Tim Elwell. He explained the committee’s broad jurisdiction over universities, state colleges, district workforce programs, vocational rehabilitation, blind services, student financial aid, private colleges, and the Board of Governors, and reviewed key budget concepts such as local funds, funds per FTE, performance funding, and the distinction between the total appropriation and the recurring base budget. He noted that higher education is funded largely through state and local sources, with substantial flexibility compared with other state budgets, and that the base budget is heavily weighted toward lump-sum allocations to the public systems.
The committee then heard a presentation from the University of South Florida’s Florida Center for Cybersecurity (Cyber Florida), led by retired Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie and USF representative Mark Walsh. They described Cyber Florida as a statewide cybersecurity platform created by the Legislature in 2014 to support education, research, workforce development, public policy, and community engagement. McKenzie emphasized the growing cyber threat environment, Florida’s leadership role, and several funded initiatives, including K-12 outreach, workforce training, a cyber range for county governments, critical infrastructure assessments, grant development, and public conferences and outreach. Members asked about public cyber awareness, the lack of a national cyber defense strategy, school district participation in Cyber Launch, and which counties are most at risk; McKenzie said smaller counties with limited cybersecurity staffing are generally more vulnerable and offered to provide follow-up information.
Finally, the committee heard from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida, led by Dr. Drew Andrews, along with program and parent representatives from participating institutions. Andrews explained the center’s role in coordinating Florida’s postsecondary comprehensive transition programs for students with intellectual disabilities, supporting program development, distributing grants and scholarships, and monitoring outcomes. He reported that the state now has 33 approved programs at 35 institutions, including universities, state colleges, and technical colleges, and that scholarship and grant funding has grown significantly. He said student retention is about 88 percent, many graduates are employed, and median hourly earnings have increased over time. A representative from Southeastern University described how the center’s support helped build and sustain SEU Link, including a new third-year employment-focused option for students.