Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm glad University of Minnesota.
• , hold harmless the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota State colleges and universities, and the North
• > to</c> to go to to go to college<02:55:32.319><c> and</c> college and college and we<02:55:34.160><
• </c> generation college graduate and I now generation college graduate and I now have<02:57:51.359><c
• and and I for example, Century College and and I believe<03:34:44.479><c> Southeast</c><03:34:45.439

Transcript Highlights:

• And my phone and my email and my texts and my conversation started blowing up because Indiana University
• And I commend those universities for doing that.
• I represent both the campuses of IU Indianapolis and Purdue University Indianapolis, and we've gotten
• And so we're often doing a service and a help to helping these universities run these in a way that will
• program and still continue it, so the university can save dollars.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, it transfers money from the college and universities budgets to OSBE so that OSBE can take advantage
• Directly to the colleges and universities.
• Last week this floor voted on a 5% base reduction for the colleges and universities maintenance budget
• Last week, we debated a 5% rescission to all colleges and universities.
• Today, we're adding back... ...all colleges and universities. Today, we're adding back 2% of that.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this provides the money to our colleges and universities, but there's also a lot of workforce development
• And they are, right? They're the highest only second and to the University of Missouri.
• They're the highest, only second to the University of Missouri and the University of Missouri system.
• And I think the FTE model makes much more sense for our two-year schools and community colleges as it
• on Missouri's public colleges and universities.

Transcript Highlights:

• and universities to identify information about individual students in ways that suggest it's no longer
• with a lot of our transition offices and all the community colleges for in-demand fields, whether that
• And this is one example of a university doing it. So the model definitely exists.
• And it started off just sort of as a college experience.
• There's more vocational training that community colleges have, you know, throughout the state, and to

Summary: The commission approved the December minutes and heard opening remarks on upcoming initiatives, including a second “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27 focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, including formation of a small planning group to help select employer awardees and shape the program. A major portion of the meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. The presentation covered lawsuits and amicus work involving higher education diversity data requests, anti-DEI funding conditions, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research grant disruptions, and Department of Education mental health training grants. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on Medicaid and whether disability is included in the federal administration’s undefined “DEI” restrictions; the AG’s office said it was monitoring Medicaid developments closely, had not seen a CMS letter at that time, and would share guidance on DEI and employment initiatives. The meeting also included a workforce and apprenticeship presentation from Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Riemann. They described registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven training, classroom instruction, wage progression, and transferable credentials. Commissioners highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities as a promising model and discussed the need to build similar pathways through community colleges and employer partnerships in fields such as direct support, CNA work, and other in-demand jobs. Subcommittee reports noted that the disability employment subcommittee heard from SEED and will host future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and the Office of Veterans Affairs. The long-term services, supports, and health equity subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, a projected $3.5 billion budget gap tied to federal changes, upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes, and crisis standards of care. The executive director reported on collaboration with the Massachusetts Office on Disability, planning for the Lowell event, participation in statewide disability employment and autism advocacy work, and upcoming engagement with the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition. Commissioners also announced several honors, including awards for Regina Marshall, Jay Livingstone, and Vanna Howard.

Transcript Highlights:

• It renames Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough College and changes the name of the Florida
• and colleges.
• We support the University of Miami's medical training and simulation laboratory to expand and enhance
• There's over 300 of them, and that includes FDOT, universities, and others like that.
• I think there's 300-plus permitted MS4s right now in the state, and that includes universities even.

Summary: The committee took up a series of bills and amendments, reporting several measures favorably. Early in the meeting, CS for CS for SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System Act was approved without opposition. The committee then adopted amendments and passed CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, CS for SB 738 updating child care and early learning provider regulation, CS for SB 756 revising health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, and CS for CS for SB 1356 creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot. Later, the committee also approved CS for SB 1624 on higher education, CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, SB 178 on an agronomic study for emerging crops, SB 1162 on water access facilities and boat ramp parking, CS for CS for SB 958 creating a type 1 diabetes early detection program, CS for CS for SB 1402 expanding dropout retrieval eligibility, SB 774 requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders, SB 1516 creating an international aerospace innovation fund, and SB 994 revising driver education requirements. Most of these bills were reported favorably by roll call votes after brief explanations and, in several cases, amendments. Several measures drew substantive discussion and public testimony. CS for CS for SB 1624 prompted questions about replacing “minority” with “underrepresented,” the role of the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education in overseeing private religious postsecondary institutions, and whether the changes could affect access for students at institutions such as FAMU and FIU. CS for CS for SB 1070 on ECGs for student athletes received extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates describing children lost to sudden cardiac arrest and urging mandatory screenings; the sponsor said the bill would be cost-neutral for districts by encouraging partnerships with screening groups. SB 994 on driver education was discussed as a vehicle to add distracted driving instruction, and the sponsor agreed to work on that issue. SB 774 was presented as a response to a fatal delay in transmitting an ex parte order, with support from clerks and sheriffs. The most extended debate centered on SB 810 on stormwater management systems. The sponsor said the bill, as amended, would narrow annual inspections to infrastructure identified as vulnerable by MS4 entities, but the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and Florida Stormwater Association warned the proposal could impose major costs and duplicate existing MS4 permit requirements. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether the bill would apply to FDOT or other entities, and whether annual inspections were feasible for large and small jurisdictions alike. Despite those concerns, the sponsor and several members emphasized flood prevention and public safety, and the bill remained under discussion with the sponsor indicating continued willingness to work with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• All are increases to existing projects and are paid using university reserves.
• and promotion boards hear specific proposals from the University of Arkansas as well.
• The University of Arkansas was there for all of those presentations on March 12 and 13.
• Number 17 is University of Arkansas with A-Trod LLC, and it's an original contract for access control
• Number 25 is for University of Arkansas, Stone and Ward Inc.

Committee: All JBC-PEER REVIEW

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of budget, appropriation, transfer, and contract items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests for several agencies, including the Auditor of State, Department of Education, and Labor and Licensing; ARPA return requests from Workforce Services; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests for State Police and Agriculture; restricted reserve transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic stimulus; a Commerce reallocation of positions and spending authority; cash fund, budget classification, overtime, and pay plan requests; and 17 methods of finance items for universities and other agencies. Most items were approved without objection after brief explanations from staff and agencies. Several items drew questions and were held or discussed further. A Department of Human Services discretionary grant package for the RSVP program was held over after Senator Irvin raised concerns about whether the grants were an effective use of state general revenue and asked for more information on administration costs and program operations. In the contracts section, Representative Richardson questioned a DHS sole-source contract with EMS Link for document management software and a DHS contract with Presidio; the EMS Link item was held for additional answers, while the Presidio item was clarified as not sole-source and was allowed to proceed. Members also asked for more information on a Department of Education mental health referral contract with Care Solace, which officials said is a statewide concierge/referral service connecting students to Arkansas providers and telehealth options. The committee also reviewed monthly reports, including the Medicaid Trust Fund. DHS and DFA officials said the fund was currently sufficient to finish the fiscal year, though it was being drawn down and would likely require a $100 million transfer from restricted reserves in FY27, with another $100 million set aside in the governor’s budget as a backstop. Members discussed the need to define a minimum reserve level and to better account for ongoing Medicaid costs in the budget. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleges for Engineering in America, New Mexico Tech is ranked as the number one best value college and
• It's an amazing college and amazing engineers that they get out of there.
• This is supported by our colleges and supported by the deans and directors of the colleges that prepare
• Our deans and directors from our colleges of education are all saying they're on board and they're trying
• And so I think he's learned a lot and is taking lots back to student government at New Mexico State University

Transcript Highlights:

• And number three is another new method for $4,000, also using university reserves for the Northwest Campus
• And number 12, DHS Medical Services with Oregon Health and Science University.
• University of Arkansas with Hero and Consulting for guidance on student This page is page four, contract
• University of Arkansas with Hero and Consulting for guidance on student health insurance.
• University of Arkansas with Hero and Consulting for Guidance on Student Health Insurance.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• The California State University system and the California Community College systems...
• The California State University system and the California Community College systems not only have two
• And the community college system has two voting tenured faculty members and one voting classified staff
• college many years ago, have backgrounds and investments, health or policy, and donor ties, and who
• the implementation of university policy and budget impacts on students across the UC.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard SCA 5, the Education Equalization Act, which would create an Equalization Reserve in the General Fund funded only in strong budget years with non-Prop 98 dollars. Senator Cortese and supporters argued it would provide a stable, ongoing stream of funding to reduce per-pupil disparities between basic-aid and non-basic-aid districts without reducing the Prop 98 minimum guarantee. Supporters included education foundation, school board, administrator, employee, and business representatives. Opponents, including the California Charter Schools Association, argued the measure unfairly excludes charter and county school students and could worsen inequities; some committee members also raised concerns about its fiscal effects and constitutional structure. The committee ultimately voted 4-0 to adopt SCA 5, with the measure kept on call for additional members. The committee then took up a series of Assembly bills, most of which were suspense-file candidates and were moved without objection after brief or waived presentations and no opposition testimony. AB 402, AB 708, AB 1080, AB 1126, AB 1235, AB 1555, AB 1641, ACA 7, AB 1672, AB 1943, AB 2565, and AB 2571 were all sent to suspense. AB 1204 drew testimony from school district leaders and coalition members who said it would worsen LCFF funding disparities by shifting future growth away from the base grant; the bill was opposed and moved to suspense. AB 1672 received support from CalPACE. The Department of Finance did not attend and had no comments on the measures. Finally, ACA 18 was presented as a constitutional amendment to double student voting seats on the UC Board of Regents, creating separate undergraduate and graduate student representation. The author and UC student witnesses said the change would strengthen student voice on issues such as tuition, housing, basic needs, and free speech, and would align UC with CSU and community college governance. There was no opposition testimony, but the committee treated ACA 18 as a suspense-file candidate and moved it to suspense without objection. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to also represent the College of Education, the School of Education, and the College of Arts
• We also have partnerships with our community colleges and other universities statewide, and so a lot
• I think it's ongoing and an ongoing daily conversation with university leadership as well as deans and
• We're working and partnering with Highlands University and the University of New Mexico (UNM) to match
• School at Ruidoso, United World College, New Mexico Highlands University, and Luna Community College

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I previously got sick when I was in college, and had it not been for the Affordable Care Act and having
• While similar services already exist at the University of California and the California State University
• It creates equity for students in our state at any of our public colleges and universities.
• in our community colleges and our CSUs and our UCs that are around behavioral health, counseling, and
• from... ...the women and their lived experiences and what they've been through on their college campuses

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health-related bills, beginning with AB 2651 by Bonta, which would require schools to notify parents when school vaccination rates fall below herd immunity thresholds. Supporters, including family physicians, PTA representatives, and medical groups, said the bill would improve transparency and help parents protect children and vulnerable family members. Opponents argued the data could be misleading, could identify medically exempt or conditional students, and might lead to stigma or discrimination. The bill was later moved out of committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with one no vote recorded on the roll call. The committee also heard AB 2123 by Aguirre-Curry on medical debt relief, AB 1570 by Wilson to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary breast diagnostic and supplemental imaging, AB 2201 by Berner to restore Medi-Cal eligibility and renewal flexibilities, AB 2448 by Berman to strengthen privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care records, AB 2034 by Addis on food additive safety and transparency, and AB 2598 by Krell to require better notification of next of kin when a patient dies in a hospital. Each bill drew strong support from authors, advocates, and affected individuals, while some drew opposition from insurers, industry groups, or transparency critics who raised concerns about cost, duplication, implementation, or unintended harm. Several bills were moved forward on due-pass-as-amended motions, including AB 2123, AB 2201, AB 2448, AB 2034, and AB 2598. The committee also heard AB 2551 by Elhawary, which would require health plans to collect and publish data on how often enrollees must go out of network for behavioral health care and why. Supporters said the measure would expose access barriers and high out-of-pocket costs, especially for communities of color and people with language access needs; opponents said it would add another reporting mandate and might not solve provider shortage problems. Members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals and several described personal or district-level experiences with behavioral health access problems. The bill was then moved out of committee on a due-pass motion. The committee also took up consent items and other procedural motions, with multiple bills reported out and some placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Abby Woods, and she is a proud graduate from OU College of Medicine.
• So I was a college coach for nearly a decade, and every time that I would call a coach to talk about
• And by the way, most of that $25 million goes to an Oklahoma college or university.
• You know how proud we are of the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is
• We, in 2007, will open the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing walking distance from that OSU College

Bills: HB3976 , HB3000 , HB3001 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB3066 , HB3904 , HB3644 , HB1687 , HB3920 , SR40

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer. The chamber then recognized several guests and groups, including the Doctor of the Day Dr. Abby Woods, Nurse of the Day Kara de la Pena, and multiple student and community delegations. These included Dominic Matthias of Moore High School for his cross-country accomplishments, Calumet boys baseball and basketball teams for state championships, the Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women, Morris High School’s academic team, the Junior Chamber of Catoosa, Rogers County Leadership Program participants, and Legacy Christian Schools students. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 40, designating the second week in April as Lung Cancer Action Week in Oklahoma. The resolution was presented in support of the American Lung Association’s efforts to raise awareness, encourage screening, and promote early detection, especially given the low screening rate among high-risk Oklahomans. The resolution passed without opposition, and unanimous consent was granted to make all senators co-authors unless they declined. The chamber also hosted Cherokee Nation Legislative Day. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and other Cherokee leaders spoke about the tribe’s history, sovereignty, and major investments in education, housing, health care, workforce development, and economic growth in Oklahoma. Hoskin emphasized the Cherokee Nation’s partnership with the state and urged support for Medicaid expansion, arguing it helps fund health care services and jobs. Later, Senator Weaver offered a personal privilege statement mourning the death of Trooper Vernon Brake in the line of duty, followed by a moment of silence. The only other action was an announcement inviting members to a Sportsman’s Caucus reception. With the clerk’s desk clear, the Senate adopted a motion to adjourn until Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Iowa, and he completed urologic residency at the University of Utah.
• We have innovations happening across our universities, our businesses, and our communities.
• He's very active in the Graham County Republican Party and is with Eastern Arizona College as well.
• He's very active in the Graham County Republican Party and is with Eastern Arizona College as well.
• And then I have Kyle Nitchki. He works for Northern Arizona University.

Summary: The House convened for opening-day proceedings with prayers in English and Spanish, the Pledge of Allegiance, and musical performances, then recorded attendance and welcomed the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jason Jameson. The Speaker introduced numerous guests and dignitaries, including statewide officials, university presidents, former lawmakers, and family members, and delivered remarks about Arizona’s history, the importance of civility, and the role of state government in protecting residents from federal overreach. Coaches Kenny Dillingham and Tommy Lloyd also addressed the chamber, speaking about leadership, talent development, and the ways sports can unite and inspire Arizona communities. The House then took up organizational business. Members adopted proposed changes to Rule 9 and then adopted the amended rules for the 57th Legislature, Second Regular Session. The chamber also agreed to read bills by number and short title only, declared an emergency for that purpose, and announced the creation of two new standing committees: Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, chaired by Representative Justin Wilmeth, and Rural Economic Development, chaired by Representative Teresa Martinez. A House Organizational Committee was appointed to notify the Senate that the House was organized and ready for business and to inform the Governor that the Legislature was ready to receive her message. The remainder of the session was largely devoted to points of personal privilege, with members introducing family, constituents, local officials, educators, veterans, business leaders, and advocacy groups. Several members highlighted issues they intend to work on this session, including affordability, water security, deed fraud, education, health care, rural development, and veterans’ issues. The House later recessed to accommodate the joint organizational proceedings with the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• our colleges and universities.
• and community colleges.
• and universities.
• Um, and we community colleges.
• of Maryland and some of our other fine universities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hispanic workers and those with a partial college education.
• a dense network of colleges and universities anchored by the U and supported by strong private and two-year
• 31:14.480><c> and</c> a dense network of colleges and a dense network of colleges and universities<00
• </c> universities anchored by the U and universities anchored by the U and supported<00:31:16.720><c>
• </c> professor, give it the old college try professor, give it the old college try and<01:07:42.079><

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It is listed throughout various university and college handbooks, but it will be up to the university
• It is listed throughout various university and college handbooks, but it will be up to the university
• and universities all the time, and it's not a judicial process.
• It is an honor code violation, which this disciplinary action that the universities and colleges already
• I was a college student at Florida State University.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum calls, and introductory remarks, including recognition of former Representative Ardian Zika and law enforcement officer of the day Representative Chuck Brannan. Members also unveiled a portrait of Speaker Daniel Perez, with extended remarks praising his leadership and the institution of the House. The Speaker then explained the process for taking up returning messages from the Senate, noting that the House would consider Senate amendments to bills already passed by both chambers. The House first concurred in Senate amendments and passed CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which adds computer science and artificial intelligence content to high school instruction and creates a teacher certification program, with implementation delayed to give the Department of Education time to develop curriculum. The chamber then considered CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program whether or not they receive a grant, add a five-year sunset, and keep the program under the Florida Digital Service rather than a university. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 104-1. Members also refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both bills back to the Senate. The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/HB 1471, which would create a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and related restrictions. Supporters said the Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline requirements, and aligned the bill with federal-style procedures; opponents argued it lacked due process, could chill speech, and gave the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate evidentiary standards or judicial review. Members also debated a related public records bill, CS/CS/HB 1473, which would exempt certain records tied to the designation process; critics said the exemption would further reduce transparency and due process. Despite objections, the House adopted the amendments and passed HB 1471 by 80-25, while the public records measure was taken up as a technical companion to align with the newly amended bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• functioned as a collaborative effort among UALR, Philander Smith College, and Pulaski Technical College
• Hi, Alan Stanley, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of Arkansas, Little
• to go and encourage students to attend college and be successful students.
• otherwise not... ...interested in applying or graduating from college to secure their attendance and
• expenditures, the idea was to help kids move from high school, stay in high school, and move on to college

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then heard several audit-related reports. The executive committee report noted audit and special reports were scheduled for standing committees and the full Legislative Joint Audit Committee, with one requested report still in progress. The City, County, and Local report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, reinstatement of turnback funds for entities that filed required reports, and action involving the town of Daisy, which was directed to repay misused street funds at 10% of general fund revenue annually. The education and state agencies reports included higher education audits and state agency findings, with some reports filed and others deferred to the February meeting for additional information or corrective-action details. The committee then took up a special audit of the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UA Little Rock. Legislative Audit reported that the program, funded with $10 million in desegregation money plus a $50,000 grant, awarded $1.87 million in scholarships to 379 students, with 116 graduates, but found numerous eligibility and disbursement problems, including scholarships to ineligible students, excessive awards, improper documentation, and unclear disposition of some assets. Committee members questioned UALR representatives about oversight, staffing, and whether funds were properly used, and also heard from Philander Smith College about its limited role in verifying enrollment. Members expressed concern about the program’s results and the lack of detail on accountability, and the committee voted to table the report until the next meeting for further review and requested additional information, including the federal court order and more detail on expenditures and oversight. Finally, the committee reviewed the annual disposition report on matters referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General for 2024. Staff said 164 matters were referred, with 28 resulting in criminal charges and convictions, 39 still under review, 96 not charged, and others dismissed or pending; 20 convictions produced fines, restitution, and audit-cost orders, and bond trust fund claims were paid in some cases. Prosecutor Coordinator and Attorney General representatives explained that some referrals do not meet criminal standards, may lack intent, or are otherwise not prosecutable, and members asked for more standardized reporting, clearer explanations of why cases are not charged, and more information on restitution efforts. The committee discussed possible templates, training, and better coordination, then voted to file the report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a scientist and a university leader, I've spent my career in research and higher education, and I
• As a scientist and a university leader, I've spent my career in research and higher education, and I
• As a scientist and a university leader, I've spent my career in research and higher education, and I
• It's like our water systems, our highways, and universities.
• Alex Graves, on behalf of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, in support

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• , so it takes off Central, Eastern, and the Evergreen State College.
• This created an increased risk for the audience, and it put the university at risk of liability for any
• the University of Washington were granted the rights to collective bargaining in 2002 and at Washington
• Over 15 years later, students at the regional universities and Evergreen deserve those same rights.
• the University of Washington were granted the rights to collective bargaining in 2002 and at Washington

Bills: HB1170 , HB1570 , HB1834

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, AI-generated content, deepfake, synthetic media, content provenance, provenance data, metadata, watermarking, disclosure, transparency, consumer protection, unfair or deceptive acts, unfair competition, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, platform regulation, AI detection tool, media authenticity