Transcript Highlights:

• campgrounds will provide accessible, low-cost, coastal overnight accommodations along the Monterey Coast
• The first proposal authorizes the use of an automated enforcement system on the state highway system
• The State Water Board retains its absolute authority as the regulator under the Porter-Cologne State
• And its regulatory authority allows it to cancel the program and divert to the traditional regulatory
• Eric Gavaya from the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AUTHORIZES THE USE OF A VALID CERTIFICATE AUTHORIZED BY THE BOARD FOR CERTIFICATION OF TEACHER EXCELLENCE
• AUTHORIZING A PRIVATE SCHOOL IN THE COUNTY WITH FOUR INCORPORATED MUNICIPALITIES, WHERE IS THE MAGIC
• THE BILL ALLGNS SCHOOL SECURITY GUARD TRAINING WITH REQUIREMENTS ENSURING ALL PERSONNEL RESPONSIBLE FOR
• AND EXTENDS PROTECTIONS TO SCHOOL GUARDIANS TO COVER SCHOOL SECURITY GUARDS.
• COULD HAVE GONE TO HIS HOUSE OF WHAT WE ARE WANTING TO AVOID IS A SITUATION WHERE A SCHOOL SECURITY GUARD

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, the Greenways and Trails Council approved 14 regional trails and confirmed the Coast-to-Coast
• from Joby; Rolando Duponis from Atlantic Aviation; Brett and Fay from Hillsborough County Aviation Authority
• I know this is important to you, and very important to us at the Aviation Authority.
• So they really have the ultimate authority in the enablement of our industry.
• the benefit that it would have to communities and the residents because they ultimately have the authority

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met and first received an update from FDOT on the Sun Trail shared-use nonmotorized trail program. FDOT said the program, created in 2015 and expanded by 2023 legislation, now includes connections to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and received a one-time $200 million appropriation plus increased annual funding. The department reported programming about $180 million of that funding, completing 42 construction projects totaling nearly 95 miles in 21 counties, and installing trail counters and QR-code surveys to measure usage and economic impact. Members expressed support for the program and asked no substantive questions. The committee then heard a presentation on FDOT’s locally administered state transportation funding programs, including SCOP, SCOPM, SCRAP, SIGP, and TRIP. FDOT explained these programs support local roadway resurfacing, bridge repair, drainage, paving unpaved roads, and safety or capacity improvements, with varying state match levels depending on the program and eligibility. FDOT said its adopted five-year work program includes more than $1.4 billion for local transportation improvement projects. A member asked whether toll revenues from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties fund these programs; FDOT said it would research the funding source and follow up. The committee’s main discussion was a panel on advanced air mobility (AAM), including FDOT and industry representatives from Supernal, Joby, Atlantic Aviation, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, and Eve Air Mobility. FDOT described its AAM planning work, advisory committee, local government guidebook, and upcoming training, while panelists emphasized Florida’s leadership, the likely use of existing airport and heliport infrastructure first, and the expectation that private investment will fund much of the early vertiport buildout. Members raised concerns about community acceptance, privacy, zoning, airspace congestion, security, and lessons from scooters and drones. Panelists repeatedly stressed a “crawl, walk, run” rollout, local government coordination, multimodal connectivity, and public outreach. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the panel.

Transcript Highlights:

• card payments for the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District, the Natural Resource Trust Authority
• Irby Trust with Gulf Coast Bank in New Orleans, which provides online access and better accessibility

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting and then considered a series of banking and account requests from state agencies. Most items involved opening new zero-balance or operating accounts, transferring existing accounts, or changing banks to improve payment processing, accessibility, or reduce fees. Agencies included the Department of Conservation and Energy, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Department of Health, Department of Justice, and Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Several Department of Health requests were approved, including new accounts for federal wire transfers, the state’s online interpreter registry, and Safe Drinking Water Program application fees. Members also approved a transfer of a resident funds fiduciary account from J.P. Morgan to Red River Bank because of policy changes affecting debit card use. The Department of Justice received approval to close a Regions Bank account and move to LaCap Federal Credit Union due to much lower monthly fees, and Public Safety and Corrections was approved to open an operating account for a new motor vehicle field office at Fort Polk. The committee also approved an escrow account for the Louisiana Evidence Control Unit under Public Safety Services to collect and settle seized evidentiary funds not pending forfeiture. After no further business, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• card payments for the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District, the Natural Resource Trust Authority
• Irby Trust with Gulf Coast Bank in New Orleans, which provides online access and better accessibility

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting and then considered a series of banking and account requests from state agencies. Most items involved opening new accounts or transferring existing accounts to different financial institutions to improve payment processing, accessibility, or reduce fees. These included requests from the Department of Conservation and Energy for a new ZBA account at J.P. Morgan Chase and acceptance of a transferred Hancock Whitney account; the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism for a new W.R. Irby Trust account at Gulf Coast Bank; and several Department of Health requests for new J.P. Morgan accounts to handle federal wire draws, interpreter registry deposits, and Safe Drinking Water Program credit card payments. Members asked questions on the Department of Health wire-transfer item, and staff explained that the new account was needed because federal same-day wire transfers could not be submitted in a combined Treasury/agency name format and had been rejected under the prior setup. The Department of Justice received approval to close a Regions Bank account and move to LaCap Federal Credit Union because of lower fees. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections was approved to open an operating account for a new motor vehicle field office at Fort Polk, and the Department of Health’s Central Louisiana Supports and Services Center was approved to move a resident funds fiduciary account from J.P. Morgan to Red River Bank due to policy changes affecting debit card use. The committee also approved an escrow account for the Louisiana Evidence Control Unit under Public Safety Services to collect and settle seized evidentiary funds not pending forfeiture, with monthly reconciliation by financial services. After completing the agenda, the committee took no further business and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, all of the fires out across the west and the things happening on the west and the right coast
• and the left coast and, um, major property type issues.
• the things happening on the web<00:42:55.560><c> the</c><00:42:56.160><c> left</c><00:42:56.520><c> coast
• </c><00:42:56.880><c> and</c><00:42:57.000><c> the</c><00:42:57.080><c> right</c><00:42:57.400><c> coast
• </c> web the left coast and the right coast web the left coast and the right coast and<00:42:58.440><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, if I may, I'd like to ask all the delegation from the coast to raise your hand.
• And I want to thank you and commend you on behalf of the coast delegation for what you've done.
• Item 13, gentleman's request is the entire chamber be added as co-authors.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 1 April, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Authorized by the Florida Forever Act, which was passed by the Legislature in 2000 and implemented July
• has a statewide focus from the Perdido River to Key West, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf Coast
• Thank you very much, Madam Chair, and this is a topic of great interest to us on the Treasure Coast.

Summary: The committee first received a Department of Environmental Protection presentation on Florida Forever and the sale or exchange of conservation lands. DEP described Florida Forever as the state’s main conservation land acquisition program, funded in recent years at high levels, and said most acquisitions since 2019 have been within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The presentation also explained the legal process for disposing of conservation lands: requests are reviewed by the Acquisitions and Restoration Council, then the governor and cabinet decide whether land is no longer needed for conservation or whether an exchange provides a net conservation benefit. Senator Smith asked several questions about recent land-swap proposals, public notice, political influence, and whether any transactions had bypassed the usual sequence; DEP said applications can be withdrawn before ARC review, notice is posted seven days in advance, and the council and cabinet are the decision-makers. Senator Harrington asked about the difference between Florida Forever land sales and water management district surplus lands, and DEP said the reported 2.3 acres sold referred only to Florida Forever-funded projects. The committee then heard presentations from the Department of Health and DEP on PFAS and PFOA. DOH outlined what PFAS are, their common uses, possible health impacts, and ways Floridians can reduce exposure, including water filtration and avoiding certain products. DOH said it conducts well investigations, health consultations, fish consumption advisories, and monitoring in coordination with DEP and FWC. DEP followed with a more technical overview of PFAS regulation and cleanup, explaining federal testing and drinking-water standards, Florida’s provisional cleanup levels, and the state’s response at contaminated sites, including bottled water and filtration for affected residents. Senators asked about testing requirements for public systems and private wells, disposal of used filters, and how federal rulemaking and litigation could affect Florida’s standards; DEP said public systems are required to test under EPA monitoring rules, private wells are not directly required to test, and Florida may adopt its own standards if federal action does not occur by the statutory deadline. Finally, the committee took up SB 150, which would designate the flamingo as the state bird and the scrub jay as the state songbird. The sponsor argued the bill better reflects Florida’s identity and conservation values, noting the flamingo’s iconic status and the scrub jay’s status as a Florida-only species. Members asked lighthearted questions about mockingbirds, flamingo color, and feeding costs, and an appearance card was filed in support by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The committee debated the bill briefly and then passed SB 150 favorably by roll call vote, with all members present voting yes except Senator DiCeglie, who was excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will be the last coin that I give out as a member of the Oklahoma National Guard.
• Senator Brooks, you are recognized for a question to the author. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator Goodwin, you're recognized for a question of the author. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator Goodwin, you are recognized for a question of the author. Thank you.
• Senator Kurt, Minority Leader Kurt, you were recognized for a question of the author.

Bills: HJR1032, SB1314, SB1257, SB1326, SB1365, SB1932, SB169, SB1991, SB1992, SB1204, SB1339, SB182, SB1847, SB1360, SB1346

Keywords: HJR1032, House Joint Resolution 1032, Service Oklahoma, administrative rules, rule repeal, joint resolution, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 670:15-1-10, OAC 670:15-1-14, agency regulation, legislative oversight, Secretary of State, Oklahoma Register, rulemaking, permanent rules, administrative code, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized the Doctor and Nurse of the Day, along with several guests and visiting groups, including a military honoree, a women’s rugby team from Southern Nazarene University, a homeschool co-op, gun-rights advocates, and other constituents. The chamber also heard a citation honoring Chief Master Sergeant Scott R. Irwin for 34 years of military service, and the SNU women’s rugby team was congratulated for winning the 2025 National Collegiate Rugby Division I championship. On the floor, members considered House Joint Resolution 1032, which would align Service Oklahoma rules with existing law and executive action regarding changes to birth certificate and license sex markers. The measure drew extended questioning and debate about gender identity, intersex individuals, and whether the repeal would change current practice. Minority Leader Kurt opposed it as political and harmful, while the author said it simply removed outdated administrative code. HJR 1032 passed 38-8. The Senate then passed Senate Bill 1314, increasing caps on the groundwater well drillers and pump installers indemnity fund, 46-0; Senate Bill 1257, classifying THC as a Schedule I drug, 43-3; Senate Bill 1326, modernizing the self-storage facilities lien act and changing notice provisions, 40-4; Senate Bill 1365, raising the threshold for Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department inventory purchases from local vendors and making it an emergency measure, 35-11; and Senate Bill 1932, allowing certain motor carriers to be represented by an officer or partner at administrative hearings, 46-0. The Senate also heard announcements about an Appropriations Committee meeting and an upcoming Bible Reading Marathon before adjourning until February 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the Florida State Guard in our domestic security apparatus and efforts.
• We work with the National Guard, State Guard.
• , and the National Guard.
• , National Guard.
• We need authority to mitigate these threats. The other piece of that is, how do we do that?

Summary: The committee heard a series of domestic security and law enforcement presentations from the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Highway Patrol, and FDLE. Sheriff Rob Hardwick outlined the sheriffs’ legislative priorities, focusing on adding xylazine to Florida’s trafficking statute and increasing penalties for luring or enticing a child under 12 from a misdemeanor to a felony. He also discussed domestic security coordination, fusion center intelligence sharing, and jail-based reentry efforts. Members asked about xylazine prevalence in Broward County and whether canine units can detect it; Hardwick said he would follow up with data and noted that dogs are not specifically trained for xylazine, though fentanyl-certified dogs may alert on mixtures. Chief Charlie Vasquez of the Florida Police Chiefs Association presented three priorities: stronger protections for law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and their families when threatened because of their jobs; faster and more consistent access to blood-borne pathogen testing results after exposure incidents; and mandatory life without release for anyone convicted of murdering a police or correctional officer, reviving a version of the Jason Raynor Act. Senators asked about delays in blood testing after exposure, and Vasquez said officers can be forced to take prophylactic medication while waiting for results and that the process should be streamlined. Florida Highway Patrol Director Dave Kerner described FHP’s domestic security role, including criminal interdiction, canine units, traffic homicide investigations, aviation, drones, border operations, and responses to threats such as human smuggling and the October 7-related security posture at synagogues and campuses. He said staffing remains constrained by vacancies and pay disparities, so he was not seeking more authorized troopers at this time. FDLE Deputy Commissioner David Binder then reviewed the state’s domestic security structure, fusion centers, critical infrastructure assessments, and grant funding, warning that federal homeland security dollars have declined sharply while threats remain high. He highlighted work on drone mitigation, radiological detection, vehicle barriers, and school security assessments, and emphasized the need for continued interagency coordination. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Coach Williams, you're authorized to use the 4L mic.
• Will there be questions to the Author? See no questions.
• With any questions to the author.
• district court judges, municipal court judges, and Retired district court judges were granted the authority
• President, why are we authorizing dozens of tags for out-of-state universities? Thank you, Mr.

Bills: HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800, HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989, HB3016, HB2979, HB2988, HB2288, HB3062, HB3315, HB3372, HB3530, HB3622, HB3755, HB4266

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• Coach, you're authorized to use the floor leader's mic.
• district court judges, municipal court judges, and retired district court judges were granted the authority
• Why are we authorizing dozens of tags for out-of-state universities? Thank you, Mr. President.

Bills: HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800, HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989, HB3016, HB2979, HB2988, HB2288, HB3062, HB3315, HB3372, HB3530, HB3622, HB3755, HB4266

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized several guests and groups, including the nurse of the day, Donna Reynolds; the Tuttle High School wrestling team; auctioneer and ringman honorees; the Bristow Chamber of Commerce; Deer Creek cross country; Guthrie High School AP U.S. government students; and family members of Senator Reinhardt. The chamber also held a live auction demonstration on the floor, with Brandon Mendoza and Logan Snyder participating, and the winning bid was announced as $675. The Senate later recognized Millwood High School boys basketball and Isaiah Wilkes, the Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Basketball Player of the Year. The body then considered and passed several House bills. HB 3016 created a two-year pilot vision screening program for kindergarten through third grade to identify convergence insufficiency disorders; it passed 34-10 and was declared an emergency. HB 2979 authorized the Department of Transportation to establish school zones on portions of state highways at local request and passed 41-0. HB 2288, a teacher return-to-work bill removing the earnings cap and allowing return after six months, passed 45-0 as an emergency. HB 2988 expanded the definition of harmful woody species and broadened the Terry Peach Water Restoration Act statewide; it passed 43-1. HB 362, defining retired municipal judges for firearm-carry authority, passed 40-4. HB 3315 directed the state regents to study whether some graduate programs could be 90 credit hours and report to the governor; it passed 38-6 as an emergency. Additional bills passed included HB 3372, creating a $5 million revolving loan fund for charter school capital expenditures, after extended debate over public funds being used for improvements to privately owned facilities; it passed 39-6. HB 3530 required ABLE Commission records to be provided within 10 days when requested and passed 44-0. HB 3622 created a U.S. decennial census revolving fund in the Department of Commerce and passed 32-11. HB 3755 established a financial mechanism for juvenile detention centers to provide medication to youth in their care and passed 43-0. HB 4266, the omnibus specialty license plate bill, passed 25-19 after questions about out-of-state university plates. The Senate then made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, birthdays, and schedule changes, and adjourned until Monday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, um, I'm Brigadier General Ross, director of joint staff for Hawaii National Guard.
• [clears throat] Moving to Senate Bill 3110 relating to the Hawaii National Guard.
• [clears throat] Moving to Senate Bill 3110 relating to the Hawaii National Guard.
• [clears throat] Moving to Senate Bill 3110 relating to the Hawaii National Guard.
• On the next measure, Senate Bill 3110, relating to the Hawaii National Guard.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Labor and Technology and Public Safety and Military Affairs heard testimony on several measures. SB 3082, relating to military families and leave protections, drew support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the military community relations office, the Hawaii National Guard, and the U.S. Department of Defense, all of whom said the bill would align state law with federal standards and better account for military-related leave needs. SB 3110, relating to the Hawaii National Guard, was supported by Department of Defense witnesses who said it clarifies that employees of the Guard’s youth and adult educational programs are excluded from collective bargaining. The committees also heard SB 3251, which would prohibit certain state law enforcement agencies from hiring former ICE or Border Patrol agents as law enforcement officers. The main testimony in support argued the bill could help prevent local police staffing losses to higher-paying federal agencies and avoid future workforce instability if federal funding changes. The measure drew significant public testimony, with the chair noting 62 testimonies in support, five in opposition, and three comments. Members discussed the bill’s impact on recruitment and retention, and one member voted with reservations while another voted no. Later, the committees heard SB 3095 and SB 3264, both concerning Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund salaries. EUTF testified in support of SB 3095, which would allow the board to set salaries for investment office staff, and SB 3264, which would authorize the board to set the salary for an assistant administrator. After testimony, the committees moved into decision-making and passed SB 3082, SB 3110, SB 3251, SB 3095, and SB 3264 with amendments, generally including technical changes and revised effective dates of January 1, 2077 for the EUTF salary bills and SB 3082.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:26:39.040><c> So</c> uh commissary spending authority. So uh commissary spending authority.
• </c> they we know how many guards they need. they we know how many guards they need.
• </c><01:44:45.199><c> is</c> So that's why that flex authority is So that's why that flex authority is
• > pay the people what that flex authority pay the people what that flex authority allows<01:45:11.040
• </c> there hasn't been legislative authority there hasn't been legislative authority over<02:34:28.080

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is relating to the Hawaii National Guard.
• This is authorizes the payment of allowances for TRICARE, dental program, and vision coverage to all
• officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel of the Hawaii National Guard ordered to active duty
• Uh this<00:02:54.959><c> is</c><00:02:55.280><c> authorizes</c><00:02:55.840><c> the</c><00:02:56.000
• ><c> payment</c><00:02:56.400><c> of</c> this is authorizes the payment of this is authorizes the payment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:18.640><c> that</c> authorization that indicates CFSS. that authorization that indicates CFSS
• So the amount of service authorized. So the authorization is not unlimited.
• So the amount of service authorized. So the authorization is not unlimited.
• Similarly, federal law authorizes state agencies in authorities in a way that's more easily authorities
• </c> those guard rails. those guard rails. &gt;&gt; Chair<01:09:58.000><c> North.

Bills: HF3797, HF3780, HF4068, HF3935

Keywords: long-term care, insurance policy, healthcare, partnership policy, Minnesota, human services, wage increase, support workers, shared services, community first services, medical assistance, sanctions, healthcare services, monetary recovery, government accountability, assisted living, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• It's in a proposal in the Farm Bill for authorization.
• Well, all of the positions that were identified, that position authority is all vacant.
• I'm here today on behalf of the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority.
• I'm here today on behalf of the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority.
• I am here raising my voice to represent all the small farmers in the Central Coast.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, with broad authority, depending on where they work?
• Currently, they wouldn’t be authorized to prescribe vitamins.
• Currently, they wouldn't be authorized to prescribe vitamins.
• They wouldn't be authorized if someone chokes, they wouldn't be authorized to assess the swallowing capability
• of a patient. be authorized to assess the swallowing capability of a patient.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and the need to evaluate whether licensing boards are functioning efficiently. BRN leadership reported major process improvements since the last sunset review, including faster license processing, streamlined enforcement, improved consumer satisfaction, and growth in nursing education enrollment. Members questioned the board extensively about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international licensure, online nursing programs and clinical placements, military pathways, the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option, workforce shortages, diversity in nursing, and retention of new graduates. The board explained California’s tiered APRN system, the NCLEX and national certification requirements, clinical hour standards, and its role in approving programs and assigning nursing education consultants. Public testimony on the BRN was mixed: nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist groups largely supported the sunset report and especially the proposed APRN-to-RN delegation language, while physician and hospital stakeholders raised concerns about out-of-state NP practice, specialty delegation, ratios, and the need for regulatory parity and clearer standards. Higher education representatives urged reduced duplication in documentation, more flexible clinical placement rules, and better coordination to address bottlenecks in placements and faculty hiring. The committee did not take a vote during the excerpted BRN discussion. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California, where the board’s president began an overview of the board’s mission, structure, vacancies, and public-protection role under the Physical Therapy Practice Act. The transcript excerpt ends before substantive questioning, testimony, or any action on the physical therapy item is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• that is Sandra Stillwell Youngquest, who is a new appointee to the Board of Trustees of Florida Gulf Coast
• And I was so thrilled when I was asked to be on the Board of Trustees for Florida Gulf Coast University
• for, and she was an employee and worked her way through the ranks and then moved on to Florida Gulf Coast
• Well, I want to thank you for your commitment to Florida Gulf Coast.

Bills: S1694

Keywords: technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the athletics projects that are authorized are major projects.
• The only thing it says is Secretary of Higher Education authorizes, but there's no mechanism...
• The only thing it says is Secretary of Higher Education authorizes, but there's no mechanism or process
• I mean, I see the process through the K-12 system where we've got the New Mexico Facilities Authority
• And unfortunately, we've divided the market on the West Coast in half for television rights as it pertains

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began by announcing that SB 210 would be rolled over to Friday and would not be heard. The committee then returned to SB 234, which would provide foster child school transportation funding statewide rather than only for Albuquerque Public Schools. Members adopted an amendment striking the APS-only language and making the bill statewide after testimony from the sponsor, PED, and others that foster youth transportation is a growing issue and should have its own funding stream. The committee discussed how the money might be distributed and whether the $1.2 million appropriation would be sufficient, then voted do pass on SB 234 as amended. The committee next heard HB 8, which creates a Higher Education Major Projects Fund for large capital projects that are difficult to fund through existing capital outlay processes. Testimony from the sponsor, LFC, HED, and university representatives explained that the bill would support projects such as the UNM School of Medicine, an NMSU multidisciplinary building, student housing, student life projects, and certain Division I athletic facilities, while requiring design readiness, institutional matches, and legislative oversight. Several senators raised concerns about the clarity of the prioritization process, the Division I-only athletics language, the recurring nature of future funding, and the relationship to other capital funding streams, but the committee ultimately voted do pass on HB 8. The committee then considered SB 243 and SB 244, nearly identical bills for UNM and NMSU that would each appropriate $5 million for student health, student support, nutrition, travel, scholarships, and other athletic department needs. Athletic directors testified that conference realignment, higher travel costs, nutrition demands, and new revenue-sharing/NIL obligations have increased expenses, and sponsors said the bills were intended as one-time appropriations. Some senators questioned whether the requests should be recurring or funded through university revenue rather than the state, but both bills received do pass recommendations. Finally, the committee heard SM 16, as amended, which asks HED to convene a task force to study parenting students in higher education and recommend ways to collect data and improve support. Supporters said better data is needed to understand barriers such as child care and transportation, and the memorial passed with a do pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned until Friday morning.