Transcript Highlights:

• Doctor Emily Cloy graduated from the University of South Alabama with a doctorate in clinical and counseling
• She wants to attend the University of Arkansas to study business.
• student body president, plays football and basketball, and wants to attend He wants to attend the university
• She wants to attend the University of Kansas to study interior architecture.
• She is a drum major in her band and wants to attend the University of California, Davis, to study veterinarian

Bills: HB3522, HB4300, HB4359, HB4363, HB3467, HB2987, HB3076, HB4427, HB3026, HB3288, HB3315, HB3711, HB3885

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, ABLE Commission, licensing, regulation, annual reporting, child care, criminal history, background checks, child safety, Oklahoma laws, advisory committees, statewide assessments, student testing, testing window, end-of-year testing, Oklahoma Academic Standards, Oklahoma School Testing Program, State Board of Education, grade 3-8, alternate assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• She has majored in economics at the University of Mississippi.
• Landon Williams, a freshman at the University of Missouri, Columbia. I'll be...
• Landon Williams, a freshman at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and Landon is a very special student
• He is the new executive director of innovation and artificial intelligence at Washington University.
• He is a sophomore at Truman State University, and he's going to hopefully learn a lot from all of us

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would create recurring funding for research at the University of South Florida and also...
• This bill would create recurring funding for research at the University of South Florida and also create
• recurring funding for our consortium of Florida universities to conduct research.
• Kevin Comer, University of South Florida, waves in support. Lane Smith... And he waves in support.
• We have reviewed the bill and we're a little concerned that it seems like it's limited to universities

Summary: The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee met and reported several bills favorably. PCS for HB 647, which allows physicians to use advanced practice registered nurses under written protocol to certify deaths and file death certificates for hospice patients, passed unanimously after brief supportive testimony from hospice, AARP, and physician assistant representatives. HB 803 on acupuncture updated outdated statutory language, clarified the definition of acupuncture, listed allowable point injection therapy items while prohibiting certain drugs, and affirmed referral authority for imaging and labs; it passed 16-1 amid support from acupuncture stakeholders and opposition from several medical groups. PCS for HB 1545 would create recurring state funding for Parkinson’s disease research at the University of South Florida and a consortium of Florida universities; it drew support from USF, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Mayo Clinic, with concerns raised about limiting participation to universities, and it passed unanimously. HB 901, which clarifies procedures for parents challenging court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, passed 15-1 with support from a witness and no debate. HB 591, the children with developmental disabilities/autism bill, was presented as a broad early-diagnosis and intervention measure to help children enter treatment and mainstream life sooner; it received supportive testimony from the Florida PTA and strong floor support, and passed unanimously. Finally, PCS for HB 1299, the Department of Health agency bill, made multiple changes including preventing the mRNA vaccine from sunsetting in statute, adding vaccination-status protections in the patients’ bill of rights, updating medical marijuana center screening and reporting requirements, revising nurse active-practice requirements, making technical compact changes, and extending sovereign immunity protections to dental students doing charitable clinic work. After a brief note that optician-related provisions had been removed, the bill passed unanimously. The committee adjourned after reporting all measures favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• will read the resolution HR 3 1 7 by slaw in recognizing February 20th, 2025 as Tarleton State University
• It is my pleasure to recognize today Tarleton State University Day here at the State Capitol. capital
• University has evolved and thrived within the Texas A&M system since 1917.
• Thank you, and has grown into a vibrant university, nurturing generations of students to become leaders
• Credence Baker, as well as all the universities. faculty and staff for constantly working to educate

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the idea with the University of Minnesota is to say we've done a lot of...
• So the idea with the University of Minnesota is to say we've done a lot of... adults at the same time
• <01:26:46.960> of needs so the idea with the University of needs so the idea with the University
• So our universities are trying to save money and they're trying to retrench programs, and how are we
• So our universities are trying to save money and they're trying to retrench programs, and how are we

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a demographer and professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire, and I appreciate being

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:20:55.199> is University is University is not<01:20:58.640> sufficient<01:20:59.120
• We don't know what universities are doing, with the exception of Dartmouth.
• We know that one, but we don't know what any of the other universities do.
• Now I'm known to that university or that school by that name, um, with no other validation.
• We don't know whether universities do.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . universities. universities.
• <01:04:56.559> per the K12 schools and the universities per the K12 schools and the universities
• Four-year universities: each university in their OMN budget will receive at minimum a 4.18% increase.
• <01:10:04.960> uh<01:10:05.040> each four-year universities uh each four-year universities
• :06.719> budget<01:10:06.960> will university in their OMN budget will university in their

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:54.159> of Center Great Lakes University of Center Great Lakes University of Minnesota
• So we've worked with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in several capacities
• of residency we also take on University of Minnesota<00:24:55.000> veterinary<00:24:55.480>
• They kind of went the experiential route into the career and relied more heavily on the University of
• The same thing goes with the University of Minnesota that we talked about earlier.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Kogan holds both a Ph.D. in pharmacology and an M.D. from the University of Utah and is board-certified
• He served on the faculty at the University of Utah and later at the University of Arizona Health Science
• Center and the VA hospital in Tucson, at the University of Arizona Health Science Center and the VA

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as we go about in our inexplicable ways, building the future of the Golden State and building the universe
• And you talked about some kind of big magnet in the universe pulling us all towards love, and that's
• We have In-N-Out University. We have an In-N-Out museum.
• We have in and out university. We have in and out That's in our district.
• We have in and out university. We have in and out a museum.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One study at Brigham Young University showed that artificial turf fields can get 87 degrees hotter than
• Is there being universal? Well, could it be universal?
• The use of artificial turf has allowed for truly universal accessible surfaces, the ability to support
• Artificial surfaces are also the preferred or required surface for several MIAA and university-level
• Artificial surfaces are also the preference slash required surface for several MIAA and university-level

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony on several procurement-related bills. Senator Lovely and steel industry witnesses supported S. 2167/H. 3411, which would require preference for U.S. manufacturers on public construction projects using steel and other materials. They argued that Canadian and other foreign fabricators underbid Massachusetts firms because of exchange rates, subsidies, and different labor-cost structures, causing local job losses and economic leakage. Committee members asked about tariffs, market share, and whether the bill should be folded into broader municipal legislation; the witnesses said public work should stay in Massachusetts and that the bill would help preserve local industry and jobs. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2107, a bill to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in state and municipal contracting. Work Inc. testified that a preference for contractors employing people with disabilities would expand competitive employment, reduce reliance on public assistance, and generate net savings for taxpayers. Members asked about the estimated savings and whether recent federal changes to benefits would affect the numbers; the witness said the figures may need updating but that the underlying employment opportunity remains important. Another bill, H. 3339/S. 2187, would prohibit state and municipal contracts for new artificial turf fields containing zinc, plastic, or intentionally added PFAS. Sponsors and supporters cited health risks, heat retention, injuries, and PFAS contamination, while committee members discussed local bans, disposal problems, and whether indoor facilities or alternative materials could be used. Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro testified in favor of H. 12 and H. 13, which would update Chapter 30B procurement thresholds and allow municipalities to bundle snow hauling and removal with plowing contracts. He said the changes would give local governments more flexibility, reduce confusion between school and municipal procurement rules, and make snow contracts more attractive to vendors. Members questioned whether quasi-public agencies and state entities should also be subject to 30B, and Shapiro said many public entities have their own procedures but that transparency and fairness should apply across the board. The committee also heard support for S. 2150, a software licensing bill aimed at preventing vendor lock-in by ensuring state agencies can run purchased software in the infrastructure that best fits their needs; the witness said restrictive licensing can drive up costs and create cybersecurity and modernization problems, and that similar laws have already passed in several other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, the American Medical Association issued a resolution supporting universal insurance coverage
• Smith University as a computer science engineer with a minor in marketing.
• I hold a master’s of science in clinical research from Washington University in St. Louis.
• I’m an assistant professor at McGill University.
• Law School, UMass Dartmouth School of Law, and Suffolk University Law School.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of health insurance and public health bills, with most speakers focused on expanding coverage for specific treatments and services. Bills discussed included H. 1187/S. 792 on rehabilitation counselors, H. 1173/S. 692 on patient navigation, S. 2600 on scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients, S. 2599 on medically necessary treatment for port wine birthmarks, H. 1164 on licensed educational psychologists for child and adolescent mental health services, S. 754/H. 1254 on autism diagnosis and treatment by nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, S. 714/H. 1137 on infectious disease response and coverage, and S. 791 on making nature a prescriptive therapeutic intervention. Speakers generally argued these bills would improve access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and address gaps in current insurance reimbursement rules. Testimony in support emphasized personal stories and clinical evidence. Cancer patients and providers described the benefits of patient navigation and scalp cooling for dignity and quality of life during treatment. Boston Children’s Hospital staff and families said port wine birthmark treatment is medically necessary, can prevent complications, and should not be denied as cosmetic. Rehabilitation counselors and school psychologists argued their services are effective, cost-saving, and underused because they cannot bill insurance. Autism advocates said current insurance statutes are outdated because nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists already provide evaluations and should be recognized for reimbursement to avoid delays in early intervention. Public health and GLAD Law testimony supported stronger infectious disease coverage to remove barriers to testing, treatment, and PrEP access. The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 1172, a bill requiring insurance coverage for detransition-related care. Supporters said it would ensure coverage for medically necessary care for people who regret or reverse gender transition, while opponents argued it would legitimize anti-trans narratives or, conversely, that detransition care is needed because transition procedures can cause harm. The committee also heard strong support for S. 791 from advocates who described nature access as a health intervention that could help with trauma, anxiety, substance use recovery, and environmental justice, with claims that insurance coverage and reduced park fees would improve access. No votes were taken during the transcript, and the chair repeatedly thanked speakers and moved through the long list of public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, University<00:08:01.759> of<00:08:01.919> Hawaii.
• <00:20:17.840> of<00:20:18.000> Hawaii University of Hawaii University of Hawaii >>
• University of Hawaii and throw a University of Hawaii and throw a defective<00:26:30.320> date
• Christian Fern, University of Hawaii Professional Assembly.
• University of Hawaii Professional University of Hawaii Professional Assembly.

Bills: SB2543, SB2435, SB2352

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Summary: The Committee on Government Operations reconvened on February 10, 2026, to take up measures previously heard on February 5. It advanced SB 2983 on criminal destruction of trees with technical, non-substantive amendments and a committee report note asking Judiciary to clarify that removal of invasive species remains allowed; the measure passed with one no vote. SB 2930 on the state risk management revolving fund also passed with amendments, including blanking out the amount, setting a defective date, and directing Ways and Means to review a spreadsheet before further action. The committee likewise passed SB 2928 on making the small business procurement program permanent and SB 2970 on standards of conduct for state agency contracts, adopting the Ethics Commission’s recommended language assigning compliance responsibility to department directors and deputy directors. SB 2927 and SB 3068 on procurement were deferred to a time certain on February 12, and SB 3015 on personal information, SB 2929 on public notice, and SB 2938 on search and rescue were also deferred for further discussion or to avoid re-referral issues. SB 2662 on external consultants was amended to remove a cap and preemptive approval language, narrow the expertise standard, and note possible auditor staffing or appropriation needs; it then passed with amendments. The joint GVO-EIG hearing then took up SB 2543 on state construction projects and an Office of the State Construction Manager within DAGS. Testimony from the Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund strongly supported the bill, saying it could reduce wasteful spending on large design-build projects and free money for tax credits and other public needs. DAGS, the University of Hawaii, and DLNR offered written comments, while one witness from KIC opposed the measure and asked for an exemption for member-owned electric cooperatives. A Hawaii Solar Energy Association witness also supported the bill but asked that landscape architects be excluded from the bill’s definition of design professionals, and Rocky Mold said Kauai permitting was efficient enough that he had no objection to carving it out. The committee adopted amendments from DNR, DAGS, and UH and passed SB 2543. The hearing also considered SB 2435 on EV charging infrastructure at state facilities. DAGS and the Hawaii State Energy Office supported the concept and explained that the goal was to retrofit managed parking facilities with infrastructure that can meet current and future EV needs, while acknowledging that some stalls can sit unused and that the state must balance space and enforcement. Members raised concerns about whether dedicating 25% of stalls to EV charging would reduce usable parking, and about rural and Big Island conditions where EV range and battery capacity remain limiting. The discussion noted that DOT, DNR, DOE, and DOH may have their own parking facilities outside DAGS control. The committee then indicated it would broaden the bill to apply to all state agencies and lower the threshold in response to member concerns, with final action not fully shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• over<00:02:41.360> a<00:02:41.519> foot We have worked with Mississippi State University
• <00:04:56.960> where with Mississippi State University where with Mississippi State University
• And then Clemens Lake Dam, which is up at Morehead State University. I'm familiar with it.
• And so we're going to university campus.
• Have to be a lot of university campus.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee heard testimony from the Energy and Environment Cabinet on the state-owned dam repair program and Kentucky’s electric grid resilience program. On dams, Commissioner Tony Hatton explained the legal definition and hazard classifications for Kentucky dams, noting there are 975 regulated dams statewide, including 76 state-owned dams, and that hazard ratings are based on potential loss of life or property damage if a dam fails. He described the cabinet’s screening criteria, including inundation mapping, engineering condition, and compliance status, and said the cabinet uses a design-bid-build procurement process to manage public funds responsibly. Hatton outlined current and planned dam projects funded from the prior biennium, including Willisburg Lake in Washington County, where work will address hydraulic capacity, unstable downstream slopes, and likely require a coffer dam, flood wall, auxiliary spillway, and raw water line replacement. He also said Big Bone Lake State Park Dam will be decommissioned, Clemens Lake Dam at Morehead State University is in design for a major rehabilitation, and additional projects include Marion County Sportsman’s Dam, Chenoa Lake Creek/Canning Creek Dam, and a rehabilitation study for the Mud River at Lake Malone. The cabinet also requested $500,000 for routine repairs and maintenance. Members questioned cost estimates, inflation, and whether it would be better to fund design separately; cabinet officials said estimates are current best engineering estimates, costs have generally stayed within about 10%, and the current funding flow requires all funds to be available before bidding. The committee then received a status update on the electric grid resilience program, a five-year federal formula grant under Section 40101(d) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Officials said Kentucky has received years one through three of funding, which has been allocated to state park facilities and municipal electric utilities, while years four and five have not yet been received and would go to distribution cooperatives and remaining municipal utilities. Projects discussed included upgrades at Ken Lake State Park and Kentucky Dam Village, plus municipal projects in Owensboro, Princeton, Williamstown, and Hopkinsville. The cabinet said the selected projects focus on hardening infrastructure, replacing poles, wires, conductors, and transformers, improving vegetation management, and adding or upgrading outage management systems. Officials reported that all projects are under contract and moving into subcontracting and construction, while the Department of Parks is finalizing an agreement with Western Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative for the park-related work.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the 13th president of Florida A&M University, Mrs. Marva Johnson.
• And just to list a few great facts about Florida and University, University, we are the number one HBC
• . a few great facts about Florida and University.
• The I-9 process is reliable, it's universally required, and it's always available.
• . of the one and only Florida State University.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established, then adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for the day. The chamber first took up HB 167 on former phosphate mining lands. Sponsor Rep. McClure said the bill would remove strict liability for previously mined phosphate lands if a Department of Health study is done at the owner’s request and the former mining status is recorded publicly. Opponents, including Reps. Cross, Nixon, and Eskamani, argued the bill did not provide enough notice to future buyers and renters and could create health and disclosure concerns. The bill passed 87-24. The House then passed HB 145 on suits against the government, which Rep. McFarland said updates Florida’s sovereign immunity caps for the first time since 2010, raising them to $500,000 per person and $1 million per incident with future automatic increases, aligning the statute of limitations with private claims, and allowing governments to settle above the caps if they choose. He said the bill would make redress more accessible without eliminating the liability shield. The bill passed 104-7. The chamber then considered CS/HB 289 on civil liability for the wrongful death of an unborn child, a bill by Rep. Greco that would amend the Wrongful Death Act to allow parents and other survivors to bring claims for the death of an unborn child, while exempting the mother and lawful medical care provided within the standard of care. Debate centered on whether the bill could affect abortion access, fertility treatment, miscarriage care, surrogacy, and liability for doctors, friends, family members, and others. Multiple amendments were offered to narrow the bill or add carve-outs for abortion, fertility care, surrogates, perinatal professionals, rape/incest/human trafficking situations, and to require the mother’s consent before suit; sponsors and opponents argued over whether these changes would prevent frivolous lawsuits or instead create loopholes and weaken the bill. None of the amendments were adopted during the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• grant program to support the students that are pursuing a career in genetic medicine and our state universities
• You are recognized to explain House Bill 901, relating to the University of Florida Diabetes Institute
• Members, HB 901 establishes the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to strengthen Florida's
• Monica Rodriguez, University of Florida Health Corporation, waving in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• very focused on kids who are in school from, you know, preschool all the way through college and university
• We've done incredible things to invest in families, universal school meals.
• So I would not say universally that that is the case, but I will turn to my colleague for details.
• Also, for universal pre-kindergarten, we urge you to continue support.
• Also, for universal pre-kindergarten, we urge you to continue.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, Chad Heinrich, I represent the University of Phoenix, and on Monday I just wanted to share
• intelligence and technology and how the University of Phoenix is really embracing the technologies to
• intelligence and technology and how the University of Phoenix is really embracing the technologies to
• colleges, and private universities.
• were based at a university somewhere back east if I recall correctly, because guess what?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• capital improvements for the University of<00:04:08.640> Hawaii<00:04:09.120> College<
• >> Next<00:06:45.440> we<00:06:45.759> have<00:06:46.000> University<00:06
• of Hawaii Dean >> Next we have University of Hawaii Dean Gallah Chair<00:06:56.080> Chenal<
• <00:07:51.280> uh resources within the university uh resources within the university uh across
• <00:08:02.319> of with experts across the University of with experts across the University

Bills: HB1952, HB1951, HB1929, HB2497, HB2208, HB2572, HB1737, HB1953, HB2551, HB2549

Keywords: HB1952, Hawaii agriculture, University of Hawaii, CTAHR, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Kauai, agricultural research station, extension station, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, appropriation, ADA compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act, certified kitchen, greenhouse, laboratory, field research, cesspool decommissioning, invasive species