Video & Transcript : 'nursing program' :

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FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Education Pre-K - 12 Mar 17th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill defines a dropout retrieval program is a program that serves students officially withdrawn from
  • The president is extremely ecstatic about getting this program in Marion it to there mentoring program
  • At reduced prices, school nurses are trained.
  • So I believe it's it's the first examples, a school nurse.
  • The nurse, obviously cafeteria person and direct.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-04 (4:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 237 is Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, a nursing title bill.
  • Many APRNs hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice or a Ph.D., the terminal degree in nursing.
  • A Doctor of Nursing Practice or a Ph.D., the terminal degree in nursing.
  • We are told this is comparable to nurse historical histories.
  • We are told this is comparable to nurse.
Keywords: 998, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HHS-AEN, HHS Public Hearings 01-31-2025

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're going to be in hospitals, probably nursing homes.
  • Yeah, thank you very much. to be in hospitals probably nursing to be in hospitals probably nursing homes
  • Kelly said she and Laura administer the program and are there to answer questions.
  • </c> and I administer the program so we're and I administer the program so we're just<01:14:26.400><c
  • </c><01:16:43.920><c> you</c> all three relatively small programs you all three relatively small programs
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, Red Hill cleanup, water testing, environmental governance, and beverage container recycling. For SB 472, SB 501, SB 675, and SB 958 on cesspools, most testimony supported accelerating cesspool conversion and expanding Department of Health capacity, though the Attorney General flagged a single-subject issue on SB 472 and the Department of Health and others raised concerns about funding, program structure, and coordination. Supporters emphasized cesspools as a major water pollution source and urged earlier deadlines, while some testimony questioned the tax credit approach and asked for clearer grant and staffing language. For SB 639 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill cleanup, the Department of Health asked for clearer cleanup standards and noted limits on laboratory detection and sampling, while supporters argued the bill would create a binding legal standard for remediation and help prevent reopening of the facility. Testimony also stressed the need to remove all contamination to the extent practicable and protect aquifers and drinking water. SB 664 on water quality testing drew strong support from residents and water advocates, but the Department of Health warned the measure could duplicate existing authority and create significant cost; the Board of Water Supply supported the concept while noting it would expand responsibilities into private-property testing. SB 674 on environmental advisory council and waste reduction received mixed testimony: supporters said it would help address landfill siting and protect water resources, while industry groups requested changes to advisory council membership and exemptions for certain products, and one witness opposed the measure. For SB 1067 on deposit beverage container recycling, the Attorney General said the grant language may be constitutionally problematic because it lacks standards, while industry testimony both supported the recycling goals and asked for amendments, including broader representation on the advisory council and clearer treatment of compostable and packaging-related issues. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • The supply, with the unemployed nurses plus the new graduates, is 3,000.
  • That means, of course, there's a heavy need for more nurses in Oklahoma.
  • That means it does not need immediate programs to help it out.
  • throughout the state and kind of give them options where to get those programs and which programs to
  • throughout the state and kind of give them options where to get those programs and which programs to
Keywords: 914, all
Summary: The meeting opened with routine business: confirmation of Open Meetings Act compliance, roll call, approval of the prior minutes, and no public comment. The main presentation was a detailed update on OK WIRE and a new workforce-gap validation model. Staff described moving from a simple job-posting approach to a four-factor method using wage growth, time-to-fill, occupation growth relative to the state average, and the ratio of postings to existing jobs. Examples were given for registered nurses, industrial occupations, software developers, and accountants to show how the model would identify validated workforce shortages or areas needing only monitoring. The team said the new dashboard would be added to the existing OK WIRE system, include links to training programs, and be completed by the end of August without additional cost under the current vendor contract. An agency report followed, covering the work of 929 Strategies on a 30-60-90 day plan, office relocation, contract terminations, grant administration, and budget cleanup. Staff said they had moved out of Film Row, were temporarily in Denver Davidson, and would move into permanent space in the Jim Thorpe building in October. They also discussed the rapid response grant, ARPA grant spending, and a planned data tool to support layoffs response and rural health workforce planning, including work with the Healthcare Workforce Training Commission and health partners. The board then voted to enter executive session under the cited Oklahoma statutes to discuss employee evaluations, possible salary increases, and confidential legal/operational matters. After returning, the board thanked staff for their budget work, decided not to hold the July 9 meeting, and adjourned, planning to resume discussion at the August meeting.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JDC DEFER, JDC, JDC Public Hearings 04-03-2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, I'm a clinical professor at the University of Hawaii in the nursing program.
  • </c> insurance, and I went to nursing school. insurance, and I went to nursing school.
  • </c><00:11:00.040><c> program.
  • </c><00:11:01.040><c> And</c><00:11:01.279><c> I'm</c> Hawaii in the nursing program.
  • And I'm Hawaii in the nursing program.
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee first deferred HB 239, which would have narrowed the definition of child abuse or neglect by excluding cases where a caregiver is unable to provide certain needs solely because of poverty or lack of resources. The chair said other similar bills were still alive and expressed concern that carving out a specific category of abuse could hinder monitoring of children being harmed for other reasons. The committee then took up several decision-making items. HB 420, dealing with the contractor repair act and construction defect claims, was recommended for passage with extensive amendments that would clarify statutes of repose and limitations, define substantial completion, remove homeowner expert-report requirements, delete class-action limits, set timelines for inspections, mediation, and settlement procedures, and add non-retroactivity language; it passed unanimously. HB 732, concerning special management area minor permits for certain single-family residences, was also passed with amendments after the committee removed the provision that would have expanded minor-permit eligibility for homes under 3,500 square feet. HB 1017, repealing the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, passed with amendments to make it effective upon approval. HB 958, which restricts children under 15 from riding class 3 electric bicycles and raises the helmet age requirement, passed with technical amendments only. The committee also considered Governor’s Message 689, the nomination of Melissa Sautello to the Commission on the Status of Women. After testimony in support and questions from members about financial disclosure and her views on women’s sports and transgender participation, the committee voted to advise and consent to the nomination. The nomination passed, and the committee adjourned after noting that a full Senate vote would follow.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Sep 11th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Nurse-to-patient ratios are about safe care.
  • DEIA programs are much more... DEIA programs are much more than race.
  • This bill also creates a two-year pilot program that will allow of the Middle Class Scholarship Program
  • In our country, the federal government writes the checks for welfare programs, many welfare programs,
  • but states are for welfare programs, many welfare programs, but states are the implementers of the benefits
Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance recognizing 9/11. Members then moved through a long daily file and concurrence calendar, with many items passed without debate or temporarily retained. The chamber also took procedural actions, including re-referring AB 1152 to the Public Safety Committee, suspending rules for guest access and file-item handling, and later taking a roll-call vote to allow a late-filed journal letter request. Among the major Senate bills taken up on third reading, the Assembly approved SB 385 on peace officers’ rights, SB 753 on shopping cart recovery, SB 838 on housing and hotel projects, SB 643 on carbon dioxide removal grants, SB 645 on jury peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 761 on CalFresh access for students, SB 774 on real estate licensing sunsets, SB 400 on renewable energy labor tax incentives, SB 24 on utility spending transparency, SB 37 on attorney advertising ethics, SB 258 on spousal rape involving disabled spouses, SB 364 on outdoor advertising near new freeways, SB 403 removing the sunset from medical aid in dying, SB 770 on HOA barriers to EV charging, and SB 22 on gift certificate cash redemption values. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition; SB 403 and SB 770 drew more divided votes, while SB 24 was briefly delayed by a call before passing. The Assembly also concurred in numerous Senate amendments on Assembly bills covering a wide range of topics, including service of process (AB 747), local clean energy planning (AB 39), firearms (AB 1078), workers’ compensation (AB 1336), public health (AB 1487), survivor leave protections (AB 406), solid waste (AB 70), water reporting for data centers (AB 93), Diwali recognition (AB 268), wildfire workforce recovery (AB 338), educational equity (AB 419), civic education (AB 422), office-to-housing conversions (AB 507), cannabis tax relief (AB 564), privacy/browser opt-out rules (AB 566), housing element transparency (AB 610), tenant appliance requirements (AB 628), code enforcement penalties (AB 632), homelessness and LGBTQ-related policy (AB 678), energy (AB 740), DEIA review in state government (AB 766), inmate firefighter wages (AB 247), children’s health (AB 798), real estate (AB 851), COVID-era rehiring protections (AB 858), hazardous materials (AB 961), real property and housing covenants (AB 1050), aging (AB 1069), health care facilities (AB 1172), endangered species protections (AB 1319), CalWORKs modernization (AB 1324), cannabis access for seriously ill patients (AB 1332), foreign labor contractors (AB 1362), and downtown revitalization financing (AB 1445). Several of these passed overwhelmingly, while a few drew notable opposition, including AB 93, AB 403, AB 770, AB 851, AB 1050, and AB 1319. The transcript also included extended debate on SB 34, which was presented as a compromise measure on air pollution and port operations in the San Pedro Bay area. Supporters said it narrowed the scope to protect union jobs while preserving AQMD authority, while opponents and supporters alike noted the underlying distrust between labor and environmental stakeholders. The Assembly passed SB 34, SB 515 on disaggregated demographic data collection, and then began taking up AB 495 on immigration, with the sponsor describing family separation and immigration enforcement trauma before the transcript cuts off.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 20th, 2026

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • It clarifies when a new medical report is needed and treats doctors and psychiatric nurses in the same
  • It clarifies when a new medical report is needed and treats doctors and psychiatric nurses in the same
  • Because I'm very familiar with the extended programs that we have for children who are aging out.
  • Because I'm very familiar with the extended programs that we have for children who are aging out.
  • It also changes age qualifications for the PESS programs.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered four bills and reported each favorably. SB 590, by Senator Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure by mandatory reporters to report suspected child abuse until the offense is known to law enforcement; an amendment made the change retroactive for offenses not already time-barred by the bill’s effective date. Senator Bradley said the bill is intended to ensure accountability in institutional abuse cases, and it passed unanimously. SB 778, by Senator Simon, updates the definition of forensic client so certain defendants with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency can be housed in the same secure setting as other Chapter 916 residents, reducing duplicative staffing and costs; it also passed unanimously. The committee then took up SB 560, by Senator Garcia, which streamlines psychotropic medication procedures for children in DCF custody, reduces duplicative reports and background checks, and simplifies consent documentation. Amendments removed language allowing certain social workers and marriage and family therapists to serve as evaluators and narrowed changes to the Road to Independence Program’s post-secondary education services and support, while extending eligibility ages from 18-23 to 18-26 with a five-year maximum benefit period. Senator Garcia and supporters said the bill improves continuity of care and support for foster youth; Senator Harrell raised fiscal concerns about the education stipend expansion. The bill was reported favorably, and Chair Grall later recorded her vote in the affirmative. Finally, the committee heard SB 1010, by Senator Yarbrough, which strengthens enforcement of Florida’s existing prohibitions on sex reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors and adds civil and criminal penalties, including Attorney General enforcement authority and damages for injured minors. An amendment clarified that the cause of action applies only to minors and that damages benefit the affected minor. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing it protects children and parental rights, and opponents warning it would chill medical care, school conversations, and access to support for transgender youth. Senators Harrell and Sharief expressed concerns about breadth, standing, and impacts on therapists, teachers, and confidential conversations; Sharief voted no while the rest of the committee voted yes, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Education Committee Apr 15th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • that program.
  • Science in Nursing programs, as they are impacted at all of our campuses, but the impaction is largely
  • Science and Nursing programs, as they are impacted at all of our campuses. but the impaction is largely
  • So it's not like you can just overnight say, oh, we're going to increase our nursing program from admitting
  • nursing faculty.
Committee: Senate Education
Summary: The committee first heard SB 998, which would clarify and expand school discrimination prevention coordinator roles, including new coordinators focused on disability and anti-AAPI discrimination. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen school climate, provide clearer guidance and training, and help schools address discrimination before it escalates. Support came from education, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ groups, while some witnesses expressed support if amended but raised concerns about gubernatorial appointments and preferred civil service hiring. Several senators debated whether the bill duplicated existing protections and whether it diverted attention from academic priorities, but the chair and coauthors emphasized it as follow-up legislation tied to prior civil rights commitments. The committee voted SB 998 out on a due pass motion to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the bill was placed on call. The committee then took up SB 1082, which would streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring faster district action, concurrent review, and clearer notice when applications are incomplete. The author and sponsor said families often face long delays and inconsistent practices, and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness and reduce administrative burden without changing local approval authority. The California School Boards Association had an oppose-unless-amended position but said it was re-evaluating after amendments, and some other groups said they were removing opposition. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed it on call. Next, the committee heard SB 960 on community college baccalaureate degrees. The author argued the bill would create a statewide framework allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in unmet workforce areas when CSU programs are unavailable or effectively inaccessible because of impaction, while also limiting growth so community colleges do not drift from their core mission. Supporters said the bill would expand access for place-bound students and align with workforce needs, while CSU and faculty opponents warned it could duplicate programs, affect faculty jobs, and worsen pressure on the CSU system. Members debated the master plan, impaction, funding inequities, and whether the bill would siphon students from CSU. The committee ultimately moved SB 960 out on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the bill was placed on call. Finally, Senator Blakespear presented SB 965, which would make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and her son described inconsistent local rules and said the bill would reduce barriers while preserving local library policies on checkout and liability. The transcript ended during testimony on SB 965, before any committee vote or further action was recorded.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Jan 14th, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Emergency Communications Nurse System, ECNS, which uses nurses to triage 9-1-1 calls to reduce unnecessary
  • And how the state can use programs like ConFire as a model statewide.
  • We need to evacuate that nursing home, for example.
  • We also run an ambulance strike team program, so we have an ambulance strike team.
  • Are you concerned about it in any of your programs?
Committee: Senate Rules
Keywords: 987, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Jan 14th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's exactly what nursing homes are facing.
  • So many of the CCA programs that will be cut are affordability programs that lower energy and transportation
  • So many of the CCA programs that will be cut are affordability programs that lower energy and transportation
  • In 2025, the program awarded $6.3 million.
  • Many of the CCA programs that will be cut are affordability programs that lower energy and transportation
Bills: HB2289
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Jan 14th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • That’s exactly what nursing homes are facing.
  • And what it does is it provides resources and support Program.
  • So many of the CCA programs that will be cut are affordability programs that lower energy and transportation
  • In 2025, the markets program awarded $6.3 million.
  • Many of the CCA programs that will be cut are affordability programs that lower energy and transportation
Summary: The House Appropriations Committee continued its public hearing on House Bill 2289, the fiscal biennial supplemental operating budget appropriations bill. The chair and vice chair explained the hearing process, limited testimony to one minute per person, and then heard extensive public comment from a wide range of advocates, local officials, service providers, and residents. No committee vote was taken during the hearing. Much of the testimony focused on opposition to proposed budget shifts involving Climate Commitment Act revenue, especially the proposed diversion of $569 million to other uses, including the Working Families Tax Credit. Environmental, public health, and local government witnesses argued those funds should remain dedicated to climate pollution reduction, wildfire resilience, clean transportation, natural climate solutions, and affordability programs. Several speakers also urged full funding for wildfire response and forest health, including the HB 1168 commitment, and opposed transfers from the Public Works Assistance Account. Other major topics included Medicaid and long-term care rates, with nursing home and assisted living providers warning that freezing or delaying rate rebasing would worsen staffing shortages and threaten access to care. Public health and health care advocates opposed cuts to foundational public health services, Apple Health expansion, and pharmacy benefit changes, while oral health advocates asked to preserve Medicaid dental funding and support Dentist Link. Testimony also supported or opposed funding for K-12 programs such as special education, the Ninth Grade Success Initiative, and homeless student stability; early learning and child care subsidies; disability services; public defense; housing and homelessness prevention; food assistance; higher education; and immigrant legal services. The committee concluded the hearing and adjourned after public testimony ended.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 17th, 2026

Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am a program director with the division.
  • I am a program director at the division.
  • I'm a program director for the division.
  • A nurse who's lapsed or emeritus versus somebody who's been disciplined or restricted.
  • I am a program director for the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.
Keywords: 989, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you're in a nursing home, we wanted to make sure that the staff who are working in that nursing home
  • If you're in a nursing home, we wanted to make sure that the staff who are working in that nursing home
  • If you're in a nursing home, we wanted to make sure that the staff who are working in that nursing home
  • If you're in a nursing home, we wanted to make sure that the staff who are working in that nursing home
  • Is it going to be our nursing homes and our elderly care?
Bills: HF2434
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I strongly oppose a DROP program.
  • I strongly oppose a drop program.
  • I’m a registered nurse, a proud union member of the California Nurses Association, which is co-sponsoring
  • Nurses aren’t anti-tech.
  • this federally regulated program and the employers who utilize it.
Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public safety, labor enforcement, pensions, and workplace safety. AB 1054 would create a voluntary DROP-style retirement option for CHP officers and Cal Fire firefighters to help retain experienced personnel; supporters said it would be cost-neutral and help staffing, while an opponent warned it could affect bond ratings and create pension risk. The bill passed the committee 4-0 and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2129, which would improve Cal Fire compensation to aid recruitment and retention, also passed 4-0 to Appropriations with support from firefighters and no opposition. AB 1383, a broader PEPRA-related measure lowering retirement age and adjusting compensation caps for public safety workers, drew extensive support from firefighters and peace officers and strong opposition from cities, counties, and other local government groups over long-term pension costs; after debate over fiscal impacts, it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 605 on refinery safe staffing during shutdowns, prompted by layoffs and reduced staffing at refineries such as Phillips 66 Wilmington. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers and nearby communities during refinery wind-downs, while petroleum and business groups said closures are not inevitable and opposed the bill’s premise. The bill passed 3-0 to Environmental Quality. AB 1859 would let joint labor-management committees access public works sites to help detect wage theft and safety violations; construction labor supporters backed it as an enforcement tool, while laborers, local governments, and builders raised concerns about duplication, property access, and project disruption. It passed 2-0 to Judiciary, on call. The committee then heard AB 2321, a pilot program allowing county district attorneys in Alameda and Santa Clara to investigate workplace deaths, which supporters said would address Cal/OSHA’s backlog and weak enforcement; employers and safety practitioners opposed it, citing expertise, due process, and overlapping investigations. It passed 2-0 to Appropriations, on call. Finally, AB 2575 began testimony on healthcare AI guardrails, with the author and nurses arguing that AI should support, not replace, clinical judgment and that patient safety requires human oversight.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • create the California-based master's degree nurse midwifery education program.
  • Currently, only one nurse midwifery master's degree program is offered in California at CSU Fullerton
  • midwifery program.
  • Creating a fund within HCAI to establish a master's degree nurse midwifery program would be most impactful
  • I even remember, too, when I was helping out at school there in the nursing program.
Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 12th, 2026

Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:
  • That program was $50 billion that would be sent to each state.
  • What's going to happen to the programs that are started?
  • here as a school nurse in the state of Idaho.
  • I'm another school nurse. So I work here in Boise.
  • I'm another school nurse. So I work here in Boise.
Keywords: 989, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Higher Education Apr 22nd, 2025

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, of course, projects severe nursing workforce shortages by 2036
  • set aside programs?
  • program, um, that is available.
  • , when the program started.
  • And our midshipment programs.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • students in the area and around the state, especially the nursing program, the water program, the entrepreneur
  • program, and the hospitality program.
  • But also, I wanted to speak specifically about the water program.
  • And also your commitment to sports programs as well.
  • USF's record research growth, nationally ranked medical and nursing programs, and workforce-focused initiatives
Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it. The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes. The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 12th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • I also have a scholarship program within my company.
  • students in the area and around the state, especially the nursing program, the water program, the entrepreneur
  • program, and the hospitality program.
  • But also, I wanted to speak specifically about the water program.
  • And also your commitment to sports programs as well.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Education Postsecondary Jan 21st, 2026

Education Postsecondary

Transcript Highlights:
  • This fund was created to incentivize collaboration between nursing education programs and health care
  • programs would be included in this?
  • Thank you very much, and I absolutely would support the expansion of this program from not just nursing
  • education programs.
  • programs as well as career technical programs.
Keywords: 999, senate, all