Transcript Highlights:

• That happens through ethnic studies, which is something that we still need to fund here at the state
• You see, you do research and graduate education and undergraduate education all the way down the line
• UCs have primarily been research-based universities.
• Yeah, you studied all of us. Well, yeah, why would you do that?
• I know that may seem like an anachronism, using physical books, but learning how to research and read

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• The response was that they did not want to close the door on that as an option, and that research might
• Representative Bennett continued that she supports the bill, but has been studying why local property
• John Kelly, director of government affairs for MDVA, said he knew research did not have anything to add
• > but<00:08:29.520> we<00:08:29.680> wanted<00:08:29.840> to really for research
• , but we wanted to really for research, but we wanted to just<00:08:30.080> weigh<00:08:30.240

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And we worked alongside the Underwriters Laboratory Research Institute.
• research organizations conduct.
• That's what our research has told us: that the bottom six inches is the most vulnerable space.
• But I definitely would defer to my research partners here who can elaborate on that.
• , did a lot of research on fencing.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But right, so I mean, the motion would be to convene whatever we want to call it, a study group with
• ALAC previously formed a work group to study the preservation of error doctrine.
• ALAC previously formed a work group to study the preservation of error doctrine.
• And having read the opinion, I think it was pretty thoroughly researched. And I'm convinced.
• Having read the opinion, I think it was pretty thoroughly researched. And I'm convinced.

Keywords: Code Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We provide data, research, and networks so that people can see best practices.
• The study group established by HM20 is essential for identifying existing barriers in the permitting
• WRA would like to thank the sponsors for requesting the creation of this study group. Thank you.
• This bill, which asks for a study of the relevant issues, is very, very timely because we are at the
• Therefore, we are in very strong support of this study. Thank you very much. Thank you.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, marine oyster agriculture research, uh, PMA facility.
• These studies often result in site-specific mitigation and operational changes made by the developers
• They hire engineers to perform studies, they hire wildlife biologists to perform studies, and then the
• I mean, I've, I've seen studies that have gone back and forth with observations of somewhere around.
• Um, would be really to do an interim study.

Transcript Highlights:

• study as well. Thank you. study as well. Thank you.
• that have been done, the studies that have been done, the comprehensive<00:50:53.599> studies
• > to<01:14:00.880> make Research on Louisiana's move to make Research on Louisiana's move
• um another study um subcommittee study um another study um subcommittee so<03:15:00.479> we<03
• ,<03:41:58.720> you kept the language of this study, you kept the language of this study,

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Research on L.A.
• And there's a new study out.
• transparency when compared to a similar study commissioned by San Joaquin County.
• a study on trafficking patterns so that we can better prevent it.
• There has been research done.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Enrique Lopez-Lira, director of the Low-Wage Work Program at the UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research
• Our data and the research literature speak to both.
• The escalation is about the nature, and the research helps explain why that format has limits.
• de-escalation training measurably changes officer behavior in volatile encounters, with some studies
• Chair, Chris McKeeley here on behalf of the Society for Human Research. Mr.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, she spent the weekend studying for the bar.
• As a leader in agricultural research, Fresno State has showcased its impact as the first CSU to be...
• ...research, Fresno State has showcased its impact as the first CSU to be part of the United Nations
• So I again thank the author for bringing this bill as we look at these studies. Thank you.
• So I again thank the author for bringing this bill as we look at these studies. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, the research shows the experience of a large Texas county shows that it doesn't hurt them
• We have been researching and examining this program specifically for the past seven years.
• The intent of this legislation is to use what we know from research and lived experience...
• The intent of this legislation is to use what we know from research and lived experiences to prevent
• This bill tasked the Department of Public Safety with the study on unreasonable...

Bills: HB1455, HB1777, HB2101, HB2136, HB2609, HB3142, HB3552, HB3846, HB4155, HB4514, HB4879, HB4995, HB5014, HB5139, HB5228, HB5436, HCR40

Keywords: mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard several bills, generally leaving them pending after testimony. HB 4995 would create a training/certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would protect tactical medical staff and improve emergency care; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the OmniBase/failure-to-appear-or-pay license hold program; the author and supporters argued it unfairly compounds debt and traps drivers in noncompliance, while judges and municipal court representatives said it is an effective, voluntary tool that prompts court appearances and reduces warrants. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/THC substances, and HB 5436 would allow licensed auto recyclers to purchase certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shop activity; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard HB 1777, which would place a discrete sex-offender designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for registrants under Chapter 62. The author said the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and cited other states and research in support, while opponents argued it would function as a scarlet letter, increase harassment, and punish people who are already complying with the law. HB 4155 would create a Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study risk factors, coordinate agencies, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, TCFV, and a survivor testified in support, emphasizing the number of family violence homicides and the need for coordinated, data-driven prevention, and the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 4514 would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and confidentiality protections, to help businesses verify identities and combat fraud. Supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce losses from fake IDs and organized theft, while the author stressed privacy safeguards and limited, consent-based use. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, our research assistant has put together an index.
• Yeah, our research correct, Kristen?
• c><00:49:24.520> together<00:49:25.080> an research assistant has put together an research
• <01:01:38.320> on willing to do some basic research on willing to do some basic research on
• study study about<01:15:47.360> two<01:15:47.600> two<01:15:47.840> years<01:15

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy for New Hampshire held its first organizational meeting. The chair read the committee’s updated mission statement, which says the bipartisan committee will fact-find on the state’s COVID-19 response and its impact on the healthcare system, with focus areas including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID, the Patient Bill of Rights, and vaccination policies. The chair also announced committee staffing changes: Linda McGrath stepped down as vice chair and Representative Gerard was named vice chair; Representative DeRoy was named clerk. The chair emphasized the committee’s work is intended to be science-based and fact-finding, not anti-vaccine, and noted that the committee may issue follow-up reports and recommendations. Members discussed a broad list of topics for future hearings, including long COVID treatment, ongoing vaccination policies, reporting of COVID deaths, standards of care and provider discretion, COVID-related funding such as ESSER/CARES Act money, and communication of treatment developments during the pandemic. Representative Pollina argued the committee should examine specific treatments and outcomes, including remdesivir, oxygen/intubation practices, and ivermectin, and raised concerns about whether some treatments were harmful or suppressed. He also focused on pediatric vaccination policy, saying the committee should review New Hampshire’s recommendations for children and medical students, and questioned the state’s reliance on federal guidance versus independent review. The chair responded that shifting federal positions may justify an independent New Hampshire evaluation and asked him to gather more information and potential witnesses. In open discussion, members suggested additional witnesses and topics, including local funeral directors, nursing homes, and emergency medical services, as well as how nursing homes were affected by positive tests and admission restrictions. Another member suggested the committee consider what products it should produce, such as a final report, possible bill recommendations, and better documentation or footnotes tying findings to testimony and scientific sources. The chair said the committee’s deliverables could include reports, letters to department heads or legislative leaders, and other actions, and noted that the committee’s 2024 report and supporting documents are available on the House committee page. No votes or formal actions beyond the organizational appointments were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Think about the people that we need to do this research.
• We also do research in biosciences.
• My understanding is several-fold. mentioned to you is truly only for research and to the research universities
• It is because of the research experiences they have.
• our research priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• He and his wife both graduated from the University of South Florida; he studied accounting, and she studied
• Initiative, earning recognition as a top 100 public university, and achieving the prestigious R1 research
• Linda Stock said FAU has built momentum and has the opportunity to expand research, strengthen academic
• has achieved R1 status, calling it a major step forward as regional universities move more into research
• FGCU is not interested in research for its own sake.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• must incorporate certain research must incorporate certain research findings<01:02:37.359> by
• findings by the National Road Research findings by the National Road Research Alliance<01:02:39.440
• We spent a lot of money on research. Let's go here. Let's use it.
• <01:48:23.119> We plan for implementation of research.
• We plan for implementation of research.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• testing, and we're open to limits on research testing.
• I ran a speeding bill last year and did lots of research into speeding in California.
• Today, users create years of photos, messages, relationships, content online, research online.
• And just so you know, we just did a little research, and MySpace is still around.
• If we are using AI as a research vehicle, AI platforms as a research vehicle, if we're using social media

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Research, medical research, and psychological data has already shown that this is harmful to women.
• Yeah, you did the research on all the committee members. Yeah, so I had to include those.
• Do you agree with the Stanford study?
• the Stanford study?
• Have you seen those studies? And I believe I'm expressing...

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 13 and approved the minutes from the prior week before taking up a series of House bills, many of them with testimony from sponsors, agency officials, and stakeholders. Early action included HB 971, which would direct LDH to equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates between independent rural health clinics and hospital-owned rural health clinics; the sponsor described a significant payment disparity and the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also deferred HB 1030 and HB 796 until the following week before moving to other items on the agenda. Several bills dealing with Medicaid and provider regulation were advanced. HB 414, as amended, closes a loophole so health care providers cannot hire unlicensed workers with certain serious out-of-state convictions; amendments addressed effective dates, FBI background-check issues for therapeutic group homes, and delays for direct support professional applicants caused by minor record issues. HB 740, as amended, creates an independent review process for Medicaid claims disputes in the coordinated system of care for behavioral health providers, with amendments clarifying applicability dates and program definitions. HB 786, which prohibits extrapolation in managed care claims recoupments and requires recovery to be based on actual overpayments or underpayments, was also reported favorably. HB 915 set timelines and accountability standards for prior authorization and utilization management in Medicaid managed care and was reported favorably after testimony about delays in care. The committee also heard and passed several bills affecting health professions and facilities. HB 405 simply updates the name of the national acupuncture certification body. HB 1095 allows nursing homes to use alternative power sources while keeping existing generator and fuel requirements. HB 557 defines long-term care pharmacies for policy purposes. HB 779 authorizes expedited partner therapy prescriptions for certain sexually transmitted diseases. HB 933 creates an optional commemorative birth certificate, with part of the fee going to the Office of Women’s Health. HB 796, carried by another representative for the author, establishes a chiropractic preceptorship program with on-site supervision requirements and was reported favorably after questions about student training and patient safety. The committee also heard emotionally charged testimony on HB 288, which would place the term “miscarriage” alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical documentation and patient communication. Several witnesses described the distress caused by current coding language, and supporters said the change would make records more compassionate and understandable; the bill was reported favorably. HB 403 increased the cottage food gross-sales cap, and after testimony from small producers and the committee’s discussion of other states’ higher limits, an amendment raised the cap to $150,000 before the bill was reported favorably. HB 930 modernizes cosmetic-product regulation and creates a small home-based producer exemption under a wholesale-sales threshold; it was also reported favorably. Finally, HB 1041, a no-mandate bill restricting discrimination based on medical intervention status, prompted extended debate over exemptions for schools, hospitals, and other entities, with one amendment failing on a roll-call vote and the discussion continuing over the scope of the bill and federal funding concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• What kind of research did you do in order to choose him as your chair?
• Nevertheless, though, I didn't do any specific research as it relates to Mr.
• What kind of research did you do in order to choose him as your chair?
• Nevertheless, though I didn't do any specific research as it relates to Mr.
• Now, in terms of research funding, it's a very interesting question.

Summary: The committee first took up 127 gubernatorial appointees grouped in blocks and, after brief testimony in favor of several nominees, voted to recommend confirmation of the block nominees to the full Senate. The committee then moved through a series of University of West Florida and other board nominations, hearing from each nominee about their background and priorities, with most emphasizing service, local ties, student success, military partnerships, and university growth. Several nominees also answered questions about governance, faculty hiring, diversity, and the university’s strategic direction. For the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, the committee heard from Paul Bailey, Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, Christopher Young, and Adam Kissel. Bailey stressed his local roots, legal background, and support for UWF’s pre-law program and military connections; Matthews highlighted her education and state-government experience, current role as board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Moyah cited her education and school board experience, fiscal discipline, and recent positive financial and enrollment figures; Ross emphasized fundraising, workforce needs, cyber opportunities, and support for the governor’s higher education agenda; and Young focused on business accountability, audit oversight, rural access to education, and expanding military-related opportunities. Each of these nominees was questioned about issues such as diversity, “woke” culture, faculty ideology, and the role of the board, and each was ultimately recommended for confirmation by roll-call vote. Adam Kissel’s nomination drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. Kissel described his background in free speech advocacy, federal education policy, philanthropy, and higher education reform, and said he would support UWF’s growth, free-speech protections, military and veteran engagement, and stronger graduation rates. Senators pressed him on prior writings favoring privatization of public higher education, comments about replacing administrators with AI, his work with the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025, and how his views fit with serving on a public university board; he said his long-term libertarian views did not conflict with his short-term support for UWF receiving more resources. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials, military focus, and alignment with the governor’s reforms, while opponents questioned his commitment to public higher education and whether he could be trusted to learn the university from the ground up. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kissel’s confirmation to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said wood is Minnesota's greatest natural resource and referenced a study about how rare diamonds
• He said wood is Minnesota's greatest natural resource and referenced a study about how rare diamonds
• biogenic life cycle and on studies biogenic life cycle and on studies conducted<00:07:21.319>
• I'm the Vice President of Research at AlwaysOn Energy Research.
• multiple stakeholders to carefully study multiple stakeholders to carefully study sensitivities<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It should be heard, and we should study how SSRIs are killing our veterans. Thank you.
• Doesn't the research yield that result? No, I don't believe it does at all.
• D.E.I., L.G.B.T. studies, and we want it ended. Ms. Weiner, for what purpose?
• The vacancy rate, and this was a December 24 study that was completed.
• I believe in learning, curiosity, do more research.

Bills: SB1, HB500, SB1, HB1400, HB 1094, HB365, HB 1109, HB647, HB500

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption