Transcript Highlights:

• So as we look at what is the true cost So as we look at what is the true cost of<00:29:07.360>
• the impact of a payment delay, cost the impact of a payment delay, cost avoidance,<00:32:06.399>
• I mean, I guess that kind of gets to my question. has a cost that must be acred and has a cost that must
• And here allocated. It didn't go there.
• to begin forecasting the cost of fraud. to begin forecasting the cost of fraud.

Bills: HF3676, HF3683, HF3395

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from February 19 and February 26, while skipping the February 24 minutes because of a drafting error that would be corrected later. It then took up House File 3676, a Safe at Home program bill described by Rep. Nash as arising from a constituent’s dangerous identity exposure and intended to tighten protections for participants, including allowing emancipated minors to enroll. Testimony from the Secretary of State’s office explained that the bill would clarify who may apply for a minor, require proof of guardianship, strengthen court findings before a participant’s physical address can be disclosed, increase penalties for harmful disclosure, prohibit discrimination based on participation, require state agencies to designate a Safe at Home contact person, allow use of the Safe at Home card as proof of residence for certain ID purposes, and require judge training. Members raised concerns about federal compatibility, constitutionality of court-related provisions, and the need for a fiscal note on the felony penalty. Several sections were noted as being removed or modified in a later engrossment, and the committee voted to re-refer HF 3676 to the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. The committee then heard House File 3683, which would direct the state budget forecast to include the estimated cost of fraud. Rep. Nash argued that fraud is a significant but unquantified drain on state resources and said the bill would adapt existing forecast language used for inflation to track fraud costs. Minnesota Management and Budget Deputy Commissioner Anna Mingi testified that fraud is unacceptable and that the agency works to prevent and detect it, but said the twice-yearly forecast is not the right tool for this kind of retrospective analysis. She explained that if fraud is identified, the forecast would reflect reduced spending through program integrity actions rather than a separate fraud-cost line item. The bill was moved and referred to the general register after a roll call was requested.

Transcript Highlights:

• frequently, are grappling with the cost frequently, are grappling with the cost of<00:19:27.679>
• It doesn't cost the state a dime.
• Um, it is notable, the increase in costs.
• related insurance cost state by state.
• If you're cost state by state.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we do not are costs of training.
• We have faculty costs. We have dollars. We have faculty costs.
• , have administration and program costs, have administration and program costs, accreditation,<00
• financial burden of child care costs financial burden of child care costs enabling<01:25:18.080>
• carrying the the bulk of that cost. carrying the the bulk of that cost.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've done our best to try and keep tuition costs down.
• invisible costs.
• It's going to cost you more, and nobody can afford it.
• It's the cost of doing business for criminals.
• Then you also have the cost of extradition.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > savings<00:52:26.079> were While no explicit cost savings were While no explicit cost savings
• > of College affordability and cost of College affordability and cost of attendance.<01:08:22.319
• <01:09:01.279> of congressional report that the cost of congressional report that the cost
• attending higher education know the cost attending higher education know the cost um<01:09:15.279
• of the whole entire picture of the cost of the whole entire picture of the cost<01:09:19.120> of<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met to hear updates from Kentucky public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System on compliance with House Bill 4, which restricts DEI-related activities and requires institutional and viewpoint neutrality. The chair emphasized that the hearing should focus on both compliance and the financial effects of the law. Eastern Kentucky University said its board adopted a House Bill 4 compliance resolution and an institutional neutrality policy. KCTCS reported systemwide reviews of programs, websites, scholarships, personnel, and admissions language, along with board actions removing a cultural competency course requirement, adopting institutional neutrality, and certifying compliance. KCTCS said about $2.5 million annually had been reallocated to other needs, and that no personnel were eliminated, though some roles were reassigned and DEI-related offices closed. Kentucky State University said it had already dissolved DEI offices before the bill passed, ended DEI-specific training, revised policies and gift acceptance rules, adopted a viewpoint neutrality policy, and was conducting ongoing reviews of programs, job descriptions, and web content. KSU said it had achieved substantial compliance, expected full operational integration by August 1, and had not terminated staff or closed academic programs because of the law. In response to questions, KSU said it was broadening outreach to all students rather than targeting specific populations and that its prior diversity finding was tied to not meeting a diversity quota. Morehead State University said it had no DEI office before House Bill 4, amended its non-discrimination statement to include political and social viewpoint neutrality and condemnation of religious and ethnic discrimination, and remained focused on serving its largely low-income student body. Murray State University reported reviewing scholarships, expenditures, training, and academic programs to ensure no differential treatment or indoctrination, revising its neutrality policy, and updating non-discrimination posters and training. When asked about a statement that DEI would “look different,” the university said it meant student support services would continue in a different form. Northern Kentucky University said it dissolved its diversity office and chief diversity officer position in 2024, reviewed programs, events, scholarships, and employee affinity groups, adopted a statement on intellectual diversity and viewpoint neutrality, and reviewed about 2,000 courses for compliance. NKU also said its new Center for Belonging would focus on first-generation and commuter students rather than rebrand prior DEI efforts. The University of Kentucky began its presentation by describing earlier changes made in August 2024, including disbanding its office of institutional diversity, removing diversity statements and mandatory training, adopting institutional neutrality, and ending race-based consideration in admissions and scholarships; the transcript cuts off before the rest of UK’s testimony and any committee votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Winfrey indicated, the purpose of this bill is to increase the allocation.
• It's a cash allocation to your entity.
• The cost has gone up to $254 versus $150. It's also that time frame.
• Ventrella was there about: Is it more cost effective to go to...
• But really, instead of saving money, we could be increasing the cost.

Bills: HCR41, HB11, HB227, HB243, HB278, HB335, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB492, HB623, HB641, HB660, HB708, HB719, HB940, HB1029, HB1053, HB1069, HB1077

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Summary: The committee first took up H.C.R. 41, which would direct the ATC to allow electronic rebates for beer purchases and clarify that rebates are the manufacturer’s responsibility. The author and supporters said it would align beer with wine and other liquor rules. With no opposition, the resolution was moved forward. The committee then advanced H.B. 1029, which extends a moratorium on certain alcoholic beverage permits in House District 3 to give Shreveport and the MPC more time to revise local ordinances; it also moved forward without objection. The committee next considered two related bills by Rep. Egan on district attorney funding. H.B. 660, as amended, raises the state warrant amount used to support assistant district attorneys from $50,000 to $60,000 and sets district attorney salaries at $65,000 effective July 1, 2026. The Louisiana District Attorneys Association and several DAs supported the bill, saying it would help recruit and retain prosecutors. H.B. 719, also amended, increases the number of assistant district attorney warrants in many judicial districts statewide, with supporters describing it as a response to crime, population changes, and local workload needs. Both bills were reported favorably as amended. Rep. Ventrella’s H.B. 227, allowing court filings on letter-sized paper instead of only legal-sized paper, was also moved favorably. The committee then heard extensive testimony on H.B. 335 by Rep. Henry, which would expand citizenship verification requirements for entities administering public benefits. Supporters said it was meant to ensure state dollars go to U.S. and Louisiana citizens and to add accountability for NGOs; opponents, including farmers, food-access nonprofits, and health providers, argued it would create administrative burdens, chill participation in SNAP-related programs, and discourage vulnerable people from seeking food or medical help. After an amendment exempting nonprofit food distribution was adopted, the bill was reported favorably by a 12-5 vote. Finally, the committee took up H.B. 623, a tobacco and vapor products permitting bill. After adopting a three-minute rule, the committee accepted an amendment removing tobacco products from the proposed three-tier permitting system and excluding lawful marijuana products authorized by LDH. The amended bill was then reported favorably. The transcript ends as the committee was beginning H.B. 708.

Transcript Highlights:

• welfare and cross related cost related welfare and cross related cost related to<00:15:31.160>
• Minnesota how you're going to allocate Minnesota how you're going to allocate that<00:37:24.119>
• <01:04:08.880> of you know we have very high costs of you know we have very high costs of
• :54.799> those for child care and the cost in those for child care and the cost in those States
• States is minuscule compared to the cost States is minuscule compared to the cost in<01:07:57.599

Bills: HF2582, HF2266, HF2518, HF2039, HF1941

Keywords: child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian

Transcript Highlights:

• Mandates and prohibitions on industry result in direct and indirect costs that are ultimately passed
• Taxpayers deserve answers when the state takes action and increases costs.
• So what this bill does is say that you have to look at both benefit and cost.
• I agree with opponents that we want to reduce the cost of living.
• I agree with opponents that we want to reduce cost of living.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first and proceeded informally before later establishing a quorum and taking votes. Early items included SB 885 by Senator Strickland and SB 986 by Senator Saryato, both aimed at requiring legislative review of major regulations with estimated economic impacts over $50 million. Supporters argued the bills would restore accountability and oversight over unelected boards and agencies and help address California’s affordability crisis; opponents, including labor and environmental groups, warned the measures would delay or block important health, safety, and worker protections. Members discussed possible amendments, especially a 60-day review window and informational hearings, and both bills were moved on with votes held open for absent members. The consent calendar was also taken up and held open after motions. The committee then heard several symbolic and policy bills. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado would create an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate food programs across state departments, improve outreach, and reduce gaps in service; members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about creating another agency without stronger reporting and oversight requirements. SB 1214 by Senator Ochoa would designate the Western monarch as California’s state butterfly, and SB 1178 by Senator Reyes would designate the California yellow jacket as the state wasp; both were presented as ways to highlight biodiversity, conservation, and ecological benefits, and both advanced with committee amendments. SB 1286 by Senator Richardson would recognize the California sea lion as the state pinniped, with testimony emphasizing marine conservation and the species’ role as an indicator of ocean health; it also moved forward with amendments. Later, SB 1171 by Senator Caballero would make private entities that contract with ICE ineligible for state-funded grants or loans. The author framed the bill as a response to ICE enforcement tactics and a way to ensure state funds do not indirectly support those operations. The California Chamber of Commerce opposed the measure, warning it could sweep in contractors providing essential services such as food, health care, or legal research to detainees. Committee discussion focused on those concerns and on whether the bill should be narrowed; the bill was voted out on a 7-3 roll, with the roll held open. The committee also heard SB 1358, the Ethnic and Community Media Equity Act, which would create a database of ethnic and community media outlets and require state agencies to seek quotes from those outlets for certain advertising and outreach contracts. Supporters said it would improve the effectiveness of state messaging and better reach diverse communities, especially in immigrant and Latino populations.

Transcript Highlights:

• cancers each year, an estimated 10,700 people will die, and whereas the estimated total direct annual cost
• of melanoma treatment exceeds $290 million, and whereas the annual cost of treating skin cancer in the
• United States is $8,100 million, with $3,300 million allocated to treating melanoma. $100 million with
• $300 million allocated to treating melanoma specifically, and whereas the objectives of the Arkansas

Summary: The House convened to finish items from an adjourned resolution and spent most of the meeting recognizing individuals, teams, and organizations through a series of House resolutions. One resolution designated May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, with the sponsor emphasizing that skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., that early detection greatly improves outcomes, and that public education on prevention and sun safety is important. Another resolution honored Frederick Henry Middleton of Arkadelphia for 50 years of service to the city’s street department and his long record of community involvement. The chamber also recognized the Rolling Razorbacks wheelchair basketball team for winning its sixth Division II national championship, and several Arkansas high school athletic programs for state titles, including Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School boys basketball, Rogers High School teams in girls cross country, baseball, boys tennis, girls wrestling, and boys golf, Mountain Home High School boys and girls cross country, Mount St. Mary Academy girls golf, and North Little Rock High School girls basketball. Members highlighted team records, championships, coaches, and individual achievements, and many resolutions were adopted by title only after brief presentations. Additional resolutions honored the Central Arkansas Christian High School choir for its state festival success, Arkansas Tech University women’s cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference championship, and Arkansas Tech women’s basketball coach Dave Wilbers upon his retirement after a highly successful career. No substantive debate or roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript; the meeting ended after the final recognition with notice that the House would reconvene later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• cancers each year, an estimated 10,700 people will die, and whereas the estimated total direct annual cost
• of melanoma treatment exceeds $290 million, and whereas the annual cost of treating skin cancer in the
• United States is $8,100 million, with $3,300 million allocated to treating melanoma. $100 million with
• $300 million allocated to treating melanoma specifically, and whereas the objectives of the Arkansas

Summary: The House convened to finish items from an adjourned resolution and spent the meeting recognizing a series of resolutions honoring public health awareness, community service, and athletic and academic achievements. House Resolution 1021 designated May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, with the sponsor emphasizing that skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., is highly preventable, and benefits from early detection. House Resolution 1020 honored Frederick Henry Middleton upon his retirement after 50 years of service to the City of Arkadelphia, and House Resolution 1022 congratulated the Rolling Razorbacks on winning their sixth Division II National Wheelchair Basketball Championship, with MVP Jeff Glassbrenner and Coach Jared Johnson recognized on the floor. The chamber then adopted or considered multiple school-sports resolutions, including House Resolution 1033 honoring the Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School Patriots boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 5A state championship, and House Resolutions 1028 through 1032 recognizing Rogers High School teams for championships in girls cross-country, baseball, boys tennis, girls wrestling, and boys golf. House Resolutions 1040 and 1041 honored Mountain Home High School’s boys and girls cross-country teams for sweeping the 2025 Class 5A titles, and House Resolution 1044 recognized Mount St. Mary Academy’s Bell’s golf team for its third straight Class 6A championship. Additional resolutions recognized the Central Arkansas Christian High School Choir for its first Best in Class showing at the state choir festival, Coach Dave Wilbers of Arkansas Tech University for his retirement after a highly successful women’s basketball career, Arkansas Tech’s Golden Suns cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference championship, and the North Little Rock Lady Charging Wildcats girls basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 6A state title. No substantive legislation was debated; the meeting consisted primarily of ceremonial presentations, brief remarks, and requests for favorable votes or title-only readings, and it ended with the House announcing it would reconvene at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• that is determined by asset allocation that is determined by the<00:42:06.640> SBI.
• This continues to put the onus of cost increases largely on educators.
• For the increases in healthcare costs.
• it being the result of insurance costs it being the result of insurance costs rapidly<01:36:21.440
• This continues to put the onus of cost This continues to put the onus of cost increases<01:36:36.159

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The only change from that updated language that was posted on June 6th was a change to the allocation
• That's going to, in the long run, cost 50 to 60 million dollars.
• This project does not cost an additional $50 million; it costs an additional $30 million, and we will
• Guess how much it costs to own and operate a car.
• So I have probably more of a picture of what it costs to build a road than the average bear.

Transcript Highlights:

• whatever additional dollars are needed to ensure that the student does not have to pay any of the costs
• So it all depends on all those factors, and so that determination of what the cost of their education
• So if it was first-dollar, then the waiver would just waive the costs of all of the mandatory costs for
• registration, and then other financial aid that can go to other costs could go to those other costs—room
• As I understand it, the last-dollar provisions in AB 397 reduce the cost of current waiver mandates,

Bills: AB328, AB397

Keywords: Juneteenth, education, economic commission, cultural affairs, racial healing, policy recommendations, African-American studies, higher education, fee waivers, Native American students, unaccompanied youth, academic progress, Nevada System of Higher Education, 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, reducing costs and ensuring that we have a higher return on investment for other things.
• And again, reducing costs and ensuring that we have a higher return on investment for other things.
• I have seen costs for similar...” “...point, there is value there.
• I have seen costs for similar projects that are less and more, and I will tell you that I think it’s
• But I think it could potentially yield a significant cost savings for the office.” “Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :19:21.120> it conversations, there's talks about it conversations, there's talks about it costing
• <00:19:24.640> Um costing about $10 per passenger. Um costing about $10 per passenger.
• Member: Yeah, I wanted to know how you got to your number, if it was costing $10 a head and how much
• So if we had to allocate the cost of that bollard replacement project over each type of ship, it would
• So if we had to allocate the cost of that bollard replacement project over each type of ship, it would

Bills: SB2816

Keywords: enterprise zones, economic development, innovation enterprise, job creation, Hawaii, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard House Bill 2195, HD1, which would replace the existing transit accommodations tax on cruise ships with a per-passenger infrastructure fee collected by the Department of Transportation and deposited into a new cruise ship special fund. Testimony included support from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii warning that the bill should remain narrowly tied to harbor-related uses to avoid potential Tonnage Clause issues. The Department of Transportation testified that cruise-related harbor work includes pier repairs, dredging, terminal upgrades, and shore power, and said a dedicated revenue stream would help prioritize cruise infrastructure needs. The Attorney General’s office said it had submitted written comments but did not address questions about the litigation or constitutional background. Members questioned whether the new special fund was necessary when the existing harbor special fund already finances similar improvements. DOT said the funds overlap and suggested the bill could be amended to use the harbor special fund with a separate cruise subaccount, while still preserving a dedicated revenue stream and separate accounting. DOT also said it currently collects port entry, dockage, and per-head passenger fees from cruise ships and that existing cruise-related expenditures from the harbor special fund have not been challenged. The chair ultimately recommended moving HB 2195 forward as introduced, while continuing discussions about the fund structure and awaiting further clarity from the Attorney General and DOT. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass HB 2195, HD1, as is. They also voted to pass House Bill 916, HD1, relating to the low-income housing tax credit, which would allow certain state low-income housing tax credits to offset state transient accommodations taxes in the same county and make Act 129 of 2016 permanent. Both the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB 916, HD1, unamended. The hearing was then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, however, adopts a conservative allocation strategy.
• The only policy you can find costs more than your Social Security check.
• So being unable to tackle that reinsurance cost, ...their premiums.
• So being unable to tackle that reinsurance cost is really one of the main cost drivers as to why our
• It's the number one cost driver. It's the number one issue on people's minds back at home.

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. HB 487 would authorize the CFO and State Board of Administration to invest up to 10% of certain state funds in Bitcoin, require specified custody methods, allow Bitcoin lending under rule, and create a process for accepting taxes and fees in Bitcoin. The sponsor and several proponents argued it would diversify state investments, hedge inflation, and position Florida as a leader in digital assets. Members raised concerns about volatility, security, valuation, and whether Bitcoin was being singled out over other cryptocurrencies, but the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote. The committee then considered HB 7011, an Open Government Sunset Review measure for records of insolvent insurers. The bill would continue some exemptions but make additional records public, including underwriting files, risk-solvency assessments, corporate governance annual disclosures, and the names, benefits, and compensation of insurance executive officers. There was no public testimony, and members discussed privacy and safety concerns, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 1433 on hurricane mitigation grants and insurer regulation. The bill would tighten restrictions on former executives of failed insurers, raise capital requirements for new insurers, and require mitigation credits when homeowners receive Safe Florida Home funds. An amendment was adopted to require a licensed person to make final claim-denial decisions when AI or automation is used and to prioritize filings that lower rates. Consumer advocates supported the transparency and consumer protections, while industry representatives urged caution on the AI provisions. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably. The meeting ended with closing remarks from the ranking member, vice chair, and chair reflecting on the committee’s work and likely final meeting of the term.

Transcript Highlights:

• per capita costs for each county.
• And really what the cost of government is trying to get at is what it costs to maintain government in
• <00:45:37.520> of distribution formula, the cost of distribution formula, the cost of government
• regression to develop per capita costs regression to develop per capita costs for<00:45:41.680><
• <00:45:46.880> government is what it costs to maintain government is what it costs to maintain

Bills: HB0105, HB0107, SF0002

Keywords: K-12 education, school facilities, security improvements, public funding, state appropriations, school construction, local government funding, sales tax distribution, municipal funding, economic equity, state revenue, Wyoming Legislature, legislative appropriations, Legislative Service Office, LSO budget, general fund, biennial budget, legislative branch, legislator travel, per diem

Transcript Highlights:

• And this comes back to we're not only seeing inflationary costs for food, we also have inflationary costs
• It's a quarter of your costs.
• Eligible for bonuses based on performance metrics relative to food cost, labor cost, and participation
• Uh we did a study on our cost We did a study on our cost per meal for the 24-25 school year to evaluate
• And our food costs are around $590,000.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It costs money to move them. employees. It costs money to move them.
• It is a similar cost allocation there, but it is not for Title 25, but rather for criminal detainees.
• the governor for litigation costs the governor for litigation costs related<03:45:51.040> to<
• Douglas and I'm not sure it costs a lot. Douglas and I'm not sure it costs a lot.
• cost to it, I don't think it's much. cost to it, I don't think it's much.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this will be allocated through the funding model.
• This is to come with—we want to develop that allocation funding formula with our universities.
• This is to come with, we want to develop that allocation funding formula with our universities.
• That comes at a great humanitarian cost.
• That comes at a great humanitarian cost.

Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.