Video & Transcript : 'HOPE Committee' :
Page 155 of 500
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/31/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, members of the committee.
- Chairman, members of the committee.
- I hope so. Two minutes. Mr.
- I hope so. Two minutes. Mr.
- Thank you, Chairman, committee.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 2615, as amended by a strike-everything amendment creating an Independent Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety with 15 members, authority to review DCS data and practices, request briefings and audits, conduct site visits, and receive confidential complaints, with a $2.2 million FY 2027 appropriation. The sponsor and several parents and foster/adoptive caregivers testified in support, describing child safety failures and arguing for independent accountability, while some members questioned whether the Ombudsman’s office was the right home for the committee and suggested other oversight structures. The amendment was adopted, but the bill itself failed on a 5-5 vote.
House Bill 2620, which would appropriate $300,000 annually from FY 2027 through FY 2031 to the Arizona Department of Veterans Services for grants to emergency shelters serving veterans, received strong support from the sponsor and shelter advocates who said the funding would help move homeless veterans toward stable housing and connect them with VA services. Members emphasized veterans’ service and the need for trauma-informed case management, and the bill passed with a 10-0 do-pass recommendation. House Bill 2321, requiring DCS to place and later remove a credit freeze for children in care to prevent identity theft, also passed unanimously after the sponsor and members discussed the administrative process and protections for foster youth.
The committee then considered House Bill 2601, directing ADOT to seek federal segmentation for the Interstate 11 project between Casa Grande and Wickenburg so environmental review could proceed separately from litigation affecting the southern portion. Supporters framed the bill as a bipartisan way to keep the project moving, while opponents from environmental groups and several members argued it would encourage sprawl, harm desert habitat, and add cost and delay; the bill passed 6-4. House Bill 2992, a pilot program for child sexual abuse and grooming awareness education in six public schools, drew testimony from a trafficking survivor and others who supported prevention efforts, but some members argued the topic should be handled through broader sex education or parent education; it passed 6-4. Later bills also advanced: HB 2156, appropriating $250,000 to the Livestock Compensation Fund, passed 7-3; HB 2165, exempting certain veterans and National Guard members from state park admission fees, passed 6-4 after amendment narrowing the exemption; HB 2960, creating a veterans specialty court grant program and related data-sharing requirements, passed 8-0; HB 2014, directing studies on gasoline blends and fuel feasibility amid EPA waiver concerns, passed 6-2; and HB 2957, preserving non-Real ID licenses and limiting biometric/data retention with a Kavanaugh amendment, passed 5-4-1.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, committee, I hope you're well fed and caffeinated so we can do this afternoon.
- And I'm hoping that all it is...
- Chair Marinel, members of the committee, I'm going to hope that I get more questions than I do talking
- That's my hope.
- It'll probably be middle of August, I'm hoping. It'll probably be middle of August, I'm hoping.
Committees:
Joint Judiciary , Joint Judiciary Committee
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Ranking Member, members of the committee.
- Chair, members of the committee, Tim Ford, staff of the committee.
- Good morning, Chair, members of the committee. Tim Ford, staff with the committee.
- Safety Committee the previous week.
- committee.
Bills:
HB2543
Committee:
Senate Law & Justice
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Ways & Means Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Calling the Ways and Means Committee to order on January 22nd.
- Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee. Alia Kennedy, staff to the committee.
- Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee, Alia Kennedy, staff to the committee.
- Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the committee. I'm Jeff Mitchell, staff at the committee.
- For the record, I'm with committee staff.
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on several tax and retirement bills, beginning with Senate Bill 6073, which would move eligible Department of Natural Resources wildland and aviation firefighters from PERS into LEOFF 2 prospectively. Committee staff described the higher retirement age and benefit differences between the systems and noted a small implementation cost and a modest actuarial rate increase. DNR, the Washington Public Employees Association, and a committee member all raised support or questions, with DNR acknowledging additional review with the LEOFF board was still needed.
The hearing then turned to Senate Bill 6113, a Department of Revenue request bill making technical and administrative changes to the tax code, including clarifications tied to last session’s ESSB 5814 service-tax changes, a six-month transition period for reclassified businesses, and a section affecting advertising-related exclusions. DOR said the bill was revenue neutral and intended to codify guidance and improve certainty, while school districts, arts groups, broadcasters, newspapers, and business groups testified both in support of the technical fixes and in opposition to provisions they said would continue or worsen unintended consequences from last year’s tax law. Senators also questioned how some definitions would apply, especially to school and higher-education-related services.
Senate Bill 6116 would restore the vapor-products tax structure by moving nicotine-containing vapor products back under the per-milliliter vapor tax instead of the 95% other tobacco products tax, and would restore distributions to the Andy Hill Cancer Research account and Foundational Public Health Services account. Public health agencies, cancer research representatives, and some retailers supported the bill as a fix to funding disruptions, while tobacco-control groups opposed lowering the tax and argued it would weaken public health policy. The committee also heard that the current law creates a double-tax issue on pre-existing inventory because products held when the definition changed became subject to a new tax classification.
Finally, Senate Bill 6129 proposed a broader nicotine-tax overhaul, including a 90% tax on nicotine products, a 10% tax on flavored nicotine products, higher cigarette taxes, and new revenue distributions and tribal compact provisions. Supporters, including public health organizations, pediatricians, and civil rights advocates, said higher taxes would reduce youth use and restore funding for cancer research and public health; opponents, including retailers, tobacco and vapor businesses, broadcasters, and some harm-reduction advocates, argued the bill was regressive, would fuel illicit markets, and would harm small businesses and adult consumers using lower-risk products. The committee then began a briefing on Senate Bill 6162, a property tax reform bill that would expand senior and disability property tax relief, adjust state property tax rates, and change property tax billing statements, but the hearing on that bill was not completed in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Legacy and re-referred to the Committee Legacy and re-referred to the Committee on<00:11:17.360>
- I'm hoping to have a committee to work on this after session. So, with that, Mr.
- I'm hoping to have a committee<01:16:14.960><c> to</c><01:16:15.360><c> work</c><01:16:15.520><c> on<
- I hope that you would, in conference committee, try to address ways to incentivize people to purchase
- that you would in this amendment, I hope that you would in conference<01:18:56.800><c> committee</c>
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- These are the main parts of the committee sub. I hope I've described it as best as I can.
- Chairman and committee members.
- Chairman, members of the committee.
- Chairman, members of the committee.
- Chairman, members of the committee.
Committee:
House Utilities
Summary:
The Committee on Utilities first took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2762, 2816, and 2402, a solar-energy measure. The committee substitute combined the bills’ titles and focused on three main areas: a taxation framework for solar projects, setback requirements from occupied dwellings and property lines, and a decommissioning/bonding framework for project cleanup. Supporters said the bill would create baseline rules for a growing industry, protect neighboring landowners, and ensure land is restored after projects end. Members asked about Chapter 100 agreements, the setback distances, county rulemaking authority, and how reclamation and bonding would work. The committee adopted the amendment, rolled it into a new substitute, and then voted the substitute do pass by 18 ayes and 2 noes.
The committee then heard House Bill 2248, which would change Missouri’s economic development electric rate structure and close a loophole that could allow data centers under 75 megawatts to receive reduced rates. The sponsor and utility witnesses said the bill would make incentives more predictable by replacing a variable formula with a fixed discount for qualifying new industrial projects, while still requiring customers to pay full cost to serve and meet load-factor and other requirements. Witnesses from Evergy, Ameren Missouri, the Missouri Chamber, and Ford discussed the value of incentives for manufacturing, the difference between new load and retention of existing large users, and whether the bill should also address retention discounts. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 903, which would expand critical infrastructure protections. The bill adds wireline and broadband facilities to the definition of critical infrastructure, increases penalties for damaging or tampering with such facilities, and creates an offense for unauthorized possession of certain stolen materials such as copper and related telecom materials. The sponsor and witnesses from AT&T, Verizon, cable, railroad, electric cooperative, recycling, municipal utility, and chamber groups said the measure responds to rising theft and vandalism, including copper theft and fiber cuts that disrupt 911 and other services. Members asked about scrap dealers, fiber versus copper, trespassing concerns, and whether harsher penalties would deter theft. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after testimony.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 3rd, 2025
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- As the committee begins to take shape, we anticipate that the committee will look at what's happened
- committees.
- And so committees might be good. In fact, I think committees are good.
- feedback on this bill, so we are really Hoping that this committee will look at it the same way, allow
- to our Health Committee...
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I've really liked how this committee has welcomed me. I like sitting in this committee.
- I've really liked how this committee has welcomed me. I like sitting in this committee.
- I have a gift for you from the committee and a card signed by, I think, all the committee members on
- Chair and committee.
- Good work this year by this committee, all of you.
Committee:
House Judiciary, Rules and Administration
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I hope you're right. There is a need. I hope you're right. There is a need.
- , then Senate Rules Committee, then Senate Finance Committee.
- , then Senate Health, Public Affairs Committee, then Senate Finance Committee.
- , then Senate Judiciary Committee, then Senate Finance Committee.
- , then Senate Rules Committee, then Senate Finance Committee.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Rabbi Jack Stocker for New Mexico’s first Jewish Community Day at the legislature, and then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance, Spanish pledge, flag salute, and national anthem. Early floor business included unanimous-consent approvals for cameras on the floor and in the gallery, a relaxed dress code for guests, and an excuse for Senator Hickey. Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth noted it was the last day for bill introductions and reviewed the day’s observances and receptions, including Multiple Sclerosis Advocacy Day, Jewish Community Day, Santo Domingo Pueblo Day, Lincoln County Day, and UNM Day.
A large portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring the Artesia Bulldogs football team, recognized for winning another state championship and for their long record of success. Senators and coaches praised the team’s resilience, community support, and the role of local fundraising and school support in sustaining athletic excellence. The Senate also observed a moment of silence for New Mexico State Police Officer Darien Jarrett on the fifth anniversary of his death in the line of duty, with Senator Brantley speaking about Jarrett’s service and the impact of his loss on law enforcement and the region.
The chamber then celebrated UNM Day with a formal certificate recognizing the University of New Mexico’s role as the state’s flagship university, its enrollment, degrees awarded, research, patents, health sciences, and hospital services. Multiple senators spoke in support, emphasizing UNM’s impact on education, health care, public service, first-generation students, and athletics, and several introduced guests from UNM programs and leadership. The Senate also read and adopted a certificate recognizing Dr. V. Sue Cleveland for 32 years leading Rio Rancho Public Schools, with members praising her role in building the district and supporting its growth and success.
Later, the Senate recognized Valencia County Day and Hidalgo County Day, with senators highlighting each county’s history, economic development, agriculture, transportation, and community identity, and introducing local officials, business leaders, and youth honorary lieutenant governors. Additional floor remarks honored nurses and health care professionals tied to Lincoln County Day and related observances, with senators introducing guests from nursing, education, and hospital settings and emphasizing the importance of the nursing workforce and rural health care.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/21/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, and I'm just wondering or hoping that part of the reason why you made it a committee is because it
- that we can have the is why I hope that we can have the committee<01:55:10.000><c> to</c><01:55:10.239
- </c> committee to learn more about it. committee to learn more about it.
- Any questions from committee? committee? committee?
- </c> from the committee members? from the committee members?
Committee:
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/23/26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the judiciary committee. the judiciary committee.
- Chairman and committee. committee. committee. >> Thank<00:07:52.080><c> you.
- the Judiciary Committee.
- committee if this committee<00:15:11.839><c> chooses</c><00:15:12.160><c> to</c><00:15:12.320><c> put
- My hope is you would still this. My hope is you would still consider<00:57:43.119><c> that.
Keywords:
correctional fees, supervision fees, probation, Department of Corrections, criminal justice funding, electronic home monitoring, drug testing, restitution collection, community service work, postprison supervision, court-ordered services, fee sunset, fee phaseout, offender fees, community corrections, supervised individuals
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/25/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:30:14.960><c> and</c><00:30:15.120><c> state</c> committee and state committee and state government
- Good morning, members of the committee.
- Welcome to the committee, and please, Dr.
- I hope you, Madam Chair, and the members of the committee will empathize.
- . in this committee and then really good in this committee and then really good feedback<01:42:01.320
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So we're hopeful. So we're hopeful, but we're waiting to see how that all works out.
- Chair and committee members.
- I hope between now and when we do approve, I hope between now and when we do approve some sort of budget
- Thank you, Chair, Committee, and staff.
- While I appreciate the efforts of the committee, While I appreciate the efforts of the committee to increase
Summary:
The subcommittee heard May Revision presentations for the Office of Emergency Services, Judicial Branch, CDCR, and the Department of Justice, with the LAO offering comments and recommendations throughout. For Cal OES, the administration outlined funding for relocating the Red Mountain communications site, increased FEMA reimbursement authority, cybersecurity grants, next-generation 911 support, and a reduction to the Flexible Cash Assistance for Survivors of Crime program. Members raised concerns about VOCA backfill and disaster reimbursement, while the LAO recommended approving the 911 request with reporting, adding contingency planning for cybersecurity grants, clarifying the FEMA reimbursement language, and increasing reporting on emergency spending.
For the Judicial Branch, the May Revision included funding for implementation of the Trial Nations Access to Justice Act, reductions tied to court facilities and employee benefits, and General Fund solutions such as a reduction to the pretrial release program, a reversion from the Trial Court Trust Fund, and elimination of the jury duty pilot program. The LAO cautioned that the pretrial reduction could affect detention and release decisions and recommended tighter legislative oversight over the trust fund transfer and reallocation language. Members questioned the impact of the pretrial cut, the lack of Prop. 36 court funding, and the rationale for the jury pilot elimination; the Judicial Branch said it was generally supportive of the budget as proposed.
CDCR presented requests for roof repairs, fire alarm replacements, CalAIM-related costs, and trailer bill changes on incarcerated college students, mental health hiring, and tuberculosis testing, along with a planned prison closure by October 2026. The department also proposed reducing or delaying several items, including radio replacement, ADA improvements, COVID mitigation, and some facility upgrades, while adding a $125 million placeholder for consultant-driven operational savings. The LAO recommended rejecting or reducing several San Quentin-related proposals, questioned the staffing and contract medical requests, and urged more transparency on the consultant savings plan; members expressed concern about the realism of the savings targets and the potential legal or operational risks from delaying ADA and radio projects.
For DOJ, the May Revision proposed ongoing funding and 44 positions to defend against federal actions, IT and accounting system upgrades, implementation funding for AB 1877, and a special fund loan. The LAO supported the KLETS connection but asked for a contingency plan if the new DMV link is delayed, noted that AB 1877 would not be fully implemented without additional funding, and recommended limiting and reporting on the federal accountability workload. Members questioned the size and permanence of the DOJ request, the use of the earlier $25 million special session appropriation, and the pace of federal litigation; DOJ said the new request would support ongoing litigation, expert assistance, and coordination across multiple cases and states.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 44 Morning Session Apr 21st, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- a Committee reports, motions placing new business before the House.
- You are fierce, and I hope you know that you own it every single day.
- Joint Committee report to House Bill 4029 by Caldwell-Trey of the...
- I'm not the chair of the Appropriations Committee with that authority.
- I'm not the chair of the Rules Committee. I'm not the Speaker.
Bills:
HB4028 , HB4075 , HB4077 , HB4074 , HB4076 , SB1221 , SB1921 , SB2118 , SB1932 , SB2134 , HCR1025 , SB1432 , HCR1024 , HCR1022 , SB1122 , HB4029 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4078 , SB1936 , SB44 , SB237 , SB248 , SB1360 , SB985 , SB1204 , SB1239 , SB1307 , SB2143 , SB1428 , SB1390 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1732 , SB1832 , SB1859 , SB1989 , SB2018 , SB1427
Summary:
The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships.
Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week.
On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 9th, 2026
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we're hopeful that that will continue.
- We're going to do some things we hope in legislation.
- We remain grateful to this committee.
- So again, thank you to the committee, the joint committee, Chairman Diggs, and everyone else that is
- So I'm hoping that that'll be your theme also, right?
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Summary:
The hearing in Barnstable opened with remarks from the House and Senate co-chairs about the importance of holding Ways and Means budget hearings on the Cape, especially given the region’s seasonal economy and infrastructure needs. The committee then heard testimony from Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones on the governor’s FY27 budget proposal. She highlighted funding for workforce programs including the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, registered apprenticeship, YouthWorks, reentry workforce programs, and services for young adults with disabilities. She also discussed MassHire career centers, the MassHire Innovation Project, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance modernization effort, noting improved call wait times and claims processing, but acknowledging continued challenges and federal funding uncertainty.
Members asked about job-seeker barriers such as child care, housing, and transportation; domestic outmigration of young workers; youth work permits; unemployment insurance costs and the COVID assessment on employers; and the state’s unemployment rate and UI trust fund solvency. Jones and Undersecretary Josh Cutler explained the difference between workforce training funds and the unemployment trust fund, described the statewide trigger that extends unemployment benefits from 26 to 30 weeks when regional unemployment averages 5.2 percent, and said the administration is reviewing the trust fund with labor and business stakeholders. They also said the administration is trying to preserve front-line DUA staffing while shifting resources to customer service and adjudication, including a Friday adjudication pilot and seasonal hires.
Senators and representatives also pressed the administration on regional equity in workforce funding, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, which was described as serving a large rural area with fewer resources than other regions. Administration officials said they are reviewing MassHire funding formulas and modernizing the system with a policy committee and state workforce board input, but did not offer an immediate fix. The committee also heard that early childhood education apprenticeships are expanding quickly, with state funding leveraged to secure federal grants and support new Grow Awards. The hearing then moved to the Executive Office of Economic Development, where Secretary Eric Paley outlined House 2 proposals for economic development, including support for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, workforce partnerships, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, AI, small business assistance, tourism, and tax incentives. Undersecretary Leila D’Amilia followed with testimony on consumer affairs and business regulation, describing funding for consumer protection, banking oversight, occupational licensure, and public safety inspections.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/14/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Schumacher and members of the committee. Schumacher and members of the committee.
- </c> to be before the committee. to be before the committee.
- </c> committee. Thank you. committee. Thank you.
- So, these suggestions have bipartisan support in the fraud committee, and we hope to get your support
- So, these suggestions have bipartisan support in the fraud committee, and we hope to get your support
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Health Committee and Assembly Health Committee Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon, chairs and committee members. My name is Jessica Altman.
- “I think there was hope—at least I had hope—that maybe some of this could be reversed or changed, but
- Weber, as well as the members of the committees.
- Good afternoon, Madam Chairs and committee members.
- And so what I would ask of this committee, ...what I would ask of this committee, of this legislature
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 4/15/26
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the committee. 3900. Welcome to the committee.
- So that is my<01:14:58.680><c> hope.</c> my hope. my hope.
- Chair, I hope we don't waste time in this committee again like this. Representative Kotyza.
- This resolution tasks the fraud committee, and it is a fraud committee, the only committee in a tight
- Committee, and it is a fraud committee, the only committee in a tight House, the only committee with
Committee:
House Rules and Legislative Administration
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon, Chair and members of the committee. Serena Dolly, staff to the committee.
- Thank you, Chair Berg, and committee.
- Thank you, Chairberg, and committee.
- I am a poverty reduction work group steering committee member, a direct cash coalition steering committee
- I am a poverty reduction work group steering committee member, a direct cash coalition steering committee
Summary:
House Finance heard testimony on two affordable housing bills. House Bill 1859 would expand an existing density bonus for housing on religious organization property by lowering the affordability threshold from 100% to at least 50% affordable units, requiring local policies to implement the bonus upon request, and creating a new state and local sales and use tax exemption for qualifying projects with at least 50% affordable units maintained for 10 years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would help projects on church-owned land pencil out amid high construction and financing costs, while a county association raised concern that the bill would create an unfunded mandate for local planning departments. Several witnesses also asked that homeownership projects be explicitly included, and staff confirmed the exemption would be administered through an exemption certificate. The committee then moved to House Bill 1717, which would authorize cities and counties to create a local sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing developments. Staff said the remittance would cover 100% of local taxes paid after project completion, with a 50% affordable housing threshold and 40-year affordability requirement, and the sponsor and local government and housing advocates supported it as a flexible tool to reduce development costs. Testifiers generally backed both bills, with some asking for more flexibility on income targeting and clarification on county-city interactions under HB 1717. No votes were taken; both public hearings were closed and the committee adjourned after a separate work session on the Working Families Tax Credit, where advocates urged broader eligibility, higher benefit amounts, and easier access, and a California researcher described data-linking methods used to improve tax credit take-up.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Education Postsecondary Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Education Postsecondary will now come to order. Secretary, please call the roll.
- And I hope that the governor and his team would just read those last three lines.
- And so I hope we all will support this bill today. Thank you so much, Madam Chair.
- Hello, committee.
- Is there any other business before the committee? No. Senator Simon moves to adjourn.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and considered several bills and one appointment. SB 720, by Senator Osgood, would allow formerly incarcerated Florida residents to retain their residency status for tuition purposes so they can qualify for in-state rates after release. Senator Osgood and supporter Eddie Fordham testified that the bill addresses documentation barriers faced by long-term incarcerated people and supports reentry and rehabilitation; several organizations waved in support. Senators Jones and Rodriguez spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also heard SB 372, by Senator Trumbull, which would extend the state employee tuition waiver program to sheriff’s office employees on a space-available basis. The Florida Sheriffs Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably. SB 176, by Senator Berman, would require public postsecondary institutions to provide clearer, publicly available procedures for reporting threats to physical safety and identifying responsible contacts and protective steps. Support came from several education and faculty groups, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous roll call.
Members then recommended confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the State University System Board of Governors. Finally, SB 816, by Senator Bradley, would establish the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance diabetes research, education, prevention, and outreach. Senators emphasized the institute’s potential to improve outcomes and attract grant funding, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.