Transcript Highlights:

• Another study by the Pew Foundation in 2021 found a large majority of U.S.
• We did a training for my team at the EOS Foundation with Project Shema.
• We did a training for my team at the EOS Foundation with Project Shema.
• I collaborated with the Redstone Family Foundation.
• I collaborated with the Redstone Family Foundation.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Combating Anti-Semitism opened by approving the minutes from its November 5, 2025 meeting and outlining plans for its next meeting on November 20, when it expects to vote on the draft master report and recommendations. The chair explained that revised drafts would be circulated, changes would be handled by motion, and the final vote would be by roll call. The meeting then moved through several public panels focused on prevention, education, workplace support, and community safety. Parents for Peace testified that anti-Semitism and extremism should be treated as a public health crisis and urged state funding for training in K-12 schools, healthcare, and law enforcement. The panel described its intervention work with radicalized youth and families, argued for early-warning training for educators, and recommended diversion resources for courts and prosecutors so cases can be addressed before they escalate. Commissioners asked about the origins of radicalization, the need for school-based training, and how to connect courts and police to available resources. Project Shema’s Orrin Jacobson argued that effective anti-Semitism education must be nuanced, pluralistic, and grounded in a better understanding of Jewish identity and contemporary anti-Semitism, especially in conversations about Israel and Palestine. He said the group has run dozens of workshops in Massachusetts and emphasized that institutions should adopt content-neutral norms, train staff and administrators, and measure whether trainings lower tensions and increase willingness to intervene. Commissioners asked about handling activists who reject nuance, the role of faculty versus students, and whether classroom norms should limit teachers from advancing personal agendas. A workplace panel from Klaal and Combined Jewish Philanthropies presented survey data showing many Jewish employees feel unsafe being openly Jewish at work and that antisemitism training is the top requested support. They described rapid growth in Jewish employee resource groups, existing programming and stipends for ERG leaders, and recommended mandatory anti-Semitism training, support for Jewish affinity groups in public and private sectors, and broader convenings of major employers. The commission also heard from Truah rabbis and educators, who urged stronger interfaith solidarity, a state office of faith-based and neighborhood partnerships, and explicit attention to democracy and civil rights as part of anti-Semitism strategy. After a recess, the commission heard from Israeli-American, Russian Jewish, and Persian Jewish witnesses who described antisemitism as a lived, personal, and civic issue affecting immigrants and their families. They called for inclusion of diverse Jewish voices in state initiatives, stronger protections for Israeli-American businesses, and recognition that anti-Zionist rhetoric often becomes direct harassment of Jews. The chair said the testimony and suggested edits would be incorporated into the draft report, and the meeting ended with plans for further revisions before the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have sent written testimony with comments, and Tax Foundation. Oh wait, Tax Foundation.
• comments and tax foundation. comments and tax foundation.
• Oh wait, tax foundation. Okay, go ahead. Oh wait, tax foundation. Okay, go ahead. Sorry.
• Seeing none, members, questions of Tax Foundation? Nope.
• Okay, we'll move on to foundation? Nope.

Bills: SB2064, SB2312, SB2811, SB2662, SB2744, SB2809, SB2862, SB2343, SB2336, SB2075, SB2308, SB2601, SB2397, SB2219, SB2849, SB2449, SB2781

Keywords: state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government contracts, transparency, record retention, public oversight, Hawaii Revised Statutes, building permits, task force, state-owned lands, construction, regulatory process, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise

Summary: The committee heard several government operations measures, beginning with SB 2064 on state construction projects, which would create an office of the state architect within DAGS to oversee design review and approvals for state construction. DAGS said it stood on its written testimony, DECAB supported the bill, DOT supported it, and HGA opposed it. No audience testimony or member questions were taken, and the chair moved on. The committee then took up SB 2312 on government contracts, which would make records held by private contractors performing government functions subject to UIPA. The State Procurement Office, Attorney General, OIP, ERS, DHS, and HGA offered comments or opposition, while the League of Women Voters, Public First Law Center, All Hawaii News, Grassroots, and several individuals supported the bill. Public First Law Center argued the bill closes a loophole and does not expand or reduce existing exemptions, while OIP and others raised concerns about privacy, confidential information, and the need for clearer procedures. Members discussed possible clarifying amendments, including changing “government function” to “agency,” and the bill was left for further consideration. Other measures discussed included SB 2662 on government accountability, which would require justification and caps for external consultants; ERS and DOT opposed it, while the American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii and Airlines Committee of Hawaii argued consultants are often more efficient and necessary for major projects. The committee also heard SB 2744 on due process, for which no testimony was received; SB 2809 on budget-related reports, with comments from B&F and the Tax Foundation; SB 2862 on gubernatorial appointments, opposed by the Governor’s Office and the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission and supported by one individual; a bill on continuous legislative sessions, with comments from B&F, LRB, and Hope for Hawaii; SB 2336 on tree management standards, supported by an individual and the Outdoor Circle; and SB 2075 on public procurement local preferences, which drew broad support with comments from SPO and the Attorney General and discussion of simplifying the preference structure. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly moved measures along after testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It isn't just about policy; it's about rebuilding the foundation of our culture.
• So the Family Law Foundation supports this bill. Thank you.
• Members, the substitute seeks to reinforce a foundational principle of family.
• I'm here with the Texas Public Policy Foundation testifying for House Bill 4656.
• , and the Texas Law Foundation.

Bills: HCR16, HB782, HB2159, HB2288, HB3281, HB3819, HB4656, HB4696, HB5494, HCR16

Keywords: fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, can you confirm this will go to the foundation Is that where the money's going if they donate?
• Would it go to the ODVA's foundation? Is that correct?
• Yes, that would make it easiest if it just goes to the ODVA foundation.
• If you would like to donate some money to ODVA, it could easily flow into their foundation.
• I'll be happy to do a friendly amendment to make sure that it goes to the foundation.

Bills: SB1220, SB1221, SB1239, SB1309, SB1349, SB1434, SB1516, SB1531, SB1538, SB1861

Keywords: memorial designation, interchange, Terry Walker, transportation, Oklahoma, driver license, tracking system, expedited delivery, Service Oklahoma, REAL ID, public safety, apportionment, state revenue, funding, vehicle registration, infrastructure, state roads, bridges, economic development, highway construction

Transcript Highlights:

• So on line 25 of the bill, it also talks about a foundational agricultural nature...
• It also talks about a foundational agricultural nature of golf courses.
• maybe just kind of opine and describe a little bit more about how golf courses are part of the foundation
• State park unit management plans serve as the foundation for all planning, improvement, and management
• State Park unit management plans serve as the foundation for all planning, improvement, and management

Bills: S0544, S0636, S0848, S0546

Keywords: golf courses, best management practices, fertilizer regulation, Department of Agriculture, environmental protection, certification, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach, Florida DEP, Department of Environmental Protection, coastal flooding, compound flooding, storm surge, inlet management, coastal engineering

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 636 on beach management, by Senator Leek, would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, shifting the process toward a more proactive approach. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell raised concerns about local capacity and funding, and the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association said the bill was an alternative pathway but emphasized the need for more recurring funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 544, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS and establishes certification and training standards there. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell asked about environmental oversight, taxation, and whether the change would affect state park restrictions; the sponsor said it would not change tax treatment or park rules and that DEP would still handle enforcement if BMPs are not followed. The Florida Springs Council opposed the bill, arguing golf courses are not agriculture and warning of weaker protections for springs, while the Florida Golf Course Superintendent's Association supported the move as a continuity and participation measure. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. SB 848 on stormwater treatment, also by Senator Trunow, was amended to clarify the role of water quality enhancement areas while stormwater rules are still being finalized and to make public-land project review forward-looking. Resource Environmental Solutions supported the amendment and bill as providing a clearer market for water quality credits, and the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield would require 30-day public notice before meetings reviewing the sale or exchange of state conservation lands, including at water management districts; after a technical amendment, it received support from conservation groups and was reported favorably. The committee also received a DEP presentation on the State Park Amenities Report, which said Florida’s 175 state parks drew over 28 million visitors and generated a $3.6 billion economic impact. DEP identified nearly $759 million in needed repairs and upgrades over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development in unit management plans. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• The Texas Public Policy Foundation brings them in at every hearing. Are there any examples of...
• The Chair calls James Contero, who is registered on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Bills: SB414, SB621, SB2395

Keywords: bond election, ballot proposition, debt obligation, municipal bonds, local government finance, property tax, ad valorem tax, school district bonds, county bonds, special taxing district, voter information document, public debt, municipal finance, tax-supported debt, election ballot language, bond transparency, homestead tax impact, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, public bank

Transcript Highlights:

• Gabba Homestead Heritage Foundation, Jesse Owens Memorial, and then Willie Mays Park in collaboration
• a separate code section to... create a separate code section to exempt the Health Care Sciences Foundation
• That will be incumbent upon the Healthcare Sciences Foundation to request that the local government exempt
• So, this amendment will simply add the Health Care Sciences Foundation to the list of schools that are
• One, I think the word "foundation" was misspelled. foundation was misspelled, and then it took away the

Bills: SB113, SB114, SB305, SB111, HB600, SB112, SB150, SB109, SB122

Keywords: education funding, appropriations, local education boards, school safety, workforce development, Alabama, technology, higher education, career technology centers, public institutions, grants, local education agencies, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom Yamach for the Tax Foundation.
• support thank you we have tax Foundation support thank you we have tax Foundation of<02:54:09.239
• <03:07:10.359> of support thank you on tax Foundation of support thank you on tax Foundation
• <03:07:18.239> of Millan on behalf of the Foundation of Millan on behalf of the Foundation
• Moving on to House Bill 89, HD2. foundation and Hawaii Farmers Union as foundation and Hawaii Farmers

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we can understand how the foundations and the installation of these deep foundations can be done
• Foundations are where a lot of program risks lie, especially with the foundations like we have here.
• And so what we'll see... ...as they conduct their foundational work.
• To conduct their final design work on these deep foundations that we have at this site.
• risk of installation of these deep foundations with, so...

Summary: The Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee met for a work session and public hearing on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement program. Program staff outlined major milestones, including the recent biological opinion, the Coast Guard’s opening of a public comment period on the Navigation Impact Report, expected decisions in early 2026 on navigational clearance and the final supplemental environmental impact statement, and a possible amended record of decision in 2026. They also discussed the Bridge Investment Program grant amendment deadline, the need for an initial finance plan, and ongoing community outreach and contractor engagement. Greg Johnson announced he was stepping down as program administrator, and Carly Francis introduced herself as interim administrator. A large portion of the meeting focused on design and cost questions. Staff said the program is studying fixed and movable spans, single- and double-deck configurations, and one versus two auxiliary lanes, with final recommendations to be made through the federal environmental process. They said the Coast Guard’s decision is central to what bridge configuration is permittable and to the timing of the updated cost estimate, which has not yet been released. Members pressed for more detail on cost drivers, potential impacts to businesses upriver, and whether the states would need to seek additional funding. Staff said they had reached agreements with four impacted river users, but the underlying evaluation materials are protected and not publicly releasable. The committee also reviewed transit-related questions. Staff explained that light rail remains part of the modified locally preferred alternative and that ridership and operations estimates are being updated using federal modeling methods. They said projected opening-day transit operations and maintenance costs have dropped from an earlier estimate of $21.8 million to about $10.3 million annually because the current model assumes lower frequency, with Oregon and Washington shares split by geography and fare recovery. Members raised concerns about TriMet’s financial stability and the need for a funding plan by fall 2027, ahead of a planned federal transit funding application in fall 2028. During public testimony, several speakers criticized the delay in releasing a new cost estimate and argued the project scope should be reduced if costs continue to rise. Testifiers from City Observatory and the Just Crossing Alliance said the project appears to be avoiding bad news, urged the committee to consider scope reductions, and questioned whether the active transportation and freeway components align with the project’s core purpose. The meeting ended with thanks to Johnson for his service and a transition to public hearing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• So let me begin first with the initial foundation for condominiums in Florida.
• It actually was Chapter 718 at the time, and it did nothing more than really create a foundation for
• So with that foundation, let me take off that hat and, with that background, turn my attention back to
• So part of the survey is to identify what is the condition of the foundation.
• , and water is coming into the foundation of the building.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on condominiums, focusing on recent statutory changes, building safety, reserve studies, inspections, insurance, and related enforcement issues. Pete Dunbar, speaking for the Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, reviewed the evolution of Florida’s condominium law and recommended several refinements, including allowing boards to levy special assessments and borrow for post-inspection repairs, easing termination when repair costs exceed value, clarifying treatment of nonresidential condominiums, strengthening recall procedures, clarifying reserve and inspection standards, addressing conflicts of interest, improving electronic participation, and cleaning up notice and disclosure requirements. He also suggested revising insurance provisions so a third coverage option could be used more effectively. Ron Liseca and engineer Mr. Noguera explained the milestone inspection and Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SERS) process, emphasizing that milestone inspections assess structural deterioration while SERS estimates long-term repair and reserve funding needs. They described the 25- and 30-year inspection timelines, the lack of a central statewide database, and the practical challenges of finding qualified professionals and educating associations. Secretary Melanie Griffin said DBPR oversees 27,750 condominium associations, has increased outreach and complaint resolution, and has seen a 39% increase in complaints this fiscal year. She reported that about 11,270 associations self-reported buildings three stories or higher, and that as of early February DBPR had received 4,096 SERS completion submissions after follow-up outreach, with a median reported SERS cost of $6,000, though she cautioned that much of the optional data is unreliable. Emilio Rodriguez, a contractor, stressed the cost and capacity challenges facing associations and contractors, warning that some projects are delayed by board disputes, legal challenges, and a shortage of qualified labor, which can lead to higher assessments and repeated repairs. Members asked about enforcement, insurance availability, coastal deterioration, sinking and foundation issues, and private provider conflicts of interest. Witnesses generally supported more uniform standards, better local and state coordination, and possible tighter oversight of private providers, while cautioning against frequent statutory changes that could add confusion. In closing discussion, members highlighted the burden on older residents and fixed-income owners, the need to keep communities habitable, and the importance of clearer allocation of assessments and stronger board accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• And a part of that will be laying the foundation for understanding the role of information technology
• In 1983, the Florida Legislature established foundational In 1983, the Florida Legislature established
• foundational IT entities, and that was the Legislative Information Technology Resource Committee, the
• Morgan Foundation. It started by a grant from the J.P.
• Morgan Foundation, but then was funded by a grant from the National Security Agency.

Summary: The subcommittee held its first meeting to examine Florida’s information technology governance, budgeting, cybersecurity, data management, and telecommunications operations. Chair Schneider and other members framed the panel as a new joint policy-and-budget forum focused on reducing jargon, improving accountability, and asking whether technology investments are feasible, aligned with state goals, cost-controlled, and secure. State Affairs Chairman Will Robinson and members emphasized that the committee should avoid buying “shiny new objects” without clear business cases and should focus on long-term value, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency. Florida Digital Service and Department of Management Services leaders provided an overview of the state IT enterprise. Secretary Pedro Allende described DMS as the state’s business, workforce, and technology service provider, while State CIO Warren Spanholz outlined Florida Digital Service’s four core areas: cybersecurity, project success, data interoperability, and enterprise architecture. Chief Data Officer Ed Ryan said the state data catalog is about 400,000 elements and roughly half of agencies are participating, and he described efforts to identify authoritative data sources and improve interoperability. Chief Information Security Officer Jeremy Rogers discussed the state cybersecurity operations center, enterprise risk management, incident response exercises, and a recurring $35 million cybersecurity resiliency budget. Chief Technology Officer Leo Schoonover described oversight of major IT projects over $10 million, updated project management standards, and a shift toward smaller phased implementations and more flexible methodologies to reduce delays and overruns. Other presenters covered telecommunications, data center operations, and cybersecurity workforce development. Director Denise Atkins said the Division of Telecommunications manages Suncom and MyFloridaNet, with nearly $336.9 million appropriated for fiscal year 2024-25, and is procuring the next network contract while emphasizing security controls and vendor flexibility. Tim Brown said the Northwest Regional Data Center operates on a chargeback basis, serves state and local customers, and returned surpluses to customers in recent years. Cyber Florida Director Ernie Ferraroso described training, workforce pipelines, K-12 outreach, a cyber range, and research programs aimed at building Florida’s cyber workforce and improving public-sector readiness. Members asked about budget setting, project delays, change orders, cybersecurity reporting, data catalog participation, interoperability, and expanding cybersecurity operations centers. Officials said chargeback rates are based on actual direct and indirect costs, project delays often stem from unclear scope and insufficient upfront planning, and cybersecurity success is measured by mean time to detect, respond, and recover. They also said the state is moving toward more modular project delivery, broader agency participation in shared cybersecurity services, and expanded CSOC locations within existing staff and budget where feasible.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reading can be the foundation.
• Reading can be the foundation.
• Reading can be the foundation.
• Reading can be the foundation.
• Representative Tipton said, “Reading can be the foundation.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education bills and first received a presentation from Paige Cash of Kentucky FFA/Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education. She described the reach of CTE in Kentucky, saying more than 143,000 secondary students are enrolled in CTE courses, and highlighted work-based learning, dual credit, industry certifications, and student organizations such as FFA, DECA, FCCLA, HOSA, TSA, and SkillsUSA. She said CTE funding has helped update lab equipment, support teacher training, fund field trips, and expand participation in career and technical student organizations. Representative Wilson presented House Bill 132, which would address home hospital instruction reimbursement in cases involving short stays, particularly mental health placements that are often under five days. He said schools continue providing instruction even when they are no longer reimbursed under current rules. The committee advanced the bill unanimously after a motion and second, with the measure passing with an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee then heard House Bill 272 on dyslexia, sponsored by Representative Heavrin. The bill would require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, require local boards to adopt policies for identifying and assisting K-3 students with dyslexia, require KDE to report district implementation data to LRC, and require teacher preparation programs to include dyslexia instruction. Members discussed whether the bill would require teacher diagnoses, how it would interact with existing IEP/504 and RTI processes, and concerns about added reporting and district burden. Supporters said many students are falling through the cracks and that earlier identification is needed; Representative Willner noted a shortage of school psychologists. The committee passed HB 272 with a motion and second, though several members voted pass and explained concerns about reporting burdens, red tape, and district costs. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 193, a dual credit cleanup bill presented by Joe Carol Ellis of KHEAA. She said the bill would consolidate the statutes governing general education dual credit and CTE/work-ready dual credit scholarships to match current funding practice and reduce confusion for K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions. The presentation was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• designating a day of commemoration of America's 250th birthday and celebration of her guiding foundational
• 250 years since America's founding, this legislature acknowledges and remembers the guiding and foundational
• the pursuit of happiness, acknowledged and enshrined into our nation's founding document, the foundational
• by leaders including George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, and Samuel Cooper, helped provide the foundation
• Representatives designate a day of commemoration of America's 250th birthday in celebration of her guiding foundational

Summary: The House convened at noon with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then postponed approval of the prior day’s journal. The main business was remarks by Representative Borowitz on House Resolution 579, marking America’s 250th anniversary and celebrating the nation’s founding principles. Her remarks emphasized the Declaration of Independence, natural rights, religious faith in American history, and a long list of historical examples she said reflected divine providence and the role of religion in public life. No debate or vote on the resolution itself is shown in the transcript. After the remarks, the chair reminded members of the five-minute rule for speeches under House Rule 17. Representative Dockery then moved that the House adjourn until Monday, June 29, 2026, at 12 noon unless recalled sooner by the Speaker. The motion to adjourn was put to a voice vote and adopted, and the House adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:26.960> We're<00:04:27.199> able<00:04:27.360> to and the SA foundation
• We're able to and the SA foundation.
• <00:04:34.639> that exception is the SA foundation that exception is the SA foundation that
• <00:21:51.360> reading<00:21:51.679> skills<00:21:52.000> in in foundational
• Line 18 is the reduction to the SA Foundation.

Bills: HF1388

Keywords: BARR Center, Building Assets, Reducing Risks, education finance, school funding, grant appropriation, evidence-based program, student achievement, social and emotional learning, school climate, teacher effectiveness, high school graduation, students in poverty, students of color, BIPOC, equity in education, Minnesota Department of Education, urban schools, suburban schools, rural schools, school coaching

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a foundation upon which dreams are built, wealth is passed on, and families can thrive.
• Our testifier is Emily Stewart, associate director with North Country Cooperative Foundation.
• Our testifier is Emily Stewart, associate director with North Country Cooperative Foundation.
• Our testifier is Emily Stewart, associate director with North Country Cooperative Foundation.
• My name is Emily Stewart, associate director at North Country Cooperative Foundation.

Bills: HF1143, HF1548, HF1340, HF2549, HF2559, HF1673, HF2740, HF2507, HF2461, HF2381, HF2695

Keywords: education funding, unemployment aid, special education, Minnesota statutes, appropriations, housing, redevelopment, local government, trust funds, community development, HF1340, housing infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, affordable housing, supportive housing, permanent housing, adaptive reuse, area median income, AMI

Transcript Highlights:

• , so we’ve been involved with over 50 students on a four-year program there and with the Hormel Foundation
• <00:26:41.360> on<00:26:41.520> the Association and the foundation on the Association
• and the foundation on the support<00:26:42.039> they<00:26:42.200> give<00:26:42.440><
• A more focused approach would allow the University Foundation and other leadership to engage donors,
• um Minnesota Early Learning Foundation um Minnesota Early Learning Foundation um<01:13:35.960>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The forum focused on the University of Minnesota system’s future, with candidates largely agreeing that the five campuses should remain distinct while working more closely together. Speakers emphasized the land-grant mission, the importance of serving Greater Minnesota, and the need for each campus to have a clear value proposition tied to local communities. Several suggested stronger cross-campus partnerships, more use of technology, and more seamless student pathways between campuses, while also noting enrollment declines and the need to preserve campus identities. A second major topic was public trust in higher education and the perceived value of a college degree. Candidates pointed to rising tuition, student debt, and concerns about post-graduation job prospects as key challenges. Proposed responses included better storytelling about university outcomes, stronger partnerships with schools, legislators, and communities, more targeted fundraising and commercialization of research, and clearer evidence of return on investment for students and families. The discussion then turned to athletics, where most candidates described sports as the university’s “front door” but said academics must remain the priority. They raised NIL, revenue sharing, and the need to keep athletics funding separate from core university funding, while also recognizing athletics’ role in campus culture and student recruitment. In later questions, candidates discussed why they sought regent service and how to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, with responses stressing access, belonging, open debate, and meeting students where they are. No formal votes or actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• Uh, Texas Public Policy Foundation brings them in at every hearing.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• We show you registered as James Quintero on behalf of Texas Public Policy Foundation testifying for the
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Transcript Highlights:

• sale of the Safe Coastal Wildlife Specialty License Plate will be distributed to the Zoo Miami Foundation
• The foundation provides grants for wildflowers in schools and public places and works with communities
• The foundation provides grants for wildflowers in schools and public places and works with communities
• We've got Matt Puckett with the Florida Wildflower Foundation, waving in support. Thank you.
• The Florida Wildflower Foundation is waving in support. Thank you, Senators. Any debate?

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to consider a full agenda of bills, beginning with CS/CS/SB 1662, the Department of Transportation agency bill. Senator Collins presented a strike-all amendment that retained creation of the Florida Transportation Academy, clarified the Florida Transportation Research Institute, restored legislative budget commission review for certain work program amendments, adjusted small-business and supply-chain grant provisions, added airport and seaport accountability measures, and allowed special blanket permits for oversized cranes to travel at night under FDOT safety protocols. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also favorably reported SB 574, allowing Florida Purple Heart license plate holders to pass tolls free, and CS/SB 824, creating a specialty plate supporting Florida Highway Patrol troopers and scholarships. The committee then took up CS/SB 324, which creates a revolving low-interest loan program at the Department of Commerce for small businesses harmed by significant public works construction. Senator Smith described a local example involving prolonged sewer work in Orlando that hurt businesses in the Lake Ivanhoe district. Members raised concerns about fiscal impact, eligibility standards, proof of loss, business age, and whether financial records should be protected from public disclosure. The bill was amended to remove a hotline, add a webpage, and refine liability language, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 1714, requiring local housing assistance plans to include support for mobile home owners, including lot-rent assistance; CS/SB 766, revising registration requirements for agents and organizations tied to foreign countries of concern; and CS/SB 1024, creating specialty plates for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy. Additional measures approved included CS/SB 1246, authorizing a Save Coastal Wildlife specialty plate with proceeds going to the Zoo Miami Foundation; CS/SB 1644, expanding warning light use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and organ transport vehicles, with discussion focused on Hatzalah emergency services; SB 1152, increasing the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee to support conservation, research, and native seed industry development; and CS/SB 532, exempting 100% disabled veterans from tolls. An amendment to SB 532 also added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption. Several members requested to be recorded voting in the affirmative on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chris Mews, who is testifying for the bill from the Texas Family Law Foundation. Yes.
• As the chair noted, I am with the Texas Family Law Foundation.
• I am a board-certified family lawyer, practicing primarily in Dallas, as well as with the foundation.
• I'm here with the Family Law Foundation, and we are in support of House Bill 2495.
• Legal clarity is the driving force that has the foundation supporting this bill.

Bills: HB368, HB3311, HB1734, HB2495, HB2716, HB793, HB3376, HB2524, HB3421, HB3446, HB3181

Keywords: electronic devices, family violence, criminal prosecution, protective orders, tracking, harassment, family allowance, decedent's estate, surviving spouse, minor children, inheritance, child support, maintenance, HB 1734, Family Code, Section 155.207, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, SAPCR, continuing exclusive jurisdiction, jurisdiction transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• We have registered as a witness Noah Torres with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Mr.
• My name is Noah Torres, and I'm a policy scholar at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• My name is Noah Torres, and I'm a policy scholar at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• I would defer to our Medicaid experts at the foundation on that question, who would be better suited
• To our Medicaid experts at the foundation on that question, who would be better suited to answer that

Summary: The committee first adopted its rules, which were distributed in the same form as the prior session’s rules. Members then took up several bills, beginning with SB 711, an HOA/condominium association bill that would extend and conform property-owner protections to condominium associations; the bill’s author and a Community Associations Institute representative testified in support, and the bill was left pending. SB 942 would allow child support and certain prenatal/postnatal medical expenses to be calculated from the date of conception rather than birth; it drew supportive testimony from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and the Attorney General’s Child Support Division, and was also left pending after testimony. SB 1448, an estates and probate cleanup bill, would require transfer of original wills by qualified delivery, add notice and electronic-order requirements for statutory probate courts, and make other clarifications; it received supportive testimony from the Texas Real Estate and Probate Institute and was left pending. The committee also heard SB 1403, the Attorney General’s Title IV-D child support modernization bill, which updates notice, review, remote-hearing, and administrative-process provisions and clarifies several enforcement and evidence rules; the AG’s office testified that it would improve efficiency, and the bill remained pending. SB 1404 would allow courts to require an email address in final SAPCR orders when other contact information is nondisclosed and clarify service and judgment requirements; the Attorney General’s office described it as a good-government measure, and it was left pending. SB 1559 would require transfer of protective orders into divorce or custody cases to avoid conflicting orders; family-law practitioners and a family court judge testified that it would resolve longstanding conflicts identified by multiple courts of appeals, and the bill remained pending. Finally, the committee considered SB 746, a guardianship bill that would address conflicts of interest in guardianship proceedings, allow guardian ad litem appointment earlier in the process, and require timely court action on annual guardianship reports and accounts; a committee substitute would remove some provisions and extend a reporting deadline from 20 to 30 days. TREP supported the bill, and one practitioner suggested requiring courts to state reasons when rejecting annual accounts. SB 1536 would require dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain family guardians, with a committee substitute narrowing the scope and reducing the training time from three hours to one; the Alzheimer’s Association supported the measure and the substitute, and the bill was left pending. No bills were voted out of committee during the meeting.