Video & Transcript Research : 'voting integrity'

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MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 3/17/25

Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • integrated in but you're able to see the integrated in but you're able to see the total<00:31:56.000>
  • That is not a piece of the contract integration system. I apologize.
  • system the contracts inter integration system the contracts inter integration system<00:47:58.440
  • <01:08:37.279> and<01:08:37.560> high program integrity and high program integrity
  • <01:48:13.440> in make sure we have program Integrity in make sure we have program Integrity
Keywords: 1183, house
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Health and Human Services 2ND REVISED Feb 16th, 2026 at 02:00 pm

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I would urge a no vote. Further debate, I'm gonna say a couple of things.
  • I would ask for a yes vote. I move for due pass. And yield for questions.
  • I do have concerns about the fiscal impact of this, and I'm hesitant to vote yes because of that.
  • So, appreciate your consideration and hopefully we'll get your guest's vote today.
  • Senator Ice, do you care to vote? Senator Stanley, Senator Rossino. 10 ayes, two nays.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Madam Dean will leave the bill pending and we'll try to vote quickly.
  • I want to vote on it because it's a...
  • The other bills we're not ready to vote yet.
  • at a desk vote on the floor.
  • So when we vote on it, I won't be able to send it to local uncontested.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Tue Mar 25, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Integrity of the massage therapy Integrity of the massage therapy profession<01:33:58.480> and
  • members if not Vice chair for the vote members if not Vice chair for the vote please<02:18:28.080
  • <02:18:57.639> voting<02:18:57.920> on if not Vice chair for the vote voting on if
  • vote please voting on Vice chair for the vote please voting on Senate<02:24:26.040> Bill<02:24
  • please voting on chair for the vote please voting on Senate<02:26:05.439> Bill<02:26:06.080><
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard Senate Bill 1322, SD2, HD1, a comprehensive measure revising Hawaii’s mental health code. The bill would clarify emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization procedures for people who may be mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and deemed imminently dangerous, expand notice requirements, allow certain information-sharing for assisted community treatment petitions, and add liability protections for emergency responders and providers. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill as a collaborative update to the law, while the Department of Health asked for a copy of provider-generated emergency transport documentation within five days for data and planning purposes. Testimony was sharply divided. Queen’s Health System, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, HHSC, and the Institute for Human Services supported the measure or parts of it but requested amendments, including clarifying whether a second psychiatric exam is required, restoring a 72-hour rather than 48-hour stabilization window, and adjusting where patients are taken when an MEO cannot be reached. The ACLU of Hawaiʻi strongly opposed the bill, arguing it weakens due process and civil liberties, especially around involuntary commitment, assisted community treatment, emergency transport by police, and reduced procedural safeguards; it urged the committee to hold the bill and consider an interim working group. Louie E.K. of the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center also opposed the bill, focusing on immunity from negligence, the use of police for transport, and the reduction of a three-provider review to one in state-hospital treatment orders. Other testimony included support from an individual who said the bill could improve mental health care delivery amid provider shortages, and a comment from Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center warning that the substance use portion of the bill lacks evidence of effectiveness and could be misused. In response to committee questions, the Attorney General’s office said the measure was developed with input from multiple stakeholders, including state agencies, hospitals, the ACLU, HHSC, and IHS, and that it aims to make assisted community treatment more accessible and effective by streamlining the legal process and improving consequences for noncompliance. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/15/2025)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • They serve 9 to 1 on each of the weekend days, and then on the weekday they are integrating into our
  • into our uh trial they are integrating into our uh trial courts<00:14:30.839> to<00:14:31.240
  • Then there is a drug unit, a public integrity unit, a Medicaid fraud unit, and we have a special unit
  • And we hold that standard on purpose because there's a lot of authority and integrity.
  • there's a lot of authority and integrity there's a lot of authority and integrity and<00:47:47.200
Keywords: 1189, house, all
IN

Indiana 2026 Regular Session

Friday, Feb. 27 part 4

Indiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so I couldn't be here on Tuesday, and I missed that vote.
  • When we vote on the CCR, as we said earlier, you're also voting on the underlying policy.
  • By the way, there are four of you that voted against it.
  • The four that voted no on Tuesday, I'm giving a pass.
  • Thank you for your vote. Okay. All right. Thank you for your vote.
Keywords: 964, all
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • In fact, we voice voted them out of committee February 2023, but we're back.
  • I encourage my colleagues to vote against the amendment.
  • On this vote, the ayes are 3, the nays are 19.
  • Yes, I'd like a roll call vote on the second amendment.
  • If there's no further amendments, those in favor vote aye. Those opposed vote no. The ayes have it.
Summary: The meeting focused on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and the abusive practices that contribute to elevated prices affecting American families. Several bills were presented, including proposals to end pay-for-delay deals and to enhance transparency in the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The discussion was notable for its emphasis on consumer protection and ensuring that cheaper generic drugs reach the market more effectively. Members expressed frustration over past attempts to pass similar legislation stalling in the Senate, leading to renewed efforts to push these bills forward.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • park maintains its high integrity park maintains its high integrity standards<00:25:51.440> and
  • of the sport and preserve the integrity of the horse park and all our guests.
  • of the sport and preserve the integrity of the horse park and all our guests.
  • of the sport and preserve the integrity of the horse park and all our guests.
  • of the sport uh and preserve integrity of the sport uh and preserve the<00:32:41.120> integrity
Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the August 21 minutes. The main presentation was from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development on the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC), which was created in 1984 and is administratively tied to the cabinet. Staff explained that BSSC supports workforce training for companies in Kentucky through two main programs: the grant-in-aid reimbursement program and the skills training investment tax credit. They also described the board’s structure, quarterly meetings, annual audit, and the metropolitan tax credit tied to UPS in Louisville, along with public-private training consortia supported by the program. The cabinet outlined eligibility and funding rules: applicants must be qualified companies, trainees must be full-time Kentucky residents meeting wage requirements, and eligible training includes in-house company-specific training, train-the-trainer efforts, safety/OSHA training, and outside training through KCTCS or other providers. Grant-in-aid is a 50% reimbursement program capped at $75,000 per company per fiscal year and $2,000 per trainee, while the tax credit is capped annually and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are scored based on county tier, wages, workforce development activity, veteran hiring, participation in consortia, and job growth. Members asked for data on trainees and industries served, and staff said they could provide it. They also discussed coordination with other workforce programs, especially KCTCS and the state’s TRAIN program, to avoid overlap and double dipping. Several members asked about program usage and differences between fiscal years. Staff said the tax credit is less popular because it is not refundable and requires tax liability, while grant-in-aid is more attractive because it is cash reimbursement. They said lower or delayed spending in some years can reflect one-year training windows, reimbursement lag, new facilities ramping up, consortia activity, and special allocations such as those tied to Ford facilities. Questions also covered support for new businesses, which staff said can receive favorable scoring for new jobs and may have funds set aside for new location projects. On veterans, staff said they connect companies to Kentucky Valor and other resources, but the program does not track veteran retention outcomes. The final discussion was on a draft bill related to the Kentucky Horse Park and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Representative Vanessa Gracel and Kentucky Horse Park President Lee Carter explained that the proposal is intended to help the park maintain integrity and protect athletes, volunteers, coaches, trainers, and guests from abuse and misconduct. They described SafeSport’s federal role in Olympic and Paralympic sports and said they hope to move the draft forward as legislation in 2026. No votes were taken on the BSSC presentation or the horse park discussion.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 05/05/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Carlson, vote no. >> Senator Carlson votes no. >> Senator Port, votes no. >> Senator Port votes
  • Port votes I. >> Senator Port votes I. >> All senators having voted who desires a vote, the secretary
  • Latz votes no. >> Senator McCoy votes no. >> Senator McCoy votes no. >> Senator Housley votes no. >>
  • Senator Latz votes no. Senator McQueen votes no. Senator McQueen votes no. Senator Klein votes no.
  • Vote green. that. Vote green.
Keywords: 918, senate, all
Summary: The Senate convened under a call, established a quorum, received the House message on Senate File 4807 concerning benefits for veterans of the secret war in Laos, and voted not to concur in the House amendments, appointing a three-member conference committee. The chamber also received a batch of House files, laid several of them on the table, and adopted committee reports and other routine motions. Senate Resolution 84 was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration, and Senator Murphy designated special orders for immediate consideration. The main floor debate centered on Senate File 4059, the supplemental finance omnibus bill. Senators described the bill as a slim, supplemental budget focused on urgent affordability needs, including $52 million for state grants in higher education, $15 million for LIHEAP, school district compensatory revenue adjustments, support for public television stations facing federal cuts, Medicaid fraud enforcement, and consumer restitution for scam victims. The Jobs article was presented first, with roughly $4.9 million in Workforce Development Fund appropriations for workforce and job-training programs, including support for rural oncologist training, homelessness-related employment programs, youth training, local news talent development, transportation-related employment assistance, and manufacturing support. Several amendments were offered and debated. Senator Farnsworth offered the A14 amendment to extend unemployment benefits for laid-off Iron Range miners, but withdrew it after being told it would unbalance the bill and after receiving a commitment to continue working on the issue in conference committee. Senator Draheim offered the A18 amendment to redirect Cookie Cart funding to rural hospital maternity training grants; after debate, the Senate rejected the amendment by a roll call vote of 32 ayes and 34 nays. The discussion emphasized competing priorities between youth workforce programs and rural health care needs. The Senate then moved into Article 1 on K-12 education, where Senator Kunesh outlined provisions including anti-grooming language, a district health insurance reporting requirement, extension of a gender-neutral bathroom grant, compensatory hold-harmless aid, operating capital flexibility, literacy aid hold harmless language, and several cost-neutral district fund transfers. Senator Nelson offered the A29 amendment to require school sports teams and participants be designated by biological sex at birth; debate on that amendment began near the end of the transcript, but no final vote was shown before the excerpt ended.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Floor Session 5/16/25 - Part 1

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are very conscious of the reasons we are here today: budgets, policy, votes, integrity of our values
Keywords: 1183, house
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Mar 5th, 2025

Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • His dad lived, because in 1969, the turn of integration, when we first had it, his dad hired my mama
  • Secondly, I do work for his bank, so I'm going to recuse from that vote, but if you'll mark me yes on
Keywords: 923, senate, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Berg, explain my yes vote. Yes, ma'am. Um, I am going to vote yes.
  • Chairman. integrity of the language integrity of the language and<00:18:30.320> what<00:18:30.720
  • >> explain my I vote, please. >> explain my I vote, please.
  • Uh so I have those concerns, but I vote<00:22:01.600> I vote I vote I >> Senator<00:22:04.960
  • >> Explain<00:22:06.640> my<00:22:06.880> vote. "Explain my vote." "Yes."
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services heard Senate Bill 18, a bill described by the sponsor and podiatry witnesses as a modernization of Kentucky’s podiatry laws. The bill would recognize and regulate podiatric assistants, podiatric residents, and supervising podiatrists; allow podiatrists to supervise physician assistants in podiatry practices with approval from the relevant licensing boards; require new podiatrists licensed after January 1, 2027 to complete at least two years of residency; and extend disciplinary authority to the new categories. Witnesses said the measure would improve access to foot and ankle care, especially in rural areas, without expanding scope of practice. The Kentucky Medical Association was said to be neutral after working on the language with the sponsors. Committee members raised concerns about the meaning of “supervision,” whether it required direct or indirect oversight, and whether the bill could broaden billing or coding privileges. Dr. Roberts said supervision could mean direct supervision or indirect supervision, including being available by telephone, and noted the bill mirrors language used in allopathic PA supervision. He also said the bill would not change office staff billing roles and that podiatric assistants would not bill separately. Several senators said they supported moving the bill forward but remained concerned about workforce, cost, and scope creep. The committee adopted a committee substitute, then voted on the bill. The motion passed unanimously with favorable expression. After the vote, the committee moved on to a presentation on outpatient pediatric therapies, where providers described Medicaid reimbursement pressures, workforce turnover, and long waiting lists for children’s therapy services, but no action was taken on that presentation in the portion provided.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Session (03/26/2025)

New Hampshire House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • vote. 190 voting nay. 147 voting nay. vote. 190 voting nay. 147 voting nay.
  • vote. 196 voting yay. 155 voting a. vote. 196 voting yay. 155 voting a.
  • vote. 265 voting nay. 85 voting nay. vote. 265 voting nay. 85 voting nay.
  • vote. 189 voting A. 159 voting A. vote. 189 voting A. 159 voting A.
  • vote. 185 voting yay. 157 voting nay. vote. 185 voting yay. 157 voting nay.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Select Committee on Pension Policy Nov 18th, 2025

Select Committee on Pension Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's a separate board with its own members and, I assume, its own voting and all of those things.
  • I think that even some of the members who voted to pass forward the study, which was our job without
  • a recommendation, it's my view that that job was completed with that vote, with a little addition.
  • And like I said, I'll probably, myself and a few others here, we'll have to vote on this multiple times
  • We’ll have to vote on this multiple times in the next session coming up very, very soon.
Summary: The executive committee approved the October minutes and received brief updates from the Assistant Attorney General and the committee actuary. The actuary reminded members that OSA prepares actuarial fiscal notes during session and said staff would begin work soon on analysis for the upcoming session, including updates related to the COLA bill and other pension measures. Senator Conway asked that updated actuarial materials be shared with committee members as they are completed, and staff agreed to do so. Most of the meeting focused on committee discussion of pension policy issues, especially the ad hoc COLA for Plan 1 retirees and the broader study work on Left 1/Plan 1 topics, including merger and termination-restatement bills such as Senate Bill 5084. Members discussed the need for a COLA, the overfunding of some pension plans, the role of the legislature versus the committee, and the importance of keeping the State Investment Board separate from pension policy recommendations. Several members said the interim work had clarified many questions and would make future legislative decisions easier, while also noting that the committee’s study role had been completed. The committee also reviewed constituent correspondence, which included 15 items, with substantial public interest in the ad hoc COLA and related pension bills. Staff presented the draft interim work plan and proposed December agenda items, including possible education on excess compensation and an update on demographic experience studies. After discussion, members agreed not to hold a December meeting, with the understanding that any remaining informational items could be sent by email. The motion to skip the December meeting passed unanimously, and the committee then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Rules Apr 1st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • By your vote, SB 582 is reported favorably.
  • By your vote, SB 1228 is reported favorably.
  • By your vote, SB 1286 is reported favorably.
  • By your vote, SB 14 is reported favorably.
  • By your vote, SB 20 is reported favorably.
Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with CS/SB 678, which would allow pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; it drew support from a business representative and was reported favorably. Members then heard several bills by Senator Leak, including SB 466 to designate St. Johns County as the site of the Florida Museum of Black History and create a board to work with the museum foundation and Florida Memorial University; the bill drew supportive testimony about preserving accurate Black history and the significance of the site, and it passed favorably. Leak’s CS/SB 578 would let Florida wineries use recyclable inserts and other alternative containers for larger wine sales, and it also passed favorably. SB 582 would increase penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures, limiting the higher penalties to certain nationally or internationally recognized historic properties; it was supported by preservation advocates and reported favorably. CS/SB 1168 would create an aggravated offense for installing or using tracking devices or apps in furtherance of crimes such as murder, domestic violence, or robbery, and it passed favorably after a brief discussion about stalking and violent crimes. CS/SB 806 would make the Florida Attorney General the exclusive public official with standing to enforce Florida charitable trusts, limiting out-of-state attorneys general from suing over Florida-administered trusts; members debated whether this would burden out-of-state beneficiaries, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 1228 would advance spring restoration efforts for Ichetucknee Springs and Santa Fe spring flows and allow a utility compliance plan amendment to deliver reclaimed water to replenish the aquifer; it passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 304 would require a qualified medical opinion in child protective investigations involving infants and young children with possible genetic or medical conditions that can mimic abuse, and it drew emotional support from parents and advocates before passing favorably. SB 1286 would clarify that ordinary unsupervised childhood activities like biking or playing outside do not constitute neglect absent reckless endangerment, and it was reported favorably. SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, generated the most extensive debate: it renames the texting-while-driving law, expands the prohibition to handheld device use, and adds penalties in work zones and school zones; supporters cited fatal crash statistics and personal loss, while opponents raised concerns about enforcement, civil liberties, racial disparities in traffic stops, and the need for broader distracted-driving and insurance reforms. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably after amendments. The committee also approved two claims bills, SB 14 for the estate of Penao-Hanvier against Miami Beach and SB 20 for J.N. against Hillsborough County, both settled claims recommended favorably by the special master. Finally, CS/SB 68 would modernize health facilities authority financing for private not-for-profit health systems, and CS/SB 172 would restrict misuse of health care specialty titles while preserving titles authorized under existing practice acts; both were discussed with questions about doctors, optometrists, and CRNAs, and both were reported favorably after amendment and debate.
PA

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Jun 29 2026)

Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are there any negative votes? Are there any negative votes?
  • Are there any negative votes? Are there any negative votes?
  • Are there any negative votes? Are there any negative votes?
  • Are there any negative votes? Are there any negative votes?
  • Are there any negative votes? Are there any negative votes?
Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/06/2026)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yeah, we're on voting mode. He can still come in, I think.
  • He can Yeah, we're on the voting mode.
  • Seeing none, let's take the vote.
  • >> chair votes yes. >> chair votes yes.
  • >> chairman votes yes. >> chairman votes yes. >> 120. >> 120.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
PA

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Jun 29 2026)

Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The vote on final passage: the ayes are 50 and the nays are zero.
  • Are there any negative votes? Are there any negative votes?
  • Are there any negative votes? Are there any negative votes?
  • They deserve a vote now.
  • They deserve a vote now.
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received communications recalling it for voting session and referring gubernatorial nominations and a series of Senate and House bills and resolutions to standing committees. Leaves of absence were granted, and the chamber recessed briefly for committee meetings and party caucuses before reconvening. On the floor, the Senate unanimously agreed to House Bill 1102 and later passed Senate Bill 1133 and Senate Bill 1303 by 50-0 votes. Several measures were set aside to their proper place in the calendar or re-referred, including Senate Bill 1182 and House Bill 928 to Appropriations. The Senate also adopted multiple amendments to Senate Bill 1372, including a technical amendment from Senator Brooks, an amendment offered on behalf of Senator Loughlin, and Senator Fontana’s amendment requiring carbon monoxide detectors in child care facilities; after amendment, Senate Bill 1372 was held over. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 326 urging a posthumous Medal of Honor for Major Richard Winters. During petitions and remonstrances, Senator Tartaglione urged action to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, noting it has been 20 years since the last increase. Senator Dush honored Colonel James C. Harding on his birthday, highlighting his military service and decorations. Senator Street introduced a discharge resolution to force consideration of adult-use cannabis legalization, arguing the issue has bipartisan support and should receive a vote. Senator Dush also delivered extended remarks on the Founders, John Adams, religion, and the Constitution. Committee reports followed, including Appropriations reporting Senate Bills 1061, 1182, and 1303 as committed and House Bill 2400 as amended, and Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure reporting House Bill 2426 as committed. The Senate then considered supplemental calendars, adopting an amendment to Senate Bill 1182 and passing Senate Bill 1303 on final passage, both by 50-0 votes. The chamber was also notified of upcoming committee meetings, and it recessed until June 30, 2026, at 11 a.m., unless recalled sooner.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair and vice chair vote I. Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting? No.
  • Chair and vice chair vote aye. Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting? No.
  • Chair and vice chair vote aye. Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting? No.
  • Chair and vice chair vote aye. Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting? No.
  • Chair and vice chair vote aye. Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting? No.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2485, which would require cardiovascular screening for student athletes. The Department of Education and Department of Health said they support the bill’s intent but noted that many screenings are already part of existing school-entry and well-child exams. The Attorney General’s office asked for clarifying language on who performs the screenings, where results go, how “positive findings” are defined, how referrals would work, and whether funding would be appropriated if DOE must hire health professionals. The American Heart Association strongly supported the bill, citing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and arguing that sports physicals are an effective opportunity for early detection. No vote was taken, and the committee moved on after testimony. The committee then heard HB 89, concerning a school psychologist working group and possible licensing or credentialing of school psychologists. The Department of Education and Board of Psychology supported the measure. The Hawaii Psychological Association said it supports licensing school psychologists but asked to be included in the working group, arguing it is an important stakeholder. The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists opposed including HPA, saying the issue is between school psychologists and DCCA and that HPA is not part of their organization. Testimony and discussion focused on the long-running disagreement over whether school psychologists should be regulated under the Board of Psychology or another mechanism, and on title protection and scope of practice. No action was reported during this portion. The committee also took up HB 2445, relating to standardized emergency responses for immigration enforcement at or near schools. The Department of Education said it already issued internal law-enforcement guidance and questioned whether the bill was necessary, while also raising concerns about the bill’s 1,000-foot buffer language and the limits of school authority over activity off campus. The Board of Education echoed those concerns and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions. Supporters, including the White Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and an attorney testifying on Know Your Rights training, argued that recent federal changes have increased ICE activity near schools and that a law is needed to ensure clear, public protocols, staff training, and family protections. A student testifier said the measure was a top priority of the state student council. The transcript ends during testimony, with no vote or final committee action shown.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • We can vote on a block vote, and I would open that up for discussion now.
  • Let's vote first then on the following appointees in block. We will vote in block.
  • Please call the vote, Amanda. Senator Burgess. Please call the vote, Amanda. Senator Burgess.
  • Would anyone like to record a vote?
  • Would anyone like to record a vote?
Summary: The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor. The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.