Transcript Highlights:

• So again, the cost is pretty nominal, right?
• So again, the cost is pretty nominal, right?
• So again, the cost is pretty nominal, right?
• So again, the cost is pretty nominal, right?
• And then cost is pretty nominal, right?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 344 HD1, which would require new buildings to include electric vehicle charger-ready parking stalls. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the State Energy Office, Department of Accounting and General Services, the Disabilities and Communication Access Board, and others. Members asked about cost and infrastructure impacts; the State Energy Office said the added cost would likely be modest if planned from the start, but that electrical capacity remains a key challenge for expanding EV charging. The chairs proposed two amendments: extending the bill to cover on-grade parking lots and adding language for Level 1 or Level 3 charging when appropriate. After discussion, both committees voted to pass HB 344 HD1 with amendments. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, the chair voted aye, one member voted with reservation, and excused members were noted; the Government Operations committee also passed the measure, with one aye vote and one vote with reservations. The committees also heard House Bill 10001 HD1 SD1, relating to the Maui wildfire settlement trust fund. The Governor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, Maui County, and the Tax Foundation testified in support. Members questioned Hawaii Electric Industries’ ability to fund its share of the settlement and whether the state should pay first or in tranches. The chair proposed amendments requiring all defendant parties to submit payment plans and proof of ability to pay, and requiring non-state defendants to fund their shares into escrow before the state releases its share. The committee adopted the amendments and passed the bill unanimously by the members present. Later, the committee deferred action on House Bill 229 HD1 until March 20 for clarification on amendments, then passed House Bill 860 HD1 with amendments addressing liability for limited resurfacing of disputed roads, and passed House Bill 1161 HD2 with amendments concerning highway fund use, formula calculations, and EV-related county fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a nomination from a Senate member for the position of Senate co-chair of the committee?
• I nominate my good friend from way up north, Center? Senator Girdler.
• Is there a motion from a Senate member that nomination cease and that Senator Fanky Fromom?
• Motion having been made and seconded that nominations cease and that Senator Fanky Fromom?
• Representative Thomas has nominated Representative McPherson.

Keywords: 00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:00 Election of Co-Chairs 03:38 Approval of Minutes 04:09 Information Items 05:55 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cab 12:13 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cab 17:48 Ky Infrastructure Authority 28:50 Economic Development - EDF Grants 32:50 Ofc of Financial Mgmt 36:30 SFCC Debt Issues 40:50 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first reorganized by electing new co-chairs for the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee: Senator Fanny Fromom? as Senate co-chair and Representative McPherson as House co-chair, both by acclamation. The committee then approved the minutes from the prior meeting and received quarterly capital project status reports from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Finance and Administration Cabinet, and postsecondary institutions. Those reports noted University of Kentucky equipment purchases, several school districts planning general obligation and revenue bond issues, a notification of non-approval for PR 3567, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System asset preservation projects. Kevin Cardwell of the Finance and Administration Cabinet reported two action items: a $5,100 federal-funded Transportation Cabinet renovation of the Rowan County east and westbound rest areas, and a $1 million federal fund increase for the Capitol City Airport terminal building project, bringing the total federal support to $10 million and reducing the need for restricted funds. The committee also received a no-action report on a $1,363,000 Kentucky State University exterior repairs project funded through the 2024 asset preservation pool. Both action items were approved unanimously after roll call votes. The committee approved four lease renewals presented by Natalie Bronner for Cabinet for Health and Family Services locations in Bell, Lee, and Clay counties, plus a parking lease for the Department of Corrections in Jefferson County. Members asked about lease pricing and were told renewals must remain at existing terms and conditions. The committee then approved a $57,000 Kentucky WATS emergency grant for Wood Creek Water District to cover part of arrears tied to the City of Livingston; members discussed the city’s audit delinquency, possible regional water/sewer solutions, and concerns about rates and private involvement, but the grant was approved. Finally, the committee approved a $1 million line-item water grant to the City of Williamsburg with no action required, three Economic Development Fund grants for Bell, Franklin, and Shelby counties totaling $8 million in state support for site acquisition and infrastructure work, and five SFCC-supported school debt issues for Elizabethtown Independent, Erlanger Independent, Boyd County, Henderson County, and Union County. The school projects included middle school, high school, and vocational school renovations or new construction, and members requested a breakdown of the space funded by the debt. All action items were approved, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There would be a nomination process and some sort of vetting process to make sure that they are only
• The nomination process is a little bit...”
• “The nomination process is a little bit not necessarily delineated at this point, so we'd have to do
• some background work on the best way to figure out how a potential member would even be nominated.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement met on May 11, 2026, with a quorum present and approved the minutes from May 5. The committee then took up House Bill 41, which concerns the board membership of the firefighter retirement system. The author explained that the bill had been revised toward a compromise to better represent non-union active members on the retirement board, while preserving legislative representation. Under the concept amendment discussed, the House-appointed legislative seat would be removed, the Senate designee would remain, and a non-union active member would be added in its place. The author and committee also discussed alternating legislative terms, but clarified that the Senate designee would not be removed. Committee members and staff then reviewed how the new non-union seat would be filled, including an election process limited to non-union active members. Firefighters Retirement System counsel and a representative of the Professional Firefighters Association raised concerns about the difficulty and cost of identifying eligible voters because union membership changes frequently. Staff estimated the election could cost roughly $50,000 to $65,000 every five years, with additional administrative work to verify eligibility and send ballots. A senator asked whether a fixed cutoff date could solve the problem, but witnesses said membership changes would still make that difficult. After discussion, the committee identified the amendment as 3541 and moved the bill forward on a favorable motion, with no objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, a quarter of a million dollars for the nomination of the El Camino Trail, the U.S. portion of the
• But in order to do that, we need third-party expertise to write that nomination and do that research.
• And then to nominate the Camino del Real for the heritage site, how long will that take? Mr.
• And when do you think you'll have the nomination in hand?
• So are we nominated yet? What's the timeframe?

Transcript Highlights:

• But I nominate in my place, Representative Henry. I play's Representative Henry.
• No more than one party may be in the majority on those nominations.
• One party may be in the majority on those nominating committees, and it still provides for a student
• A list is provided to the governor from these nominating commissions.
• I wanted a list from a nominating committee, Mr.

Bills: HB111, HJR1, HB61, HB8, HB30, HB43, HB156, HJM2, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB70, SB3, HJM3

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have two executive nominations, and we’re going to start with the Arizona Board of Regents.
• Today we have two executive nominations, and we’re going to start with the Arizona Board of Regents.
• Aiden King-Trin-Tin-Voe has been nominated to serve on A-BOR as a student regent.
• Andrea Snow has been nominated to serve on the board as a member who is an executive or manager in a

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have two executive nominations, and we're going to start with the Arizona Board of Regents.
• Today we have two executive nominations, and we're going to start with the Arizona Board of Regents.
• Aiden King-Trin-Tin-Voe has been nominated to serve on the Arizona Board of Regents as a student regent
• Andrea Snow has been nominated to serve on the board as a member who is an executive or manager in a

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met, approved the March 25, 2026 minutes, and considered two executive nominations. First, the committee heard testimony from Aidan Kane Vaux, nominated as a student regent for the Arizona Board of Regents. Vaux described his background as an ASU biomedical engineering graduate student and researcher, his teaching and mentoring experience, and his interest in representing students. Senators asked about how his engineering training would inform board service, student concerns about tuition and cost transparency, expanding STEM and health care education, mental health resources, and improving educational access in rural Arizona. Vaux said he would bring a problem-solving, data-driven perspective and emphasized affordability, student support, rural outreach, and broader access to research and health-related opportunities. The committee voted 6-0, with one member not voting, to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard from Andrea Marasota Snow, nominated to the Arizona State Board for Private Post-Secondary Education. Snow said she serves as Chief Legal and Government Affairs Officer at Pima Medical Institute and would use her legal and regulatory experience to help the board with licensing, complaint review, compliance, and student protections. She emphasized balancing institutional growth with oversight and protecting students through the Student Tuition Recovery Fund and other safeguards. The committee voted 6-0, with one member not voting, to recommend her confirmation to the full Senate. Before adjourning, members thanked staff and nominees, and the chair noted Senator Diaz’s birthday. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there further nominations?
• there being no further nominations there being no further nominations<00:05:00.800> the<00:05
• the nominations the clerk appoints the following<00:05:02.320> tellers<00:05:03.320> the
• I'm grateful for this nomination.
• <02:20:25.399> I'm grateful for this nomination I'm grateful for this nomination I'm grateful

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, January 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a nomination from a House member for the position of House co-chair?
• Is there a nomination from a House member for the position of House co-chair?
• Representative Hart is nominated. Is there a second from a House member?
• I'd like to nominate Senator Douglas. Senator Meredith nominated Senator Douglas.
• Douglas Senator Meredith nominated Douglas Senator Meredith nominated Senator Senator Senator Douglas

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first reorganized by electing Representative Hart as House co-chair and Senator Douglas as Senate co-chair by acclamation, then approved the December 10 minutes. It then took up deferred and routine contract items, beginning with a Council on Postsecondary Education item that was withdrawn after staff explained the contract had been canceled and should not have come before the committee because the granting authority, not CPE, was issuing it. The committee next reviewed a Department for Local Government contract tied to an Eastern Kentucky flood recovery housing project in Jackson. Members questioned the high per-unit cost and whether renovation was more expensive than new construction. Staff explained the cost included acquisition of an existing downtown building and needed water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, and said developable land was limited in the area. With no motion to object, the contract was allowed to move forward. The committee then considered Kentucky Transportation Cabinet professional services contracts for highway design work. Members asked about the size of the contracts and how much of the available funding is typically used; staff said the contracts are two-year agreements, that the prior cycle reached close to $2 million per contract, and that this year’s limits were reduced because less money is available in the Highway Plan. The committee also approved a PSC amendment contract for the Bridging Kentucky program after staff explained the $150 hourly loaded rate was within the normal range for consultants. Both Transportation Cabinet items were approved without objection. Finally, the committee heard a Kentucky Communications Network Authority contract for an $85,000 study of the dark fiber market. Members asked what dark fiber is, why the study was needed, whether there was coordination with the Office of Broadband Development, and whether existing service meant there was already a market. KCNA said dark fiber is unused fiber that local providers can light to deliver service, that the study was needed because the contractor said no market existed while ISPs said demand exists, and that the report would help both KCNA oversight and broadband development planning. The contract was reviewed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• disclosure of a legislator's personal contact information and a voter's affidavit of registration, nomination
• 32.720> registration, voter's affidavit of registration, voter's affidavit of registration, nomination
• <00:03:33.840> papers,<00:03:34.239> and<00:03:34.400> electronic nomination papers
• , and electronic nomination papers, and electronic database<00:03:35.200> for<00:03:35.440>

Bills: SB2731, SB2830, SB2914, SB3072

Keywords: sentencing, nonviolent offenses, misdemeanor, prison reform, criminal justice, public servant, misconduct, statute of limitations, fraud, abuse of authority, breach of trust, lawmaker safety, political violence, confidentiality, personal information, Hawaii Revised Statutes, theft, mandatory sentencing, felony, prison

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on a decision-making agenda and considered four Senate bills. SB 2731 would cap misdemeanor jail terms at 364 days and allow people previously sentenced to one year to seek modification; the chair recommended passage with amendments limiting the change to nonviolent offenses, and the measure was adopted with one no vote. SB 2830 would extend the statute of limitations for misconduct-in-office offenses by public servants to allow prosecution during service and for 10 years afterward; members discussed tightening the definition of misconduct in office while leaving the public servant definition unchanged, and it was adopted with amendments. SB 2914, which would prohibit public disclosure of legislators’ personal contact information and certain voter and campaign records, was deferred because the chair believed existing law already covered much of the issue and wanted to see how that law works over time. SB 3072 would require a mandatory 12-month minimum sentence for first-degree theft involving property or services valued over $250,000; the committee recommended passage with amendments clarifying that the sentence could be imposed as a condition of probation or before parole, and it was adopted with the vice chair voting with reservation. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's Message Nos. 760 to 766 transmit nominations to various boards and commissions.
• <00:08:42.800> Transmit<00:08:43.200> nominations numbers 760 to 766.
• Transmit nominations numbers 760 to 766.
• Transmit nominations to<00:08:43.919> various<00:08:44.320> boards<00:08:44.560> and

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, do I have a motion or nomination?
• >> I'd like to nominate Representative Truett. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All right.
• Do I have a nomination?
• So, do we have a nomination for uh >> U.
• I would like to again nominate >> Oh, yes.

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:09 Roll call 00:00:24 Election of Co-Chairs 00:01:11 Office of Education Accountability Annual Report 00:04:41 Office of Education Accountability District Data Profiles, School Year 2024 00:23:50 Update from the Education Professional Standards Board 00:58:19 Adjournment 01:08:00, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting with roll call and procedural business, including elections of co-chairs. The House elected Representative Truett as House co-chair, and the Senate elected Senator Denine as Senate co-chair. After the organizational votes, the committee heard the Office of Educational Accountability’s annual report, beginning with Brian Jones and Deborah Nelson describing OEA’s investigations and research divisions and recent staffing turnover. On the investigations side, OEA said it handled complaints only when submitted in writing and generally opened cases only when it had enough facts to evaluate. Jones reported complaint volume declined from 805 in 2023 to 738 in 2024, with 325 in the first half of the current year. He outlined the kinds of matters OEA investigates, including school-based council issues, open meetings, board eligibility, nepotism, conflicts of interest, certification, activity funds, and surplus property, while noting that routine personnel matters, bullying, child interviews, and cases tied to litigation are generally handled locally or referred elsewhere. He also said OEA refers special education, assessment/testing, discrimination, and serious misconduct matters to the appropriate agencies, and that he did not see a need for statutory changes to improve OEA’s work, though he said cases should move more quickly. The research division presentation focused on OEA’s district data profiles and annual research agenda. Nelson explained that OEA reviews KDE-reported data and underlying datasets to verify accuracy, analyze trends, and produce reports for the General Assembly. She highlighted 2024 publications on district governance models and student achievement, and said this year’s agenda includes district data profiles, student discipline analysis, and a review of early childhood regional training centers. She also noted OEA received an NCSL notable document award for its 2023 staffing shortages report, its 10th such award. Sabrina Smith then walked through the district data profiles, which compile demographic, staffing, finance, and performance data for all 171 districts, plus statewide and comparative data. She noted changes in the report format, the continued availability of an online interactive version, and several trends: adjusted average daily attendance declined statewide from 2015 to 2024; the counselor-to-student ratio has improved but has not yet reached the statutory goal of one counselor per 250 students; the share of teachers moving from rank three to rank two has declined; special education identification has risen from 13% to 16%; and starting teacher salaries vary widely by district, with Kentucky’s average starting salary around $40,000 ranking near the bottom compared with surrounding states and the nation. Members asked about the history of the research division and whether the paper copies of the district profiles would continue, and staff said the printed versions would continue unless legislators asked otherwise.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for considering my nomination for the Language Access Advisory Council.
• Thank you very much for the nomination, and I'd like to continue to be a member of the council, and I
• and I'd like to continue um nomination and I'd like to continue um to<00:03:41.680> be<00:03:
• I would like to thank our governor, first lady, chief of staff, and all who supported my nomination and
• She urged support for his nomination and said they were in strong support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard several gubernatorial nominations and appointments, beginning with Sunshine Cho and Barbara Tom for the Language Access Advisory Council. Both nominees said they stood on their written testimony and expressed interest in continuing to serve, and multiple organizations testified in strong support. No opposition or questions were raised on either nomination, and the committee moved on after hearing the testimony. The bulk of the meeting focused on GM 642, the nomination of Ryan Yamane to be Director of the Department of Human Services. Yamane gave an extensive opening statement describing his social work background, long public service career, and philosophy of compassionate, balanced leadership. He emphasized DHS’s role in helping people from keiki to kūpuna with dignity and support, and shared personal stories from disaster response and family-service work to illustrate his approach. Support testimony came from a wide range of state officials, agency directors, community organizations, health systems, advocacy groups, and former colleagues, who praised his leadership, problem-solving, communication skills, and empathy. One witness, Moani Kiala Katherine Tu Alun, testified in opposition, raising concerns about retaliation and safety issues affecting foster youth and alleging harmful treatment within Child Welfare Services. Another witness, Angela Melody Young, supported the nomination and said Yamane could help overcome barriers for vulnerable communities and improve DHS programs such as financial assistance, SNAP, and disability services. The committee also heard from DHS staff and related officials about the uncertainty surrounding possible federal funding and staffing cuts; Yamane said the department is gathering information, coordinating with Budget and Finance and federal partners, and preparing to prioritize services and adjust if federal changes affect programs. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• “Thank you very much, and we have received many comments and emails concerning your nomination, and I
• How does that comport with the institution you’ve been nominated, you’ve been appointed to, who sits
• How does that comport with the institution you've been nominated, you've been appointed to who sits in
• So I would highly commend his nomination to you and urge that you accept it. Thank you very much.
• Of course, his appointment and nomination has become so toxic it's actually radioactive.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Three great nominations approved by the governor. It's great to have...
• Three great nominations approved by the governor. It's great to have adjunct professors.
• And I'm very happy to have all of you nominated.
• And I'm very happy to have all of you nominated. I have one question for you, for each of you.
• So upon retirement, you know, the nomination came, and I was... ...for kids.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board and Christopher Ferguson, Brian Haynes, Anna Marie de Mars, and Ronald Fiore to the Student Aid and Student Athletic commissions. The committee also approved references of bills to committees by a 5-0 vote. It then heard testimony from Julia Montgomery, nominated as General Counsel to the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, who described her long career serving agricultural workers and said the ALRB’s mission is to protect workers’ rights, support fair bargaining, and ensure access to information and resources. Questions to Montgomery focused on card-check unionization procedures, signature authenticity, outreach to farmworkers, and enforcement of make-whole orders. Senator Grove raised concerns about workers being pressured or not knowing what they signed, while Montgomery said objections and unfair labor practice charges can be filed and investigated, though the office does not independently verify signatures unless there is an allegation. Senator Reyes pressed on delays in collecting make-whole awards, including the Tri-Fanucchi case; Montgomery said appeals, bankruptcies, and employer closures often delay relief, but the agency seeks settlements and enforcement when possible. The committee voted 3-2 to advance Montgomery’s appointment to the full Senate. The committee then considered three State Board of Education nominees: Cynthia Glover Woods, Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez. In their testimony, all three emphasized long careers in education, support for students and teachers, and the importance of early learning, community schools, professional development, and aligning instructional materials with standards. Members questioned them about math achievement, the 2023 mathematics framework and Algebra I access, the state’s low national rankings, transitional kindergarten access, and a proposed change to education governance. The nominees said they support flexibility for students ready for Algebra I, believe recent instructional materials and professional learning will help improve outcomes, and had not been involved in governance-structure discussions. Public witnesses from school and child-serving organizations spoke in strong support. The committee then advanced Glover Woods and Gonzalez on 3-1 votes and Lewis on a 4-1 vote for full Senate confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any other nominations? Any other nominations?
• It's been moved properly seconded that we close the nomination on said name.
• Next, we have for the position of Vice Chair, are there any nominations? Mr.
• Chair, I move to nominate Senator Barbara Favola. Second. Second.
• We closed the nominations on said names.

Keywords: Technology and Science, Joint Commission on, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to thank the Board of Governors for the opportunity for nominating me for this confirmation
• I do want to thank the Board of Governors for the opportunity for nominating me for this confirmation
• So with that, I want to thank the governor for this nomination and the members of this body for your
• And then that also led me to being nominated last year in 2025 to be on the Board of Trustees.
• withdrawn his nomination, and we will not be voting on Drew Weatherford today.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a large slate of confirmations and reappointments to boards of trustees for Florida’s colleges, universities, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Chair Harrell opened by emphasizing the importance of trustee appointments to maintaining Florida’s higher education system, and the committee heard brief testimony from each nominee about their background, ties to the institution, and priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, and community partnerships. Several nominees highlighted personal connections to their schools, including alumni status, family legacy, or prior service on the board, while others emphasized experience in business, law, education, health care, or public service. Testimony focused heavily on workforce development and institutional growth. Speakers cited nursing, dual enrollment, applied programs, military and veteran support, broadband access, agriculture, law enforcement, and technical training as key areas for colleges to meet regional labor needs. University nominees discussed research expansion, affordability, strategic planning, and partnerships with industry and government, with Florida Atlantic, Florida Polytechnic, the University of West Florida, and the University of South Florida each described as being in periods of growth or transition. Miami-Dade College, Tallahassee State College, Polk State College, and other state colleges were praised for enrollment, economic impact, and job placement outcomes. The committee also heard from the Florida Prepaid College Board reappointee, who described the program as a long-term promise backed by public trust and reported recent technology and customer-service improvements. After testimony, the committee took up the nominations as a group. One nominee, Drew Weatherford, had withdrawn and was not voted on. The remaining trustees were approved unanimously by roll call and reported favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for select individuals who've been nominated.
• But last year, this was an opportunity for us to nominate individuals to attend.
• And these are invited, nominated people. So this is a special event.
• We made that clear in the nomination email and the prenomination email.
• You've been nominated. You've been recognized.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, the committee meets to consider two critical nominations, Scott Cooper to be Director of the Office
• I look forward to supporting both of their nominations.
• President Trump placed in me with this nomination, of course, none of us could serve without the support
• Cooper, thank you for joining us as we consider your nomination to director of OPM.
• Congratulations on this nomination, thanks for being willing to do it.

Keywords: nominations, Scott Cooper, Eric Ulan, federal workforce, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Management and Budget, accountability, collective bargaining

Summary: The committee convened to discuss the nominations of Scott Cooper for Director of the Office of Personnel Management and Eric Ulan for Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget. This meeting highlighted the critical roles both positions play in managing the federal workforce, which comprises over two million civilian employees. Concerns were raised regarding the current administration's approach to federal employment, citing issues like mass firings and the undermining of collective bargaining rights. Members expressed the need for better accountability and transparency within the federal system, emphasizing the importance of attracting talented public servants.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm deeply appreciative to President Trump for his nomination to be the next U.S.
• I would like to close by saying this nomination is not just business, it is deeply personal.
• So we don't have a panel like this very often, and so first congratulations. on your nomination to post
• Gentlemen, congratulations to each of you on your nominations. Good to see you.
• I'm heartened that the administration and this committee is expeditiously advancing your nomination.

Keywords: U.S. foreign policy, Mexico relations, Japan relations, border security, trade agreements, drug trafficking, ambassadorial nominations, intergovernmental communication

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on critical discussions concerning U.S. foreign policy, particularly relationships with Mexico and Japan. Notable attention was given to border security, trade agreements, and implications of drug trafficking. Ambassadorial nominees discussed their strategies to strengthen ties with these nations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing mutual challenges, particularly concerning security and trade. The committee engaged in extensive dialogue, highlighting the urgency of improving intergovernmental communications to deter drug trafficking and support democratic governance.