Transcript Highlights:

• master's degree-level researchers, six graduate student researchers, and one administrator.
• master's degree-level researchers, six graduate student researchers, and one administrator.
• master's degree-level researchers, six graduate student researchers, and one administrator.
• master's degree-level researchers, six graduate student researchers, and one administrator.
• master's degree-level researchers, six graduate student researchers, and one administrator.

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And also, go ahead and limit research and development credits.
• So by all. a restriction on research and development credits. So by all means, go ahead.
• But today the research and development world is quite different.
• This bill does not in any way repeal the research and development credit, though.
• This bill does not in any way repeal the research and development credit though.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are home to now four research universities.
• The largest impact to any sector is, of course, research universities.
• Was it research? Or is $3.7 million a lot of money?
• I think across universities, a lot of the research, particularly...
• If it's research partially on campus, I think it was like 35%.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here as founder and CEO of Natura Research.
• I'm here as founder and CEO of Natura Research.
• Cancer research, or you know, more of it—exploration and research type of grant program, if it were to
• Private industry funds specific research projects at a university, and the university conducts. the research
• Our researchers answered over 300 questions.

Bills: SB1468 , SB1612 , SB1789 , SB2530 , SB2571 , SB2717 , SB2967

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: utility systems, Texas A&M, regents authority, construction, improvement, construction contracts, trust funds, property rights, mechanics lien, contractors, trustee liability, mechanic's lien, liability, attorney's fees, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, insurance regulation, administrative penalties, coastal counties, catastrophe year

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> students</c><00:24:07.600><c> who</c> research shows that these students who research shows that
• </c> with our research unit. with our research unit.
• </c><01:08:08.080><c> project</c> little story about a research project little story about a research
• </c> egg utilization research institute AURI. egg utilization research institute AURI.
• </c> research funds from federal entities. research funds from federal entities.

Bills: HF4698 , HF4608

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: higher education, identity verification, enrollment fraud, funding, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, postsecondary education, community college, university, developmental education, remedial education, remediation, corequisite, co-requisite, English composition, college readiness, adult basic education, ABE, student placement, credit-bearing courses, noncredit courses

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, they do research; their research center is based at Hamline University.
• 00:01:48.320><c> center</c><00:01:48.560><c> is</c> uh research their research center is uh research
• </c> research studies. Dr. Peterson and Dr. research studies. Dr. Peterson and Dr.
• </c> of research context around here today. of research context around here today.
• That research is all occurred.

Bills: HF3653 , HF2717 , HF3451 , HF3857

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education finance, safe schools revenue, school safety, charter schools, funding, safe schools, school security, school levy, pupil units, safe schools aid, cooperative units, intermediate school district, school resource officer, peace officer liaison, sheriff liaison, drug abuse prevention, gang resistance education, violence prevention, suicide prevention, mental health services

Summary: The committee first adopted the March 3rd minutes by voice vote after Representative Lee moved them and there was no discussion. Members then reviewed hearing rules on decorum, safety, and participation before taking testimony from Dr. James Densley and Dr. Jillian Peterson of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University. The presenters summarized research on mass shootings and K-12 school shootings, drawing on a database of homicides in school settings from 2000 to 2025 and a smaller set of 15 K-12 mass shooting cases. They said school shooters are usually insiders, most often current or former students, and typically young males. They described common patterns including a noticeable crisis before attacks, perpetrators viewing the shooting as a final act, studying prior shooters online, and “leakage” in which most tell someone in advance. They also emphasized that many perpetrators use unsecured firearms from family members and argued that prevention should combine reporting systems, behavioral threat assessment, counseling, mentoring, secure storage, and other layered interventions rather than rely on a single solution. The presenters also discussed broader violence trends in the Twin Cities, saying much school violence is spillover from community violence and that pandemic-era disruptions and weakened trust in institutions contributed to serious violence. They cited a national survey finding that exposure to gun violence is associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces, especially among young people. During member questions, Representative Wam asked for clarification on the data set and the rural/small-town share of the survey sample.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm looking at a high burn-up research cask.
• I'm looking at a high burn-up research cask.
• We love to do the research, but space is at a premium.
• We love to do the research, but spaces at a premium.
• Because, and so we've broken down research.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Emma Erdoll from the DFL side researcher Emma Erdoll from the DFL side researcher Eric<00:03:58.519><
• um Ben Freeze RCA on the DF researcher um Ben Freeze RCA on the DF on<00:04:06.720><c> the</c><00:04
• Um, I want to say thank you to our CLA's Emma Erle and Karen Hartwig, researchers Eric Anderson and Ben
• Fes, uh, Paige Natalie, uh, Waverra, House research, uh, Li Pompu. the targets given to us by both our
• </c><00:05:28.960><c> Eric</c> Erle and Karen Hartwig, researchers Eric Erle and Karen Hartwig, researchers

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:05.920><c> Center</c><00:03:06.560><c> identifying</c><00:03:07.319><c> the</c> Research Center
• identifying the Research Center identifying the requirements<00:03:08.000><c> for</c><00:03:08.400><
• </c> Aging for Alzheimer's disease research Aging for Alzheimer's disease research and<00:03:14.000><
• Thank you. population and the opportunity for population and the opportunity for research<00:04:36.960
• here is very rich in this research here is very rich in this regard<00:04:39.639><c> with</c><00:04:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education, meeting jointly at points with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on SCR 137, which asks the Office of the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation, and on SCR 203/SR 163, which asks the University of Hawaiʻi to explore establishing an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and to identify requirements for federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. The meeting also noted that it was being streamed live and could be recessed or adjourned due to technical issues, with any unfinished business to be taken up later. For SCR 203/SR 163, Kobe Chop of the Alzheimer’s Association testified in support, saying the measure would help get the process started for an ADRC in Hawaiʻi and that recent federal action had kept funding available long enough to clarify next steps. Another supporter said the state’s diverse population and research opportunities made the proposal worthwhile. No opposition testimony was recorded, and the committees moved the measure to decision-making. In voting, the joint committees recommended passage of SCR 203/SR 163 as is, with members voting aye and the recommendation adopted. The Higher Education Committee then took up SCR 137 and likewise recommended passage as is; one member stated an intent to vote no while the chair and others voted aye, and the recommendation was adopted. The committee then adjourned/recessed after completing the agenda items.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's a research incentive, and so the kind of basic funding, the minimum research funding of 70
• So there's a research incentive, and so the kind of basic funding, the minimum research funding of 70
• Next is the minimum research fund. Next is the minimum research funding of $50 million.
• ones for the research productivity.
• We'll go back to the research university.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Funding Review Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The research deployment, it does. This legislation does not speak to.
• The research deployment, it does speak to.
• We are a research organization. And so what we do is we do research and we train workforce.
• So there's research to be done. That is actually a very broad scope.
• We see every day research funding from Washington getting cut.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of climate, energy, and environmental justice proposals. Early testimony strongly supported the Climate Change Superfund or “Polluter Pays” bill (H.1014/S.58), which would assess the largest fossil fuel emitters for a one-time fee based on historic emissions to fund climate adaptation. Sponsors argued the bill is modeled on Superfund cleanup principles, would target only the largest multinational polluters, would not be passed on to consumers, and would direct a significant share of funds to environmental justice communities. Committee members asked about the number of companies covered, consumer impacts, and whether the bill would address other forms of environmental destruction; sponsors said it was limited to major fossil fuel companies with a Massachusetts footprint and did not cover other pollution sources. The committee also heard testimony on a fusion energy compact proposal (S.673) that would direct the administration to develop a framework for a New England regional compact to accelerate fusion research, workforce development, and supply-chain growth. Supporters from MIT and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities said fusion could become a major clean-energy and economic opportunity, but acknowledged the technology is not yet commercially viable and still has unresolved technical, cost, and waste-management questions. Members pressed on environmental impacts, siting, waste, costs, and whether the bill would create a compact or only a framework; sponsors said it would only create the framework and that the administration would need to negotiate with other states. Another major topic was a pilot program for nature-based climate solutions (H.971/S.??), backed by legislators, Boston Harbor Now, and UMass Boston’s Stone Living Lab. Witnesses said the bill would help speed permits for research and demonstration projects such as living shorelines, marsh restoration, and hybrid “green-to-gray” flood protections, while maintaining safeguards and protecting Indigenous and historic resources. Committee members asked how the proposal would interact with other permitting reforms and whether it could conflict with housing or wetland-related streamlining; supporters said it was complementary and aimed at making projects faster, more affordable, and more data-driven. The hearing also covered climate-safe buildings and climate adaptation funding bills. Supporters of H.1004/S.583 said current building codes do not adequately account for future flooding, heat, and wind, and the bill would add climate expertise to the building board, allow stretch resilience codes, expand floodplain standards, and create a retrofit program. Related testimony backed H.938/S.572, which would create a dedicated climate and community resilience fund financed by a small fee on property insurance premiums; advocates said it would provide stable long-term revenue for adaptation, especially in environmental justice communities, and help replace unreliable federal funding. One witness from CLF supported the climate-safe buildings and funding bills but opposed S.560/H.939 as too broad. The committee also heard testimony on airport air-quality legislation (H.997) calling for more monitoring and mitigation of ultra-fine particulate pollution around Logan Airport and Massport communities. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a reactor for research purposes.
• We are here for the research and development purpose.
• This is the team of researchers that built that.
• So, as I mentioned, it's a research reactor.
• So again, the metal material is a very fascinating research area if you want to do materials research

Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill expands the Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Fund.
• The bill expands the childhood cancer and rare childhood disease research fund. pediatric diseases.
• So from Representative Bliss, this bill has to improve cancer research.
• Not everyone can do the research we did to help themselves.
• In China, there's no such thing as a private company or independent researcher.

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The committee approved minutes from February 18, February 19, and March 4, then took up several health-related bills. HB 2050, which updates radiologic technologist and radiologic assistant standards, school accreditation, clinical hours, supervision rules, fees, and telehealth definitions, received support from a radiologic technologist and a nurse practitioner and passed 7-0 with a do-pass recommendation. HB 2082, creating a Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Commission and expanding the research fund, was amended to require at least $5 million in funding before commission allocations and to shift grant-awarding authority to the DHS director; it passed 7-0 as amended, though members raised concerns about oversight. HB 2176, which changes DHS licensing denial criteria and complaint-investigation procedures for health care institutions, also passed 7-0 after testimony from hospital and public health representatives supporting clearer timelines and transparency, with one member noting concerns about possible subjectivity in ownership-related denials. HB 2195, addressing DHS oversight of nursing care institutions, including personnel record access, deficiency timelines, and complaint-investigation deadlines, was amended to delay implementation until July 1, 2027 and allow off-site preliminary reviews; it passed 7-0 as amended, though one member said DHS should have been present to answer questions. HB 2202, appropriating $300,000 annually for a dementia care tele-mentoring program, drew support from the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient with younger-onset Alzheimer’s; it passed 6-1, with one no vote arguing medical schools should teach the material instead of the state funding it. HB 2307, an emergency measure to address placement of dangerous, incompetent, non-restorable defendants, was heavily debated and amended to use up to three beds at the Arizona State Hospital forensic campus temporarily, create a study committee, and sunset after five years; counties and DHS disagreed over whether counties should bear any costs, and the bill passed 4-3 as amended. Finally, HB 2584, which prohibits public funds from being used for genetic sequencing equipment or services tied to foreign adversaries, passed 4-3 after a sponsor and a national security witness argued it would protect genomic data from hostile foreign control. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• research with real-world applications.
• The center will conduct research into all lines of insurance.
• types of insurance that need academically rigorous research.
• The truly unique aspect of the center is that it will be a research.
• And I look forward to some of the research that comes from these students. Thank you.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard five bills. HB 1097 would rename the Florida Catastrophic Storm Center at FSU as the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management, transfer the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide recurring and nonrecurring appropriations to support independent insurance research and collaboration with OIR and other universities. Members discussed university roles, model oversight, independence from industry funding, and student/workforce benefits. The bill passed favorably on a roll call vote. HB 319 would create a regulatory framework for virtual currency kiosk businesses, requiring registration with the Office of Financial Regulation, consumer disclosures, and penalties for violations. Much of the discussion focused on fraud prevention, especially for seniors, and whether the bill should include transaction caps or stronger recovery tools; AARP supported the bill but urged additional protections. The bill passed favorably. CS/HB 385 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code and Community Property Trust Act, including decanting, trustee claims, redemption by satisfaction, and homestead transfer treatment; an amendment conforming to the Senate version was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. CS/HB 97 would allow service of process for exploitation injunctions against unascertainable scammers through the same communication method used to contact the victim, such as text or social media, and would let courts freeze funds temporarily while the matter is heard. Testimony from elder law practitioners and AARP supported the bill as a tool against scams, while some members raised due process and overreach concerns; the bill passed favorably. HB 839 would shorten the overpayment recovery window for claims submitted to psychologists and HMOs to match other health providers, with the goal of improving parity and access to mental health care; an amendment was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. The meeting concluded with adjournment after the final roll call votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we'll take up tab two, presentation by UF/IFAS on education, research, and extension. Dr.
• I know that you have funded some very important research over the past few years on the nutrient rate
• And maybe this is replicated small plot research at a research and education center like the one where
• We utilize that research to conduct field days so we can bring farmers in to be able to show the research
• and then begin to think about how can we make this research work on your own farm.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard three presentations focused on Florida aquaculture, agricultural nutrient reduction, and land preservation. First, clam farmer Tim Solano of Cedar Key described the economic and environmental importance of the state’s clam industry, noting Florida’s strong national production, the industry’s recovery role after the net ban, and the severe damage caused by recent hurricanes and red tide. He said the Dislocated Workers program helped farmers return to work and asked that existing state programs be written more broadly to include aquaculture. Oyster producer Canaan Greg of Pelican Oyster Company then discussed the growth of off-bottom oyster farming, the losses his industry suffered from Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, and the need for better access to recovery loans, student internships, local seed production, and waterfront protection. Members asked questions about leases, production, predators, and storm resilience, and the presenters emphasized that aquaculture is a sustainable, year-round industry that filters water and supports local economies. The committee next heard from UF/IFAS regional extension agent Dr. Bob Hockmouth on education, research, and extension efforts to reduce nitrogen in the Suwannee Valley Basin Management Action Plan area. He explained that the region’s agricultural load reduction target has increased from about 4.2 million to 5.8 million pounds of nitrogen, and that extension programs are helping farmers adopt practices such as precision fertilizer placement, soil moisture sensors, controlled-release fertilizer, petiole sap testing, and irrigation automation. He highlighted corn and watermelon as major examples, saying on-farm demonstrations and cost-share programs are essential because the equipment and technology are expensive. He reported substantial reductions from participating farms and said growers are generally cooperative when funding is available. Finally, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented an update on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program acquires development rights through voluntary conservation easements to keep working agricultural lands in production, protect water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve taxable land without transferring ownership. The presenter said the program has expanded rapidly in the last two years, with more acreage acquired, faster application review, and more properties in the Florida wildlife corridor. He noted new online application and monitoring tools, a shortened review timeline, and stronger partnerships with federal and defense-related programs. Committee members asked about long-term maintenance responsibilities and the Board of Trustees approval process, and the presentation closed with support for continued funding and efficiency improvements before the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have any research or policy analysis that led you to make the 5% cap what it is?
• Is there research that quantifies why 5% was designated as the cap?
• Is there research that quantifies why 5% was designated as the cap?
• We modeled impacts to rankings, research recruitment if out-of-state revenue is lost.
• I'm a distinguished research faculty member of English at Florida State University.

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 1503, which would require general education courses that use technology to provide students opportunities to build digital literacy, including instruction on applications of artificial intelligence and related topics such as software engineering, computer networks, database systems, and cybersecurity as applicable to the course. It would also require high school computer science courses offered by school districts to include instruction on AI. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then considered PCS for HB 1279, an education bill that the sponsor said was intended to improve consistency, oversight, and transparency while putting Florida students first. The bill drew extensive questioning and opposition over provisions affecting university admissions and funding, including a 95% Florida-resident first-time-in-college enrollment target tied to preeminent funding, a cap on nonresident students from any one country, standardized GPA weighting, limits on institution-wide graduation requirements, and changes related to accreditation references and other education programs. The sponsor argued these changes would open more seats for Florida students, preserve academic rigor, and align statutes with existing regulations and court action, while opponents said the bill would harm university competitiveness, research, revenue, faculty recruitment, and access for international and nontraditional students. Public testimony on HB 1279 was largely opposed. Speakers included a student advocate, a dental hygiene representative concerned about dual regulation of expanded-function dental programs, and faculty representatives from FSU and FAMU who warned the bill would politicize admissions and curriculum, reduce competitiveness, and create negative fiscal impacts. During debate, supporters emphasized taxpayer investment in Florida students and the need to prioritize in-state applicants, while opponents argued the bill would weaken the state university system and undermine its national standing. The committee reported PCS for HB 1279 favorably by a 12-5 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our commitment to serve Texas also extends to becoming a preeminent national research university.
• This achievement places us in the top 20% of research universities in the country, far exceeding the
• With a full share, we would receive about $70 million to enhance our research functions.
• Strengthening our research capacity allows us to tackle Texas's biggest challenges, drive innovation,
• Carlos Hernandez: The rural and border regions, as well as providing valuable research in the areas of

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• And then also other research I can provide you.
• Amendment 16 amends what a research entity shall do relative to escalation to designated research entity
• It's a contractual research organization.
• It's a contractual research organization.
• I share the med school in Freeport, do a lot of research there.

Bills: HB267 , HB478 , HB617 , HB659 , HB800 , HB922 , HB924 , HB947 , HB1166 , HB1223

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: home inspectors, board membership, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board, utility, reimbursement, overcharges, consumer protection, economic relief, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price, service fees

Transcript Highlights:

• There's tremendous need for more research and knowledge building training.
• The research is very clear that productivity decreases when workers are hot.
• So, it's quite limited but a very burgeoning area of research.
• UNM is at the vanguard of that research activity.
• You know, we hadn't planned that in our research.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:26.960><c> and</c> they call R&amp; networks, research and they call R&amp; networks, research
• I've research and education resources.
• </c> identity are valuable for research identity are valuable for research services.<00:11:59.200><c>
• Uh, the other driver is research, and I think you heard the folks from UK talk about research, and that's
• You heard the folks from UK talk about research, and that's an unusual time for research because we don't

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:11 Approval of Minutes 00:02:00 Information Items 00:02:25 CPE Special Report 00:03:26 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:31:48 A. Attorney General 00:32:10 B. Court of Justice 00:36:41 C. Cabinet for Economic Development 00:50:44 D. Kentucky Public Pensions Authority 00:56:06 E. Board Discussion of Planning Issues 01:05:12, 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board opened its fourth meeting, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior meeting’s minutes by unanimous voice vote, and then heard information items and agency presentations. The main substantive presentation came from the Council on Postsecondary Education, which outlined its capital planning recommendations for the 2026–28 biennium. CPE staff described the role of Kentucky’s research and education network (Kron), including connectivity to cloud services, Internet2, identity services, and new local AI/inferencing capacity, and argued that the network is now essential to higher education, health care, and extension services. They said the network’s recent upgrades were driven by privacy, security, redundancy, and the need to support modern research and AI workloads at lower cost than commercial providers. CPE also presented its broader higher-education capital request: $700 million for asset preservation and $1.73 billion for new construction, for a total recommendation of about $2.4 billion. Staff said they do not plan to recommend IT projects or equipment in this cycle, despite reviewing 48 IT submissions totaling nearly $1.4 billion and equipment requests totaling $322.6 million. For asset preservation, they said the recommended allocation method would remain based on each institution’s share of Category 1 and 2 square footage, and they noted that the state’s prior facility assessment is now 12 years old, with deferred maintenance still estimated in the $7–9 billion range. For new construction, they said the requests are heavily focused on STEM and health-related facilities that are difficult to retrofit into older buildings. Board members asked about how asset-preservation amounts were determined, including why Northern Kentucky University’s request was much larger than its prior allocation. CPE staff responded that campus size, building age, and institutional prioritization affect the requests, and that schools are asked to submit more projects than are likely to be funded. The board then moved on to an Attorney General capital plan overview, where senior counsel Will Schroeder began describing the office’s technology needs and the office’s prior reliance on a 2020 appropriation to replace legacy systems and improve security.