Transcript Highlights:

• </c> their fifth consecutive 4A State their fifth consecutive 4A State Championship<00:04:18.760><c>
• </c> critical areas of our of our state. critical areas of our of our state.
• </c> invests in all regions of the state. invests in all regions of the state.
• ,</c> $300,000 for the new La Plata Library, $300,000 for the new La Plata Library, but<00:44:29.280>
• </c> was part of the state of Maryland. was part of the state of Maryland.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 42 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation by Pastor Jaylen Robinson, and recognized several guests and honorees. Early floor remarks included a welcome to students from Forest Oak Middle School, a young Senate shadow from Woodlawn High School, and guests from Charles H. Flowers High School. The chamber also noted a doctor of the day and announced that panoramic photos in the Senate lounge were available for order by March 27, with eye exams available in the State House. The main legislative business was Senate Bill 283, the President’s Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee presented 291 amendments, described as funding priorities for jobs, infrastructure, and reliability while staying within debt affordability limits. The amendments covered school construction, natural resources, higher education, housing, Maryland Environmental Service, miscellaneous grants, local Senate bond initiatives, jails and detention centers, and pre-authorizations for fiscal 2028. Four amendments were separated for individual roll calls: 30, 35, 46, and 241, all of which were adopted. The remaining committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the favorable committee report as amended was then taken up. During debate on the capital budget amendments, one senator raised concerns about the bill and the difficulty of tracking the amendments on the electronic system, prompting discussion about technical issues and the availability of the documents on the website and in paper form. The chair said the committee had been working on the bill for months and urged the body to proceed. A question was raised about Amendment 264, which deauthorized a Willing Helper Society renovation project in Charles County; the chair explained the money had not been spent, was about to expire, and was repurposed to a Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland project to keep the funding in Charles County.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> project for every corner of our state. project for every corner of our state.
• . state.
• </c> local, state, and federal resources. local, state, and federal resources.
• </c> the state. the state.
• </c> all Minnesotans across the state. all Minnesotans across the state.

Committee: Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• than in-state companies or small businesses in the state.
• You know, we have a state library board and we have libraries all across the state.
• It would maybe be a conversation we need to have with our state library board to provide textbooks at
• You know, and why not use those resources that we give to the state libraries through our state library
• And plus, you've got libraries all across the state.

Committee: ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed a long agenda of agency rules, with most items approved without objection after brief presentations and no public comment. Early items included Department of Energy and Environment rules on landfill post-closure trust fund spending thresholds and liquefied petroleum gas standards, DFA’s electronic odometer disclosure rule, and several Department of Health rules covering ionizing radiation, mobile home and RV parks, lead-based paint, counseling board revisions, hearing instrument dispensers, athletic training, dental examiners, nursing, pharmacy, medical board, speech-language pathology and audiology, radiologic technology, massage therapy, community health workers, doula certification, and cosmetology/body art. Most of these changes were described as updates to match recent acts, federal standards, compact participation, fee adjustments, or cleanup/clarification, and the committee repeatedly approved them without objection. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s broad set of rule changes implementing multiple 2025 acts. Those changes included creating a dialysis patient care technician registry, updating contact information requirements, expanding APRN authority to delegate certain tasks, clarifying death certificate and pronouncement authority, allowing substitution of therapeutically equivalent medications, permitting purchase of compounded products, and updating certified medication assistant rules and training standards. Members asked detailed questions about the meaning of therapeutically equivalent substitutions, delegation limits, compounded products, and how often medication lists would be updated; the board said it would review rules annually and use future rulemaking as needed. The committee also approved new nursing rules for declaratory orders and the new dialysis registry. The Department of Education’s rules drew the most discussion, especially the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program. The department said the revisions, based on Act 920 of 2025, were intended to add guardrails, clarify eligible expenses, and streamline approvals. Changes included defining core educational expenses, limiting sports-related spending, adding an intentional misuse standard, restricting certain technology purchases and requiring extra justification over $1,000, capping carryover funds at $8,500, and creating a reconsideration process for denied expenses. Members raised concerns about oversight, appeal timelines, sports equipment, provider credentialing, and whether the rules were too restrictive; department officials said the rules were meant to protect taxpayer funds while preserving flexibility, and they noted the program had received extensive public comment. The committee also approved Education rules for scholarships, residency classification, teacher programs, accelerated learning, and graduate medical education, as well as Labor and Licensing rules on wage and hour standards, boiler rules, motor vehicle commission requirements, professional wrestling regulation, appraiser qualifications, and military recruiting incentives.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:18.720><c> of</c> to the flag of the United States of to the flag of the United States of
• </c> Bill 88FN an act prohibiting state Bill 88FN an act prohibiting state government<00:40:33.599><c
• Uh these are or a public library.
• </c> multiple states. The framework exists. multiple states. The framework exists.
• </c> schools whereas much more state support. schools whereas much more state support.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• property taxes, but Senator Michael Kreun says when it comes to improving affordability across the state
• they're questioning how this is going to work because they're concerned about, hey, you guys at the state
• </c><00:04:12.640><c> are</c> about, hey, you guys at the state are about, hey, you guys at the state
• Your work with Senator Gustafson on the OIG, and you talked about working on a library bill across the
• bill across the working on a library bill across the aisle<00:07:11.440><c> just</c><00:07:11.680><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ANY THOUGHTS GIVEN TO UTILIZING THE STATE GARDEN LIVE NATIONAL GUARD?
• McClure: DEPARTMENT OF STATE WE HAVE ANTONIO MURPHY DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES HERE DIRECTOR
• ACT FROM THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES.
• HOSPITAL NORTHEAST FLORIDA STATE HOSPITAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA STATE HOSPITAL.
• FLORIDA KID CARE IS JOINTLY FINANCED WITH STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules, to whom was referred the Senate bill addressing challenges facing public libraries
• Today we celebrate a very important milestone: the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
• God bless you, your family, and the United States of America. Semper Fi. Thank you, Mr. President.
• God bless you, your family, and the United States of America. Semper Fi. Thank you, Mr. President.
• , and Michael Paris, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up several final-passage matters, first adopting emergency preambles for H. 3388, establishing September 22 as Military Service Members’ and Veterans’ Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, and H. 4249, relative to vital statistics. It then enacted three bills: S. 23, authorizing alternate members to the Swampscott Conservation Commission; H. 1024, allowing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to provide sewer service to certain parcels in Sharon; and H. 1590, establishing a sick leave bank for a Trial Court employee. The Senate also advanced local bills concerning Boston district council vacancies, Arlington town clerk procedures, and a Marlborough Ward 7 council vacancy, ordering some to third reading and passing others to engrossment. The chamber considered several committee and House reports under suspension of rules, including Senate bills on public libraries and digital resource collections and on the Commission on LGBTQA+, both placed on the Orders of the Day for future consideration. It also advanced House bills on the continued employment of a Lancaster firefighter and alternate members for the Beckett Conservation Commission, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several petitions to the appropriate committees. The Senate marked the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps with remarks from Senator Collins and Senator Durant, a citation to the Boston Semper Fidelis Society, and brief comments from Tom Lyons on behalf of local Marines and veterans. The session concluded with an order to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m., a motion to adjourn in memory of Wayne T. Laundrie of South Boston, a moment of silence, and final adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you just compare us in terms of the state of Florida to the state of New York, the state of New York
• On March 4th of 2025, the governor gave his State of the State, and he stated that he wanted us to take
• Now I know when I travel the state of Florida, I have friends all over the state.
• Now I know when I travel the state of Florida, I have friends all over the state.
• And while I might not be here, the state of Florida, I have friends all over the state.

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax relief, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses. Senator Avila presented the measure as a major property tax reform intended to provide relief to homeowners and restrain local government spending, while opponents argued it would shift costs to fees, services, and state appropriations and could harm local budgets, public safety, schools, and other services. Several senators also raised concerns about the ballot language and the lack of a completed fiscal analysis. The chamber considered and rejected multiple amendments. Senator Sharif’s income-based “circuit breaker” amendment failed, as did Senator Smith’s sunset clause amendment and Senator Berman’s amendment to rewrite the ballot statement for greater accuracy. During questioning, Avila said the revised language was meant to preserve flexibility for local governments and that future legislatures could set implementing procedures and, if necessary, prohibit certain local expenditures by general law. He also confirmed that the proposal would not affect refinancing or portability, and said the measure would not prevent local governments from continuing to fund many services such as libraries, parks, animal control, code enforcement, mosquito control, public housing, county health departments, and elections. Debate on final passage was extensive. Supporters described the proposal as overdue relief for homeowners and a way to force local governments to prioritize spending, while critics called it a risky tax shift that could reduce local revenue by billions and force cuts or higher fees. Some senators emphasized concerns about public safety funding, mental health and social services, and the accuracy of the ballot summary; others argued the measure would give voters a chance to decide on property tax reform. After debate, the resolution was rolled over for third reading and the Senate continued discussion, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the joint resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was another part of the bill that sort of matches out-of-state penalties with in-state penalties
• We need to have some place except out of state because when we send students out of state, it gets expensive
• They have state radio. They have Homeland Security.
• On page 5, Section 7, other funds, state disaster relief fund.
• On page 5, Section 7, other funds, state disaster relief fund.

Bills: HB1603

Committee: Appropriations

Keywords: Native American, grave protection, repatriation, cultural heritage, tribal compliance, 908, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and announced it would begin meeting at 8 a.m. for the rest of the week to work through a growing bill list. The committee first approved House Bill 1603, a companion to the Historical Society budget dealing with NAGPRA, including a $500,000 matching grant to be divided among North Dakota’s five tribes and a committee to address repatriation of human remains and cultural items. The vote was unanimous, 15-0. The committee then considered House Bill 1225, which would increase penalties for reckless endangerment involving a firearm and create a mandatory prison term. After debate over public safety concerns versus the bill’s fiscal note and prison costs, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation by a 9-6-1 vote. Members also discussed House Bill 1018, the State Historical Society budget, and approved an amendment that adjusted one-time funding items, including NAGPRA compliance, museum exhibits, military gallery funding, local historic grants, and line-of-credit repayment. The amended bill then received a due pass recommendation by a 14-2 vote. The committee next approved House Bill 1468, a behavioral health facility grant for St. Hayes, which supporters said would expand in-state access to acute and adolescent behavioral health care and reduce the need to send patients out of state. The bill passed 14-1. It then amended and passed House Bill 1485, increasing the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients by $15 and indexing it to inflation; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 14-2. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 1016, the Adjutant General/National Guard budget, after adopting an amendment that funded disaster relief, response equipment, IT and website costs, and staffing changes for the watch center; the amended bill passed 14-2. The committee adjourned after completing six bills and planned to resume the next morning at 8 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you, Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, solemnly swear to support the Constitution of the United States and
• and the Constitution of United States and the Constitution of the<00:04:49.600><c> State</c><00:04:49.840
• It's going to be how we move this state forward into the next phase of what we are as a state, part of
• </c><00:13:28.880><c> Um</c><00:13:29.120><c> but</c> legislative reference library.
• Um but legislative reference library. Um but room<00:13:29.680><c> 321.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that supports California's entire state infrastructure.
• Prison and California State Prison Sacramento.
• Hildreth worked in California public libraries, was previously State Librarian of California, and was
• She is honored in California's Library Hall of Fame.
• She is honored in California's Library Hall of Fame.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that supports California's entire state infrastructure.
• Prison and California State Prison Sacramento.
• Hildreth worked in California public libraries, was previously state librarian of California, and was
• She is honored in California's Library Hall of Fame.
• She is honored in California's Library Hall of Fame.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and journal requirements to facilitate the floor session and a budget subcommittee hearing notice. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, property rights, and California’s economy. The resolution passed by unanimous roll call vote, 40-0, and Grove introduced Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association, as a guest. The main item of the day was Senate Resolution 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar presented the resolution, highlighting women’s leadership and the need to continue advancing equity, pay protections, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Pérez, Hurtado, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, each underscoring the contributions of women in public service, civil rights, labor, science, education, and community leadership. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded with an extended recognition ceremony for the 42 Women of the Year honorees from Senate districts statewide, with brief biographies read into the record. The session also included an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby, who described his work as a teacher, coach, and community volunteer. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• that supports California's entire state infrastructure.
• Prison and California State Prison, Sacramento.
• Hildreth worked in California public libraries, was previously State Librarian of California, and was
• She is honored in California's Library Hall of Fame.
• She is honored in California's Library Hall of Fame.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and notices for floor business. The chamber approved the journals for March 9–12, 2026, and suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow a Budget Subcommittee on Education hearing on item 6120 with short notice. The body then took up third reading items, beginning with SCR 114 designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, land ownership, and economic development. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0, and Grove introduced guest Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association. The Senate next considered SR 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar led the resolution, highlighting women’s contributions and calling for continued policy work on equity, pay, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ+, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, citing women’s historic and ongoing leadership and the need to address persistent inequality. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded to a lengthy floor ceremony recognizing the Women of the Year honorees from each district, with brief biographies read into the record for community leaders, educators, public safety officials, veterans, advocates, business owners, and others. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby in honor of the father of Senate Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Aaron Peth. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so you may ask yourself why would we use state money to fund a hangar, and the state commitment would
• </c><00:03:38.120><c> likely</c> ath uh the state commitment would likely ath uh the state commitment
• He asked whether less state money could still show good faith from the state.
• And the way that it works out is that most states end up in the negative because large states like Texas
• </c><01:21:57.199><c> kind</c><01:21:57.320><c> of</c> states like Texas and Florida kind of states like

Committee: Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first thing I want to mention about the state parks and rec budget is our state parks and rec department
• Those two new employees, one would be placed at the Pembina State Gorge, a new state park that's being
• That is not for funding for parks outside of our state system, but it would be for the state park itself
• agency or official may not create a new state park or rename an existing state park without prior approval
• be approved by this body of state park.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause. The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments. The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
• and directing state agencies to advance food is medicine initiatives.
• </c><00:55:38.559><c> government,</c> Bill 109. to state and local government, Bill 109. to state and
• Senator Thomas, Senate Joint Resolution 54, a joint resolution directing the Department for Libraries
• Imagination Library Program, Senator Chambers<01:11:27.120><c> Armstrong.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. During second reading, several bills and a joint resolution were reported to the Rules Committee, including measures on trauma center provider coverage, cremation, public library trustees, local occupational license fees and taxes, and a food-is-medicine resolution. The House also communicated passage of House Bills 176, 178, and 280 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced Senate Bill 39, Senate Bill 181 with a committee substitute, Senate Bill 17 with a committee substitute and title amendment, and Senate Bill 34. The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 13, which would allow military installations to have ex officio representation on nearby planning and zoning bodies to improve communication about land use near bases. It passed 37-0. Senate Bill 46, concerning school transportation, was amended by committee substitute to require background checks and drug testing for drivers of school vans and to extend van use to 10-passenger vehicles; it passed 37-0 after a brief clarification about the amendment’s display in the system. Senate Bill 22, expanding the dual credit scholarship program to support a teacher apprenticeship pathway, was amended to require a 2.75 GPA and then passed 36-1 after questions about employment status and liability; the sponsor explained it would help address teacher shortages and reduce student debt. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 90, which extends the behavioral health conditional dismissal pilot program from 2027 to 2031 to continue offering treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for eligible low-level offenders; it passed 37-0. Senate Bill 51, a proposed constitutional change to freeze property tax assessment increases for homeowners age 65 and older on their primary residence, also passed 37-0. Senate Bill 30 was passed over but retained its place in the orders of the day. The rules committee later posted Senate Bills 27, 40, and 76 for the next day, and the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bill 109 to Licensing and Occupations, Senate Bill 68 to State and Local Government, and Senate Resolutions 45 and 46 to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you just compare us in terms of the state of Florida to the state of New York, the state of New York
• But no other state, no state, has successfully eliminated property taxes statewide. None.
• On March 4th of 2025, the governor gave his State of the State, and he stated that he wanted us to take
• Now I know when I travel the state of Florida, I have friends all over the state.
• And while I might not be here, the state of Florida, I have friends all over the state.

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment on property tax reform. The measure would increase the homestead exemption in stages, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses such as public safety, education, infrastructure, natural resources, debt service, employee benefits, and certain administrative costs. Supporters, led by Senator Avila, argued the proposal would provide meaningful property tax relief and push local governments to rein in spending, while opponents warned it would shift costs to fees, reduce local flexibility, and threaten funding for core services. Several amendments were offered and rejected. Senator Sharief proposed an income-based circuit breaker for property tax relief; Senator Smith offered a sunset clause; and Senator Berman proposed revising the ballot statement to better match the amended proposal and remove outdated references. Each amendment failed on recorded votes. During questioning and debate, senators pressed Avila on the ballot language, the effect on local services, whether the legislature could later restrict local spending by statute, and whether renters would benefit. Avila said the ballot language was not his and repeatedly stated he was presenting the governor’s proposal, while also saying local governments would need to prioritize budgets and that future legislatures could address implementation details. After the amendment votes, the joint resolution was read a third time and moved into final debate. Supporters said the proposal would give homeowners relief and force fiscal discipline at the local level. Opponents, including Senators Nathan, Bracey Davis, Smith, Polsky, and Errington, argued the measure was rushed, lacked a completed fiscal analysis or replacement revenue, and could harm police, fire, libraries, parks, housing, and other local services. They also criticized the ballot summary as misleading, especially regarding the staged homestead exemption increase. The transcript ends during debate, before any final vote on the joint resolution itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, every state Engineering.
• ><c> delivers</c><00:09:06.000><c> hyperlocal</c> state, the Mezzanet delivers hyperlocal state, the
• </c> Craven's Library also need upgrades. Craven's Library also need upgrades.
• We're a North Dakota-based company, and we support schools in 25 states.
• </c> would be distributed via lending library would be distributed via lending library model<00:26:48.320

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met without a quorum, so no minutes were approved. The committee then heard a presentation from Western Kentucky University President Timothy Kabone, who highlighted WKU’s recent gains in graduation rate, retention, degree production, graduate enrollment, research activity, and financial stability. He said WKU’s FY 2026 budget is structurally balanced without one-time reserves, and he tied the university’s growth to its strategic plan and to Senate Bill 77, which created a pathway for WKU’s first PhD program. WKU’s initial PhD offering is planned in data sciences for fall 2027, and Kabone said the university continues to pursue R2 research status. Kabone also outlined WKU’s budget requests, including a 4.5% base appropriation increase for each year of the biennium, a $30 million increase in the performance funding pool, a $30 million trust fund for tuition waiver reimbursement, and $2 million per year for the Gatton Academy. He also requested continued funding for the Kentucky Mesonet, 8.9% of proposed asset preservation funding, and support for a $280 million new Potter College facility. He emphasized inflationary pressures, rising fixed costs, and the burden of mandated tuition waivers, and said the university supports performance funding but wants the model adjusted to better reward student success rather than enrollment growth. Members asked about WKU’s student housing situation and the transition away from the former student life foundation model. Kabone said the foundation structure had run its course, that the university had lacked adequate oversight under the old arrangement, and that WKU is moving to a public-private partnership with Gilbane and the College Housing Foundation. He said the new model would not increase the university’s debt load and would replace older residence halls with a roughly 1,000-bed complex, eliminate community-style bathrooms over time, and expand living-learning communities. Representatives McCool and Tipton praised WKU’s graduation and retention results and asked questions about the housing project and its timeline. The committee then heard from CareerVXR and KCTCS about a proposed career exploration pilot. Company representatives said the platform uses web-based and virtual reality experiences to show students real jobs and workplaces, with the goal of addressing an “awareness gap” in workforce participation. They proposed a $1.8 million, two-year pilot to reach 50,000 to 60,000 students in three regions, including Hazard Community and Technical College, Southeast Community and Technical College, and western Kentucky. Members asked about cost, funding source, and locations, and were told the request would come through the KCTCS budget. The meeting ended with notice that the next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, February 26.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is our obligation as state policymakers to invest in the things that we build here in the state of
• </c> things that we build here in the state things that we build here in the state of<00:03:36.959><c
• It is the corner of the state.
• We tour the state usually in the state.
• </c> matter across the state of Minnesota. matter across the state of Minnesota.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:42:47.680><c> numerous</c> States and Canada by stating numerous States and Canada by stating
• </c> United States. United States.
• Miller of Texas.
• Miller of Texas. Texas. Texas.
• Austin, Texas, $150 million cut. list. Austin, Texas, $150 million cut.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1012, house, all