Transcript Highlights:

• I know there are some POP certification issues that are out there, but uh at this time I couldn't reply
• And um to answer that question about qualifications, they will have to do the POP certification every
• And I don't know what that would be, but one of the main ones is POP certification, and that's a big
• every year because there's certification every year because there's there<00:18:44.080> that<
• certification that is needed uh ongoing. certification that is needed uh ongoing.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met for its second meeting of the 2026 session and considered two bills. After opening formalities, roll call, prayer, and the pledge, the committee heard Senate Bill 84, which would provide five additional emergency response trailers for county coroners, one for each of the state’s 10 districts. The sponsor and coroners testified that the trailers would improve response times and equipment availability during natural disasters and mass fatality incidents, citing recent floods, tornadoes, snow and ice events, and the need for standby power and other equipment. Members praised the coroners’ work, discussed funding concerns, and noted the bill’s relatively small cost and one-time funding structure tied to FEMA reimbursement for replacement equipment. The committee then considered Senate Bill 102, which would adjust the Kentucky State Police Trooper R program by resetting the five-year eligibility window from a trooper’s last day of service rather than the original retirement date. The sponsor and supporters said the change would help retain experienced retired troopers to fill staffing gaps without creating new retirement obligations or lowering standards. Members asked about ongoing certification and retirement-system impacts; testimony indicated Trooper R officers must maintain required law-enforcement certification, but no additional retirement contributions are made for them. Some members raised concerns about pension-system effects and compared the issue to shortages in other law-enforcement fields, while others strongly supported the bill as a practical staffing tool. Both bills received favorable committee action. Senate Bill 84 was approved by roll call and passed with favorable expression, and Senate Bill 102 likewise passed with favorable expression after a roll-call vote, with members generally expressing support for the underlying public-safety goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I move certification using previous role. All right. Any objection?
• House Bill 84 certification resolution is adopted. All right. Secretary, call the next local bill.
• <00:40:54.880> be regarding teacher certifications be regarding teacher certifications be
• President, this bill establishes a military veteran teaching temporary teaching certificate to create
• uh to create a teaching certificate uh to create a career<00:41:31.839> pathway<00:41:32.160>

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Early procedural motions were adopted without objection, including excusing absent senators, dispensing with the prior journal, and allowing bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The Senate then took up several confirmation reports from the Committee on Confirmations, unanimously confirming Ralph Foster, Andre Harrison, Katie Randall, Donna Jones, and Reetta McCannan to the State Textbook Committee for Social Studies. The chamber also received a favorable report on Senate Bill 174 from the Transportation and Energy Committee, and later adopted a special order calendar from the Rules Committee. On the floor, the Senate passed a series of measures, including SB 104, which requires training for members of certain boards, commissions, and councils under the sunset law but was amended to exclude county and municipal boards; HB 59, a cleanup bill concerning the Certified Public Accountants Board; SB 8, authorizing the Emergency Management Agency to spend public funds on public information; SB 66, changing University of Monavalo board terms and related requirements, with an amendment protecting certain trustees appointed before January 1, 2027; SB 168, codifying limits on a reading technique and emphasizing the science of reading; SB 149, creating a temporary teaching certificate pathway for qualified military veterans; SB 46, adding a special driver’s license designation for individuals with invisible disabilities; and SB 90, addressing seafood dealer licenses and support for domestic seafood producers. Local bills including SB 175 and HB 84, HB 200, HB 201, HB 184, HB 203, HB 204, HB 205, HB 133, HB 134, HB 193, and HB 112 also advanced or passed, with several county-specific measures receiving BR adoption, final passage, and in one case certification. Near the end of the meeting, leadership and members discussed severe weather and contingency plans for the coming week. Budget hearings scheduled for Monday were canceled and moved to Thursday, with the Senate planning to meet Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. if weather permits, or Wednesday if necessary. The Senate also received several House messages referring local bills to committee. The session adjourned after a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, January 27 at 3:00 p.m., with the journal left open to receive House messages.

Transcript Highlights:

• and if they were credentialed but not Medicaid enrolled, credentialed meeting the appropriate certification
• I do not know how long the certification process takes, but what if they are unable to pass either metric
• FAILING TO POSSESS PROPER FIELD CERTIFICATIONS.
• I DO NOT KNOW HOW LONG THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS   287 TAKES BUT WHAT IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO
• Based on your response, it is my understanding that they will be paid regardless of certifications and

Summary: The Health Facilities Subcommittee met to receive implementation updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration on three bills passed in prior sessions. First, Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer reported on the transfer of the Children’s Medical Services managed care plan from the Department of Health to AHCA under HB 1085. He said the move was administrative only, with no change to enrollment, providers, services, or clinical eligibility functions, and that it was intended to create efficiencies by aligning procurement and shifting staff resources between agencies. Members then questioned AHCA about reports of reductions in private duty nursing and therapy services for medically fragile children, including concerns about appeals, provider credentialing, and whether families were losing services or being transitioned appropriately. AHCA said it was reviewing denials, monitoring the plan, and using contractual remedies while focusing on maintaining access for members. The committee also reviewed implementation of a bill creating permanent Medicaid eligibility for individuals with permanent disabilities. AHCA staff explained that the agency had submitted a federal 1115 waiver request after public comment and stakeholder meetings, but CMS had indicated it did not anticipate approving the requested authority. Members pressed AHCA on why the waiver was submitted later than the bill’s directive date and on whether the delay was avoidable. AHCA said the waiver was complex and required review, drafting, and public input, and noted that DCF already has a specialized unit to help with redeterminations while the agencies work on operational changes. The committee discussed the practical impact on families who struggle with annual eligibility renewals and the need for clearer communication and faster follow-up from the agency. Finally, AHCA presented on the home health aide program for medically fragile children and related Medicaid eligibility changes. The agency described the 2023 law that created a family caregiver provider type and the 2025 changes that increased the hourly rate, expanded hours, reduced training requirements, and removed caregiver earnings from Medicaid eligibility calculations, subject to federal approval. AHCA said it had completed state public comment, submitted the waiver amendment to CMS, and was awaiting federal action. Members raised concerns that some families may have enrolled or begun work before the eligibility fix was in place and may have lost benefits, especially in Broward County. AHCA said it would work with affected families and plans, review outreach through DCF and the health plans, and continue rulemaking, system updates, and provider training. The meeting ended with the chair noting that the committee had received the updates and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think the key here is, through Credly, is to have an actual certificate, something that they have
• .. that road and the educators and making sure they're retrained in this arena, what does that certification
• And I think the key here is through Credley is to have an actual certificate, something that they have
• So that's really also challenging the certifications and the thoughts about how we actually credential
• So we offer. we've done and inspire is paid for the teachers to get the certifications and the training

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 met to hear a panel discussion on artificial intelligence in K-12 education. Dr. Maya Israel of the University of Florida gave an overview of AI literacy, the benefits of AI for personalized learning and teacher support, and the risks involving data privacy, overreliance, hallucinations, and misuse. She described the Florida K-12 AI Task Force, which published statewide guidance in March and is now providing professional development, case studies, surveys, and resources for teachers and families. She also noted that teacher preparation programs and microcredentials are being developed, but there is not yet a statewide baseline standard for teacher AI training. Superintendents Van Ayers of Hillsborough County and Kevin Hendrick of Pinellas County described district policies and implementation efforts. Hillsborough adopted an AI governance policy, created an implementation guide, and set rules barring generative AI use for students in pre-K through 7th grade while allowing limited, teacher-approved use for older students with district-vetted tools. Pinellas emphasized digital responsibility, parent transparency, data-use agreements, and a governance process for approving tools. Both districts said AI is being used for lesson planning, tutoring, reading-level adjustments, scheduling, and other administrative tasks, but they do not yet have reliable evidence that AI is improving academic performance. They also discussed teacher training, stipends, and certification efforts, including partnerships with universities and vendors such as Microsoft, Google, Magic School, and Gemini. Drew Allen of FSU Inspire offered an industry-focused perspective, arguing that AI is not new but that education must adapt more quickly to industry needs. He described Inspire’s workforce and research mission, its AI and robotics training for teachers, and the need to build teacher comfort and confidence through incentives and applied training. Committee members raised concerns about student dependence on AI, academic integrity, mental health, moral decision-making, data privacy, and whether schools should return to more paper-based testing. The panel generally agreed that AI should be used with strong guardrails, human oversight, and a balance between technology use and traditional learning. No legislation was considered, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• They might just require a certificate.
• So we are giving them journeyman certificates, but the pay does help.
• , certifications around cybersecurity, around cloud computing.
• We also have a pretty robust reimbursement program for certifications, which we promote, whether it's
• We do reimbursements for certifications or college credits.

Transcript Highlights:

• certificate, then to go to another office. and another office for simply the right to vote, with no
• I, myself, if I was to get my birth certificate, it is not going to match my driver's license.
• So you could use a passport if your birth certificate and your driver's license don't match.
• To get a birth certificate, how much? Well, let's get some math.
• So when you want to vote, if you don't have a match drivers license and birth certificate, you're not

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their education generally includes an associate or a bachelor's degree and national certification.
• Yet here in Louisiana, the state doesn't recognize the advanced education, national certification, or
• Their education generally includes an associate or a bachelor's degree in national certification.
• I'm the complete advanced clinical training and pass national board certification exam.
• Yet here in Louisiana, the state doesn't recognize the advanced education, national certification, or

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 6, 2026, with five members present. After adopting the April 28 minutes, the committee heard a brief presentation on the new Leadership Louisiana Health Fellows Program, which is intended to bring together health care, business, policy, and education leaders to study Louisiana health challenges and build a network for action. Members expressed support for the program and its potential value to health policy work. The committee then advanced several bills, often with technical or substantive amendments. SB 57, a nutrition-labeling bill, was amended to push its effective date to December 31, 2028 and reported as amended. HB 62 increased the membership of the Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission to 27 members and was reported as amended. HB 193 updated membership rules for the sickle cell commission foundations so long-serving executive directors would not have to reapply repeatedly, and it was reported as amended. HB 815 would allow financial institutions to receive death certificates to help families manage accounts after a death; it was reported favorably after a question about state-licensed banks. SB 405 was substantially revised to codify LDH’s new Ascend nursing-facility quality initiative, including statewide quality oversight goals, stakeholder involvement, reporting requirements, and tools such as dashboards and surveys; after reconsidering prior action and adopting the new amendment, the bill was reported as amended. The committee also approved HB 222, which provides Medicaid dental coverage when needed for another covered medical procedure, and HB 420, which requires background checks for all DCFS employees with access to sensitive information. HB 475 requires verbal consent when AI is used to record or transcribe a medical visit and was reported favorably after a technical question. HB 246 updated membership of the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board and the council on grandparents raising grandchildren, including replacing an inactive coalition seat with the state police superintendent or designee. HB 486 would enter Louisiana into the psychology inter-jurisdictional compact to expand access to mental health care, and HB 574 updated outdated board names on the Mental Health Advisory Services Board; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee reported HB 949, which creates a licensure framework for radiologist assistants to help address imaging workforce shortages, especially in rural areas, and HB 584, which requires foster children to be provided luggage instead of trash bags for their belongings and restores “rights” language in the Foster Youth Bill of Rights. The committee also reported HB 1214, restructuring certain LDH facilities into a single system under the secretary’s office; HB 1092, a technical renaming/terminology cleanup bill; and HB 203, which adds members to the uterine fibroids commission. Throughout the meeting, members and witnesses emphasized access to care, workforce shortages, child welfare, and quality improvement, and the committee repeatedly adopted amendments and reported the bills favorably or as amended before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• CMS SET CERTIFICATION IS ESSENTIAL BECAUSE IT ENSURES THE STATE'S MEDICAID SYSTEM FOR THE MODULE MEETS
• MODULES MUST MEET MODERNIZATION CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, A FEDERAL CMS IS VERY INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING
• THIS YEAR WE RECEIVED CERTIFICATION OF THE SYSTEM, THIS IS THE SYSTEM YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT CHAIR McFARLAND
• WE HAVE OUR FEDERAL CERTIFICATION VENDOR WHICH IS PUBLIC CONSULTING GROUP OR PCG, THEIR CERTIFICATION
• PASSING THAT IS THE NEXT STEP TO GET TO THE CERTIFICATION PIECE.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the different certifications and degree programs that we offer include an occupational certificate
• And then we have our Associate of Applied Science certification.
• requiring the GWO certification to come and work.
• Or do they actually put them through that certification themselves?
• Okay, and what is the pay for the certificate?

Transcript Highlights:

• Our advanced certifications are application-only intensive offerings intended to provide a deeper dive
• We are working with the department right now to integrate our advanced certifications in with the DCF
• We're currently figuring out our relationship between the Florida Certification Board and the department
• We are working with the department right now to integrate our advanced certifications in with the DCF
• I had a meeting just before. advanced certifications in with the DCF career ladder.

Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• New Hampshire does have providers who do advertise cannabis certification as part of their service array
• In fact, recently, the legislature passed a three-year certification instead of an annual certification
• In fact, recently, the legislature passed a three-year certification instead of an annual certification
• allowed for a three-year certification allowed for a three-year certification um<01:15:04.199>
• <01:15:05.760> we um instead of an annual certification we um instead of an annual certification

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on February 2 and first approved the draft minutes from the prior meeting, with minor corrections to the meeting date and attendance notation. DHHS Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly then gave a department update, describing the current uncertainty around federal priorities and funding, and provided two substantive reports: progress on the new Hampstead Youth Development Center and an update on the department’s review of an ALS registry proposal. She said the YDC project is underway with tree clearing, fencing, stormwater and site-prep work, and remains on track for completion by June 30, 2026 and operation by August 30, 2026. The center currently has 12 youth, and the new design is intended to provide flexibility for fluctuating census levels. On ALS, Tilly explained that HB 576 had prompted the department to examine whether a registry could be built, but the estimated cost of a HIPAA-compliant system was about $750,000. She said DHHS is reviewing whether existing data sources, such as hospital discharge data and CHIS claims data, could provide useful information, but noted both are incomplete for registry purposes. Committee members discussed whether the Rare Disease Advisory Council, Dartmouth, or existing cancer registry infrastructure could help reduce costs. DHHS said it is neutral and willing to continue exploring alternatives, while members emphasized the value of a registry and the need to consider shared infrastructure and funding. The committee also heard from Jenny Horan of the Alzheimer’s Association, who presented the subcommittee’s report on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She said the subcommittee spent the past year gathering information on dementia care, abuse and exploitation issues, caregiver strain, and available services, and is now moving into a second phase focused on identifying gaps and developing a state plan. Members asked about geriatric psychiatric capacity and long-term care availability; Horan said the state has limited capacity and that the plan will help clarify where needs are greatest. She offered to return for follow-up questions at a later meeting. Finally, Olivia May of DHHS presented the quarterly report on the 12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage extension. She said New Hampshire implemented the extension after federal and state action, and the first claims data are still emerging because of reporting lags. In the initial cohort studied, 95% received some medical services during the extended period, 52.4% received mental health or substance use disorder treatment, 26.7% received preventive visits, and 3.2% received heart or hypertension services. Members asked about return on investment and whether higher federal matching rates are being used appropriately; DHHS said it claims the highest possible match based on eligibility group and will return with more data over time. The committee then heard the annual therapeutic cannabis program report from Michael Holt, who said the program had 1,475 registered patients as of June 30, 2024 and that growth has slowed, with New Hampshire having the lowest per-capita medical cannabis enrollment nationally.

Transcript Highlights:

• , an alternative certificate, so that they're a certified teacher.
• certification certification or<01:16:25.440> do<01:16:25.600> they<01:16:25.840> pay
• I mean certification or what have you?
• That our educators in that field do not have the advanced certifications?"
• one year to get that certification one year to get that certification or<01:27:07.600> they

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• diplomas or figuring out if they're going to go to college, if they're going to get a credential or certificate
• increase of $4 million, for school district workforce programs for students who earn industry certifications
• addition, there is $20 million in workforce performance funding for students who earn industry certifications
• We gave out basically, in 2025, 4,245 degrees or certificates.
• All those careers were ignited via degrees and certificates earned at our local state college.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office and the Commissioner of Education on the proposed higher education budget. The presentation highlighted a $117.4 billion overall state budget, with education at $32.5 billion and higher education receiving a modest overall increase. Key items included no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents, major financial aid funding such as Bright Futures, Benacquisto, EASE, Open Door, and first responder scholarships, as well as workforce investments including apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, nursing pipeline funding, and performance-based funding for colleges and universities. Committee members asked questions about the proposed expansion of the Guardian program at state colleges and the $100 million university recruitment and retention fund. Officials said the Guardian funding would give colleges flexibility to use trained personnel for campus safety, sometimes alongside or in place of campus police or private security. The Chancellor explained that the recruitment and retention money would be distributed to universities with no specific directives beyond using it for faculty recruitment and retention, emphasizing Florida’s favorable demographics and the opportunity to attract faculty from states facing enrollment declines. The committee then heard testimony from multiple appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees at state colleges and universities, including Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Miami Dade College, Northwest Florida State College, and St. Johns River State College. Each described their backgrounds and stressed themes of affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and technical programs, dual enrollment, and local community needs. Several cited strong nursing licensure pass rates and college outcomes. After hearing all appointees, the committee voted unanimously to confirm the full block of nominees, and the confirmations were reported favorably before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple sessions ago, certifying certification for peer specialist passed through this chamber and the
• for teacher apprentice and clarifies that a temporary certificate authorizes the bill to be issued to
• learning requirements for a ten-year professional certificate created in this bill.
• This concept of introducing a ten-year renewable teacher certification - we have phenomenal teachers
• that have proven themselves and this allows them to have their certification for ten years.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And H.R. 8879 requires the SBA to submit annual reports to Congress on certification activities across
• rates, recertification timelines, and the use of the SBA certification platform.
• , the 8(a) business development program, and the unified certification platform.
• , the 8(a) business development program, and the unified certification platform.
• An SBA certification should not be an additional burden.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the RLD would be looking at possibly a certification program.
• We foresee possibly a certification program where all kinds of small business owners throughout the state
• could receive that certification and be allowed to perform these inspections.
• Representative Armstrong, the fact that there is already a certification process in place for vehicle
• So we're really looking at just the feasibility of setting up a certification...

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Historically, the statutory process of certification has been unconstitutional.
• However, since November 2020, counties in eight different states have delayed certification of their
• With tight certification deadlines at the local, state, and federal polls have ever been derelict in
• they transmit all election materials to the custody of the Secretary of State to facilitate the certification
• objectives of this legislation, as currently drafted the provisions regarding S.O.S. takeover of certification

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their certification, as mentioned, is also the National Health Care Association National Certification
• This is a lifelong certification, and it's eligible to work anywhere in the U.S.
• They graduate with a diploma as well as the certificate.
• The graduation rate is 85 to 90% with an NHA certification.
• They seem to be tweaking the requirements for state certification.

Transcript Highlights:

• STATE AND WE COULD NOT TELL THEM BECAUSE THE ONLY DOCUMENT NUMBERS WE HAD WERE LIVERIES THAT HAD CERTIFICATES
• MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATION THAT CAN BE A BOATER SAFETY EDUCATION COURSE BUT ALSO A TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE
• TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE IS GOOD FOR 90 DAYS.
• AT A BARE MINIMUM THEY WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE.
• IF THEY DON'T HAVE THE TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE THEN THEY HAVE TO HAVE THE BOATER EDUCATION COURSE IN ORDER

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• earlier uh uh uh hearings certificates earlier uh uh uh hearings certificates are<02:01:03.199><
• for standards or certifications or justifications.
• <03:51:04.439> or for standards or certifications or for standards or certifications or justifications
• Refusal of certification, or whatever.
• <03:56:57.279> or it the refus refuse certification or it the refus refuse certification or

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 167, which would add ski, snowboard, and boat wax containing PFAS to the state’s consumer-product restrictions. The sponsor argued the product is already banned in many places, has PFAS-free alternatives, and is used in ways that can directly contaminate water rather than landfills. She cited high PFAS levels in several New Hampshire lakes and said the bill was a simple extension of prior PFAS legislation. A witness also described a personal experience where a liquid ski wax disappeared from the market and later returned, likely because of PFAS concerns. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 167 without a vote. The committee then opened a hearing on House Bill 312, dealing with college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Representative Moffett said the bill was modeled on New Jersey law and intended to let student-athletes earn compensation from NIL without losing institutional scholarships, while also requiring licensed representation and setting limits on certain endorsements. He described the measure as proactive because NIL rules are evolving and could create conflicts among schools and future lawsuits. Members questioned whether the bill should apply to two-year institutions, whether it should exclude firearms and weapons, and whether the scholarship protections would cover need-based or academic aid as well as athletic scholarships. Moffett said the scholarship language was intended to protect scholarships generally, but not need-based aid specifically, and he acknowledged discomfort with some of the endorsement restrictions. Public testimony on HB 312 was mixed. One supporter, a former Division III athlete and coach, backed the bill but urged removal of a section allowing institutions or athletic bodies to use an athlete’s NIL without compensation, arguing most New Hampshire athletes do not receive NIL money and should not have to work extra jobs to cover basic expenses. The chair also raised concerns about the bill’s contractual and identity-rights implications, referencing prior committee work on a J.D. Salinger-related identity case and noting the committee had previously declined to get involved in similar contractual disputes. No vote was taken during the hearing.