Transcript Highlights:

• a coach.
• I lose coaches that are head coaches here in Leon County, and they go and be assistant coaches over in
• Our high school coaches, you coach the kids that show up.
• And I think coaches like Coach Hickman, who was there for me as a student, and so many other coaches
• Thank you, Coach. All right. Coach. All right.

Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White. The students spoke about the value of education-based athletics, leadership, and the need for safe, equitable opportunities. Damon then discussed FHSAA issues including rising sportsmanship problems, ejections, violent incidents, recruiting allegations, transfers, mental health pressures on student athletes, and the need for qualified coaches. He said the association tries to be proactive, work with schools on discipline, and emphasize that school changes should be for academic reasons rather than athletics. Senators asked about mental health, transfer rules, and a recent Jacksonville incident; Damon explained the current transfer exceptions and said the association lacked authority over the Jacksonville football game because the schools were not in FHSAA football. The committee then heard a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, have not kept pace with the expanding year-round demands of coaching, and amount to very low hourly pay in many sports. He also said Florida’s restrictions on booster club funding and minimal certification requirements contribute to turnover and difficulty retaining qualified coaches. Hickman and Ward described coaching as a demanding, year-round profession that affects students beyond athletics, including academics and mental health. The superintendents said they value coaches but must balance compensation against limited district funds and other staffing needs; one noted Walton County uses a dedicated administrative lane for football coaching and athletic administration. Senators discussed whether booster club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should be tied to performance, and whether any increase in base student allocation would actually reach coaches. Public commenters, including Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, urged support for coaches and emphasized their broader impact on students’ lives and school safety. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, with no appearance forms filed, voted unanimously to recommend confirmation. Senator Burgess then moved to adjourn, and the committee concluded the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• a coach.
• I lose coaches that are head coaches here in Leon County and they go and be assistant coaches over in
• Our high school coaches, you coach the kids that show up.
• And I think coaches like Coach Hickman, who was there for me as a student, and so many other coaches
• Thank you, Coach. All right. Coach. All right.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White, on current issues in high school sports. Damon said the association received more than 309 allegations this year, including 113 recruiting complaints, but only two coaches were suspended for recruiting violations, and those were self-reported. He focused on rising sportsmanship problems, violent incidents, and ejections, saying the association is working with coaches and athletic administrators on prevention and positive-behavior campaigns. He also discussed mental health pressures on student athletes, the effects of frequent transfers and school choice on team stability and community pride, and the need for more qualified coaches on campus who understand interscholastic rules and student support responsibilities. Senators asked about the transfer system, violent conduct, and whether the association would propose changes; Damon said he would support guardrails that protect school choice while limiting midseason athletic transfers. The committee then took up a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, often amounting to very low hourly pay despite year-round duties, and said Florida’s system has not kept pace with increased responsibilities, inflation, or neighboring states. He also criticized restrictions on booster-club support, minimal coaching certification requirements, and turnover among coaches, and urged changes that would allow coaches to negotiate fairer compensation and receive external funding. Hickman and Ward emphasized the long hours, family strain, and mentoring role of coaches, while the superintendents said districts face finite budgets and must balance coach pay against teacher, bus driver, and other staffing needs; they also warned that booster-funded pay could create inequities between wealthy and less affluent communities. Senators discussed whether booster-club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should vary by performance, and whether any new funding should be categorical. Public comment followed from Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, both of whom stressed the broader educational and safety impact of coaches and asked lawmakers to support the next generation of coaches. After the presentations, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, by a single roll-call vote, recommended all appointees favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is organized coach Angle or an ID.
• the administrators for the coaches who are not administrators today and who are teacher coaches and are
• I am a common my 44th year teaching and I'm a wrestling coach and I'm still coaching.
• But the coaches couldn't they just let it die because they couldn't get a coach.
• And I coach of the different school it to one school coach in a different school.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, coaches change lives. Athletes trust coaches.
• You know, coaches change lives. Athletes trust coaches.
• or assistant coaches.
• But I remember in high school, you know, we had a coach. Loved our tennis coach.
• But I remember in high school, you know, we had a coach. Loved our tennis coach.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and first heard House Bill 731, which would address coach and extracurricular sponsor compensation and change how student-athlete transfer eligibility is determined. The bill would allow local school boards to adopt policies letting booster clubs or similar associations support coaches and activity sponsors, and it would let superintendents treat certain coaches and athletic leaders as administrative personnel for compensation purposes. It would also shift eligibility decisions for transferred student-athletes to the governing athletic association and require clearer bylaws and timelines for those determinations. Members raised questions about booster club oversight, pay equity, the new athletic administrator language, and safeguards against abuse or unequal treatment, while supporters argued the bill would help retain coaches and better support student athletics. The bill was debated and then reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then received presentations from the Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning and the Florida Association of Early Learning Coalitions on school readiness fraud prevention and mitigation. Speakers explained that Florida’s school readiness program pays providers based on verified attendance rather than enrollment, requires daily parent sign-in/sign-out records, and uses multiple layers of oversight including coalition anti-fraud plans, annual audits, programmatic monitoring, DCF inspections, and referrals to state fraud investigators when needed. They emphasized that Florida delayed implementation of a federal rule that would have required prospective enrollment-based payments, and said the state’s current system makes fraud difficult. Members asked about military and grandparent guardianship situations, audit findings, and the number of fraud referrals; presenters said fraud cases are relatively limited and that the existing controls and public enforcement act as deterrents. The meeting ended after members thanked the presenters and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• and assistant coaches. and assistant coaches.
• > have<00:26:49.840> the coaches and assistant coaches have the coaches and assistant coaches
• did recognize uh his coach Um his coach did recognize uh his coach did<00:45:39.119> not<00:45
• There are significantly more assistant coaches than head coaches.
• There could be a coach, an assistant coach on another team.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• requires a coach Coach Jared Johnson remarked on his coaching role, which requires a coach to prepare
• Head coach Jason Harris was awarded the 5A Coach of the Year.
• Sure, and to get coach, I mean, coach, representative again, car again, go bells.
• , because the new head coach of the Golden Suns would be Coach Fimple.
• , because the new head coach of the Golden Suns would be Coach Fimple.

Summary: The House convened to finish items from an adjourned resolution and spent the meeting recognizing a series of resolutions honoring public health awareness, community service, and athletic and academic achievements. House Resolution 1021 designated May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, with the sponsor emphasizing that skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., is highly preventable, and benefits from early detection. House Resolution 1020 honored Frederick Henry Middleton upon his retirement after 50 years of service to the City of Arkadelphia, and House Resolution 1022 congratulated the Rolling Razorbacks on winning their sixth Division II National Wheelchair Basketball Championship, with MVP Jeff Glassbrenner and Coach Jared Johnson recognized on the floor. The chamber then adopted or considered multiple school-sports resolutions, including House Resolution 1033 honoring the Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School Patriots boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 5A state championship, and House Resolutions 1028 through 1032 recognizing Rogers High School teams for championships in girls cross-country, baseball, boys tennis, girls wrestling, and boys golf. House Resolutions 1040 and 1041 honored Mountain Home High School’s boys and girls cross-country teams for sweeping the 2025 Class 5A titles, and House Resolution 1044 recognized Mount St. Mary Academy’s Bell’s golf team for its third straight Class 6A championship. Additional resolutions recognized the Central Arkansas Christian High School Choir for its first Best in Class showing at the state choir festival, Coach Dave Wilbers of Arkansas Tech University for his retirement after a highly successful women’s basketball career, Arkansas Tech’s Golden Suns cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference championship, and the North Little Rock Lady Charging Wildcats girls basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 6A state title. No substantive legislation was debated; the meeting consisted primarily of ceremonial presentations, brief remarks, and requests for favorable votes or title-only readings, and it ended with the House announcing it would reconvene at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes we call it executive coaching or teacher coaching.
• She serves as one of our coaches.
• The PSB leadership coaching is grounded in the International Coaching Federation's core competencies.
• Coaching Federation competencies.
• So within the coaching, we support the coaches, the instructional coaches that are in the schools to

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Coach Jared Johnson remarked on his coaching role, which requires a coach to prepare your players for
• Head coach Jason Harris was awarded the 5A Coach of the Year.
• Sure, and to get coach, I mean, coach, representative again, car again, go bells.
• This team is led by head coach Gabe Sams, who was named Conference Coach of the Year.
• , because the new head coach of the Golden Suns would be Coach Fimple.

Summary: The House convened to finish items from an adjourned resolution and spent most of the meeting recognizing individuals, teams, and organizations through a series of House resolutions. One resolution designated May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, with the sponsor emphasizing that skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., that early detection greatly improves outcomes, and that public education on prevention and sun safety is important. Another resolution honored Frederick Henry Middleton of Arkadelphia for 50 years of service to the city’s street department and his long record of community involvement. The chamber also recognized the Rolling Razorbacks wheelchair basketball team for winning its sixth Division II national championship, and several Arkansas high school athletic programs for state titles, including Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School boys basketball, Rogers High School teams in girls cross country, baseball, boys tennis, girls wrestling, and boys golf, Mountain Home High School boys and girls cross country, Mount St. Mary Academy girls golf, and North Little Rock High School girls basketball. Members highlighted team records, championships, coaches, and individual achievements, and many resolutions were adopted by title only after brief presentations. Additional resolutions honored the Central Arkansas Christian High School choir for its state festival success, Arkansas Tech University women’s cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference championship, and Arkansas Tech women’s basketball coach Dave Wilbers upon his retirement after a highly successful career. No substantive debate or roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript; the meeting ended after the final recognition with notice that the House would reconvene later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much, Coach. Are there questions of our guest? Thank you very much, Coach.
• Coach George got all the questions before you. Now we know why Coach Smolder has to go third.
• Coach Malter. Yes, sir.
• Coach Eddie Smolder: Yes, sir. So you have a coaching legacy in your family.
• My dad's a former coach. My grandpa was a coach.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee met, approved the prior minutes, and removed House Bill 5537 from the agenda. It then took up three House bills. House Bill 4002, creating the West Virginia Collaboratory at Marshall University to connect higher education research with state and local government, was explained by counsel and advanced to the full Senate with a do pass recommendation after brief supportive discussion. House Bill 4573, requiring the Department of Human Services to share information with the Department of Education and county boards about post-secondary transition programs for students with foster care experience, was also reported to the full Senate with a do pass recommendation. The most extensive discussion centered on House Bill 4425, which would repeal the current code section allowing students one transfer during their four years of secondary school while retaining athletic eligibility. Counsel explained that the repeal would return transfer eligibility decisions to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (SSAC). Several athletic directors, principals, and coaches testified in support of repeal, arguing the current rule has led to recruiting, instability, competitive imbalance, and harm to school communities and team culture. They cited examples of transfers affecting rosters, community support, and competitive balance, and said the rule has created a “free agency” atmosphere in high school sports. SSAC director Wayne Ryan testified that the legislature’s current code has limited the association’s ability to address the issue, and said the SSAC wants the rule repealed so it can adopt an emergency rule and then work with its membership to craft a better system. He said bona fide residential moves remain eligible and described the waiver process for hardship cases. After discussion from senators on both sides about school choice, fairness, and the need for a better long-term solution, the committee voted to report House Bill 4425 to the full Senate with a do pass recommendation, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• " honoring Representative Kevin "Coach" honoring Representative Kevin "Coach" Christie<00:01:38.680
• "<00:01:53.800> Christie, Representative Kevin "Coach" Christie, Representative Kevin "Coach
• In subsequent years, he coached In subsequent years, he coached football,<00:02:48.120> taught
• Branch of the NAACP presented Coach Branch of the NAACP presented Coach Christie<00:03:29.440>
• Coach Christie. Coach Christie.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, then read HCR 307 honoring Representative Kevin “Coach” Christie of Hartford for his civic leadership, long career in education and public service, work on equity and human rights, and his vocal performances. Several members offered remarks praising Christie’s service and announcing that he would not seek another term, while expressing appreciation for his contributions and wishing him well amid recent health challenges. During announcements, members recognized a visiting guest, shared caucus notices, and one member spoke about the connection between military appreciation month and mental health awareness month, citing high suicide rates among service members and urging attention to veterans’ mental health. The House then moved to the day’s orders and took up two bills related to mental health. On H. 817, concerning mental health literacy and peer-to-peer supports in schools, the House suspended rules to consider the Senate’s proposal of amendment. A member from Winooski explained that the Senate strike-all amendment directed the Department of Mental Health and the Agency of Education to inventory related work, recommend integration of peer-to-peer youth mental health programming and school/after-school literacy efforts, and consider grant support beginning in July 2028, with funding recommendations to be included in the FY28 budget. The House concurred in the Senate amendment. The House then suspended rules to take up H. 816, relating to regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services, and adopted the Committee of Conference report. Supporters said the conference changes addressed concerns from mental health clinicians about digital therapeutics, clarified where clinical guidance is needed, aligned definitions, allowed research and development to continue through universities such as Dartmouth, and added the Board of Medical Providers and the Office of Professional Regulation to the AI Advisory Council. The House adopted the report and then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• a math coaches program.
• a math coaches program.
• A coach per LEA, not a coach per SEA.
• A coach per LEA, not a coach per SEA. Of at least a coach per LEA.
• A coach per LEA, not a coach per school. Ideally, it's a coach per school.

Summary: The committee heard a series of budget proposals focused on education finance, with repeated questions about whether the state’s investments are coordinated, targeted to the highest-need students, and likely to produce measurable results. On the first item, the administration proposed $1 million for a study of California’s curriculum framework, standards, and instructional materials process, plus $250,000 for supplemental ELA/ELD guidance. CDE and Finance said the study would examine how other states organize standards, frameworks, and adoptions, while the chair and members questioned why California has gone so long without updating some standards, what the study would actually accomplish, and whether the proposal was too vague to justify the cost. The issue was held open. The committee then took up a proposed $25 million statewide literacy network within the system of support. CCEE and CDE said the network would coordinate multiple existing literacy leads, create a clearinghouse of evidence-based resources, and improve coherence across the state’s many literacy initiatives. Members pressed on how a one-time, five-year allocation could support a long-term system, how the work would reach distressed and rural districts, and whether the proposal would translate into classroom change rather than just another layer of coordination. The issue was also held open. Next, the committee reviewed a $500 million proposal to expand literacy coaches and reading specialists and to create a math coaches program. CDE described the existing literacy coach cohorts as producing positive reports from participating LEAs, while the LAO recommended modifications, especially for the math coach portion, including limiting eligibility to elementary schools, setting minimum grant amounts, directing funds to eligible school sites, and making eligibility automatic rather than application-based. Members focused on whether coaches were actually being placed at the schools with the greatest need and whether the state has a coherent long-term strategy for literacy and math investments. The committee also heard a $40 million proposal for training and implementation of K-2 reading difficulty screeners, which the LAO said was reasonable but could be reduced because $25 million had already been provided for training; CDE said the new funds were needed for full implementation, procurement, and sustainability. Finally, the committee heard a $10 million proposal for a developmentally appropriate TK multilingual learner screener, with CDE explaining why the preschool language-identification process is different from K-12 EL assessment and the chair asking staff to explore whether a single, more consistent approach could be developed. The meeting concluded with a presentation on universal school meals and kitchen infrastructure, including a $31.5 million backfill, an $84.1 million increase for projected meal growth, a COLA adjustment, and $150 million for kitchen upgrades and training to support freshly prepared meals.

Transcript Highlights:

• coaches?
• So now the coaches, which a high school, a large high school could have a dozen coaches, if you think
• So now the coaches, which a high school, a large high school could have a dozen coaches, if you think
• Nobody's comparing teachers to coaches because teachers have their jobs and then coaches have theirs.
• I called that coach, and that coach came all the way to Tallahassee, Florida, and picked me up, and that

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Lee County Judge John Carlin, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Cody Popple of the FSU Police Department for his actions during the April campus shooting. The Speaker also outlined the final week of session, noting the chamber had passed 253 House bills and 149 Senate bills to date, with budget negotiations still unresolved and the 2026-27 budget not expected to be completed that week. The special order report was adopted, setting the day’s calendar and debate times. The chamber then took up several Senate bills, mostly technical or open-government sunset review measures, and passed them with little or no opposition: SB 100, SB 104, and SB 102 on Florida statutes; SB 7006, SB 7014, SB 7002, SB 7012, SB 7024, SB 7016, SB 7026, SB 7008, SB 7000, and SB 7004 on public-records or meeting exemptions; and SB 7022 on public records related to exams. Members asked questions on a few of these bills, especially the exam-records bill and the military and gaming-related exemptions, but the measures generally advanced without amendment. Votes ranged from unanimous to modest opposition, with SB 7026 passing 106-3 and SB 7022 passing 101-8. The most substantial debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the emergency preparedness and response trust fund in the Executive Office of the Governor. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment to let the fund expire, arguing the money had been misused and that the Legislature should retain control over spending; several members supported her position, while others said the fund is needed for rapid disaster response. A strike-all amendment from Rep. Griffiths was adopted instead, adding accountability provisions and expanding the fund to cover man-made emergencies as well as natural disasters. The bill then passed 82-25. The House also passed CS/CS/SB 302 on coastal resiliency, CS/CS/SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits, CS/SB 474 on military affairs, and SB 488 on Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues, with SB 488 still under amendment debate when the transcript ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• a math coaches program.
• Another difference there is that the literacy coach proposal is for eligible schools, and the math coach
• Expansion of literacy coach access and establishing faster access, wider initial access to math coaches
• A coach per LEA, not a coach per school. It's a coach per school.
• out of the literacy coaches program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2024 NFL Coach of the Year.
• Whereas, Kevin O'Connell, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, has been named the 2024 NFL Coach
• Kevin O'Connell, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, has been named the 2024 NFL Coach of the Year
• this resolution be presented to Coach this resolution be presented to Coach Kevin<00:03:18.320><
• excellence in coaching. excellence in coaching.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, ultimately, it was the coach's decision because the coach is the coach's coach.
• Because coaches coach and athletic directors manage the athletic department, right?
• But if the coach thinks these... but the coach can make another decision.
• There's no evidence that a coach has ever imposed a penalty, but at least a coach can be a coach.
• As a coach, I have coached both cisgender and transgender children.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a very full public hearing on the first Education Committee hearing of the session, with testimony taken on a large slate of bills, especially H. 650/S. 436 and related measures. The chairs explained the hearing rules, including two-minute testimony limits, live streaming, written testimony, and accommodations for interpreters and disabilities. The committee first heard extensive testimony on H. 460/S. 436 and later H. 650/S. 436, bills to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for all children, including immigrant students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Witnesses included parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and state officials, many of whom described fears caused by federal policy changes and argued that Massachusetts should codify protections for school enrollment, special education, interpreter services, and due process in discipline cases. The Attorney General’s office, Mass Advocates for Children, Lawyers for Civil Rights, MIRA, the Children’s Law Center, the Disability Law/advocacy community, and others all urged favorable action, while committee members asked questions about Plyler v. Doe, manifestation determinations, interpreter qualifications, and how the bill would mirror or preserve existing federal protections at the state level. The committee also heard testimony on H. 702/S. 460, establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program, which was supported as a way to expand STEM opportunities and help schools fund robotics programs. Representative Sweeney also testified on H. 713, a bill to support student participation in 4-H programming by allowing excused absences similar to those for athletics and other sanctioned activities; members noted bipartisan support and the bill’s long history. The hearing then moved to H. 543/S. 417, a recess bill requiring at least 30 minutes of free-play recess for K-8 students. Supporters included the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the League of Women Voters, educators, and parents, who emphasized recess as important for physical health, social-emotional development, attention, and academic performance, and noted that unequal local policies create disparities across districts. Several witnesses also tied recess to broader concerns about student well-being and screen time. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed testimony on the bills as it moved through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Coach Beam.
• Coach Chang, you >> Thank you, Coach Beam.
• basketball coach in the Mountain West. basketball coach in the Mountain West.
• You're being taught by outstanding coaches. And we do have outstanding coaches.
• Thank you, coach. I just have one >> Okay. Thank you, coach.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: A joint informational briefing of the House and Senate higher education committees focused on how the University of Hawaiʻi athletics department plans to remain competitive in the new NIL era, including the effects of the House v. NCAA settlement, direct institutional payments, and the need to balance competitiveness with the university’s educational mission. Senators and committee members introduced themselves, and the briefing featured remarks from women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman, football coach Timmy Chang, and Athletic Director Matt Elliott. Coach Beeman said NIL has already affected recruiting and retention in women’s basketball, estimating the program has lost six to 10 student-athletes because it lacks the funding to keep comparable talent. She emphasized that the issue is not greed but retention, culture, and keeping student-athletes who value the university and community, while also using NIL as a way to teach financial literacy, privacy, and adult responsibilities. Coach Chang described similar pressures in football, including transfer portal volatility and competing offers from other programs, and gave examples of players whose personal and family circumstances made NIL support important for staying at Hawaiʻi. Athletic Director Elliott said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the top of the Mountain West, and strengthen community ties. He said the department wants to preserve the educational focus while adapting to a system in which student-athletes can share in revenue. Elliott explained that UH is seeking a $5 million annual NIL fund, is fundraising through the community and the “Boost the Bose” account, and is also pursuing individual NIL deals, corporate sponsorship-related deals, and licensing opportunities. In response to Senator Kim’s question, he said NIL compensation can come through two tracks: institutional payments within the department’s discretion and outside deals that must be reviewed for market value under the new reporting system. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:25:11.039> we where like coach be coach Beman said, we where like coach be coach Beman
• So talking to Coach Beaman, Coach Chang, volleyball, baseball, etc.
• coaches, and we do have outstanding<01:07:40.319> coaches.
• Thank you, coach.
• Thank you, coach. Um, just have >> Okay. Thank you, coach.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House-Senate higher education briefing focused on how the University of Hawaii athletics department plans to remain competitive in the NIL era, especially as the House settlement and related changes allow new forms of athlete compensation. Chair and Senator Kim opened by framing the issue as balancing competitiveness, sustainability, compliance, and UH’s educational mission. Coaches Laura Beeman and Timmy Chang described how NIL and the transfer portal are already affecting recruiting and retention, with Beeman saying women’s basketball has lost six to 10 recruits because UH cannot yet match offers, and Chang citing examples of players being courted with large sums and the need to retain proven local and out-of-state athletes. Both emphasized that student-athletes should still prioritize education, culture, and team values, while also receiving support that helps them stay at UH. Athletic Director Matt Elliott then outlined UH’s broader strategy. He said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the highest level of the Mountain West, and strengthen the bond with the community. He described NIL as having moved from a largely unregulated period to a new phase in which institutions can directly control some NIL payments, while outside deals still must be reviewed for fair market value. Elliott said UH wants to use NIL to help athletes cover basic needs and build financial stability, while also keeping them academically on track. He noted the department is pursuing fundraising, including a “Boost the Bose” account, corporate sponsorships, and licensing deals, to support NIL opportunities. In response to questions from Senator Kim, Elliott clarified that UH’s approach involves both institution-controlled payments and outside NIL deals: internal payments can be structured at the department’s discretion within the cap, while external sponsor deals must go through NIL Go and meet market-value standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:38:22.480> and educating our parents our coaches and educating our parents our coaches
• are out there in the like the coaches are out there in the like the coaches<00:43:45.839> I<00
• The beauty of high school athletics right now is that when it comes to coaches, you know, we have coaches
• <00:49:52.799> uh School uh teachers staff coaches uh School uh teachers staff coaches uh
• <00:50:15.839> training already going to this coaches training already going to this coaches

Keywords: Meeting Start: 01:24 Attendance Roll Call: 01:44 KY Association for Career & Technical Education: 03:40 Senate Concurrent Resolution 43 (Sen. West): 10:42 Senate Bill 77 (Sen. Deneen ): 31:26 Senate Bill 120 (Sen. Chambers Armstrong): 35:04 Adjournment: 51:44, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and heard a presentation from Parker Keys, Northern Kentucky State Vice President for Kentucky FFA, on the value of career and technical education (CTE). He highlighted enrollment of more than 143,000 secondary students in CTE, work-based learning, dual credit, industry certifications, and the role of student organizations such as DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, Educators Rising, TSA, and SkillsUSA. Senators praised CTE as important for workforce readiness and resume building, and encouraged continued engagement with the committee. The committee then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 43, sponsored by Senator Steve West, supporting a Southern Regional Education Board initiative to expand crisis counseling and recovery support for schools and colleges after tragedies and disasters. Dr. Steven Puit and Linda Tyrie described a regional network of trained counselors modeled on Kentucky’s response after Marshall County, emphasizing long-term recovery, psychological first aid, and deployment support for up to a year after an event. Members spoke in strong support, citing the lasting impact of Marshall County and Heath, and the resolution passed 13-0 and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 77, a cleanup bill relating to the Education Professional Standards Board. Senator Matt Deneen and Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities representative Mr. Dyer explained that the bill clarifies that small independent colleges and universities may designate a qualified education department representative, not only a chief academic officer, to serve on the board. The committee adopted a committee substitute by voice vote, and the substitute was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can she go after a coach? I think the parent can go after the coach, my understanding.
• And then the coach doesn't.
• the coach.
• the coach.
• Yeah, then you go after a coach.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Thank you, coach.
• Thank you, coach. We'll do this by sport. Is coach Timmy? Oh, coach Robin.
• Is coach Timmy Oh, coach Robin. sport. Is coach Timmy Oh, coach Robin.
• Under my coach, Mr. >> than how to compete. Under my coach, Mr.
• >> Thank you, Coach. I mean, Chair. >> Thank you, Coach. I mean, Chair.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hear testimony on House Bill 2384, which relates to student athlete compensation and NIL. Chair Garrett opened by explaining the hearing was intentionally held on campus so lawmakers could hear directly from those affected. UH President Wendy Hensel and Athletics Director Matt Elliott both testified in support, saying the bill would help the university respond to the changing college athletics landscape, protect student athletes, improve transparency and education around NIL, and support UH’s ability to remain competitive. Elliott also said UH was seeking $5 million in NIL-related funding to support the program. Several UH coaches and student athletes testified in favor, emphasizing the importance of UH athletics to the state, the community, and the student experience. Women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman described UH athletics as a source of pride and hope for the state, while players Jovi, Latoria Tamilo, and others said the program felt like home and that NIL support could help them grow, represent Hawaii, and give back. Women’s volleyball coach Robyn Ah Mow said UH athletics changed her life and that the school must adapt to remain competitive; her players Victoria Leyva, Shealy Reed, and Talia Akase similarly said NIL opportunities could help UH attract talent, expand exposure, and strengthen community ties. Football coach Timmy Chang said the bill was important for recruiting, retaining, and building culture around Hawaiian values, and player Dean Briskie said UH’s developmental approach and team culture mattered more than money, though NIL has made retention harder. Quarterback Micah Alihada said the program’s culture and support from coaches and leadership made it easier to stay, but that the changing landscape made HB 2384 important. Baseball players Elijah Eikez and Ben Zukerman Ball also supported the bill, saying UH athletics carries responsibility to the community and helps student athletes become leaders and role models. No vote or final committee action was described in the transcript.