Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Linda Thompson, president of Westfield State University.
• system on behalf of the State University Council of Presidents.
• system on behalf of the State University Council of Presidents.
• and the University of Massachusetts.
• and the University of Massachusetts.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public hearing in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 budget for education and local aid. Opening remarks from Senator Pavel Payano, Representative Pat Duffy, and local leaders emphasized the importance of education funding for Lawrence and other Gateway Cities, with Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero highlighting the city’s high-need student population, Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, early college and career pathways, and the need for sustained support to close achievement gaps. The Education Secretariat testified in support of the budget, with Acting Secretary Amy Kershaw outlining investments in early literacy, universal pre-K, student mental health, school meals, high school redesign, higher education affordability, and early childhood systems. Commissioner Noi Ortega described higher education proposals including expanded free community college, continued free tuition at public four-year institutions, student success funding, early college and dual enrollment investments, and the Bright Act and Drive Act. Commissioner Pedro Martinez detailed K-12 proposals such as full Student Opportunity Act funding, increased Chapter 70 aid, special education circuit breaker funding, transportation aid, literacy initiatives, and a new Accelerating Achievement Initiative aimed at schools with the greatest needs. Commissioner Kershaw also described early education proposals including funding for C3, child care financial assistance, CPPI, workforce supports, and administrative funding restoration. Committee members questioned the administration about the pending local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to address health care and other cost drivers in school funding. Officials said the local contribution report is expected by the end of June and that a draft will be shared for public comment after data analysis is complete. Members also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities between districts and urged a broader review of the formula. In response, the commissioners said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but further work is needed, and they pointed to the new achievement initiative, literacy efforts, and early college expansion as ways to improve outcomes. No votes were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jamie Ellis, professor of entomology at the University of Florida. Dr.
• entomology at the university of florida dr ellis is entomology at the university of florida dr ellis
• So I'm a professor at the University of Florida, right?
• I was hired at the University of Florida in August of 2006, and in November of 2006 is when colony collapse
• They had the cremains tested by the University of Florida, and it turned out to have a variety of things

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida. The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.

Transcript Highlights:

• many other, all of our universities in this state.
• But recently someone was appointed to the board of trustees of the University of West Florida who is
• Now, how on earth this idiot got appointed to be on the board of trustees of a university is a question
• Now, how on earth this idiot got appointed to be on the board of trustees of a university is a question
• Florida as a result of doing this, would start in the second semester of his Were to go to the University

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard a presentation on Florida’s maritime and ocean economy from Florida Atlantic University, the College of the Florida Keys, and Star Center. Speakers emphasized the importance of maritime industries such as aquaculture, marine engineering, shipbuilding, transportation, coastal resilience, and offshore renewable energy, and described workforce programs, certifications, and partnerships designed to train students and workers for these fields. They also highlighted federal and state initiatives supporting ocean economy research and commercialization, including tech hubs and innovation programs. The committee then considered SB 312 relating to the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition. Senator Gates explained that the bill would allow IHMC to create a subsidiary to commercialize research, similar to Moffitt Cancer Center. Senator Fine offered and the committee adopted a friendly amendment addressing board membership concerns tied to a University of West Florida trustee. However, after questions arose about whether the bill and analysis aligned on whether subsidiaries would be for-profit or not-for-profit, the bill was tabled. Finally, the committee took up SB 270 on the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The bill would extend eligibility for students in certain military/public-service family situations, giving families more time to establish Florida residency after returning to the state. Senator Fine’s amendment was adopted to add AP Capstone Diploma students to the automatic Bright Futures eligibility provisions, alongside IB and Cambridge AICE students. The committee then reported the bill favorably as amended by a vote of 7-0, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is also with University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
• This is also with University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
• Number 27, University of Arkansas with Dell Marketing.
• Number 27, University of Arkansas with Dell Marketing.
• Number 28, University of Arkansas with Huron Consulting.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The ALC-Review Subcommittee reviewed seven methods of finance, including university projects at ASU Jonesboro and Mountain Home, Black River Technical College deferred maintenance, UA Batesville’s Farm Project Gateway Center, UAMS PET cyclotron equipment, a new allied health building at UAPB funded by a federal grant, and UCA’s multi-purpose arena design work. The committee also approved an alternative delivery construction project for UAPB’s Allied Health and Sciences Building, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members then approved discretionary grants from the Department of Health and DHS, including support for a heart attack center designation, community health worker training, homeless services funding corrections, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. In the contracts section, the committee reviewed RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental contracts, and a large slate of out-of-state and in-state contracts covering topics such as seatbelt survey data collection, Medicaid and DHS systems, state hospital staffing and services, veterans’ services, education assessments, and state IT and procurement projects. Several contracts drew extended questioning. Senators and representatives pressed DHS and the Department of Veterans Affairs about heavy reliance on contract nursing and staffing costs, and officials said they were using pay incentives and recruitment efforts to increase state employee staffing. Members also questioned AEDC’s lithium supply chain study and the Department of Education’s security contract, with concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments. The committee held three in-state contracts—Department of Education security services and two DHS staffing contracts—until Friday, then adopted the remaining contracts and received informational reports on contract amendments, executed contracts, and emergency procurements before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this section of code addresses more than just our public universities.
• This section of code actually affects a larger number of entities than just public universities.
• I do believe that the Dean of Students was involved in the search committee for Boise State University
• I do believe that the Dean of Students was involved in the search committee for Boise State University
• My son Dalton lives in Moscow, received his bachelor's and master's from the University of Idaho.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please join me in welcoming Christopher Callahan, President of the University of the Pacific.
• One of them is the University of the Pacific, California's first-ever university.
• namely the personalized education of a small college combined with the choices of a major university
• And Michael Beals, president of Vanguard University in Costa Mesa.
• She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and several guest introductions recognizing visitors including Leadership Torrance participants, former Assembly Member Hector de la Torre, University of the Pacific President Christopher Callahan, and other higher education leaders. The body then approved the Senate journals and moved through the daily file and gubernatorial appointments. Three appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences were considered and confirmed, and a confirmation for the California Community Colleges Board of Governors was also approved. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 140, designating April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, with members speaking about research, advocacy, and the personal impact of the disease. Senate Resolution 92, marking California Holocaust Memorial Day, drew extensive floor remarks from multiple senators emphasizing remembrance, Holocaust education, antisemitism, and the need to confront hate and denial; the resolution was adopted unanimously. On third reading, the Senate passed AB 1389, an urgency measure ratifying a tribal-state gaming compact amendment with the Yurok Tribe, with no opposition and immediate effect. The chamber also received committee announcements about upcoming meetings of the Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee and the Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee. The session concluded with adjournment in memory motions honoring John Bean, Cynthia Brantley Pierce, and Detective Armando “Mando” Santana, each described as a significant community leader or public servant whose work and legacy were recognized by the Senate. The Pro Tem then announced the Senate would recess briefly and return for the next floor session on Thursday, April 16 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is also with University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
• Number 27, University of Arkansas with Dell Marketing.
• Number 28, University of Arkansas with Huron Consulting.
• Number 29, University of Arkansas with the Siegel Group.
• Number 25, University of Arkansas, Medical Waste Services.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then if you look at the University of Missouri system, there are four campuses.
• And then the University of Missouri system is at 31.6%, which is the second largest of the group with
• , you know, it might be from the University of Missouri, some like that, folks who want to...
• bit of the diversity in the funding, the state funding, and why some universities have more funding
• So what this tries to do is align the efforts of the universities to meet the state goals.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education met to hear an informational presentation from the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development on Missouri’s higher education funding model and related workforce trends. Commissioner Bennett Boggs described the department’s mission, its data and workforce partnerships, and the need to better align postsecondary education with Missouri’s labor market, noting projections that 65% of jobs in the 2030s will require education beyond high school. He emphasized that the current “base-plus” funding approach dates to 1992 and no longer reflects demographic, technological, or economic changes, and said the department wants every institution to remain healthy and serve its region. Deputy Commissioner Leroye Wade outlined a proposed cost-based, performance-informed funding framework with four main parts: fixed costs, variable program costs, performance measures, and a mechanism for targeted legislative investment. He said the model is intended to be data-driven, transparent, and more responsive to enrollment changes, program mix, completion outcomes, workforce needs, and collaboration among institutions. He also reviewed the history of the effort, including a 2022 legislative appropriation for a study, a 2023 report, and subsequent interim and bill activity. Committee members asked about educational attainment goals, the P20W longitudinal data system, persistence and completion rates, and how the model would account for mission differences and student outcomes. Representative John Black, sponsor of the bill discussed, said the legislation is meant to move Missouri toward a 21st-century higher education funding system by tying appropriations more closely to state goals and institutional performance rather than continuing automatic across-the-board increases. He said the department’s work and the bill are intended to prompt continued refinement of the model, and he warned that declining enrollments and tight state finances make reform urgent. No votes were taken; the committee heard the presentation, allowed brief public comment, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's also the home to Texas A&M University of McAllen Higher Education Center, South Texas College, the
• all of our universities, including the University of Texas at San Antonio, doing great things into the
• You could always be proud of it, and you come back and make the university proud of you. Thank you.
• You could always be proud of it, and you come back and make the university proud of you. Thank you.
• of the best and the brightest of the Brightest, and the university welcomes them through its doors.

Summary: The Texas Senate convened with a quorum, heard the governor’s emergency message outlining priority issues for the session, including property tax relief, water supply and infrastructure funding, universal education savings accounts, teacher pay, career and technical education, creation of a Texas Cyber Command, and bail reform. The governor also submitted a State of the State message and several appointment nominations for Senate confirmation. The chamber then took up a series of ceremonial resolutions and recognitions for McAllen Day, UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day, Wise County Day, and Houston East End Chamber of Commerce East End Day, along with visits from the Houston Realty Business Coalition, Cedar Creek Chamber of Commerce, Webb County/Laredo delegates, UT Dallas McDermott Scholars, Andrews County officials, and occupational therapy professionals and students. Several senators spoke in support of the recognitions, highlighting local economic development, higher education, public health, and regional history. McAllen was praised for its growth, business climate, and cultural significance; Laredo and Webb County were recognized for trade, the Washington’s Birthday Celebration, and cross-border ties; UTSA and UT Health were commended for research, cybersecurity, and health science work; and UT Dallas scholars were recognized for academic achievement and public service. Wise County, the East End of Houston, and Andrews County were also described in terms of their economic contributions and community heritage. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 27 for McAllen Day and Senate Resolution 32 for UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day without objection. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 11, which granted permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days between February 5 and February 11, by a recorded vote of 30 ayes and 0 nays. Additional resolutions listed on the calendar were adopted without objection, and the Senate recessed until noon on Wednesday, February 5.

Transcript Highlights:

• universities, and a significant share of that funding came from hostile or adversarial governments.
• I know that there's a lot of research money flowing into colleges and universities that are provided
• technology university, do a lot of cutting edge work, um, received an invitation from China to come
• technology university do a lot<00:21:49.679><c> of</c><00:21:49.760><c> cutting</c><00:21:50.159><c>
• Um, what if an individual, a grateful graduate, let's say, of one of our esteemed universities from France

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is submitted by the University of Central Arkansas, and it is for the construction of a new multi-purpose
• Number 17, University of Arkansas, with Parking Guidance Systems.
• Number 22, Phillips County Community College of the University of Arkansas, with Pritchard Industries
• Number 23, University of Arkansas with Ernst & Young.
• Number 26, University of Arkansas with Stevens, Inc.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The committee first considered an $88,000 used tire program contract for District 4 with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could worsen cash flow before funding was confirmed. Questions were also raised about procurement language in the RFP that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. After discussion, a motion was made and approved to hold the contract until next month so the tire board could appear and answer questions. Members then reviewed a large slate of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included capital projects at ASU Mid-South, Arkansas Tech, Ozarka, UA Fayetteville, UA Little Rock, UAMS, and UCA; a new UCA multi-purpose arena project estimated at $75.5 million; and DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, and rural hospital quality improvement. All of these items were reviewed without objection. The committee also heard a ratification request from UAMS for a Family and Medical Leave Act outsourcing contract with FMLA Source. UAMS said an amendment had been prepared but never submitted for review, and payments continued after expiration; members expressed frustration and asked UAMS to review whether other contracts had similarly lapsed. The committee then reviewed numerous construction-related, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including airport economic impact study work, parking guidance technology at the University of Arkansas, veteran nursing services, and multiple DHS service contracts. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after reports of routine contract amendments and minor contracts were presented for information.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1582 would prevent the University of California from continuing...
• AB 1582 would prevent the University of California from continuing to disregard arbitration outcomes
• On behalf of AFSCME 3299, the frontline service workers at the University of California, we support.
• Good morning, Madam Chair and Members, Tyler Aguilar, on behalf of the University of California.
• Tyler Aguilar on behalf of the University of California, in opposition.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several labor and retirement bills. AB 1582 by Assembly Member Ortega would make it an unfair labor practice for a higher education employer to disregard or delay arbitration decisions involving contracting out, with make-whole relief including attorney fees and costs. Supporters from AFSCME and other labor groups said UC has repeatedly ignored arbitration outcomes on outsourcing disputes, while UC opposed the bill as an overbroad change that could create systemwide operational and financial risk. The committee passed the bill on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. AB 1818 by Assembly Member Ortega would repeal an outdated HEERA provision that CSU has used to reopen bargaining when it claims state funding is insufficient. Teamsters and other labor supporters argued CSU has used the provision to avoid honoring negotiated raises, while CSU said the bill would limit its ability to manage compensation responsibly when state funding is uncertain. The committee also passed AB 1818 to Appropriations. AB 1564 by Assembly Member Arreguín would make communications between an employee and union representative confidential in public employment matters. Labor supporters said the measure would protect trust in the representational relationship and codify existing PERB case law, while school, local government, county, city, and business groups warned it could hinder workplace investigations, including those involving student safety and harassment. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 1844 by Assembly Member Pacheco, placed on the consent calendar, would update Judges’ Retirement System 2 to allow non-spouse beneficiaries for survivor benefits and to extend access to survivor options for vested judges; it was approved unanimously, 7-0. After all items were taken up, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So why don't we start with the University of California?
• I'm the Associate Vice President of Government Relations here on behalf of the University of California
• I'm the Associate Vice President of Government Relations here on behalf of the University of California
• I'm the associate vice president of government relations here on behalf of the University of California
• A total of 455,000 students who attend the University of California, California State Universities, or

Summary: The committee heard the May Revision presentation for the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, with public comment focused heavily on K-12 priorities such as universal school meals, kitchen infrastructure, food service and custodial support, youth leadership grants, Special Olympics funding, English learner support, universal pre-K, literacy investments, and concerns about community college funding shifts. Speakers also urged support for expanded learning, teacher recruitment and training, and maintaining or increasing funding for community colleges and student support programs. Finance and the LAO then reviewed the Proposition 98 outlook. Finance said the May Revision lowers the 2025-26 Prop. 98 guarantee to $114.6 billion, about $4.3 billion below January, due mainly to lower revenue estimates, with smaller effects from attendance and property tax changes. The administration also described rebenching for universal transitional kindergarten and a one-time rebench tied to Los Angeles fire-related property tax losses, along with changes to the Public School System Stabilization Account, deferrals, and updated COLA assumptions. The LAO said the budget relies too much on deferrals and one-time funds, creates a structural shortfall, and should instead align ongoing spending with the guarantee and preserve a reserve buffer. Members questioned the TK rebench and the shift of funding from community colleges to K-12, asking why it was being applied retroactively and how colleges would be held harmless. Finance said the changes align funding with where TK costs are being incurred and that reappropriation funding and other adjustments would offset impacts on community colleges. The LAO argued the historical split formula is outdated and should be abandoned in favor of budgeting around current priorities rather than fixed percentages. Members also raised concerns about draining the rainy day reserve and using deferrals, while the LAO said preserving reserves would better protect against future volatility. The committee then moved to specific K-12 and education proposals. Finance outlined May Revision changes including state operations adjustments for the Department of Education, technical trailer bill changes, a $100 million student teacher stipend program administered by Kern County, and updates to the charter school facility grant program. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposed increases for expanded learning, literacy coaches, and the student teacher stipend as currently structured, while supporting the minimum grant increase for expanded learning. Members expressed support for teacher recruitment efforts but questioned whether one-time funding can sustain ongoing programs and whether the student teacher stipend should be targeted to shortage areas or low-income communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• of California, and the California State Universities.
• Broader allegations of anti-Semitism, including at the University of California campuses.
• Jessica Dolan, from the University of California Office of the President, in support.
• In support and on behalf of National University.
• Maite Frias, advisor to the University of California Board of Regents, in support.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm assuming that when we say University of Minnesota, we're really talking about the University
• really</c> University of Minnesota, we're really University of Minnesota, we're really talking<00:27:
• </c> talking about the University University talking about the University University of<00:27:57.120>
• </c><00:31:18.720><c> of</c> portion and I do that University of portion and I do that University of
• </c><00:37:32.000><c> University</c><00:37:32.480><c> of</c> &gt;&gt; you know, trust of University of

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4949, as amended by the adopted H4949A2 and H4949A3 amendments. The bill would create a sports and events reimbursement program intended to give Minnesota a more reliable funding mechanism to compete for major sporting and entertainment events. Representative Lislegard and supporters argued that events such as the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, Final Four, World Juniors Hockey, and Olympic trials generate substantial economic activity, tax revenue, and statewide visibility, and that Minnesota has lost opportunities because it lacks a standing competitive fund. Testifiers from the Minnesota Business Partnership and Minnesota Sports and Events strongly supported the bill, describing it as a performance-based, closed-loop model that reinvests tax revenue generated by events into securing future events. Jess Graba, Cheryl Lindsey, and Dr. William Campbell emphasized community benefits beyond economics, including youth inspiration, school improvements, inclusion, and positive local engagement tied to events like the Olympic trials, the Women’s Final Four, and WWE appearances. Several testifiers cited specific figures, including roughly $71.5 million in economic impact and $4.7 million in tax revenue for World Juniors, about $74.8 million and $5.7 million for the gymnastics trials, and more than $430 million in lost economic impact from events Minnesota did not secure. Members raised concerns about the funding mechanism, especially the use of revenue that would otherwise go to the general fund or other accounts. Representative Huot said he supported bringing events to Minnesota but was uneasy about diverting general fund money and suggested stronger legislative oversight, possibly through a formal sports committee. Representative Youakim asked how the bill’s revenue capture would work and noted concerns about taking money from transportation-related accounts; staff explained that the amended bill affects seven state taxes and a fee, including motor vehicle rental taxes and the retail delivery fee, with some revenue directed to non-general fund accounts. Members also requested more information on the methodology behind the University of Minnesota Extension economic impact studies, and staff said those studies could be shared. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• from a community college to a four-year university, only 4% of those students are even applying.
• University of California.
• These continue to be among the highest priorities for the University of California.
• UC enrolls more community college students than any university of its caliber in the nation.
• So many of them actually end up at a different four-year university than at a CSU. Okay.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee held an oversight hearing on a state audit of California’s community college transfer process, with members and witnesses broadly agreeing that transfer pathways remain too complex and inconsistent. Opening remarks emphasized that community colleges serve a large, diverse, often first-generation and low-income student population, but only about one in five transfer-intending students move to a UC, CSU, or other university within four years. Members highlighted disparities by race, region, campus, and major, and pointed to the Associate Degree for Transfer, TAG, and Cal-GETC as helpful but incomplete tools because requirements still vary across campuses and systems. State Auditor’s Office staff said the audit found that while UC and CSU overall enroll substantial numbers of transfer students, individual campuses and high-demand programs often do not, especially in STEM fields. They described barriers including missing prerequisite courses, unclear information, limited counseling, and inconsistent articulation between campuses. The audit used a computer science example to show how different UC and CSU campuses require different courses for the same major. The audit issued 22 recommendations, with 10 fully implemented and four partially implemented; remaining work centers on articulation, counseling, data sharing, and better use of ASSIST. UC, CSU, and the Community Colleges each said they support transfer and are taking steps to improve it. UC cited a new public dashboard, data-sharing agreements, new transfer pathways, and an ADT pilot at UCLA, while saying campus capacity and program differences limit systemwide mandates. CSU pointed to its strategic plan goals, the Transfer Success Pathway program, direct admissions outreach, and efforts to expand ADT alignment and credit applicability, while acknowledging that many students never reach the application stage. Community Colleges emphasized that transfer reform is central to equity and baccalaureate access, and called for stronger common course numbering, broader ADT acceptance, and more student-centered articulation. Members pressed the systems on why more uniform requirements and better coordination have not been achieved, and on how to reduce barriers for placebound and working students.

Transcript Highlights:

• , one of my goals, if I'm confirmed, I'd like to push the University of Hawaii and promote the University
• For those of us who, you know, went to the University of Hawaii, if you're out of state, you pay 30,000
• , one of my goals, if I'm confirmed, I'd like to push the University of Hawaii and promote the University
• And then those of us who are not University of Hawaii telescopes have subleases with the university.
• And of course under with the university.

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several gubernatorial nominations for confirmation, beginning with GM 788 for Karen Knudsen to the Hawaii Sister State and International Partnerships Commission. DBEDT strongly supported her nomination, describing her decades of Asia-Pacific and East-West Center experience. Senators asked about the new commission structure, confirming that the old committee was abolished and replaced by a five-voting-member commission with two governor appointees before the Senate, other ex officio and legislative appointees, and one OHA vacancy still pending. Knudsen said the commission would help review new sister-state and international partnership proposals, while existing relationships would remain in place. Members also discussed the commission’s lack of a separate budget and its use of DBEDT international relations funding. The committee then moved to GM 789 for Wesley Fong to the same commission; DBEDT supported him based on his military, legal, and international trade background. A concern was raised that he also served on the State Ethics Commission, and Fong stated he had resigned from that post effective the 20th of the month to avoid a conflict. Senators questioned his reasons for leaving ethics, and he explained that his term was ending and he wanted to continue public service in a role aligned with his background in international agreements, education, and Indo-Pacific relations. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee next considered GM 769 for Patrick Branco to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The foundation and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both testified in strong support. Branco appeared by Zoom and said he was currently on temporary military orders on the East Coast, but had prior experience in public diplomacy as cultural attaché in Caracas and had worked on Fulbright and cultural exchange efforts. The committee then took up GM 770 for Makanani Salā to the same board. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported her nomination, and Noe Wong-Wilson testified in person, citing Salā’s work at Windward Community College and her role in organizing the Best Fest festival, saying she would bring Hawaiian cultural perspective to the foundation. Salā said her county experience included arts, culture, and sister-city work, and that she would emphasize public-private partnerships and helping other agencies use the foundation’s expertise. Members briefly discussed FESTPAC and its rotating international location. Finally, the committee heard GM 767 for Miles Miyatso to the Land Use Commission. The Land Use Commission and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both supported the nomination, and Avalon Development Company was listed but did not appear on Zoom. The discussion in the provided transcript ended during this item, with no vote or final action shown for the nominations covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• They spin out of the university. Like I said, we need them to test hypotheses.
• When it comes to the lack of funding that is now available to our research universities, and then of
• So I’m here today to discuss some of the impacts of unprecedented federal actions on the University of
• University of California biotechnology, research, and innovation enterprise.
• I continue to be concerned about the future of research in the state of California and the University

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology met on August 19, 2025 to examine the effects of federal grant cuts, tariff uncertainty, and related policy changes on California’s biotech, medtech, and academic research ecosystem. The chair and panelists emphasized California’s outsized role in the industry, describing major clusters in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and explaining how research, startup formation, manufacturing, and clinical trials are interconnected across the state. Speakers from Biocom California, California Life Sciences, Farma, UC, Stanford, CSU Biotech, and UCLA all argued that NIH and NSF funding are foundational to discovery, workforce training, and commercialization, and that disruptions are already chilling venture capital, startup formation, and hiring. Witnesses described several concrete impacts: suspended or terminated grants, reduced doctoral admissions, fewer training opportunities, canceled retreats and internships, and anxiety among graduate students and early-career researchers. UC reported hundreds of millions of dollars in suspended or terminated NIH and NSF funding, while Stanford said more than a thousand training and career-development grants nationwide have been frozen or ended, affecting multiple trainees per grant. CSU Biotech said 133 federal grants had been terminated, scaled back, or canceled, totaling about $140 million, including nearly $30 million from NIH and NSF. Industry representatives also warned that proposed antitrust limits on mergers and acquisitions could undermine the standard biotech exit path and further deter investment. Committee members asked about the duration of the disruption, the possibility of state action to offset federal losses, and whether California could better support workforce development, manufacturing, and R&D tax credits. Panelists urged the Legislature to preserve and expand state support for STEM education, internships, apprenticeship pathways, manufacturing incentives, and the R&D tax credit, and to consider infrastructure and housing as part of competitiveness. They also noted that tariffs are already raising costs for medtech components and building materials, and that China is increasingly competing for R&D, talent, and licensing deals. No formal votes or bill actions were taken at the hearing; the meeting was informational and focused on testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the newly appointed president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Chairwoman Schlegel
• At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, we are honored.
• I truly am honored to represent the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
• As some of you may have heard, I came to this university, to this country, University of Louisiana at
• I was at a graduation in one of the universities where there were, I think, about In one of the universities

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee heard several higher education and K-12 bills centered on TOPS, school accountability, and curriculum alignment. It first welcomed University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s new president, Ramesh Kuluru, who spoke about student success, workforce alignment, and the university’s financial recovery. The committee then adopted amendments and reported HR 17 favorably, directing a study of TOPS return on investment with the Board of Regents, Louisiana Works, LED, and the Blanco Public Policy Center. Testimony from business and policy groups supported the study as a way to assess whether state financial aid is producing workforce and retention outcomes. Members then considered HB 385 by Rep. Bamberg, which would require repayment of TOPS awards under certain circumstances when students lose eligibility, with exemptions for hardship and a pathway into LCTCS or career-technical programs. The bill drew strong debate over whether merit scholarships should ever be repaid; opponents argued TOPS is earned for the semester and should only be lost going forward, while supporters emphasized taxpayer accountability. After amendments, the committee narrowly approved the bill by roll call vote, with Chair Schlegel casting the deciding yes to report it favorably as amended. The committee also unanimously reported HB 1058 favorably, which requires the Board of Regents to maintain a uniform data system for state financial assistance; independent colleges and business groups supported the measure as a way to improve accountability and analysis. The committee next heard HB 406 by Speaker Pro Tem Johnson, which asks the Department of Education to study the feasibility of moving oversight of interscholastic athletics to a more accountable model after a legislative study found widespread complaints about the private LHSAA’s transparency and consistency. Supporters said the bill is a cautious step toward reform and a possible 2028–2029 transition, while an LHSAA representative defended current audits and governance and opposed the premise of the bill. Despite objections, the committee reported HB 406 favorably. It then heard HB 787 by Rep. McMakin, as substituted, which would exempt non-public high school students from the TOPS computer science requirement; BESE and the Department of Education opposed the bill, saying it would separate diploma and TOPS requirements and create scheduling confusion, while Catholic school representatives said the requirement conflicts with their theology curriculum. McMakin asked to defer the bill for two weeks. Finally, the committee unanimously reported HB 1059 favorably, which aligns TOPS math requirements with BESE’s integrated math pathways, and began hearing HB 1021 by Rep. Egan on repayment of certain TOPS awards, though the transcript cuts off before that bill was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

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• I've only at the University of Wyoming.
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Bills: HB0076 , HB0102 , HB0115

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: annexation, landowner rights, municipal law, city planning, property, local government, artificial intelligence, synthetic sexual material, child protection, self-harm, criminal liability, cardiac emergency, defibrillator, school safety, training, public health, 916, all