Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:41.919><c> of</c> May I also add uh the University of May I also add uh the University of
• , Murray State, and the University, Murray State, and the University<00:25:51.520><c> of</c><00:25:51.760
• of Kentucky Ed Prep programs University of Kentucky Ed Prep programs uh<00:25:53.679><c> to</c><00:25
• I recently had a conversation with one of our university representatives.
• ><c> it's</c> status of our universities maybe it's status of our universities maybe it's not<00:32:44.399

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 00:55 26RS SB 22 – 04:52 26RS SB 46 – 0:34:36, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.
• and then later an MBA from the University of Miami.
• And so the role of what universities and state colleges can do in improving the lives of all citizens
• And so the role of what universities and state colleges can do in improving the lives of all citizens
• Two of my sons are graduates of UCF, one's a graduate of the University of Florida, and one's a senior

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The committee first heard CS/SB 270, which would extend Bright Futures eligibility by 12 months for certain students whose parent was serving overseas in public service and then retired, giving military and diplomatic families more time to return to Florida without losing scholarship eligibility. Senator Burgess also explained a late-filed amendment to set the bill’s effective implementation for the 2025-26 school year, and the committee adopted the amendment without objection. The bill received supportive testimony, including from Senator Smith, and was reported favorably by a roll call vote. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmation hearings for appointees to state college boards of trustees, with the chair emphasizing a new process of hearing from each nominee individually rather than taking a blanket vote. Nominees from Tallahassee State College, St. Johns River State College, South Florida State College, Broward College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and Valencia College described their backgrounds and priorities, which largely centered on workforce development, nursing and health sciences, dual enrollment, fiscal responsibility, student retention, and partnerships with local employers and communities. Several nominees highlighted their own educational or professional ties to the colleges, and some noted the importance of serving rural or military-connected communities. One nominee, John Aloko for Pasco-Hernando State College, was not present because he was attending a conference in Hawaii and was deferred to a later hearing. After hearing all other nominees, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of the remaining appointees in a block vote, covering Tabs 2 through 22 except Tab 8, and the motion passed. Two members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on earlier items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kathy Van Austen, representing the American Association of University Women of California, in support
• Kathy Van Austin, on behalf of the American Association of University Women California, co-sponsor, in
• "After half a century of asking for the University of California's help and being ignored, that is the
• And at my university, 40% of the students... 5%.
• Jessica Duong with the University of California in support.

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a professor of acupuncture at Whitewater University of California. I oppose this bill.
• I'm a professor of acupuncture at Whitewater University of California. I oppose this bill.
• I'm a mother of a professional golfer, and I'm also a student of Five Branches University, the Traditional
• Inche Wang, president of University of Youth Medicine and chairman of the Federation of Health.
• I am the chief academic officer of Alhambra Medical University.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with members repeatedly noting the lack of quorum while testimony continued. AB 1693 by Assemblymember Zbur would streamline local permitting for retail tenant improvements by allowing qualified professional certifiers to review plans and requiring local action within set deadlines; the California Retailers Association supported the bill, citing lengthy permit delays, and there was no opposition. AB 2010 by Assemblymember Soria would expand access to high-volume spay and neuter services, including mobile clinics, to address pet overpopulation; supporters said it would improve access in rural and underserved areas, while opponents and the Veterinary Medical Board raised concerns about safety standards and asked for amendments. AB 2195 by Assemblymember Rodriguez would stop automatic occupational license suspensions for low-income parents behind on child support; supporters argued the policy is counterproductive and hurts earning capacity, while the California Child Support Association and others said license suspension is an effective enforcement tool that brings parents to the table. The committee also heard AB 2311 by Assemblymember Chiu, which would let public health care district hospitals directly employ physicians; supporters said it would improve recruitment and access to care, while medical groups warned about physician autonomy and institutional influence. AB 1796 by Assemblymember Jackson would create a licensure pathway for professional interior designers and add an interior designer to the California Architects Board; supporters framed it as a public safety and professional recognition measure, while opponents said it would create confusion, unnecessary regulation, and no demonstrated public harm. AB 1739 by Assemblymember Ward would make it a crime for clergy providing therapeutic services to engage in sexual contact with a counselee, closing a gap in existing law; it drew strong support from survivor advocates and no opposition. Finally, AB 2497 by Assemblymember Johnson began testimony on modernizing the physical therapy practice act, with the author noting committee amendments that removed imaging and other provisions, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is the University of Arkansas appropriation.
• The individuals at the University of Arkansas System Office and the Board of Trustees want what they
• This is immediate disruption to thousands of employees and tens of thousands of students at the University
• This is immediate disruption to thousands of employees and tens of thousands of students at the University
• I've got some friends that are serving on the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jessica Duong at the University of California here in respectful opposition of AB 664.
• Jessica Duong with the University of California here in respectful opposition of AB 664.
• University San Bernardino, and University of California, Riverside.
• University San Bernardino, and University of California, Riverside.
• I'm an undergraduate student at the University of California, Irvine, and I'm in support of this bill

Summary: The committee heard Assembly Bill 664, which would authorize Southwestern College in Chula Vista to develop a limited pilot of faculty-led bachelor’s degree programs tied to regional workforce needs, with collaboration requirements, an independent evaluation, and a sunset in 2035. The author and supporters argued the bill would address local access and affordability problems in South San Diego, where many students are place-bound and the region lacks a nearby public university offering bachelor’s degrees. Opponents from the CSU, UC, and AICCU said the measure would bypass the existing AB 927 consultation process and could set a precedent for duplication and expansion outside the current statewide framework. After debate, the committee passed AB 664 on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with the roll showing eight ayes and one no, later updated to nine ayes and one no after the roll was held open. The committee then took up Assembly Bill 1241, which directs a study of a “pay-it-forward” higher education financing model in which students would attend without upfront tuition and repay costs later based on income. The author and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond framed the bill as a response to rising college costs and student debt, arguing California should study innovative affordability models used elsewhere. Some members raised concerns about fiscal feasibility and whether the model had worked in other states, while others supported the study as a modest first step. AB 1241 passed to Appropriations on an eight-aye, two-no vote. Assembly Bill 713 would allow undocumented students at UC, CSU, and community colleges to access paid campus jobs, internships, and research positions. Supporters said the bill would improve equity, affordability, and student success, and that campus employment is a critical pathway for undocumented students who already pay tuition and fees. Opponents argued the bill conflicts with federal law and could expose campuses and the state to legal and funding risks; supporters responded that state entities are not bound by the federal prohibition in the way described and emphasized the need to protect students and expand opportunity. The committee also heard concerns about student privacy and data protection. The bill was moved to Appropriations, with the roll initially showing five ayes, three noes, and one not voting, and the roll held open for additional members. Finally, Assembly Bill 1171 was presented as a modernization of the existing part-time faculty health insurance program for community colleges, aimed at making coverage more consistent and predictable across districts. The author said the bill would not create a new entitlement but would strengthen participation in the current program to better reflect the realities of a workforce made up largely of part-time and multi-district faculty. The transcript ends as the presentation begins, before testimony, debate, or a vote on AB 1171.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jessica Duong, at the University of California, here in respectful opposition of AB 664.
• Jessica Duong, at the University of California here in respectful opposition of ABC. and happy new year
• Jessica Duong with the University of California here in respectful opposition of AB664.
• University San Bernardino, and University of California, Riverside.
• College, Palo Verde College of the Desert, Cal State University San Bernardino, and University of California

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• world. one of the premier faith-based universities in the state of Texas, and since 1885.
• It's the home of many of our leading industries and one of our flagship universities, the University
• In 1989, it became part of the Texas A&M University system.
• President of Texas A&M University, welcome.
• The University of Texas A&M, Corpus Christi. Senator Hinojosa of Nueces, you're recognized.

Bills: SJR 1 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SJR 36 , SJR 1 , SJR 5 , SB 9 , SB 40

Keywords: bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2431 requires Texas universities, both public and private, to take advantage of existing
• Does, is this in lieu of any of those classes, or is this just additional? Credit.
• I think that would be up to the institution depending on sort of the program or the component of study
• Abilene and my alma mater, Abilene Christian University with coordination with University of Texas and
• Uh, SB 2786 is, uh, Well, it's kind of holding up some of our members.

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2431 requires Texas universities, both public and private, to take advantage of existing
• And so forth, is this in lieu of any of those classes or is this just additional credit hours?
• We have a nuclear reactor in my hometown of Abilene and at my alma mater, Abilene Christian University
• , with coordination with the University of Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech University.
• . is what it's kind of holding up some of our members.

Bills: SB800 , SB1534 , SB2055 , SB2310 , SB2431 , SB2786 , SB3039 , SB1242

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, higher education, student safety, orientation policies, health physics, workforce development, nuclear energy, radiological safety, scholarship, education, Texas Leadership Scholars Program, student funding, transparency, degree requirements, certificate programs, student transfer, foreign language

Transcript Highlights:

• mean, we have all the universities, all of those included in that number.
• DPS, corrections—I mean, we have all the universities, all of those included in that number.
• I'm here today on behalf of the Arizona Board of Regents and Arizona's public universities.
• Currently, on average, about 12 percent, a little under 12 percent, of university budgets are covered
• our public universities, pushing tuition further out of reach.

Summary: The joint appropriations committee met on April 28 to review the FY 2027 budget package, including the general appropriations feed bills (HB 4138 and SB 1831) and related budget reconciliation measures. Staff described the budget as including about $17.96 billion in general fund appropriations, a one-time transfer of state monies to increase revenues, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general fund budgets, and several one-time restorations or continuations for items such as school facilities, child care, child safety, corrections stipends, and public safety operating costs. Members spent much of the meeting debating how the across-the-board cuts would be implemented, which programs might be affected, and how fund sweeps from prior-year appropriations and special funds would work, including questions about universities, public safety, rural hospitals, transportation grants, the Corporation Commission, and health insurance costs for state employees and troopers. A major point of discussion was the impact on universities and higher education. Arizona Board of Regents representatives said the proposed reductions and fund sweeps would affect already obligated dollars, research, staffing, and student aid programs, and could force difficult decisions about programs such as the Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and other pass-through funds. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the cuts could lead to tuition increases or reductions in services, while majority members emphasized that agencies and the executive branch should decide how to absorb the reductions. Another major topic was health care and the state employee health plan: staff explained that the budget includes a $228 million general fund infusion to stabilize the plan, while a separate reconciliation bill would raise employee premiums over three years. Members also discussed whether the budget’s changes to AHCCCS/Access and hospital eligibility rules could increase costs for hospitals and reduce coverage. Public testimony largely opposed the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, and local governments argued that the proposal would shift costs onto working families, reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care, and rural infrastructure, and protect tax benefits for data centers and higher-income taxpayers. A mayor from Globe asked for state help after severe flooding damaged roads, water lines, and homes, while a motorcycle safety advocate asked the committee to review a DPS motorcycle safety fund appropriation. Committee members and staff repeatedly clarified that some items discussed were one-time appropriations not continued into FY 2027, that some fund sweeps were from unspent or unencumbered balances, and that the committee planned to take a mass roll-call vote on the budget bills at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Education at the University of Idaho.
• As I mentioned, I do serve as the dean of the College of Education at the University of Idaho, but I'm
• , the University of Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University, and BYU-Idaho.
• And I wonder where we have all these colleges and universities here that are taking kids out of high
• And I wonder where we have all these colleges and universities here that are taking kids out of high

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee heard testimony on House Bill 515, sponsored by Representative Chris Matthias, which would require school districts to adopt procedures for reporting suspensions related to bullying, harassment, intimidation, and related conduct to families, while removing a prior state-level reporting requirement. Matthias said the bill is intended to help families respond quickly and to keep the focus on local school-level accountability; he noted earlier versions had included language about limiting access to means of harm and notifying law enforcement, but those provisions were removed after prior defeats. Quinn Perry of the Idaho School Boards Association testified in support, saying the bill improves communication and trust with families and eliminates redundant reporting to the Department of Education. The committee then voted to send HB 515 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also received a presentation from Brooke Blevins of the Idaho Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the University of Idaho on educator preparation programs. She described collaboration among Idaho’s colleges and universities and said programs have expanded coursework and field experiences in classroom management, educator ethics, career and technical education, rural school preparation, literacy and the science of reading, and the ethical use of AI. Members asked about literacy instruction and the earlier state literacy funding, with several expressing concern that phonics and the science of reading had not been emphasized enough in the past. Blevins said higher education institutions are aligning with state literacy efforts and that the $50 million literacy initiative primarily funds Department of Education programs rather than universities. Committee members also asked about teacher preparation pathways and workforce readiness. Blevins said Idaho has multiple routes to certification, including traditional undergraduate programs, alternative authorizations, alternative programs, apprenticeships, graduate programs, and CTE pathways, and estimated that about 63% of current Idaho teachers were educated through institutions like those represented. She emphasized early field experiences to help candidates determine whether teaching is the right fit and said institutions are studying student success across different educational settings. No further action was taken on the presentation, and the chair adjourned the meeting after reminding members to review the rules in their folders for the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• You've had multiple universities claiming the mandate, claiming the cover of the Biden administration
• Education's Office of Civil Rights to open Title VI investigations into a number of universities including
• Would you be open to some type of an anti-Semitism commission to evaluate the progress of the universities
• It's one of the things that we've striven to do at Sacred Heart University that I sit on the Board of
• The public should know that adversaries of the United States of America are giving money to the universities

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Keywords: educational reform, federal grants, bureaucracy, wealth disparity, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting engaged in discussions focused primarily on educational reform, the influence of federal grants on local education systems, and the growing disparities in wealth and access to quality education. Members expressed concerns about the bureaucracy surrounding federal funding that hampers schools' ability to obtain necessary resources for improvement. Several members highlighted personal anecdotes from constituents, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to help students succeed in both K-12 and higher education environments. The meeting included public testimonies that provided insights into various community perspectives on these pressing issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine and the University of
• And whereas the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine and the University of
• Russellville, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, and the College of St.
• of Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns and to congratulate Coach Wilbers on his retirement.
• To recognize the many achievements of Coach Dave Wilbers of Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns and

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In lieu of a devotional today, will you please join me in a moment of silence?
• And whereas his legislative colleagues honored Coach Christie with election to the University of Vermont
• of</c> the University of Vermont Board of the University of Vermont Board of Trustees,<00:04:11.000>
• People are kind of uh end of the year.
• of Mental Health, in partnership with the Agency of Education, with conducting an inventory of work

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you ask for University of Minnesota.
• by the University of Most completed by the University of Most Minnesota,<00:21:47.120><c> I</c><00:21
• were from the University of Minnesota, and 22% of the funds recommended were to the University of Minnesota
• ><c> University</c><00:53:48.800><c> of</c> inventions from the University of inventions from the University
• <c> itself,</c> University of Minnesota itself, University of Minnesota itself, sometimes<00:54:34.160

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Shakira Henderson from the University of Florida College of Nursing.
• Shakira Henderson from the University of Florida College of Nursing. Go Gators.
• I'm the Dean of the School of Nursing at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida.
• Shakira Anderson from the University of Florida College of Nursing.
• Shakira Henderson from the University of Florida College of Nursing, Go Gators, happy to be here and

Summary: The subcommittee met to examine Florida’s nursing education pipeline and the state’s persistently low NCLEX passage rates. Chair Tuck opened by noting the projected nurse shortage and Florida’s ranking near the bottom nationally for first-time NCLEX pass rates. The Department of Health explained the Board of Nursing’s approval process for nursing programs, including application requirements, probation standards, and termination for programs that repeatedly fail passage-rate benchmarks. The Florida Center for Nursing then presented statewide data showing Florida has more test takers than most states, but still trails the national average; the gap has narrowed in recent years, though Florida remains below average. Members focused heavily on why the state continues to underperform, with discussion of faculty shortages, clinical placement constraints, accreditation, student preparedness, and the large share of newer private for-profit programs among those placed on probation. Committee members asked about how probation works, what happens when programs improve, and whether the board requires corrective plans. They also questioned the relationship between program type and outcomes, the effect of Operation Nightingale, and how many students fail and retest. The Florida Center for Nursing said first-attempt pass rates are the standard measure and that students who fail are expected to remediate and retest, though costs vary. The center also said Florida’s data shows accredited programs outperform approved or probationary ones, and that the state’s nursing workforce challenges are tied to broader issues such as faculty vacancies, clinical site competition, and student demographics, including many students balancing work, family, and language barriers. A panel of nursing school leaders from public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit institutions then described strategies used to improve outcomes. These included transparent recruitment, early orientation, tutoring, success coaching, stronger faculty development, curriculum mapping to NCLEX standards, higher course benchmarks, mandatory remediation, simulation labs, and commercial NCLEX prep tools such as ATI, Kaplan, and HESI. Several panelists said their programs had improved after probation or had very high passage rates, and they emphasized that student success depends on academic preparation, clinical experience, and support services. Members also asked about tuition, program length, translation into other languages, and faculty recruitment; panelists said costs vary widely, faculty hiring is difficult because hospitals pay more, and some schools are considering medical Spanish and immersion options rather than full curriculum translation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Latino students account for nearly half of the CSU student population, and of our 22 universities, 21
• Martha Zaragoza-Diaz, on behalf of the University of California, Jicana ex-Latinx Alumni Association,
• Good afternoon, Alex Graves, on behalf of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
• Good afternoon, Jessica John, from the University of California Office of the President, in support.
• The University of California in support. Thank you so much.

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 60% of the students attending Minnesota State colleges and universities at the University of Minnesota
• I don't know if you remember when we had the University of Minnesota system in, and the University of
• </c><01:18:11.560><c> of</c> how many students the University of how many students the University of
• </c><01:19:52.719><c> a</c> University of Minnesota is essentially a University of Minnesota is essentially
• be</c><01:20:18.679><c> said</c> the University of Minnesota may be said the University of Minnesota

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Malik Seals; Board of Trustees of Oregon University of Technology, Stefan Beard, Cruz, Colin, John Davis
• Malik Seals, Board of Trustees of Oregon University of Technology, Stefan Beard, Cruz, Colin, John Davis
• Board of Trustees of Oregon State University: Cade Carter Cram.
• Board of Trustees of Board of State University: Joshua Hutchinson, Sonia Moody, Gerardo, and Mark Rosenbaum
• Board of Trustees of University of Oregon: Cameron Madler, Nate Pratt, Muhammad Shakabinia, and Jenny

Keywords: 907, all