Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:12.640><c> cell</c> University of Kentucky having small cell University of Kentucky having
• the Department of Otolaryngology and Neck Surgery at the University of Kentucky.
• </c> surgery at the University of Kentucky. surgery at the University of Kentucky.
• of our providers at the much of our many of our providers at the University<00:47:52.320><c> of</c><00
• of Kentucky in speech therapy University of Kentucky in speech therapy are<00:47:53.920><c> able</c>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:10 SB 6 Discussion 00:40 SB 6 Vote 00:13:30 Cochlear Implants 00:16:25, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee heard Senate Bill 6, sponsored by Senate President Robert Stivers, which would create an endowed research fund to support collaborative university research in Kentucky. Stivers described the bill as an extension of earlier higher-education research efforts, arguing that Kentucky should build research “hubs” by requiring or encouraging partnerships among universities and outside entities, with potential focus areas including health care, engineering, aerospace, agriculture, and other emerging fields. He said the proposal would establish five research tranches over five years and sought a $30 million endowment for each, generating annual interest to fund consortium-based research and leverage additional private and federal dollars. Senators Frommeyer, Neal, Givens, Boswell, and Richardson spoke in support, emphasizing economic development, job creation, and examples from other research clusters such as Boston and North Carolina’s Research Triangle. The committee voted 12-0 to report the bill favorably to the Senate floor. The committee then received a presentation from Dr. Matthew Bush of the University of Kentucky on pediatric hearing loss and cochlear implants. Bush explained that early hearing detection and intervention is critical because hearing loss in newborns is a neurocognitive emergency that affects language, literacy, and long-term outcomes. He outlined national screening benchmarks, Kentucky’s incidence of childhood hearing loss, and the high educational and societal costs of untreated hearing loss. Bush also highlighted disparities in rural and western Kentucky, where children face delayed diagnosis, longer waits for hearing aids or cochlear implants, and more difficulty accessing follow-up care. He described cochlear implants, the multidisciplinary care they require, and research showing improved language development, quality of life, and cost savings when children are treated early.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:54:29.319><c> of</c> partnership with the University of partnership with the University of Minnesota
• of the University of exclusive rights of the University of Minnesota<01:22:09.239><c> or</c><01:22:09.520
• ><01:39:11.480><c> our</c> University of Minnesota and some of our University of Minnesota and some of
• > Minnesota's</c> part of the University of Minnesota's part of the University of Minnesota's Brad<01
• It's actually part of the original founding of the University of Minnesota and other public universities

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> our university about 3% of the our university about 3% of the population<00:25:44.880><c> and</c>
• of colleges and universities.
• </c> the university doing to protect some of the university doing to protect some of these<00:55:53.839
• </c> now at the University of Hawaii, you are now at the University of Hawaii, you are getting<01:05:
• c><01:06:15.760><c> wonderful</c> University of Hawaii, all the wonderful University of Hawaii, all the

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:

• So if it was only the University of Minnesota, it would be approximately half of that.
• So if it was only the University of Minnesota, it would be approximately half of that.
• So if it was only the University of Minnesota, it would be approximately half of that.
• So if it was only the University of Minnesota, it would be approximately half of that.
• So if it was only the University of Minnesota, it would be approximately half of that.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the University of California, I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak about our
• Noelia Gonzalez, and I'm the system-wide director of Financial Aid at the California State University
• California State University Office of the Chancellor.
• Prima Dina, Director of Policy and Analysis for the University of California.
• Prima Dina with the University of California.

Summary: The subcommittee on Education Finance heard an overview of the governor’s budget proposals and higher education financial aid trends, with a major focus on the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS), Cal Grant spending, and the effects of recent federal student aid changes. The Department of Finance said the budget would fully fund Cal Grant at projected levels and reduce MCS coverage from 35% to 17.5% of unmet need in 2026-27, while the Legislative Analyst’s Office supported considering the reduction as a cost-saving measure given out-year deficits. UC and CSU representatives opposed the cut, saying MCS is important to affordability and debt-free degree goals; they estimated average awards would fall substantially and that campuses do not have funds to backfill the loss. The Student Aid Commission said the proposal would reduce aid but simplify administration, and members questioned how lower awards would affect students, borrowing, and work-study options. No vote was taken, and the issue was held open for possible future action. The committee then discussed federal changes to student loans and Pell Grant policy under H.R. 1, including caps on Parent PLUS loans, elimination of Grad PLUS loans, and new proration rules for federal direct loans based on enrollment intensity. The LAO said these changes would likely push some borrowers into the private market, especially graduate and professional students and some parents of students at private institutions. CSU said the changes would affect thousands of graduate and part-time students and could reduce access by about $97 million in loan availability for part-time borrowers, while UC said the new definitions of professional degrees were too restrictive and would reduce access for nursing, teaching, law, dentistry, and other programs. Community colleges said they use relatively little federal loan aid but are monitoring Workforce Pell. Members raised concerns about workforce impacts, social mobility, and whether the state should consider alternative loan programs or other ways to reduce student costs. This issue was also held open. In the segment financial aid update, the LAO reported Cal Grant spending is projected to rise to about $3.2 billion in 2026-27, driven by more recipients and higher awards tied to UC and CSU tuition increases, while CSAC said FAFSA and CADAA applications are up significantly year over year. CSU, community colleges, and UC described their aid packaging and rising aid totals, with CSU reporting over $5.5 billion in aid to 381,000 students, community colleges reporting over $4.3 billion to more than 920,000 students, and UC reporting $3.17 billion in grant aid to undergraduates. Members asked about Cal Grant reform, application trends, and long-term outcomes; UC and community colleges pointed to alumni and wage dashboards, and the LAO noted the state’s Cradle to Career data effort. The committee then took public comment, including testimony on library funding and other education-related priorities, and concluded by holding the issues open without formal action.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the University of California, I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak about our
• Noelia Gonzalez, and I'm the system-wide Director of Financial Aid at the California State University
• Prima Dina, Director of Policy and Analysis for the University of California.
• Prima Dina with the University of California.
• At the University of California, we do have a dashboard called Alumni at Work, and it provides...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a professor of acupuncture at Whitewater University of California. I oppose this bill.
• I'm on the faculty of Five Branches University.
• I'm in the faculty of Five Ranch University.
• Inche Wang, president of the University of Youth Medicine and chairman of the Federation of Health Integrative
• I am the chief academic officer of Alhambra Medical University.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the Cradle to Career Policy Institute at the University of New Mexico, between fall 2019
• and Secretary Griginsky, to be proposing a set of rule changes that aim to establish a universal model
• And so there's a sort of holistic strategy around the universal income eligibility and the increased
• And that is part of the universal income eligibility piece, right?
• So with the announcement of the universal preschool in New Mexico, we celebrate that more families will

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, our second panel is with the University of Massachusetts.
• I'm Linda Thompson, president of Westville State University.
• system on behalf of the State University Council of Presidents.
• Before financial aid of $12,400, the state universities continue to offer one of the most affordable
• the student graduates from our institutions, the state universities and the University of Massachusetts

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:33:46.360><c> a</c><00:33:46.440><c> new</c> University of Alabama to have a new University of
• </c> the University of Alabama on its the University of Alabama on its upcoming<00:34:20.240><c> Reserve
• c><00:34:28.640><c> continued</c> University of Alabama for its continued University of Alabama for its
• Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the University of Alabama as a
• Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the University of Alabama as a

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, and roll call establishing a quorum of 30 senators. The chamber approved excusing absent senators, dispensed with reading the prior journal, and agreed to allow bill introductions and committee reports throughout the day. Several guests were recognized in the gallery, including local officials, construction representatives for the new statehouse, and advocacy groups. A series of House messages were received and referred to committees, including local bills and constitutional amendments for Macon, Winston, Perry, Montgomery, Mobile, Jefferson, Marengo, Covington, Tuscaloosa, and Madison counties, along with measures on campaign finance, title fraud, public health, workforce, income tax, legal tender, consumer protection, seafood products, carbon dioxide injection wells, and boards of registrars. Committee reports included favorable reports on Senate Bill 374 and House Bill 432 from the Committee on Local Legislation. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 97 commending the University of Alabama on its planned ROTC facility and Student Veteran Center, and Senate Joint Resolution 98 naming a portion of Highway 9 in Elmore County the Lamar S. "Bubba" Woodham Jr. Highway. During personal privilege, Senator Smitherman urged attention to the lack of septic systems in parts of the state and suggested the Senate may need to study the issue, possibly through a resolution or task force. Senator Orr submitted a notice in writing regarding proposed Senate rules changes. The Senate then took up local legislation, adopting budget isolation resolutions and passing multiple local bills and constitutional amendments, including House Bill 569 (Autauga County), House Bill 337 and Senate Bill 371 (Madison County), House Bill 576 (Mobile County), House Bill 529 (Class 2 municipalities), Senate Bill 369 (Lauderdale County), House Bill 612 (Covington County), and House Bill 514 (Tuscaloosa County), with votes largely unanimous or near-unanimous. The Senate recessed until 1:00 p.m. after completing the local calendar items.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s on the bottom of the first page. Um, this is relating to the University of Hawaiʻi.
• </c> at the University of West. at the University of West.
• ><c> of</c><00:09:04.240><c> Hawaii</c><00:09:04.720><c> relief</c> to the University of Hawaii relief
• Up next, House Bill 442 HD1 SD1, relating to the University of Hawaiʻi.
• For the House, the University of Hawaii.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:10:47.920><c> University</c><00:10:48.480><c> of</c> engineering from the University of engineering
• Speaking of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, it requires four years of math for admissions, and
• of</c> universities like the University of universities like the University of Minnesota<00:40:06.400
• </c><01:04:08.400><c> I'd</c> University of Wisconsin Stout so I'd University of Wisconsin Stout so I'd
• the University of state universities the University of Minnesota<01:10:54.480><c> satellite</c><01:10

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I can tell you as a parent of a student who was impacted, was at the University of Texas, how detrimental
• like it was as we as I close we celebrate the 60th anniversary University of Bloody Sunday next week
• April 2nd, 2024 was the day the University of Texas announced. that it will shut down the division for
• I am an autistic and transgender MSW student at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social
• I am a graduate of the University of Texas here at Austin and the School of Law. and the university is

Keywords: education, curriculum, HB178, diverse history, equity, testimony, higher education crisis, representation

Summary: The meeting was characterized by impactful discussions focused primarily on education and the representation of diverse histories in Texas's curriculum. Notably, Representative Christina Morales advocated for HB178, a bill aimed at ensuring that all Texas high school students have access to Mexican-American and African-American studies as part of their graduation requirements, moving from elective-only status. This bill garnered support from both sides of the aisle, highlighting a cooperative effort to improve educational equity in Texas. Several representatives shared personal stories reflecting on the importance of inclusive education, showcasing the bill's far-reaching implications for students' sense of identity and history.

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
• And with me to testify in support are Kathy Van Austin, on behalf of the American Association of University
• After half a century of asking for the University of California’s help and being ignored, that is the
• Jessica Duong, with the University of California, in support.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard a series of bills focused on student access, equity, and campus support services. AB 2660 would codify the CalBridge and ENLACE STEM pipeline programs to help underrepresented students move from high school through Ph.D. and faculty or industry careers; AB 2121 would let community colleges temporarily exclude certain local backfill dollars from the 50% instructional spending law so they can replace lost federal funding for MSI and TRIO programs; and AB 1920 would clarify that students do not lose California College Promise eligibility if they earn a certificate as part of a stackable pathway to an associate degree. AB 1636 would authorize Cerritos College to use voluntary data-sharing agreements with K-12 districts to create ready-to-enroll student records, AB 1845 would add human trafficking training and reporting requirements to campus Title IX-related processes, AB 1784 would extend pregnancy and parenting protections to undergraduate students, AB 2229 would create a CSU reentry support program for stopped-out students, AB 1852 would create a conditional pathway for a Kern County medical school if UC does not act, AB 1928 would allow both an advisor and a support person in campus sexual misconduct proceedings, and AB 2392 would require training before AI tools are deployed to students, faculty, or staff. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, with authors and witnesses emphasizing student success, equity, and removing administrative barriers. Supporters included community college and university officials, student leaders, advocacy groups, and survivors. AB 2121 drew the most mixed testimony: community college leaders and students supported it as a temporary response to federal cuts, while faculty groups opposed it or raised concerns about weakening the 50% law and the need for the proposal. AB 1852 also drew opposition from the CSU Chancellor’s Office, which argued the proposal could have broader operational and governance implications, though supporters said Kern County’s doctor shortage justified a local solution. AB 1784, AB 1845, and AB 1928 were framed as protections for vulnerable students in pregnancy, trafficking, and sexual misconduct proceedings, respectively, while AB 2392 was presented as a modest training and transparency requirement to accompany AI adoption. The committee took action on the bills after testimony. Most measures were approved on bipartisan roll calls and re-referred to the appropriate committees, including AB 1636, AB 1784, AB 1845, AB 1920, AB 1928, AB 2229, AB 2392, and AB 2660. AB 2121 and AB 1852 also advanced, though AB 1852 had several members not voting and AB 2121 drew one no vote. The committee also approved a consent calendar that included AB 1591, AB 2203, and AB 2572, and members were invited to add on to bills after the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Philip Rocco, professor and department chair of the Department of Political Science at Marquette University
• I'm a chair and associate professor of political science at Marquette University.
• were composed of college and university students residing in dormitories.
• were composed of college and university students residing in dormitories.
• Which is where it becomes important to know what that sort of universe of data and coverage are.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census

Summary: The hearing focused on census data privacy, administrative data sharing, and the role of state and local governments in improving census accuracy, especially for the 2030 census. Dr. Philip Rocco testified first, arguing that the census is increasingly intergovernmental and that state and local investments in address list work, outreach, and complete count commissions can materially improve self-response and reduce undercounts. He emphasized that hard-to-count communities are most affected when states delay planning, politicize census work, or lack capacity, and he pointed to examples such as LUCA participation, outreach funding, and group quarters review as important tools. He also warned that recent federal actions and a broader climate of distrust could threaten 2030 operations, and urged Massachusetts to begin readiness planning now. Members then questioned Dr. Rocco about the use of administrative data such as DMV, TANF, SNAP, and WIC records, and about group quarters enumeration. He explained that those data-sharing efforts were voluntary agreements with the Census Bureau, unlike group quarters data, which are often provided by facility administrators and sometimes state agencies. He said the Trump-era effort to use DMV and other records was tied to Executive Order 13880 and was widely resisted because states had confidentiality and legal concerns, and because the stated purpose appeared to shift toward citizenship-related uses. On group quarters, he described e-response, paper response, in-person enumeration, and administrator-provided directory information, noting that privacy issues arise mainly from FERPA limits on university data and from missing demographic details in administrative records. A second panel, Beth Giroz and Amy O'Hara, then explained how administrative data are used by the Census Bureau and why data quality and privacy concerns matter. They described administrative data as records collected for operational purposes, useful for frame-building, nonresponse follow-up, enumeration, and post-enumeration evaluation, but often incomplete or mismatched on key census variables such as race, ethnicity, household relationships, and residence timing. They highlighted that some sources, like IRS, Medicare, USPS, SSA, and Bureau of Prisons records, are especially valuable, while others such as SNAP, TANF, WIC, Medicaid, CHIP, foster care, and driver’s license data vary in completeness and sharing. They stressed that privacy means collecting only what is needed, and that the Bureau typically uses limited header or roster data rather than full records. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing, and the committee recessed briefly before continuing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Master of the Universe, bless all of us gathered here today. and especially the distinguished members
• Jorge Duchella from the University of Wymer as Doctor of the Day.
• TSU is more than just a university. It is a beacon of opportunity.
• TSU, who invited the University Spirit of Excellence as we celebrate TSU.
• Members of the university's nursing faculty and students from St. Edward's University.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill limits the total amount of monies A-BOR may retain from the public universities to supplement
• At the end of the day, my schools are getting hosed. We're talking about universities.
• And actually, the universities is the biggest part of that cut.
• of the size of the universities.
• And if you look at it as a total compared to the total budget of any university, it is very small.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill limits the total amount of monies ABOR may retain from the public universities to supplement
• about universities, and all I hear is ASU and U of A.
• And actually, the universities are the biggest part of that cut.
• of the size of the universities.
• And if you look at it as a total compared to the total budget of any university, it is very small.

Summary: The meeting covered a series of fiscal year 2027 budget and budget-related bills, beginning with the general appropriations and tax package. Staff and the chair highlighted a budget built around about $1.4 billion in tax cuts, a one-time 2.5% agency reduction, major funding for state employee health insurance, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, and other supplemental appropriations. The chair repeatedly urged support for the package, emphasizing the size of the tax cut and noting that the committee’s joint vote had only three no votes out of 28 members. Members then reviewed several smaller budget implementation bills affecting racing and gambling, capital outlay, commerce and defense innovation, corrections, environment and water policy, higher education, human services, K-12 education, county finance, tax administration, state data governance, and state office rent rates. Key provisions included extending or modifying funds and fee structures, transferring surplus or unneeded monies, creating or revising oversight boards and pilot programs, increasing K-12 funding by 2% for inflation, adjusting university retention limits, expanding SNAP and housing-related requirements, and changing tax conformity and credits. Several members asked clarifying questions about specific items such as electric vehicle charging funds, mobile home relocation payments, university funding, and the new health insurance oversight board. The chair also explained the tax bill’s major changes, including conformity to federal tax law, a larger dependent tax credit, changes to deductions, repeal of certain tax credits, veteran property tax relief, limits on data center tax incentives, and provisions affecting manufacturing infrastructure and unemployment insurance administration. The committee discussed the Budget Stabilization Fund, debt repayment, and education rollover balances, with the chair arguing for using surpluses to pay down debt. The final item discussed was a behavioral health bill creating a home and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with a stated FY 2027 total fund appropriation of $7.8 million contingent on federal approval and matching funds. The meeting ended with a reminder that floor action would begin the next day at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is Steve Shirley, vice president of Minot State University and of Dakota College
• Unique within the university system because of how we are affiliated with Minot State.
• Unique within the university system because of how we are affiliated with Minet State.
• I am a student, a third-year atmospheric scientist student at the University of North Dakota.
• I serve as Deputy Commissioner of the North Dakota University System.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Summary: The committee met at Dakota College at Bottineau, approved the January 15, 2026 minutes, and heard a campus presentation from Dean Corey Gorder and President Steve Shirley. Gorder outlined DCB’s leadership changes, its affiliation with Minot State, and extensive shared services with Minot State, UND, and NDSU in areas such as business office functions, financial aid, payroll, HR, Title IX, printing, and institutional research. He said shared services help smaller campuses access expertise, and committee members asked about cost allocation and accreditation limits; Gorder said the arrangements are negotiated between institutions and that, to his understanding, academic accreditation is not affected by these service-sharing agreements. The committee also discussed DCB’s enrollment, dual credit reach, and program mix, including nursing, dental assisting and hygiene, paramedic training, drone certification, and farm management. Gorder said DCB wants to expand higher-demand, trade-oriented programs, strengthen Minot programming, and address facility needs, especially residence halls and space constraints in dental programs. Members asked detailed questions about dual credit, including how DCB develops relationships with high schools, whether it has exclusivity, who teaches the courses, and whether credits transfer. Gorder said relationships are built through outreach and existing school connections, that schools may choose other providers, and that DCB pays stipends to instructors under institution-specific formulas. NDUS staff Lisa Johnson said transfer problems are rare within North Dakota and usually arise only with highly selective out-of-state institutions. Gorder also noted that DCB’s dual credit and campus programming are heavily tied to rural schools and that the college is trying to streamline dual credit delivery as enrollment and staffing demands grow. The committee then heard from the North Dakota Student Association, whose representatives outlined student priorities from the last legislative session and the interim. Their main themes included campus safety, mental health resources, academic freedom, scholarships and affordability, teacher incentives, workforce readiness, housing, food accessibility, student research funding, internships, and campus collaboration. They said they supported or opposed various bills related to those issues during the 69th Legislative Assembly and emphasized that students want affordable, safe, and academically strong campuses. Committee members asked about housing affordability, food insecurity, research opportunities, and dual credit transfer and expansion. No votes were taken on policy matters during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Zyla is a fourth-year business administration scholar at Florida A&M University and a proud native of
• in Florida by student population, the University of Central Florida.
• He's a member of the Florida State University Honors Program.
• He is majoring in political science, like I said, from the University of North Florida.
• Like I said, from University of North Florida.

Keywords: 998, house, all