Video & Transcript Research : 'Internet continuing education'
Page 33 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But really, I think it was because of. her lack of education that she valued education.
- And again, if there aren't books, teens are going to go to the internet, and the internet is not a good
- It requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to work together to create a plan to educate
- institutions of higher education.
- HB number 3658 by Morgan, relating to a continuing education program and format relating to building
Bills:
HJR175, HJR88, HB21, HB49, HB216, HB346, HB573, HB565, HB954, HB1953, HB2686, HB1441, HB2734, HB1650, HB3161, HB2876, HB3185, HB3388, HB2761, HB3233, HB 1186, HB1534, HB5506, HB5129, HB3619, HB778, HB2867, HB3221, HB3672, HB2434, HB4903, HB3687, HB3675, HB4609, HB4582, HB4921, HB3866, HB3901, HB4534, HB2446, HB3984, HB700, HB4012, HB4491, HB4088, HB229, HB4234, HB722, HB4136, HB4105, HB4413, HB170, HB551, HB2858, HB3053, HB3142, HB3180, HB3722, HB2200, HB1794, HB1784, HB1581, HB2530, HB4308, HB1896, HB2974, HB3359, HB4580, HB2458, HB2215, HB3332, HB2278, HB3015, HB3151, HB1368, HCR9, HCR40, HB5138, SB17, HB4944, HB2284, HB3421, SB1569, SB2420, SB1968, SB2351, SB2544, SB1490, SB1349, SB1568, SB2776, HB3531, HB2149, HB4327, HB3158, HB3717, HB4520, SB888, SB552, HB3138, HB3704, HB2921, HB4853, HB4506, HB3892, HJR161, HJR175, HJR88, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HB21, HB49, HB216, HB346, HB573, HB565, HB954, HB1953, HB2686, HB1441, HB2734, HB1650, HB3161, HB2876, HB3185, HB3388, HB2761, HB3233, HB 1186, HB1534, HB5506, HB5129, HB3619, HB778, HB2867, HB3221, HB3672, HB2434, HB4903, HB3687, HB3675, HB4609, HB4582, HB4921, HB3866, HB3901, HB4534, HB2446, HB3984, HB700, HB4012, HB4491, HB4088, HB229, HB4234, HB722, HB4136, HB4105, HB4413, HB170, HB551, HB2858, HB3053, HB3142, HB3180, HB3722, HB2200, HB1794, HB1784, HB1581, HB2530, HB4308, HB1896, HB2974, HB3359, HB4580, HB2458, HB2215, HB3332, HB2278, HB3015, HB3151, HB1368, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40
Keywords:
constitutional amendment, medium of exchange, currency rights, digital currency, financial autonomy, tax exemption, rainwater harvesting, graywater system, local government, ad valorem taxation, housing finance, multifamily residential, low income, audit requirements, affordable housing, development bonds, oil waste, gas waste, liability, treatment processes
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- They don't need the internet to be able to set everything to the right time.
- I'd like to become a little bit more educated on this.
- The amendment adds the definition for indirect internet connectivity.
- And yet we continue to have this discussion after 250 years.
- And yet we continue to have this discussion after 250 years.
Keywords:
foreign law, Sharia law, cultural practices, women's rights, marriage laws, domestic violence, honor killings, Arizona legislation, elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway
Summary:
The committee first considered SB 1018, which would expand Arizona’s foreign law statute to expressly include Sharia law and certain foreign religious or cultural laws or customs that condone practices such as honor killings or other conduct violating criminal law. The sponsor said the bill was meant to strengthen enforcement against foreign, private, or religious adjudications that violate constitutional rights, while opponents, including the ACLU, argued it was unconstitutional, singled out Islam, and was part of a broader anti-Muslim effort. After extended debate, the committee approved SB 1018 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee then heard SB 1568, requiring election systems and software clocks to be set to accurate time and verified during logic and accuracy, compatibility, and security testing. Supporters said accurate timekeeping is important for chain of custody and election integrity; county representatives opposed the bill as impractical because some equipment is not connected to the internet, batteries can drain, and different time zones in Arizona complicate compliance. The bill passed 4-3.
Next, SB 1687 proposed moving primary elections to the Tuesday before Memorial Day, adjusting nomination paper filing windows, and changing the date used to calculate required petition signatures. A Marquez amendment dealing with Clean Elections timing and funding was offered but defeated. The sponsor said the bill would reduce extreme heat burdens and improve participation; county officials were neutral but noted timing changes would require broader cleanup. The committee then approved SB 1687 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also considered SB 1825, which changes how precinct committeeman vacancies are filled by giving legislative district chairs or county chairs authority depending on the situation and requiring action within 30 days. Supporters said it would streamline a slow, opaque process and improve local control; opponents warned it could concentrate power and be abused. An amendment limiting the bill to counties over 500,000 people was adopted, and the bill passed 4-1 with one present and one absent.
Finally, the committee revisited SB 1037, which imposes security requirements on voting and tabulating equipment, including no internet connectivity, user logins, chain-of-custody controls, and continuous video recording at counting centers. An amendment broadened the bill to cover election management systems and tightened the no-connectivity and no-port provisions. The sponsor and amendment proponent argued the bill was needed to prevent indirect internet access and strengthen election security. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on SB 1037.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Children and Senior Advocacy Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Children and Senior Advocacy
Transcript Highlights:
- Please defer this bill for continued development. Thank you. ...continued development. Thank you.
- I was seeking to get her education and that's how I got involved with the system.
- I will never say I've seen it all, though, because I continue to be amazed by things that people do.
- So, I will continue to work on that. That's my... ...continue to work.
- So, I know you'll utilize the break to continue to work on the bill.
Keywords:
Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children (6-21-23)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuXTldYBg7o, 2026-06-21T07:17:04+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, PLEASE READ
This week, the Capital annex has been experiencing internet connectivity issues affecting the quality of our streams. We will attempt to stream each meeting, but constant connectivity will likely not be available. We will re-upload recordings of each meeting on this channel within a day or so.
In the meantime, to watch full, live coverage of today's (6-21-23) meetings, KET will be covering them on their website.
https://ket.org/legislature
Thank you, and sorry for the inconvenience, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We would prefer to make this administrative decision and continue to require appraisals, business plans
- us uh right and that we uh can continue us uh right and that we uh can continue providing<00:09:
- <00:15:58.880>
to be making sure that this can continue to be making sure that this can continue - Otherwise, I'd ask you to continue on with testifiers and I'll come up if time allows.
- I think we need to continue what our parents have started and keep growing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Now is the time to continue the work started in Texas years ago.
- House Bill 180 is one of those steps that we can take to assuring our citizens that we will not continue
- Let's keep, let's help him continue to lean into this leadership role for Texas and the nation.
- We've got to put infrastructure and processes in place that continues to keep us safe and sovereign.
- Unfortunately, Congress continued continued its tradition of unproductivity and did not give the bill
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- and students pursuing careers in education.
- The Department of Education to reevaluate the use of the SAT in Delaware, engage educators in modernizing
- supports state education agencies, districts, and schools in efforts around continuous improvement across
- Instead, it asks the Department of Education, educators, school leaders, national experts, and other
- This is about base salary and education.
Keywords:
SB 293, youth camp, child care licensing, Office of Child Care Licensing, OCCL, American Camp Association, ACA accreditation, Purchase of Care, POC reimbursement, summer camp, school-age child care, child care exemption, Division of Public Health permit, Title 14, Delaware Department of Education, health and safety standards, child care provider reimbursement, summer child care, camp licensing, license exemption
Summary:
The House Education Committee met and first heard Senate Bill 293, the Youth Camp Licensing Act, which would amend child care licensing rules for youth camps. The sponsor said the bill, with amendments, would remove accreditation language, clarify shelter requirements for outdoor camps, and eliminate limits that had restricted the number of children camps could serve, especially for families using purchase-of-care assistance. YMCA and school representatives testified in support, saying the measure would expand access to safe, affordable summer care for low-income working families. The committee voted to release the bill.
The committee then approved Senate Bill 328, which would require the Department of Education’s school facility evaluation instrument to be established by regulation and to include lead-based paint hazards in the standard of good repair. The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Advisory Committee supported the bill, explaining that lead had not been included in the original evaluation tool and that the new language would improve transparency and public comment. Senate Bill 318, updating the Delaware State Education Association special license plate program, also passed after DSEA testified that proceeds support scholarships for educators and students pursuing education careers.
House Bill 443, dealing with background checks for education volunteers and mentors, passed as well. The sponsor said it would allow DOE to continue receiving wrapback reports for mentors in the state mentoring program and ensure state and federal criminal background checks remain in place. The committee also released Senate Joint Resolution 15, which directs DOE to reevaluate Delaware’s use of the SAT, modernize the accountability framework, and develop additional measures of student achievement and readiness; supporters argued the SAT does not capture career and technical pathways or other indicators of success. House Bill 459, which prohibits the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or events, passed after discussion focused on whether the bill would affect possession versus sale and whether it could lead to student discipline; DOE said the bill only bans sales, and the sponsor said an amendment would clarify intent. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 137 passed, directing DOE to review math instruction and MTSS supports statewide; testimony emphasized low math proficiency and the need for stronger, more coherent interventions. The committee also began hearing Senate Bill 279 on occupational therapist salary placement, with discussion centered on aligning OT compensation with other specialist roles and broader salary regulation updates, though the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- As we know, child care affordability continues to be one of the biggest financial pressures facing more
- So we've got, yes, Kids, Health, Education. I'm trying to think if I'm forgetting anyone.
- You may also submit comments in writing to the Education Committee email account at Senate Education
- If they are, then why are we spending 350 grand in the Department of Education?
- Good afternoon, Taylor Hawke, speaking on behalf of the Delaware State Education Association.
Keywords:
SB 293, youth camp, child care licensing, Office of Child Care Licensing, OCCL, American Camp Association, ACA accreditation, Purchase of Care, POC reimbursement, summer camp, school-age child care, child care exemption, Division of Public Health permit, Title 14, Delaware Department of Education, health and safety standards, child care provider reimbursement, summer child care, camp licensing, license exemption
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee approved the June 10 minutes and then heard House Bill 447, which would create a framework for voluntary child care cost-sharing partnerships among the state, employers, community sponsors, and families. Supporters said the bill is meant to help make child care more affordable and support workforce participation by using the existing Interagency Resource Management Committee to coordinate planning and funding. Committee discussion focused on how the tri-share model would work, who would participate, and whether it would reach lower-income families; no public comment was offered on the bill.
The committee then took up House Bill 300, as amended, which would establish a statewide Title IX coordinator within the Department of Education to provide training, technical assistance, data collection, and oversight for interscholastic athletics in grades 6 through 12. The bill’s sponsor and supporters said the position would help schools comply with Title IX, improve consistency, and make athletic participation and spending data more transparent; opponents or skeptics questioned whether a new DOE position was needed and whether districts were already meeting their obligations. The sponsor and witnesses responded that existing federal data are delayed and incomplete, that some Delaware schools have participation gaps, and that a state-level coordinator would provide needed support and accountability.
Public comment on HB 300 included testimony from the Delaware State Education Association, the Delaware Association of School Administrators, the Delaware School Sports Network, and the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy, all generally supporting the bill or its goals. DASA noted it remained neutral but appreciated changes made in House Amendment 1 to reduce reporting burden. After public comment, the chair asked members to sign the bill release forms for the two bills heard, and the committee adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Transportation Subcommittee Apr 6th, 2026 at 10:45 am
A&B Transportation Subcommittee
Bills:
SB1390
Keywords:
gross production tax, oil and gas, natural gas, casinghead gas, oil revenue, tax apportionment, revenue sharing, county highway fund, school funding, average daily attendance, general revenue fund, revenue stabilization fund, county bridge and road improvement, state transportation fund, preserving and advancing county transportation fund, education funding, higher education, student aid, tourism funding, conservation funding
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- The<00:16:47.680>
U <00:16:48.320>educational <00:16:48.959>opportunities <00:16: - 49.600>
fund The U educational opportunities fund The U educational opportunities fund about<00 - up in the education budget uh for<00:32:01.440>
the <00:32:01.919>PHIP <00:32:02.559>- On the education side, we don't have that privilege.
- plan for educators and I think<00:39:44.240>
um <00:39:45.440>ERS <00:39:46.000>is<
Keywords:
Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, monuments, historic preservation, memorial buildings, memorial schools, memorial streets, architecturally significant buildings, public property, waiver process, Committee on Alabama Monument Protection, Attorney General, civil penalty, historic marker, renaming, relocation, removal, public memorials, heritage preservation, state historic preservation fund, governmental entity
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- involves educator misconduct. involves educator misconduct.
- <00:10:09.360>
Delayed Education Investigations. Delayed Education Investigations. - /c> includes statewide health education includes statewide health education standards.
- , education, education, character<00:32:08.159>
development <00:32:08.799>education, character - and extensive educator feedback. and extensive educator feedback.
Keywords:
grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Potential, and that information is sold to a marketing firm or a drug manufacturing firm that may continue
Keywords:
preliminary hearing, criminal procedure, Aniah's Law, pretrial detention, defendant rights, property rights, law enforcement, removal procedures, unauthorized occupancy, trespassing, liability, off-roading, parks, participant safety, risk management, DNA, genetic testing, privacy, consent, criminal penalties
TX
Bills:
SB 913, SB 1086, SB 1087, SB 1143, SB 1534, SB 1553, SB 1718, SB 1754, SB 2004, SB 2322, SB 2448
Keywords:
hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota higher education facilities Minnesota higher education facilities Authority<00:47:04.640>
<00:47:28.319>and uh in the area of higher education and uh in the area of higher education - Many states do allow a similar authority for both education and health care.
- I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority.
- <00:51:37.520>
in health care and higher education in health care and higher education in
Keywords:
informed consent, sensitive examinations, healthcare, patient rights, anesthesia, hot water pools, rental properties, public health, safety regulations, Minnesota Statutes, health care access, hospital surcharge, fund allocation, medical assistance, health funding, health care, education, bonding capacity, financing, Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee Feb 26th, 2025
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- come from the local Board of... ...from the local Board of Education.
- , as well as the State Board of Education.
- What we're... ...State Board of Education.
- Because we don't properly fund public education.
- They don't have enough money to do the regular education.
Keywords:
K-12 education, wireless communication devices, digital safety, social media education, classroom distraction, three-cueing system, reading instruction, structured literacy, scientific strategies, elder abuse, elder exploitation, financial exploitation, elderly person, senior abuse, probate, inheritance forfeiture, slayer statute, intestate succession, will contest, joint tenancy
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Education (7-18-23)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEWObZUU4bA, 2026-06-21T07:17:04+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Call to Order: 00:00:10
Approval of Minutes: 00:04:02
Chemistry Education and Career Pathways in Kentucky: 00:04:48
Grow Your Own Programs in Kentucky: 00:24:36
Coalition to Sustain the Education Profession: 01:25:35
Adjournment: 02:03:25, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 27th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I kind of want to continue what you and Representative Collier were talking about.
- As for cancer, conclusive studies are very preliminary, and we should allow them to continue instead
- The real problem with this is that as you put this on the shelves, as the misinformation continues to
- Medicine will continue to follow the science.
Bills:
HB25, HB48, HB149, HB254, HB26, HB192, HCR3, HCR4, HCR5, HCR6, HCR8, HCR14, HCR16, HR1, HR2, HR3, HR4, HR6, HR7, HR8, HR9, HR12, HR11, HR13, HR14, HR15, HR16, HR20, HR22, HR23, HR24, HR25, HR26, HR27, HR28, HR29, HR30, HR31, HR32, HR33, HR45, HR48, HR49, HR51, HR52, HR55, HR56, HR57, HR59, HR60, HR61, HR62, HR63, HR64, HR65, HR66, HR70, HR71, HR72, HR74, HCR2, HCR7, HR10, HR21, HR35, HR36, HR37, HR38, HR39, HR40, HR42, HR43, HR44, HR46, HR47, HR50, HR53, HR54, HR67, HR69, HR75, HCR 5, HCR 6, HCR 8, HCR 14, HCR 16, HR 1, HR 3, HR 4, HR 6, HR 7, HR 8, HR 9, HR 12, HR 11, HR 13, HR 14, HR 15, HR 16, HR 20, HR 22, HR 23, HR 24, HR 25, HR 26, HR 27, HR 28, HR 29, HR 30, HR 31, HR 32, HR 33, HR 45, HR 48, HR 49, HR 51, HR 52, HR 55, HR 56, HR 57, HR 59, HR 60, HR 61, HR 62, HR 63, HR 64, HR 65, HR 66, HR 70, HR 71, HR 72, HR 74, HCR 7, HR 10, HR 21, HR 35, HR 36, HR 37, HR 38, HR 39, HR 40, HR 42, HR 43, HR 44, HR 46, HR 47, HR 50, HR 53, HR 54, HR 67, HR 69, HB 25, HB 48, HB 149, HB 254, HB 26, HB 192
Keywords:
ivermectin, pharmacist authority, prescription-free, healthcare regulation, patient access, HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll continue with parables and this is an outstanding study because it's on the eighth grade level,
Bills:
SB1534, SB1473, SB1379, SB1743, SB1769, SB1195, SB1245, SB1420, SB1945, SB514, SB346, SB1593, SB1782, SB1366, SB1497, SB366, SB1895, SB2048, SB2005, SB2006, SB710, SB1480, SB2135, SB2130, SCR16, SB1457, SB1732, SB1317, SB1533
Keywords:
charitable organization, charitable nonprofit corporation, nonprofit corporation, nonstock corporation, 501(c)(3), charitable solicitation, charitable contributions, fundraising, professional fundraiser, professional solicitor, professional fundraising counsel, Secretary of State registration, Form 990, Attorney General enforcement, district attorney, consent judgment, civil penalty, nonprofit governance, board of directors, fiduciary duty
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- in critical infrastructure like affordable housing, education, and health care, hardworking Arizonans
- I would rather support our education in Arizona than in Michigan or other states.
- It increases money for education, period, end of story. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
- We've already seen the dismantling of the Department of Education or the downsizing of it.
- The state uses it, meaning that the state can invest more money in education.
Keywords:
scholarships, tax credit, education funding, nonprofit organizations, Arizona Revised Statutes, constitutional amendment, state revenue, tax policy, legislative approval, two-thirds vote, 1182, all
Summary:
The House Ways and Means Committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 1028, which would send to voters a constitutional change narrowing an existing exception to Arizona’s two-thirds vote requirement for tax increases. The resolution would require legislative approval for increases in state revenue through fees and assessments that are authorized by statute before January 1, 2027, and set by a state officer or agency without a prescribed formula, amount, or limit. The sponsor argued the measure would close a loophole that has allowed agencies to raise fees without direct legislative accountability, while opponents said it would make it harder for agencies to adjust fees for inflation, operations, and regulatory costs and could shift costs to taxpayers or slow services. After testimony and debate, the committee voted 5-3 with one absent to return SCR 1028 with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 1142, which would have Arizona opt into a federal tax credit program for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. Supporters said the measure would bring new private scholarship funding into Arizona at no cost to the state, expand school choice, and help students with tutoring, special needs services, transportation, and other educational expenses. Opponents argued the federal program was not yet fully written, lacked clear guardrails, and could further strain public schools by diverting resources away from the majority of students who remain in the public system. Committee members debated whether the program would benefit Arizona students without affecting state funds, and whether more transparency and rules were needed before adoption.
After discussion, the committee voted 5-3 with one absent to return SB 1142 with a do pass recommendation. Several members explained their votes on both measures, with supporters emphasizing voter choice, accountability, and limiting fee increases, and opponents emphasizing the need for revenue, public school funding, and caution about the unresolved federal scholarship rules.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Committee on Higher Education Appropriations.
- We don't want to educate our students into poverty; we want to educate them into high-paying wage jobs
- Youth and education, their education, are our future, and I appreciate Pensacola State's legacy in Northwest
- Secretary of Education on higher education and accreditation.
- Education accreditation.
Keywords:
missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance
Summary:
The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably.
The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee.
A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.