Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so the center would be researching what type of topics or everything related to elections, voting
• The center's main goal is to conduct research on improving response to natural disasters, minimizing
• just explain what I'm talking about in debate, but they're not going to be responsible for doing research

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 742 on workforce education, which would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs leading to industry certifications, and would expand the number of programs covered by the money-back guarantee at career centers and Florida College System institutions from three to six. Senator Simon said the bill would help fund CTE expansion; Senator Davis asked whether it could reduce funding for school districts, and Simon said it could depending on available grant funds. A supporter from the Foundation for Florida’s Future appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 892, which would codify the Florida State University Center for Election Law so it can continue operating and become eligible for recurring funding. Senator Simon said the center’s work is focused on nonpartisan, evidence-based research related to improving responses to natural disasters and reducing fraud, mistakes, and irregularities in elections, rather than lobbying or redistricting advocacy. FSU supporters testified that the center has already hosted events such as a Bush v. Gore anniversary conference and has contributed to law school scholarship. After questions from Senator Davis about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of confirmation testimony from appointees to university and college boards, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Most emphasized workforce development, student success, affordability, and local community partnerships at institutions including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Daytona State College, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, and Santa Fe College. Several appointees highlighted their personal ties to the institutions and their goals of supporting programs in nursing, technical education, research, internships, and graduation rates. One nominee, Dr. Joel Rudman for Pensacola State College, faced pointed questioning about past public comments; he said his remarks were directed at the Florida House, not the Senate, and denied any knowledge of drug use by current or former senators. Public testimony was mixed on his nomination, with one supporter praising his community service and one critic urging rejection. No final confirmation votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recent research published in Pediatrics in the Journal of Injury Prevention analyzed 18,000 tips from
• Recent research<00:18:07.840><c> published</c><00:18:08.480><c> in</c><00:18:08.799><c> pediatrics</c
• ><00:18:09.360><c> in</c><00:18:09.520><c> the</c> research published in pediatrics in the research published
• Research shows that most school them.
• </c><00:21:39.679><c> lived</c> reflects what research and lived reflects what research and lived experience

Bills: HF751 , HF3550 , HF3764 , HF1490

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: parental notification, school safety, bullying, harassment, violence, prohibited conduct, student discipline, charter school, school district, data practices, student privacy, parent rights, guardian notification, school incident reporting, cyberbullying, restraint, reasonable force, anti-bullying policy, school administration, student conduct

Transcript Highlights:

• But the research is clear. It's not about who these young people are.
• But the research is clear. It's not about who these young people are.
• But the research is clear. It's not about who these young people are.
• But the research is clear. It's not about who these young people are.
• </c> research and analysis. research and analysis.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, Anna Scheline from the nonpartisan House Research Office.
• All right, Anna Scheline from the nonpartisan House Research Office.
• All right, Anna Scheline from the nonpartisan House Research Office.
• David Baker said, “Yeah, he—David Baker, with House DFL Research.
• Indiana Smallman said, “I’m the GOP researcher.

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to show that it's um there's research to show that it's the<01:01:52.279><c> other</c><01:01:52.440>
• Cloud State University, director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management Research, and also
• Cloud State University, director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management Research, and also
• Cloud State University, director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management Research, and also
• comes to research reproductive biology nutrition<01:19:08.360><c> uh</c><01:19:09.239><c> Wilderness

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

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have Research Director Fiona Bruce Baton. Where's Fiona? Where's Fiona?
• Our research at MassBudget looked at the entire solution of all that inflation being rolled in.
• Tom Kane's research has identified that we only performed 27 out of 30 states with regard to recovery
• Tom Kane's research has identified that we only performed 27 out of 30 states with regard to recovery
• We have the best skilled researchers in the country.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education opened a hybrid public hearing on a large slate of bills related to school buildings, school finance, technology, data privacy, safety, and related education issues. Chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlined procedures for the hearing, including two-minute testimony limits and the plan to group similar bills together. Several bills drew no testimony and were closed without further discussion, while others drew extensive testimony from legislators, school officials, parents, advocates, and educators. A major theme was school safety and student well-being. Lori Al-Hadeth testified in support of bills on alert systems in public schools, describing the loss of her daughter in the Parkland shooting and urging adoption of Alyssa’s Law-style panic alert technology. Representative Gallagher and disability advocates also supported a bill authorizing, but not requiring, airway clearance devices in schools, arguing they could save lives in choking emergencies and provide an option for people who cannot use the Heimlich maneuver. Another bill on reducing cafeteria waste drew support from a legislator and a Lexington sustainability official, who said installing dishwashers during construction would reduce waste and long-term costs. Much of the hearing focused on Chapter 70 school funding and the inflation cap. Senator Pavel Payano, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative Senna, and multiple local officials and school committee members from Bridgewater, Chelsea, Groton-Dunstable, and other districts argued that the 4.5% cap on inflation adjustments has left schools underfunded during years of high inflation, forcing layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts to programs and student supports. They urged bills to eliminate the cap, restore lost funding, increase the Commonwealth’s share of the foundation budget, or create commissions to study reforms. Testimony also highlighted the impact on special education, English learners, and low-income students, with Chelsea witnesses saying the cap has cost their district about $7 million annually. School construction and MSBA reform were the other major topic. AIA Massachusetts, Boston Public Schools, Lynn officials, and AFT Massachusetts described aging facilities, overcrowding, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of financing new schools under current reimbursement rules. Boston officials said the district has many pre-World War II buildings and has only built a handful of new schools in decades, while Lynn leaders said reimbursement rates have fallen well below the statutory 80% because of caps and ineligible costs. Witnesses urged modernization of the MSBA program, higher reimbursement rates, and more resources for school construction. The committee also heard support for a bill to study the adequacy and equity of the school building program, and chairs indicated some bills would be closed after no one signed up to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each of them is here today to shine a light on this condition and call for more research, more support
• I'll do some research on that.
• Members, as a reminder, Senate Bill 5 created the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
• As a reminder, Senate Bill 5 created the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
• thriving research environment that is protected from our hostile foreign adversaries.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Tedrick Woods, followed by routine chamber actions including excusing Senator Gutierrez and receiving House messages that the House had passed HB 21 and HB 49. Senators also recognized advocates visiting the gallery on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis awareness and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including HCR 66, by voice vote. The Senate then took up and passed a series of measures, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Among the bills finally passed were HJR 2, which would prohibit state death taxes; HB 206, limiting counties from requiring cash bonds for pipeline construction; HB 517, barring property owners associations from fining homeowners for discolored vegetation during watering restrictions; HB 2756, requiring TDCJ correctional officers to receive de-escalation and behavioral health training; HB 451, expanding screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk among children in DFPS and TJJD custody; SB 705, cleaning up the air conditioning and refrigeration contractors advisory board; SB 2017, creating an offense for burnouts and wheelies; SB 1858, expanding body armor grant eligibility to ISDs; SB 1400, directing a study on transfer-student outcomes for community college funding; SB 2764, requiring notice to manufactured home buyers about converting homes to real property; SB 748, a licensing cleanup bill on laser hair removal; SB 2519, restricting certain ad valorem tax uses and bonds after amendment; SB 2878, the courts bill with amendments on Brazoria County courts and youth diversion provisions; SB 466, allowing families to request fetal death certificates at any gestational age; SB 1608, requiring timely physical exams for inpatient mental health admissions; SB 1730, limiting civil damages claims arising from certain uses of force or deadly force; SB 2417, clarifying Attorney General antitrust investigation work product and discovery rules; and SB 1946, creating a family violence, criminal homicide prevention task force. The Senate also passed HB 3204, renaming and updating the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, and SB 1986, requiring opioid warning labels. Several bills drew brief debate or amendments. Senators discussed broader HOA reform while considering HB 517, and SB 2203 on TCEQ discovery procedures was amended to require party motions, set a 15-day expiration for certified issues, and limit hearing abatement. SB 2017 was amended to change the mens rea language from knowingly to intentional. SB 2519 was narrowed by amendment to a forward-looking policy statement separating maintenance-and-operation taxes from debt-service taxes. SB 2878 also received amendments to reduce the number of new Brazoria County courts and add youth diversion and crisis-response provisions. SB 466 prompted a floor debate over whether fetal death certificates are appropriate for pre-20-week losses, with supporters emphasizing family closure and opponents arguing the document has no estate-related purpose. SB 1730 also prompted questions about the relationship between criminal findings and civil liability in self-defense cases. The session concluded with additional House and Senate measures being signed in the presence of the Senate and continued consideration of SB 2177, a grant program to help local law enforcement solve violent and sexual offenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• How can I, as a citizen of my city, contact my city council... members, and have them research anything
• So they have to spend their weekends trying to research and do the things that they should be able to
• Okay, my research didn't come up with it, but yeah, that's great. states?
• Would this change how title insurance folks go back and research for fraud that way as well.
• So I'm very excited. that UTSA plays a role in cybersecurity education and research.

Bills: HB150 , HB869 , HB876 , HB 1043 , HB1494 , HB1522 , HB150

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, information technology, classification officer, job descriptions, state positions, competency-based, information sharing, government efficiency, public sector, private sector, distributed ledger, title registry, real estate, property liens, pilot program, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• Every family enrolled and that you see here today chose KYVA through their own research and desire to
• Every family enrolled and that you see here today chose KYVA through their own research and desire to
• Every family enrolled and that you see here today chose KYVA through their own research and desire to
• Every family enrolled and that you see here today chose KYVA through their own research and desire to
• Every family enrolled and that you see here today chose KYVA through their own research and desire to

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and heard first from the Washway Nicotine Youth Advocacy Group, which urged stronger enforcement of Kentucky’s Tobacco 21 law. Youth advocates described the harms of flavored vaping products, argued that nicotine use is targeting children, and called for retailer licensing, annual compliance checks, harsher penalties for illegal sales, and more funding for enforcement. Committee members praised the presentation, and one senator said he had heard a bill on licensed retailers may be coming soon. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Cloverport Independent School District and the Kentucky Virtual Academy about the state’s virtual school model. Superintendent Keith Haynes and principals Brandy Fagan and Sally Johnson said KYVA serves about 2,800 students, many of whom are at-risk or have health, safety, behavioral, or family reasons for choosing virtual education. They emphasized that the program uses live synchronous instruction, provides devices and materials, and offers special education and related services. They also said the school had a large wait list and that virtual programs need more flexibility in staffing ratios, scheduling, and testing windows. School leaders acknowledged criticism of KYVA’s proficiency scores and said many students entered far below grade level, with 59% not proficient in English language arts and 79% not proficient in math on recent state testing. They argued the program is too new to judge solely on one year of data and pointed to growth in MAP scores, as well as middle and high school rankings in the top half of Kentucky schools. Fagan and Johnson outlined improvement efforts, including daily interventions, small-group instruction, literacy programs, staff training, and expanded clubs and student activities. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• These scholarships allow our students to focus on their studies, participate in research and innovation
• Most of these conducted by the state longitudinal data system, I'm just going to cut to the research.
• Most of these conducted by the state longitudinal data system, I'm just going to cut to the research,
• I also think this research study helps us when we visit with counselors talk about the importance of
• You know, I think sharing research findings, you know, that they are successful, showing the complete

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system. Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education. Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have more than 31,000 students and an average of $240 million in research.
• We have more than 31,000 students and an average of $240 million in research. ...and students, and an
• average of $240 million in research and other sponsored projects.
• university in New England in non-medical school research and development expenditures.
• The research that takes place on this campus helps fuel innovation across the state, including in the

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Without doing research, I'll defer to you on that somewhat.
• As of the recommendation of this bill, we—one of the attorneys in the office did research, and as of
• I would suggest a little research is in order.
• </c><02:22:35.840><c> So,</c><02:22:36.160><c> I</c> ability to further research it.
• So, I ability to further research it.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:20.680><c> is</c> word search and your uh your research is word search and your uh your research
• </c> National theme and they can do research National theme and they can do research and<00:09:58.480
• I did a little research.
• I did a little research.
• I did a little research.

Bills: HF1234 , HF1956 , HF1025 , HF1172 , HF791

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, municipal finance, liquor store, audit requirements, state auditor, local government, historic flag, state flag, display standards, ceremonial, Minnesota Statutes, Ursa Minor, state symbol, Minnesota state laws, constellation, official state designation

Transcript Highlights:

• There is I did a lot of research on this before I came in here today.
• I I I researched that. I'm not saying there is zero risk. I'm not making that argument.
• on this before I came in here research on this before I came in here today.<04:58:13.360><c> Like</c
• </c><04:58:21.920><c> I</c><04:58:22.080><c> I</c><04:58:22.160><c> I</c><04:58:22.638><c> researched
• I I I researched that. to the other one. I I I researched that.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 1281, which would establish standards and voluntary certification for agency-owned “facility comfort dogs” used by police and other public safety agencies. Representative Morton, the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to create a consistent statewide framework because different departments currently use different policies. He emphasized that the bill is meant to distinguish comfort dogs from service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs, and noted that a small amendment may be needed to make that distinction clearer. He also said the bill is timely under the ADA because comfort dogs fall outside service-animal protections, but still need training standards for public safety and consistency. Committee members questioned whether the bill was too detailed and whether the legislature should be setting rules on matters like training methods, diet, and breeding. Laura Barker of Hero Pups, who helped train New Hampshire’s first police comfort dog, supported the idea of a minimum standard but said the bill should be less prescriptive and should not interfere with therapy dogs or private handlers. She explained that comfort dogs vary in temperament and deployment needs, that raw diets raise zoonotic disease concerns, and that the program should remain voluntary and not cost the state money. Detective Michelle Jones of Portsmouth Police opposed the bill as written, saying the term “facility comfort dog” is confusing, the bill is overly restrictive, and some provisions go beyond what should be mandated by statute; she suggested a more flexible, guideline-based approach and noted that departments already have their own SOPs and can enforce them internally. Justin Brassen of the Manchester Police Department also testified, describing the history of comfort dog programs in New Hampshire and the work of a prior subcommittee formed through the governor’s commission on PTSD among first responders. He said there are currently no statewide standards and that the earlier study involved police, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and NAMI New Hampshire, with the goal of creating a thoughtful work product. He agreed the bill needs work and answered questions about how departments handle training and public access. By the end of the hearing, members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, and one committee member suggested the bill may be better handled through interim study because of the amount of work still needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• She takes the place of Kristen Grant, who was our committee researcher last year.
• to do some research for you, and I'd be happy to do that.
• The committee researchers work very closely with our subcommittees.
• </c> committee researcher to do some research committee researcher to do some research for<01:01:41.400
• So it's either research or promotion on a statewide level versus an individual producer.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held an introductory orientation for members, many of whom were new or newly assigned to the committee. Leadership emphasized that the committee is intended to operate in a nonpartisan, collaborative way, and members introduced themselves and described their backgrounds in farming, gardening, food service, environmental work, water and waste issues, veterinary work, and related fields. Several members noted personal ties to homesteading, livestock, orcharding, food security, landfill concerns, and animal welfare, while others said they were eager to learn the committee’s work. The chair then reviewed committee procedures and expectations. Members were told the committee would generally meet on Tuesdays, with hearings starting around 10 a.m. and often running until about 4:30 p.m., and that absences, substitutes for executive sessions, and email communications would be handled through House rules and the committee’s email system. The chair also covered decorum rules for live-streamed meetings, including professional dress, limiting food and drink at the table, and giving full attention to witnesses. Members were reminded that legislative emails are subject to public records laws and that the committee may soon transition to a new email domain. The chair also explained logistics such as bill folders, committee room storage, and emergency procedures for evacuation or shelter-in-place. No bills were debated or voted on in this meeting, but the chair noted that the committee already had roughly two dozen bills pending, including animal welfare, landfill, policy, and cat-and-dog related measures. Members were told to expect a broad mix of topics beyond agriculture, including solid waste and animal-related legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I'm prayerful that you did do research. I'm prayerful that you did do research.
• </c> degrees with the essential research degrees with the essential research component<02:23:30.080><
• So the research universities that research will continue.
• So the research universities that research will continue.
• We want to incent research and innovation.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> must incorporate certain research must incorporate certain research findings<01:02:37.359><c> by
• </c> findings by the National Road Research findings by the National Road Research Alliance<01:02:39.440
• We spent a lot of money on research. Let's go here. Let's use it.
• </c><01:48:23.119><c> We</c> plan for implementation of research.
• We plan for implementation of research.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Research staff. Mr.
• Research staff: Mr.
• Research staff. Mr.
• Any questions for research staff? None.
• Any questions for the research staff?

Bills: SB1041 , SB1088 , SB1118 , SB1128 , SB1168 , SB1176 , SB1189 , SB1207 , SB1250 , SB1272 , SB1274 , SB1286 , SB1428 , SB1457 , SB1461 , SB1503 , SB1519 , SB1537 , SB1582 , SB1618 , SB1654 , SB1713 , SB1827 , SCR1012 , SCR1020

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes

Transcript Highlights:

• officer and president of the research officer and president of the medical<01:02:56.960><c> staff</c
• and innovation to prepare and research and innovation to prepare and diversify<01:03:09.800><c> the<
• and education that it, clinical research and education that Minnesota<01:03:52.160><c> depends</c><01
• Research at Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute also leads initiatives that reach the entire state
• Um, she did one of her rotations in nephrology there, and did a research project before that.

Bills: HF4343

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, advertising tax, taxable services, digital advertising, online marketing, marketing services, search engine marketing, lead generation, internet advertising, ad agency, media buying, campaign planning, Minnesota tax law, service tax, broadening tax base, web advertising, promotional services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so I, um, our researcher went back and got me the clips from the floor debate when they passed the
• </c><00:03:08.080><c> um</c><00:03:08.319><c> our</c> Um, so I um our um research um our Um, so I um
• our um research um our researcher<00:03:09.360><c> went</c><00:03:09.599><c> back</c><00:03:09.760><c
• > and</c><00:03:10.000><c> got</c><00:03:10.239><c> me</c><00:03:10.560><c> the</c> researcher went back
• and got me the researcher went back and got me the clips<00:03:11.440><c> from</c><00:03:12.080><c>

Bills: HF3556

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: community solar, energy, solar power, renewable energy, Melissa Hortman, 1183, house