Transcript Highlights:

• I WILL GIVE YOU BACKGROUND HIGH LEVEL FROM THE PACKET I SUBMITTED.
• BUT AGAIN FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS AND AREAS OF STUDY SO WE REALLY FOCUSED ON SAFETY AND WHAT THEY WERE
• MY EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND INCLUDES A BACHELORS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE A MASTERS CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDIES
• GIVEN MY BACKGROUND THERE IS A LOT OF CONNECTION IN THAT SPACE AND THERE IS A GIVEN MY BACKGROUND THERE
• FOCUSING ON PEOPLE WHO COME FROM A TYPICAL BACKGROUNDS ACADEMICALLY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:42.360> for worse for additional background for worse for additional background for
• The M.A.D. assessment study also does not address project viability or feasibility.
• million study million study spent<00:10:06.240> I'm<00:10:06.399> disappointed<00:
• until 11:00 today to release their study until 11:00 today to release their study and<00:10:12.120
• before the study was today but even before the study was released<00:10:19.640> it's<00:10:19.880

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 269 and House File 749 together, both aimed at ending Northstar Commuter Rail service. The bill author described HF 269 as directing the Metropolitan Council and MnDOT to request a federal waiver and discontinue Northstar operations, with HF 749 setting performance requirements that would trigger a similar termination request. Supporters argued Northstar has low ridership, high operating subsidies, and large maintenance costs, and said the agencies now agree with the intent to terminate the line and possibly replace it with bus rapid transit. The chair moved HF 269 to the general register while also laying HF 749 over in committee, and testimony was heard on both bills at once. Testimony split sharply. Supporters of termination, including the bill author and Annette Meeks, said Northstar has consistently underperformed ridership projections, has required large taxpayer subsidies, and should be ended rather than extended. Opponents, including Jesse Cook, Darwin Scherlan, Joel Mueller, Katie Nicholson, and Annie Buckle, argued the line still serves riders, workers, and communities, that low frequency and underinvestment are the real problems, and that the state should improve service rather than shut it down. Several opponents emphasized Northstar’s role for commuters, special events, and future growth, especially the St. Cloud corridor. Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle and MnDOT Commissioner Danenberger said they support carefully evaluating alternatives to commuter rail and acknowledged the subsidy is not acceptable, but they also said the agencies are working with the federal government and BNSF on possible next steps. Zelle said the agencies believe bus service could provide more frequent and direct service, and when asked directly, he confirmed they are in favor of terminating Northstar and replacing it with bus service if feasible. No final disposition beyond the motion on HF 269 and the laying over of HF 749 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s a little bit of background on my professional...
• I want to lend all of my background along with the new board members.
• Your background is incredibly impressive. I had a couple questions.
• studies, and a Ph.D. in public policy.
• The first topic was my background.”

Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.

Transcript Highlights:

• My background was actually in the power generation business, construction business for many years.
• They do a complete technical study of what available measures are out there.
• But I do say this with sincerity: the diversity of background and professional and political backgrounds
• But I do, I say this with sincerity that the diversity of background and professional and political backgrounds
• University of background and professional and political backgrounds of everybody here is going to play

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think a study committee a Statewide I think a study committee a Statewide chartered<00:34:12.520>
• > out chartered study committee to find out chartered study committee to find out what<00:34:15.520
• We had the original language was such that the study committee would be studying legislation around school
• why I saw the importance of a study why I saw the importance of a study committee<00:42:22.880><
• committee I I just want from the study committee I I just want the<00:45:54.760> study<00:45:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE LAST STUDY THAT WAS A DONE I WILL SEE IF I CAN FIND IT. I WILL GET YOU THE STUDY.
• THIS CONCEPT WAS INTRODUCED IN A STUDY BY THE PALM BEACH TASK FORCE ON THIS ISSUE.
• SCREENING CLEARINGHOUSE SYSTEM AND LEVEL TWO BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.
• EACH AGENCY INVOLVED MUST PROVIDE A CLEAR AND BACKGROUND SCREENING CLEARINGHOUSE SYSTEM.
• THEY HAVE TO STUDY. BUT IF THEY DON'T STUDY THEY FELL THE FIRST TEST.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, for that background and context.
• , criminal background check to be able to participate in the program.
• Since 1997, as you've heard, there have been literally hundreds and hundreds of studies—188 studies in
• In 1997, as you've heard, there's been literally hundreds and hundreds of studies, or actually 188 studies
• This self-study process at a school, if done well, is collaborative.

Bills: SB 2

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll give you just a very brief background on me.
• I've been studying election issues, ecosystem manipulation, fraud, etc. for going on over four years
• <00:04:01.760> I've just a very brief background on me.
• I've just a very brief background on me.
• :04:05.239> ecosystem been studying election issues, ecosystem been studying election issues,

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 158, which had been amended from an automatic voter registration-related request to a resolution urging the administration to follow the law and comply with federal court orders. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Hawaii women lawyers, and others. One witness spoke against automatic voter registration, warning it could be exploited by bad actors, though the chair clarified that the amended resolution was focused on court orders rather than AVR. Members asked questions about whether states or Congress can enforce compliance with court orders and whether there were historical examples of presidents refusing to follow them. The response emphasized separation of powers, checks and balances, and the importance of state support for the rule of law. The committee then voted to accept the proposed SD1 for SCR 158; the measure passed with one no vote recorded from Senator Awa. The committee also took up SCR 154, a resolution supporting implementation of applicable United Nations Human Rights Council universal periodic review recommendations. No testimony was received on that measure, and it was deferred. In a later decision-making agenda item, the committee considered a measure directing the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to include circuit and district court facilities in planning new correctional centers and to establish a release procedure away from residential communities and public spaces; the committee recommended passage as amended, and the measure passed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE PLAN IS TO LOOK AT THE ENROLLMENT THAT WE HAD TO IDENTIFY STUDENTS WHO MIGHT HAVE THE BACKGROUND
• OR THEY HAVE THE BACKGROUND WANT TO GO INTO THE HEALTHCARE FIELD BUT THEY'RE NOT SURE WHICH AVENUE.
• THE CLINICAL JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE THIS STUDENT STUDIED COMORBIDITIES OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE.
• ADDITIONALLY THE STUDENTS MUST HAVE A SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND IN RESEARCH.
• THE REQUISITE NATIONAL MERIT DESIGNATION PLUS A PRETTY GOOD BACKGROUND IN RESEARCH.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• great commonwealth, 56 men began the arduous task of uniting families and strangers from diverse backgrounds
• This study will look at the services provided by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, determine the
• This study will look at the services provided by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, determine the
• This bill modernizes fingerprinting and background check requirements for horse racing.
• They just assumed that people would come in and study.

Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I go to Grand Canyon University, studying public administration and business. Yeah. Welcome.
• I'm a student at ASU studying criminal justice and political science, and I'm happy to serve you all
• I'm a student at ASU studying criminal justice and political science, and I'm happy to serve you all
• I am a third-year student at Arizona State University studying political science and justice studies,
• Because anyone that’s getting a job in Title 32 professions cannot pass a background check usually.

Bills: SB1013, SB1023

Keywords: merit-based hiring, public employees, non-discrimination, employment practices, Arizona Revised Statutes, optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So nursing, social work, addiction studies.
• There have been a number of studies.
• So a couple of studies I wanted to share with you.
• The study findings indicated that...
• My kids have never had a study hall. They don't know what a study hall is.

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:

• They shouldn't have access because the background study is not done.
• They shouldn't have access because the background study is not done.
• They shouldn't have access because the background study is not done.
• They shouldn't have access because the background study is not done.
• They shouldn't have access because the background study is not done.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When will CPUC start to study and solicit public comment and complete the study required under AB 3264
• The law requires us to prepare that transmission financing study by July 1st.
• To provide some brief background, DWR acted very quickly.
• Well, the staff did a great job summarizing the background and the issues in the agenda today.
• It's one of those things that happens in the background.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what we'd like to hear is a little bit about you, your background, your connection to the university
• So a little bit about my background. I am an alumna of South Florida State College.
• Just to give a little bit of Florida Poly, a recent independent economic impact study by Dr.
• The study found that...
• So my background is very heavily laden into the world of education, which I love.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmation testimony for a large slate of university and state college trustees. Most of the discussion centered on the nominees’ backgrounds, ties to their institutions, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving university rankings. Several University of Florida trustees emphasized campus improvements, “One UF” integration, institutional neutrality, and ambitions to move UF into the top tier nationally. Other nominees highlighted goals for Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, UCF, Florida State, Florida Poly, the Florida Prepaid College Board, and several state colleges, with recurring themes of affordability, economic mobility, cybersecurity, and keeping Florida students in-state for college and careers. Public testimony was heard on the Florida A&M appointment, where Elijah Hooks spoke in opposition to the current administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from the university after protesting the selection of President Marva Johnson. During questioning of FAU nominee Tina Vidal-Duart, senators asked about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about reports concerning CDR Health’s contracting practices; she said she was not aware of the foundation issues at the time and noted that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate, so subcontractor pricing affected only the company’s internal margins. Other nominees received little or no questioning. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to confirm all nominees except Tina Vidal-Duart separately. Senator Bracy Davis requested the separate vote and opposed her confirmation, citing concerns related to her Hope Florida Foundation board service. Despite that objection, the committee ultimately voted to report Vidal-Duart favorably as well. The committee also noted that one University of West Florida nominee would be taken up at a later hearing because he was unable to attend.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Frank has a bill about studying issues with young men and boys because we actually see that
• discrimination and experience fewer educational opportunities. because IDRA has been conducting a study
• We are halfway through that study, but we've already found... from parents, high school students, and
• We need teachers who understand our values. ...backgrounds; policies that reflect our lived realities
• There are cultural differences that folks who do not share that background cannot understand to the full

Bills: SB12, SB226, SB413, SB1049, SB1191, SB2398, SB571, SB2920, SB 12

Keywords: parental rights, education, social transitioning, diversity, equity, inclusion, school policy, student clubs, residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, school boards, transparency, public meetings, attendance, recording, released time, religious instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• initial For background in the initial For background in the initial appropriation<00:25:17.200><
• We would strengthen the background studies requirements for high-risk providers.
• study requirements.
• <01:15:17.720> So regular non-FBI uh background checks.
• So regular non-FBI uh background checks.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Backgrounds in school leadership and classroom teaching are valuable in many contexts, and Oregon is
• While paid researchers study the problem, I apologize, this isn't my computer, so there we go.
• ... ...to study this problem and tell us what the commission needs.
• But what we should demand... ...to study this problem and tell us what the commission needs.
• They give us that advice; they provide us that background.

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was studying the agenda last night.
• we don't have time to properly vet all the recommendations, and so it would be more appropriate to study
• and so it would be more<00:03:13.319> appropriate<00:03:13.799> to<00:03:13.920> study
• it over the more appropriate to study it over the interim<00:03:15.200> and<00:03:15.319>
• Today, the second bill here is Senate Bill 25, and just to give you a little background on this, this

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:05 Roll Call 00:13 HB 7 Passover discussion 02:45 HB 490 Passover 03:22 HB 744 Discussion 04:08 HB 744 Vote 08:25 SB 10 Discussion 10:25 SB 10 Vote 12:03 SB 25 Discussion 14:30 SB 25 Vote 16:54 Adjournment 19:47, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Local Government met with a quorum present and began with roll call and a brief introduction of a page, William Huffman, a fifth grader from Lexington. The chair announced that House Bill 7 and House Bill 490 would not be considered that day, with HB 7 described by its sponsor as a housing-related proof-of-concept measure that needed more interim study before returning next session. The committee then heard House Bill 744, sponsored by Representative Richard White, with testimony from Brown County officials. The bill would allow counties to pay routine vendors electronically under a standing order, while still requiring appropriate signatures, to address delayed mail delivery, lost checks, and check-washing concerns. The committee substitute and title amendment were both adopted, and the bill received favorable expression to pass the House floor by roll call vote. Senate Bill 10 was presented by Senator Robbie Mills with support from representatives of the sheriff, firefighters, police chiefs, and cities organizations. The bill would enhance retiree health benefits for CERS career retirees by better aligning the subsidy with under-65 health costs. Members voiced support, including one member explaining a yes vote based on the bill’s benefit to retirees, and the committee voted favorably with a title amendment adopted. Senate Bill 25 was then heard from Senator Mills as part of broader housing legislation; it would expand the use of industrial revenue bonds for large multifamily housing projects of at least 48 units to help address Kentucky’s housing shortage. The committee approved the bill with favorable expression, and at the end members who had arrived late recorded attendance and votes before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , came from, no matter their background, came from, no matter their background, education<00:04:05.200
• <00:04:55.440> on<00:04:55.759> her share a brief background on her share a brief background
• The next slide you'll see science, social studies, and writing.
• science, social studies, and writing. science, social studies, and writing.
• us that they don't have that background. us that they don't have that background.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met in September 2025, established a quorum, introduced new member Larry Forester, and approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. The main presentation came from Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Johnson, who discussed the district’s work serving English language learners and multilingual students, including immigrant and refugee families. They said Warren County now serves roughly 5,500 multilingual students out of about 19,000 total, representing about 92 languages and 90 countries, with 57 certified multilingual teachers, a GO Center, migrant and refugee advocates, and the state’s first international high school. The presenters emphasized that the district welcomes immigrant families and that students and parents generally value public education, but they described major challenges tied to accountability and funding. They explained that multilingual students are tested after one year in the system, even though many need more time to become proficient in English and grade-level standards, and they argued that current graduation-rate rules can unfairly penalize schools when transient students enroll briefly and then leave. They also said the cost of serving this population has risen sharply, with special revenue and especially general-fund spending increasing substantially over the past decade, prompting the district to reallocate resources from EL teacher assistants toward translation technology and additional certified staff. Committee members asked questions about how long-term multilingual students compare with the general student body and whether the district’s data show similar graduation outcomes. Clayton said he did not have the specific comparison data at hand but believed students who stay K-12 generally reach proficiency. He and Johnson asked legislators to consider giving students more time before accountability measures apply and to shift some graduation accountability from individual schools to the district level for highly transient populations, while still maintaining accountability. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.