Transcript Highlights:

• And $12 million to the Center for Autism and Neuro Development at the University of Florida's College
• Other universities—University of Florida per student is about $46,000, FSU is about $27,000, and USF
• , Very significant expense versus a big university, such as the University of Central Florida.
• I have to tell you that the University of Florida, for instance, their number is increased, is higher
• designate the Florida Center for Nursing at the University of South Florida as the administrator of

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• education. $50 million to the Lassinger Center for Learning at the University of Florida to support
• And $12 million to the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at the University of Florida's College
• Other universities—University of Florida per student is about $46,000, FSU is about $27,000, and USF
• Very significant expense versus a big university, such as the University of Central Florida.
• I have to tell you that the University of Florida, for instance, their number is increased, is higher

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and environmental/agricultural programs. Major items discussed included school funding increases, workforce and university investments, Medicaid and child welfare funding, corrections operating deficits, housing and hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and state employee compensation. Members asked detailed questions about several budget items. In education, senators discussed teacher salaries, declining enrollment supplements, scholarship funding growth, and charter school capital outlay. In higher education, they asked about Bright Futures, New College funding, and the EASE grant program. In health and human services, senators focused on the iBudget waiver, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, the ADAP HIV drug program, and the use of opioid settlement funds. In criminal justice, questions centered on DOC deficits, inmate health care and food service costs, public defender and state attorney funding, and whether the budget would prevent the need for National Guard support. In environmental and state agency budgets, senators discussed Florida Forever land acquisition, conservation easements, cultural grants, the Emergency Management Trust Fund, and election security funding. After the budget presentations and questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments to place Senate language onto the House vehicles for conference. The chamber passed HB 5001, the appropriations bill, by a 36-0 vote and agreed to conference. It also passed the implementing bill, collective bargaining and state employee bills, retirement legislation, fuel tax and SLERS bills, the court trust fund bill, judicial certification bill, K-12 and higher education conforming bills, and other related measures, generally by unanimous votes. Several motions were adopted to request the House to pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• And $12 million to the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at the University of Florida's College
• Other universities—University of Florida per student is about $46,000, FSU is about $27,000, and USF
• Very significant expense versus a big university, such as the University of Central Florida.
• I have to tell you that the University of Florida, for instance, their number is increased, is higher
• So it's a complicated formula, and it's based basically on the needs of that individual university or

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500/HB 500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget is smaller than last year’s, maintains strong reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for all state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including $34.9 billion for Pre-K-12 education, $11.9 billion for higher education, a $2.1 billion-plus increase in health and human services, $7.9 billion for criminal and civil justice, $16.8 billion for transportation/tourism/economic development, and major environmental and regulatory investments such as Everglades restoration, water quality, and land acquisition. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Topics included the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries and charter school funding, New College funding, ADAP/HIV drug assistance, Medicaid rate reductions for non-critical access hospitals, DOC operational deficits and inmate health/food costs, judicial staffing, and school enrollment supplements. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected shifts in how scholarship and categorical funds are tracked, that the ADAP appropriation would take effect immediately upon enactment but would only cover part of the year, and that hospital reductions were tied to a broader DPP funding increase. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed carry licensing workload, and whether vacant positions were being eliminated as part of budget right-sizing. After the budget discussion, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles. The chamber then passed HB 500, HB 503, and HB 5201, and agreed to conference on each. It also passed SB 7028/HB 5205 on retirement, SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2510/HB 5401 on court trust funds, SB 2512 on judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health, with each bill passing by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and then being sent to conference or requested of the House for concurrence.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, that bill applied to all of the state's regional universities and The Evergreen State College
• of functioning at the time of closure.
• and University of Washington, and it resulted in that work group that then brought this really great
• and University of Washington and it resulted in that work group that then brought this really great
• I think because of the challenge of this committee in terms of business and labor and the job.

Bills: HB1526

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: liquor license, snack bar, state regulations, alcohol sales, business licensing, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Federation of president of the Federation of KoreanAmerican KoreanAmerican KoreanAmerican Associations
• Padmei Ransani Rana Singh, excuse me, internal medicine at Johns Hopkins University, professor of medicine
• at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and former president of MedChi.
• :36.240><c> Hopkins</c><00:07:36.720><c> University</c> of medicine at Johns Hopkins University of medicine
• at Johns Hopkins University School<00:07:37.440><c> of</c><00:07:37.599><c> Medicine,</c><00:07:37.919

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Strawhacker also holds bachelor's degrees from Grandview University and a master of public administration
• at the University of Colorado.
• He graduated from the University of Colorado with a B.A. in business administration and graduated with
• a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado at Denver and holds a Juris Doctor from Mitchell
• Rothside has a bachelor's degree. from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Colorado, Colorado

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Austin University, and Deston is a sophomore at Texas A&M University and a proud member of the Aggie
• , a fully universal on eligibility population in and of itself. in and of itself would be close to the
• You mentioned how the bill is universal, which is important, of course, to a lot of our parents, our
• terms of universality, the amount of the contribution, and the expenses allowed, including testing.
• in terms of universality, the amount of the contribution, the expenses allowed, testing.

Bills: SB 2

Committees: Senate Education K-16 , Senate Education

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in hiring of a a may have um they may have a couple months of a gap in hiring of a school counselor or
• I'm speaking on behalf of the ACLU of Arizona. Hello, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• of Houston.
• Instead of protecting the Jewish student or faculty member being targeted, universities too often ask
• just a ton of them at ASU and at U of A, and I believe at Northern Arizona University as well.

Bills: HB2040 , HB2142 , HB2255 , HB2379 , HB2482 , HB2575 , HB2600 , HB2764 , HB4033 , HCR2015

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: public education, adoption, sex education, parental rights, student health information, school safety, resource officers, mental health, training, infrastructure improvements, Arizona Teachers Academy, teacher preparation, education funding, public schools, scholarships, teacher certification, community colleges, school district, governing board, training requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I rise today to welcome and recognize University of California President, Dr.
• University of California's.
• I'm so grateful for your friendship, for your leadership at the University of California.
• To the University of California and to our state.
• Congratulate you and your family, and for all of your service to the university and the state of California

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:48.320><c> I</c> University of Minnesota years ago. I University of Minnesota years ago.
• goes to Mano State is staying for x number of days and a student who goes to the University of Minnesota
• goes to Mano State is staying for x number of days and a student who goes to the University of Minnesota
• vet</c> University of Minnesota around vet University of Minnesota around vet students,<00:26:02.559>
• to record keep.” very few at the University of Minnesota very few at the University of Minnesota and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the importance of the work that's done across the university system.
• for a university the size of UNH.
• ><c> of</c> impressive for a university the size of impressive for a university the size of unh<00:09
• I think sometimes it’s a mystery of what the finances of the university system are and how it works,
• </c> University Systems by an order of University Systems by an order of magnitude<01:28:33.480><c> um

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m the chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, of which there are many.
• I’m the chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, of which there are many.
• They have become kind of a village within the university and a beloved institution in greater Winona.
• They have become kind of a village within the university and a beloved institution in greater Winona.
• of Minnesota and such as the University of Minnesota and Housing<01:08:06.400><c> Finance</c><01:08:

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• unlock the secrets of the universe, sir.
• The Universal Service is the cornerstone of the FCC's mission.
• The Universal Service Fund itself has connected millions of Americans across the country.
• So, universal service is the cornerstone of the FCC's mission.
• It's a part of the Communications Act to advance and preserve universal service generally.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: state policy, governance, legislative processes, public concerns, policy improvement

Summary: During the committee meeting, various issues surrounding state policy and governance were deliberated. Although the specifics of bills under discussion were not highlighted, comments from several committee members indicated a focus on improving legislative processes and addressing public concerns. The chairman facilitated discussions that included several points of critique as well as suggestions for enhancement of existing laws. The atmosphere remained constructive despite the complexity of the topics at hand.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we'll hear from San Francisco State University College of Education. Welcome. Thank you.
• So as you heard, the California State University prepares about half of the teachers in California.
• Of the 13,128 credentials from colleges and universities issued in 2023-24, 6,400 of those, or about
• So in my university, there are six colleges. Mine is one. We all get funded out of the same bucket.
• So in my university, there are six colleges. Mine is one. We all get funded out of the same bucket.

Summary: The committee heard an informational discussion on California’s educator pipeline and shortages, with testimony from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Learning Policy Institute, CSU educator preparation leaders, and CTA. Witnesses said state investments of more than $2.1 billion have helped rebuild teacher supply, with credential issuance and preparation enrollment rebounding after COVID, but demand remains high because of turnover, early-career attrition, and persistent vacancies. Panelists emphasized that shortages are especially acute in special education, bilingual education, STEM, and in high-need schools and regions, and that underprepared teachers, substitutes, and emergency permits remain heavily used. Several speakers stressed that retention, working conditions, compensation, and stable funding are as important as recruitment. Members focused on whether current data systems are sufficient to measure need and track where teachers end up working. The Commission said it can monitor assignments for credential alignment, but does not have full employment data to determine whether grant recipients or credentialed teachers are actually deployed in the shortage areas for which they were trained. The chair asked for better regional and subject-area data, and the committee discussed the risk that layoffs and budget instability could undermine teacher pipeline investments. CSU representatives urged stronger support for student-teacher stipends, better coordination with districts, more capacity for special education preparation, and more stable CSU funding to expand educator preparation. CTA testified that school climate, class size, health benefits, and administrative support are essential to retaining teachers. The committee then moved to budget proposals. For the Golden State Teacher Grant Program, Finance proposed a $14.4 million reappropriation for 2026-27, and the Student Aid Commission supported continued funding, saying the program has influenced candidates’ decisions to enter teaching and work in priority schools. For educator residencies, Finance proposed $250 million one-time Proposition 98 funding through 2029-30; the LAO said it could be adopted if aligned with legislative priorities, and CTC said the program has strong uptake and supports retention. For the computer science supplementary authorization grant, Finance proposed increasing awards from $2,500 to $6,000 and reducing the match requirement, but the LAO recommended rejecting the change because only about one-fifth of the original funding has been used. The committee also discussed registered apprenticeship pathways, rural access, and whether federal Title II, Title III, or IDEA funds could support bilingual and special education teacher preparation. Several items were held open for further information and follow-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 22nd chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, the Pharisees asked, In the 22nd chapter of the Gospel
• the act to remind us of the purpose of this law.
• The Pennsylvania State University, the namesake university of this Commonwealth with over 80,000 students
• Let's move down to Lincoln University, Madam Speaker, with a student population of 1,500 students, receiving
• This bill makes appropriations to the trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.

Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord of heaven, you hold the universe in place, and still you see every street and every heart.
• Lord of Heaven, you hold the universe in place, and still you see every street and every heart.
• In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
• appointment of Salvador Cruz as director of the Department of Finance.
• Fish and Wildlife internship program at the University of Montana and took numerous courses in range

Summary: The Senate convened with 33 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the corrected journal, and welcomed several student and constituent visitors. The chamber then moved through committee reports and gubernatorial appointments, including confirmations for Salvador Cruz as director of the Department of Finance, Clayton Steele to the Board of Environmental Quality, Carl Ray and Kenneth Long to the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, and Alan Kavanaugh to the Commission of Pardons and Parole for two terms. In each case, senators spoke in support of the nominees’ qualifications and public service, and the committee reports were adopted by voice vote. The Senate also received House Bills 493 and 514 for referral, and introduced Senate Bills 1248 through 1251, which were referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee. The main piece of legislation considered on the floor was Senate Bill 1221, which clarifies the Percy retirement work-limit exemption by replacing “irrigation district” with “irrigation or drainage entity” so the exception applies consistently to eligible water-related organizations. Supporters said the change would help retain experienced retired workers and avoid confusion in administering the rule. The bill passed the Senate by a 33-0 vote, with two senators absent, and was transmitted to the House. During miscellaneous business, senators made announcements about a church service, an Idaho Realtors reception, a Kratom presentation for majority members, and a Bible study. The Senate also recognized additional guests in the gallery before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from the University of Minnesota. from the University of Minnesota.
• of Minnesota, smart from the University of Minnesota, smart guy<02:41:32.880><c> at</c><02:41:33.120
• guy at the University of Minnesota, guy at the University of Minnesota, partnered<02:41:34.960><c> with
• </c><02:41:38.160><c> studied</c> University of Toronto, and they studied University of Toronto, and
• </c> loan repayment program to the University loan repayment program to the University of<03:59:07.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires the University of Hawaii.
• Uh next, we have University of<00:19:08.480><c> Hawaii,</c> of Hawaii, of Hawaii, Denise<00:19:11.039
• of Social Sciences, University College of Social Sciences, University of<02:33:50.560><c> Hawaii</c>
• </c><02:34:01.920><c> the</c> University of Hawaii housed within the University of Hawaii housed within
• Data University of Hawaii at Monoa. B.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Superseded only by the UC at 90% and the University of Washington at 83.5%.
• To me, the financial implications of creating this without fully attending to the need of the state university
• implications of creating this without fully attending to the need of the state university, which is
• I'm really, really concerned that we're doing it at the detriment of the future of our state universities
• I'm really, really concerned that we're doing it at the detriment of the future of our state universities

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the director of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute housed at the University of Idaho.
• I am the director of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute housed at the University of Idaho.
• Distributed funding to all of the universities, as I mentioned.
• All three of the universities are represented.
• And so one of our other new scientists, Grace Pevin, who’s a graduate from the University of Idaho, she

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all