Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a professor emeritus of the University of Washington School of Pharmacy.
• I'm an emeritus professor of the University of Washington School of Pharmacy.
• with the School of Public Health for the University of Washington.
• The University of Washington is under the University of Washington. It's not... Thank you. Roland?
• The University of Washington is under the University of Washington.

Bills: HB2176 , HB2244 , HB2120 , HB2333

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: drug therapy, public records, confidentiality, healthcare, collaborative practice, transparency, accountability, exemptions, government accountability, audit, legislative review, resource efficiency, committee work, political violence, elected officials, election officials, criminal justice, protection, safety, threats

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, I'll look back up to the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.
• If not, I'll look back up to the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.
• If not, I'll look back up to the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.
• If not, I'll look back up to the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.
• The witness added that the University of Arkansas’s Office of Education Policy has some data that does

Summary: The committee first approved the May 18 meeting minutes and then received a Legislative Audit presentation summarizing Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions for fiscal year 2025. Auditors said the department distributed about $4.6 billion in grants overall, including $3.2 billion from the Public School Fund, $1.1 billion in federal funds, and $268 million from other state and miscellaneous sources, across 56 Public School Fund programs, 14 other state programs, and 29 federal programs. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, master principal bonuses, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance funding; audit staff and Department of Education representatives explained that the report was only a distribution summary and not a recipient-level audit. Members also questioned why many districts showed lower funding, and staff said the decline was largely due to reduced federal and one-time COVID-related funds. Senators and representatives also discussed whether some incentive programs, such as master principal and national board bonuses, were tied to student outcomes, and whether Economics Arkansas was the sole entity named in special language for financial literacy funding; department staff said they would follow up on several details. The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on consumer price index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global, with discussion of CPI-U and core CPI estimates for future fiscal years. Dr. Carlos Silva explained that the forecasts generally trend toward about 2 percent over time and that recent projections may have understated actual inflation because of recent shocks. Members asked about the accuracy of past projections, and he said he would provide more detail later if needed. The bulk of the meeting focused on the final adequacy report on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. BLR staff reported that Arkansas had about 32,800 teachers and 473,000 students in 2025, with a statewide student-to-teacher ratio of about 14 to 1, average teaching experience of 11.9 years, and a slight increase in National Board Certified teachers. The report found that districts with higher poverty and minority concentrations generally had less experienced teachers, and that teacher shortages remained widespread, especially in special education, math, science, and foreign language. Members asked about licensure exceptions, alternative preparation pathways, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, and the cost and return on investment of traditional versus alternative routes. Staff said some licensure exceptions are being phased out under Act 304 of 2025 and that they would follow up on several requested details. The report also found that teacher retention averaged 87 percent statewide in 2025, with districts retaining teachers at higher rates than charters, and that 30 percent of surveyed teachers were considering leaving the profession. Principals and teachers identified school leadership as the strongest positive factor in recruitment and retention, while workload and salary were the strongest negative factors. On salaries, BLR reported a statewide average teacher salary of $60,254 in 2025, with districts averaging $60,458 and charters $55,724. Arkansas ranked 45th nationally on average teacher salary in 2025, though its cost-adjusted ranking improved to 36th; among SREB states it ranked 12th, and among neighboring states it ranked fourth. Members asked about starting salaries, salary compression, district step increases, and whether the report should be shared more broadly with educators and school leaders. Staff said they would provide follow-up information on several questions, and the committee took no formal action beyond receiving the presentations and asking for additional data.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, both the University of New Mexico and New Mexico Highlands University offer minors in bilingual
• I actually did come across that upon my site visits with the universities, just with the faculty of the
• Well, is that Part of the administrator training programs at our higher education universities?
• I graduated from Los Alamos High School and more recently from the University of New Mexico.
• While I was an undergraduate at the University of Washington I thought I was going to build a career

Transcript Highlights:

• We showed Jennifer Kelly from the University of Texas at Arlington testifying as neutral.
• You're testifying on behalf of Texas A&M University yourself. On behalf of Texas A&M University.
• On behalf of self and Texas State University. Not testifying, and Dr. Jennifer Cowley.
• Self, Student, University of Texas Austin for House Bill 4568. Thank you. Welcome.
• University School of Veterinary Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center's Peter O'Donnell Jr.

Bills: HB4568 , HB5458 , HB4543 , HB2703 , HB3728 , HCR113 , HCR126

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• Any type of work, any type of job, any type of assignment, she will take on.
• So please, members, help me welcome the interns from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
• Affairs and the University of Houston.
• have a willful and persistent disregard of the bail laws of the state of Texas.
• and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Senator West, approved the previous day’s journal, and then adopted several recognitions, including Senate Resolution 625 honoring the McLennan Community College Dance Team for winning two 2025 National Dance Alliance national titles. The chamber also recognized University of Texas Rio Grande Valley interns, the doctor of the day, and the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans and Families. The governor’s withdrawal of a Texas Lottery Commission nomination was received and the nomination was returned, and the Senate appointed numerous conference committees on pending bills. The body then took up and passed several measures, often by suspending the rules and the constitutional three-day rule. Senate Bill 4 and Senate Bill 23 were concurred in House amendments as part of property tax relief, with supporters emphasizing homeowner savings. House Bill 20 creating the Applied Sciences Pathway Program passed after a floor amendment and was described as a way to expand career and technical education and help students earn industry certificates in high-demand trades. House Bill 2594 passed to expand venue options for prosecuting certain theft and cybercrime cases, and House Concurrent Resolution 167 was adopted to correct a typo in House Bill 1314. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 9, Senate Bill 40, Senate Joint Resolution 5, and Senate Bill 6. SB 9 and SJR 5 were presented as major bail-reform measures, with supporters saying they would strengthen public safety, clarify appeal procedures, and give judges and prosecutors more tools in serious cases; the debate included questions about records, counsel, and the standards for denying bail. SB 40 dealt with nonprofit bail-bond funding, and SB 6 addressed electricity and data-center growth. The chamber also passed House Bill 423 on digital asset service provider reporting and auditing, with amendments adding protections for cryptocurrency kiosks and a technical correction. Additional bills passed included House Bill 4690 on motor fuel standards, House Bill 1094 on transportation protection agreements, Committee Substitute for House Bill 2731 on roadside vendors and solicitors in certain border counties, Committee Substitute for House Bill 127 on protecting higher education from foreign adversaries and trade secret theft, and House Bill 549 on airway clearance devices at public school campuses. The Senate granted or requested conference committees on a long list of other measures, including HB 4, HB 145, HB 493, HB 2974, HB 3071, HB 3372, HB 3556, and multiple Senate bills. The session ended with adjournment until the following Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then Debbie Hughes, many of you know Debbie, Executive Director of New Mexico Association. of Conservation
• We have a lot of need, a lot of people requesting it.
• It's federal match and state match, and it goes through the Department of Agriculture and University.
• The governors of the three states and the presidents of the three universities got together and signed
• In San Miguel and Mora counties, with New Mexico State University, the University of New Mexico, and

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lot of that in the press, in the news, people who owned universities, oversight.
• their, let's say, diaspora join that particular university to get some type of degree or some type of
• And it looks kind of It looks kind of predatory in a lot of ways.
• I will say that one of the things that I want to do is I do think that a lot of these universities are
• Steve Hanson from Lighthouse Public Affairs on behalf of Northeastern University.

Summary: The joint Sunset Review Oversight Hearing focused on the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and its reauthorization, operations, enforcement, fiscal condition, and student protections. Committee leaders and DCA officials praised the Bureau’s recent improvements in data systems, licensing, inspections, and enforcement, while noting the Bureau’s role has become more important as federal higher education oversight weakens. Bureau Chief Deborah Cochran said the agency has met its inspection mandate for the first time since the law was enacted, increased citations and disciplinary actions, reduced pending complaints, and used data tools to identify risk and monitor institutions more effectively. A major portion of the hearing centered on student harm, especially school closures, transcript access, predatory recruiting, and the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). Members asked how the Bureau protects students when schools close, whether bad actors can reopen under new entities, and whether enforcement tools are strong enough. Cochran said the Bureau can cite, fine, place schools on probation, revoke licenses, and order refunds, but it is seeking new authority to deny approval to operators who previously closed schools improperly or failed to refund students. She also said the Bureau is tracking ownership data and is concerned about institutions targeting immigrant and visa students. On STRF, Cochran explained that the fund is currently healthy, assessments are at zero because the balance is above the statutory target, and the Bureau paid about 1,100 claims totaling roughly $17 million over the last four years. Several members questioned the fairness of the assessment structure and discussed alternatives such as surety bonds, but the Bureau said STRF is working well and no change is needed at this time. Fee increases and the Bureau’s structural deficit were another major topic. Cochran said the Bureau reduced costs by eliminating positions, streamlining inspections, improving data analysis, and shifting some student-relief costs to STRF, but that legislative action is still needed to address the deficit. She said the proposed fees were based on workload analyses and that application fees generally match service costs, while annual fees are designed to cover most of the Bureau’s revenue needs. Some members and stakeholders criticized the proposed increases as too high, especially for out-of-state registration and campus fees, while others argued the Bureau needs sufficient resources to regulate effectively. Public commenters from private schools, Northeastern University, San Joaquin Valley College/Carrington College, and TICAS generally supported the Bureau’s mission and reauthorization, but urged changes such as risk-based oversight, better transcript protections, stronger limits on repeated provisional approvals, and more targeted fee and STRF reforms. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with no formal action beyond discussion and receipt of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• our sacred trust to the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Welcome to the floor of the House. We're so proud of you.
• Of course, this organization was founded in 1911 at Howard University.
• , the cost of gas, the cost of groceries, the cost of rent.
• of 2025.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved several journals, and welcomed a number of guests, including Irish dignitaries, scholarship winners, interns, student pages, and members of Omega Psi Phi. After confirming a quorum, the chamber received committee reports and referred new bills and resolutions, then recessed for caucuses and committee meetings before returning to floor action. In the afternoon session, the House considered several bills and amendments. It approved amendments to House Bills 426, 1127, 2551, and Senate Bill 146, while rejecting an amendment to HB 1127 that would have tightened background-check requirements for out-of-state dentists. The chamber also agreed to HB 2234, which creates a spent grain donation tax credit and updates the malt beverage tax credit, and HB 2551, which limits text-message notices by the Turnpike Commission and other agencies about unpaid fines, fees, or tolls. Senate Bill 146, creating the Veterans Trust Fund Board, was amended to add audit-related changes and then agreed to. The House then took final passage votes on several bills. HB 133, allowing a process to petition for reinstatement of parental rights, passed 191-11; HB 138, barring parental incarceration as the sole basis for termination of parental rights, passed 200-2; HB 2207, on capital development loans, passed 202-0; and HB 2224, dealing with utility rate and tax-related changes, passed 202-0 after extensive debate over affordability, consumer protections, and tax relief. HB 2473, repealing the Flood Insurance Education Information Act of 1996, also passed unanimously, and HB 2544, addressing school administrator rights and compensation disputes, passed 141-61. The most extensive debate centered on HB 2632, which reallocates educational tax credit caps and replaces the EITC and OSTC programs with a new options tax credit framework beginning in 2027-28. Supporters said it would improve transparency, accountability, and access for the poorest students, while opponents argued it would reduce scholarship opportunities, add burdens, and harm families and schools that rely on the current programs. After lengthy debate, the House passed HB 2632 by a vote of 105-97. The chamber then announced a Finance Committee voting meeting, recommitted several bills to Appropriations, and adjourned until June 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so knowing that that is a part of the state university system, I love to learn more about how things
• We have Jacksonville University as well as University of North Florida.
• And two of the three of those universities I represent. So that's the second.
• Of the three of those universities I represent. So that's the second interest in higher ed.
• And now I have a grandson at University of South Florida. And one at UF, too.

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met for its first meeting of the session and heard presentations focused on workforce education in the Florida College System and district technical colleges. Members introduced themselves and discussed their personal connections to higher education, then heard from Department of Education senior chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, South Florida State College president Fred Hawkins, and Pinellas Technical College representative Mark Hunt. O’Farrell outlined the department’s budget request, including increases for adult education, Florida College System program funds, workforce development capitalization grants, apprenticeship and teacher apprenticeship programs, Open Door scholarships, and CAPE industry certification funding. He emphasized record growth in enrollments, completions, dual enrollment, and program offerings, and described grant-funded expansion in fields such as health sciences, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, and AI-related programs. Committee members raised concerns about whether current programs match actual labor-market demand, how artificial intelligence may reduce future human labor needs in some fields, and how the state should avoid unwarranted duplication of programs. O’Farrell said the department uses economic forecasts, employer demand data, and a CTE audit process to review programs and phase out those that do not meet performance thresholds. Members also asked for more detail on the teacher apprenticeship model, the transition from technical college clock hours to college credit, job placement and salary outcomes, and the LPN-to-RN pathway. O’Farrell said he would provide additional information later. Hawkins described South Florida State College’s rural service area, low college-going rates, and difficulty recruiting and retaining faculty and staff because salaries lag behind local market alternatives and nearby school district pay. He said the college has had to turn away students in high-demand programs due to staffing and operational limits, while also noting strong outcomes in nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/paramedic, and radiography. Hunt said Pinellas Technical College serves about 5,000 students annually, including many dual-enrolled high school students, and reported a placement rate above 90% and strong local economic returns. He said many programs have waiting lists and that additional operational funding is needed to meet demand, maintain equipment, and keep pace with salary and cost increases. The meeting ended after public comment was opened and no further business was brought before the committee, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2026 as Burn Awareness Week in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and recognizing University of Louisville
• of Kentucky and recognizing Commonwealth of Kentucky and recognizing recognizing<00:09:09.600><c> University
• </c><00:09:10.080><c> of</c><00:09:10.240><c> Louisville</c> recognizing University of Louisville recognizing
• University of Louisville Hospital's<00:09:11.279><c> burn</c><00:09:11.680><c> center.
• </c><00:18:14.160><c> of</c><00:18:14.400><c> Kentucky</c> at a at the University of Kentucky at a at

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AT THANKSGIVING I GOT TO MEET A YOUNG MAN WHO WAS PART OF AN EXTENDED FAMILY WHO GOES TO THE UNIVERSITY
• I CAN TELL YOU A SMALL FRACTION OF THE FOLKS THAT WERE THERE TRAINED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND UNDER
• THE NEXT PRESENTATION IS BY OUR TEAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA.
• AND THE PROVOST AND EXECUTIVE ADVICE TO PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA.
• Koster: I AM ALWAYS SO IMPRESSED BY THE WORK THAT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA DOES AND I FEEL VERY

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an associate professor of education, finance, and policy at the University of Washington, and I direct
• At the University of Washington, the 2025 budget cuts resulted in departments cutting back on teaching
• Continue having access to high-quality education like the University of Washington provides.
• I'm president of UAW 4591 at Washington State University.
• My name is Willow Heights, and I'm president of WAWU, UAW Local 4929 at Western Washington University

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• and Water Systems at the University of Idaho.
• and Water Systems at the University of Idaho.
• So we have ongoing projects at Idaho State, Boise State, and University of Idaho, addressing those key
• So we have ongoing projects at Idaho State, Boise State, and University of Idaho, addressing those key
• Another example of a faculty-led project is out of Idaho State University.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Knowing that as part of the State University System, I love to learn more about how things are funded
• State College, and the University of North Florida in Senate District 6. also a dear partner with us
• We have Jacksonville University, as well as the University of North Florida, and two of the three of
• Now I have a grandson at the University of South Florida, and one at UF too.
• Of course, [University of Florida] is my regional school in my district, and we certainly support them

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is a continuation of this legislature to mandate that universities teach and do things along certain
• There is a long history of our legislature having told universities to fund this and work on that, and
• it unfortunately has the effect of laundering propaganda into our university systems, and that is what
• There is a long history of our legislature having told universities to fund this and work on that, and
• At a university as being required to give a lecture on adoption? That's the absurdity of this bill.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a light April Fools proclamation directing the sergeant-at-arms to wear a silk top hat for the day. The chamber then agreed to the House request to adjourn from April 2 to April 7, and messages from the House were received, including transmission of some bills to the Governor. The body also briefly recognized visitors from the Arizona Psychiatric Society and the nominee to lead the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate considered several bills. On the first calendar, it advanced HB 2120 on property tax exemptions and disability determinations, HB 2174 on insurance business and modeling data, HB 2289 on truth-in-taxation bond notices, HB 2861 on marital/postnuptial agreements, and HB 2903 on banks and financial institutions. On the second calendar, it advanced HB 208 on school libraries, HB 2040 on public educational institutions and adoption information, HB 2075 on school employee contracts, HB 2203 on public school reporting requirements, HB 2255 on school employee training, HB 2383 on school property leases and housing development, and HB 2903 again as amended. Several floor amendments were debated, including a successful hostile amendment to HB 2075 that was later rejected, and committee amendments to other bills were adopted. The Senate then took third-reading votes on multiple bills. HB 257, HB 2131, HB 2223, HB 2264, HB 2857, HB 2120, HB 2174, HB 2289, HB 2861, HB 2903, HB 2008, HB 2040, HB 2075, HB 2203, HB 2255, and HB 2383 all passed, with recorded roll-call votes and several members explaining their opposition or support. HB 2255 passed with the required three-quarters vote. The chamber also adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and transmitted the bills as appropriate. Before adjournment, Senator Miranda read a proclamation recognizing Farm Workers Day, and Senator Tothley offered a statement and moment of silence in memory of Passion Swartz, urging review of turquoise alert practices. The Senate then voted to adjourn until Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• the State University System, and the Department of Education, which does handle our early learners through
• That means hundreds of thousands of students are now That means hundreds of thousands of students are
• , of course, because of under-enrollment.
• California also has one of the highest cost of living.
• That had to be representative of a lot of hard work and a lot of long hours with you, your board, and

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So $30,000 of our taxpayer dollars were not used because of the abandonment. of that request.
• at the end of their junior year to determine what Minnesota colleges and universities students are automatically
• For many of them, the dream of higher education has felt distant, if not entirely out of reach, and this
• Our student body of around 5,400 students is approximately 61% students of color, approximately 60% of
• Olaf College, is not on the list of private colleges and universities that participate in this program

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, I rise on behalf of the Black Caucus in support of HR 14 in recognition of Women's History Month
• And it's fun to stand right now because we are in the midst of one of my favorite holidays of the year
• Her pursuit of excellence led her to Sacramento State University, graduating with honors in criminal
• Holly Joshi is currently the Chief of the City of Oakland's Department of Violence Prevention.
• , and San Diego State University for a Bachelor of Arts. for her MA in Curriculum and Instruction.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WHAT I CAN PROVIDE IS WHAT I AM SAYING IS THROUGH UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA SHIMMERING CENTER FOR HOUSING
• THROUGH UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA SHIMMERING CENTER FOR HOUSING STUDIES AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO FOLLOW UP,
• BASED ON HOW THEY TEACH STATISTICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA.
• UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA DID AN EXTENSIVE REPORT AS PERTAINS TO HOUSING IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND LOOKING
• HAVE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, SHANDS AND ALL THAT IN HERE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of this.
• Some of the policy considerations of this.
• And so that kind of made our changes relative to the governor's recommendation sort of out of whack.
• , the university system gave them a dollar amount of around a half million dollars.
• the best use of the campus for the area, and the best use of the building.

Bills: SB2399

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first reconsidered House Bill 1612, the aerospace medical and mental health support center bill. Senator Cleary offered an amendment to reduce the general fund appropriation from $500,000 to $250,000 and require the university or project sponsors to find the remaining funding from other sources. The amendment passed, and the bill was then recommended do pass as amended, with members citing concerns about university funding, but others supporting the project as a one-time seed investment. The committee also discussed a possible future FMAP increase beginning October 1, 2026, which could reduce general fund costs by roughly $9 million, though members noted the figures were still preliminary and could be addressed later if needed. The committee then returned to Human Services budget items, including early childhood and child care funding, a community cultural center grant, and several other adjustments. Members discussed reducing the “best in class” amount, changes to child care grants and quality/infrastructure funding, and clarifying that prior child care assistance appropriations were in fact being spent. They also agreed to reduce the 1915(i) Medicaid waiver line by $2 million, with the understanding that the entitlement would still be funded as needed. The committee also considered taking guardianship funding out of House Bill 1012 because a separate bill, Senate Bill 2029, would move that funding elsewhere; members agreed that removing it from the budget could help the overall bill and could be restored if the separate bill failed. Several study amendments were discussed. Senator Cleary proposed adding a maternal health study related to prenatal services, doulas, midwives, and Medicaid, and members expressed support. The committee also discussed a software/case-management study proposal, but the department said it had not requested it and would not support it as presented, so members leaned against advancing it unless the department first evaluated it. Another amendment would authorize the department to work with the city of Grafton on a long-term plan for the LSTC campus and require a report back to the legislature; members supported that as legislative intent. The committee also agreed to remove a truancy study section for later conference discussion, and it reviewed other possible study ideas, including assistive technology, before adjourning to await updated long sheets and bill text.