Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, Wayne Choma in support, with the University of Hawaii, Department of Electrical and Computer
• the University of Washington.
• After graduating in '93, I joined the faculty here at the University of Hawaii and in the Department
• <00:21:14.799><c> in</c><00:21:14.919><c> the</c> University of Hawaii and uh in the University of Hawaii
• Teaching at the University of Hawaii, do you feel we are graduating enough students to work in the high-tech

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard confirmations for two Hawaii Technology Development Corporation board nominees, Jaclyn Ka and Gregory Oara. Testimony for both was overwhelmingly in support. Supporters for Ka emphasized her Kauaʻi roots, work in workforce development and digital equity, and ability to connect schools, industry, and community needs. In her own remarks, Ka said she wants to bring resources to Kauaʻi and the neighbor islands, strengthen local workforce pathways, and use the HTDC board to help local residents access technology jobs and training. Members questioned Ka about how to reduce reliance on mainland hires for jobs at PMRF and other technology employers, how to better align training with local needs, and how to connect Kauaʻi schools, community college programs, and creative media/digital technology efforts. Ka described KDB’s role in building islandwide digital media and drone clubs, professional development for teachers, and partnerships intended to create a pipeline from school to workforce. She also said the legislature can help mainly by listening and staying informed about local needs. For Oara, supporters highlighted his engineering and semiconductor background, his experience in academia, industry, and startups, and his potential to help HTDC with technology commercialization, IP, and exportable services. Oara said he wants HTDC to better support early-stage companies, improve coordination among universities, government, and the private sector, and create a directory of technical skill sets to connect startups with needed expertise. He also discussed AI, saying Hawaii can contribute by developing smaller, locally relevant models rather than only relying on large-scale data-center infrastructure. The hearing focused on these nominations and testimony; no vote or final committee action was stated in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• how University of Minnesota Regents become University of Minnesota Regents.
• Uh we just the University of Minnesota.
• regards</c> the University of Minnesota in regards the University of Minnesota in regards to<00:55:31.040
• </c><01:01:00.320><c> of</c> I'm just wondering if the University of I'm just wondering if the University
• </c> University of Minnesota. University of Minnesota.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee discussed a higher education attainment-goals bill and several related amendments. Members first reached agreement on funding changes: one amendment redirected money for fraud-prevention software for MnSCU and $5,000 for trees in Bemidji, and another moved $570,000 for workforce development-related funding. Members noted the use of general fund dollars to cover a FIG shortfall and expressed support for addressing fraud prevention while also saying MnSCU should be made whole in the next biennium. Both amendments were adopted. The main policy debate centered on an amendment updating the statewide attainment goal and related P-20 partnership language. Senator Um Ruebain proposed returning the attainment goal from 75 percent to 70 percent, and members discussed whether the bill’s expanded reporting and coordination duties would create costs for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Nonpartisan staff and Commissioner Olsen said the Office of Higher Education and the P-20 partnership expected no costs, while DCYF’s fiscal note assumed reporting and staffing costs. After discussion, DCYF indicated it would absorb the costs, but some members still objected to expanding the partnership and creating additional bureaucracy. Members also debated whether early childhood and K-12 subgoals should be included as part of the attainment-goals framework. Supporters said aligning early childhood, K-12, and higher education goals is necessary to improve postsecondary attainment, while opponents argued the committee should focus on existing higher education goals and basic K-12 achievement. The committee ultimately adopted the Senate language on the attainment-goals section as amended, including the change back to 70 percent and revisions directed by staff to ensure the correct references were updated. The A12 amendment on pregnant and parenting students was also adopted earlier in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• galleries, we have a group of nursing students from Alorn State University.
• </c> University.
• Let's give them a round of University.
• And in our north and south gallery among the Alcorn State University School of Nursing, we have some
• As I rise today in my blue and white on behalf of Alcorn State University, I'd like to adjourn in memory

Keywords: MS House Floor - 17 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I love the University of Hawaii.
• I love the University of Hawaii.
• I love the University of Hawaii.
• I love the University of Hawaii.
• I'm proud to be an University of Hawaii.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's, I even spoke with a representative of that university. And so there is movement.
• , it doesn't allow the community to weigh in on the pieces of that of the college or university that
• , then makes the provision that a college or university has the right to opt in or out of local historic
• So this does not prevent, and in fact all public universities that I'm aware of have public comment periods
• I like all of this part of it.

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the needs of one student at one school are not the same of the needs of another student at another
• I only have one teacher currently teaching dual credit through the University of Idaho.
• And all of our state board of education approved peer institutions are university, not college.
• “As mayor, I understand the critical role Lewis-Clark State University plays in shaping the future of
• I am in full support of Lewis-Clark State University.” And our support is literally a groundswell.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first approved the January 26 and January 27, 2026 minutes by voice vote. The committee then heard a presentation from Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) Superintendent Jeff Simmons, joined by Cambridge Superintendent Anthony Butler, on IDLA’s role as Idaho’s statewide supplemental online learning program. Simmons described IDLA’s funding model, course offerings, growth in enrollment, quality controls, teacher certification and oversight, use of Idaho teachers and curriculum, free open-content resources, and efforts to support families through lower course fees and waived dual-credit fees. He also said IDLA is preparing for a proposed $10 million budget cut, which he said would significantly reduce enrollments and course offerings. Butler testified that IDLA is especially valuable for small rural districts like Cambridge for credit recovery, dual credit, scheduling flexibility, and keeping students on track to graduate. Senators asked about teacher certification, costs, evaluation in a virtual setting, AI use, statutory naming, and how IDLA would be affected by budget reductions. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1234, sponsored by Senator Carlson, which would change Lewis-Clark State College’s name to Lewis-Clark State University. President Cynthia Pemberton testified that the change would not alter the institution’s mission, programs, or focus, but would reduce confusion about the school’s offerings, better reflect its four-year and graduate programs, and help recruitment and partnerships. She said the proposal has broad support from the State Board of Education, K-12 partners, local chambers, and campus stakeholders, and estimated a one-time rebranding cost of about $50,000. Senators asked about the cost and intent language, and the committee voted to send the bill to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned afterward, with notice that there would be no Education Committee meeting the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am also a faculty member at the College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University, a member
• I'm a member of Jewish Voice for Peace and a retired faculty member of San Francisco State University
• I'm an alumna of California State University, Sacramento, a current doctoral student at Claremont Graduate
• I'm currently a lecturer of over 250 students between California State University, Sacramento, Folsom
• I'm a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held a special hearing on AB 715, with the authors presenting the bill as a response to rising anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. The authors said the measure is intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students, improve district accountability, expand the uniform complaint process, clarify protections related to religion and nationality, and create a state-level anti-Semitism coordinator. They emphasized that the bill was developed through collaboration with the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish caucuses and argued it is meant to protect all students from hate while preserving legitimate classroom discussion. The hearing included extensive public testimony. Supporters, including students, parents, rabbis, Jewish organizations, and some educators, described harassment, biased curriculum, delayed or ineffective school responses, and fear among Jewish students and families. They urged the committee to act to make schools safer and more responsive. Opponents, including teachers, ethnic studies advocates, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and some Jewish parents, argued the bill was rushed, vague, and could chill academic freedom, censor discussion of Palestine and Israel, and expand complaints against teachers and school districts. Several witnesses said existing complaint and anti-discrimination systems already address these issues. Committee members then questioned the authors and witnesses about implementation, definitions, and possible effects on curriculum and school boards. The authors said the bill is still intent language and that details would be refined in further negotiations with stakeholders. Representatives from the California School Boards Association and California Teachers Association raised concerns about the new language and possible unintended consequences, while ACLU California Action said it had concerns but wanted to keep working on the bill. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken on AB 715 during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This was years ago, and I asked, can you tell me the percentage of universally accessible trails?
• So what we do know is the number I mentioned, which is upwards of 45% of our people need universal accessibility
• I hold a doctorate in biology from Harvard University and work with a number of environmental groups
• than eight of them are universally designed or accessible.
• than eight of them are universally designed or accessible.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered several environment and natural resources bills focused on natural and working lands, forest protection, municipal reforestation, trail accessibility, and a park naming bill. Representative Moschino and Senator Comerford described the natural and working lands bill as part of the state’s climate roadmap, arguing that protecting these lands supports carbon sequestration, resilience, biodiversity, and helps prevent development pressure on the least expensive land. Senator Comerford also testified on a separate bill to expand access to trails for people of all abilities, saying it would build on the administration’s Trails for All initiative and create a permanent advisory structure and trust fund. Representative Consolvo and family members testified in support of H. 4259 to name the tennis courts at Wether Park in Roslindale after Kim O’Connell, describing her long community service and activism. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 952 and H. 953, bills to protect watershed and state forest lands as parks or reserves. Supporters, including environmental advocates, scientists, and organizations such as Standing Trees, Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and the Massachusetts Forest Alliance’s opponents, debated whether state forests and watershed lands should be permanently reserved from logging and other active management. Supporters said the bills would improve carbon storage, water quality, biodiversity, flood and drought resilience, and would protect large acreages of public land at no cost. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Forest Alliance, argued that sustainable forest management and a mix of reserves and managed forests are needed for climate, water quality, wildfire prevention, rural jobs, and carbon outcomes, and urged the committee to allow the administration’s existing reserve process to continue. The committee also heard extensive testimony on the municipal reforestation bill, H. 1013/S. 553, which would create a statewide program, advisory council, and trust fund to support urban tree planting and maintenance. Municipal officials and advocates from Wellesley, Cambridge, Boston, the Mystic River watershed, and other communities said urban trees are critical for cooling, stormwater control, air quality, public health, and equity, especially in environmental justice neighborhoods with low canopy cover and high heat. Several witnesses emphasized that consistent funding is needed because trees take years to mature and many municipalities lack staff or watering capacity. Some witnesses asked that the bill be funded at $100 million and tied to the Mass Ready Act or environmental bond funding. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I went to the University of North Dakota, chemical engineering, applied mathematics, ended up at 3M down
• Item A: a presentation from the university system regarding the cost of delivering dual credit.
• I'm the Director of Finance with the North Dakota University System Office.
• Most likely, the School of Medicine is going to make them take the biology course at the University of
• It's a goal of the board in this university system. Thank you.

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I went to the University of North Dakota, chemical engineering, applied mathematics, ended up at 3M down
• Item 10:45, a presentation from the university system regarding the cost of delivering dual credit.
• I'm the Director of Finance with the North Dakota University System Office.
• at the university... ...of the committee, that is an excellent question, and it's actually the aspect
• It's a goal of the board in this university system. Thank you.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Stacey Edmondson, Dean of the College of Education at Sam Houston State University.
• We're already seeing momentum on the ground at University of Texas in San Antonio, Texas A&M University
• Last fall, we launched a first-of-its-kind partnership with Sam Houston State University, one of those
• And then you have university preparation, of which a small portion of that right now is residency programs
• Moreover, while inflation has impacted the cost of all aspects of the universe, the costs associated

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• business, but he's also a graduate of New York University School of Law, and is a friend of mine from
• This is important research that all of our universities are doing with folks, with federal dollars as
• U of A, the University of Arizona, and NAU, Northern Arizona University, have managed to cut other programs
• , waste, and abuse of the ESA Universal Voucher Program that we know has a 20% fraud rate.
• After he earned his degree, Lewis went to teach at the University of Arizona before moving to Dallas,

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm assuming that when we say University of Minnesota, we're really talking about the University
• So, I'm assuming that when we say University of Minnesota, we're really talking about the University
• So, I'm assuming that when we say University of Minnesota, we're really talking about the University
• So, I'm assuming that when we say University of Minnesota, we're really talking about the University
• So, I'm assuming that when we say University of Minnesota, we're really talking about the University

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of the labs at a research university, but bringing in new technologies and new innovations.
• I will be speaking to the universities about many of these issues, and you're the first ones to hear
• Why can't we get an MBA out of our universities to help us with our investments?
• I get a really good rate of return off of some of the banks now.
• As part of the university, I would be jumping at how can I contribute, what class can we offer, how can

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The University of Kentucky College of Education has agreed to take this on as a project, and they are
• The<00:02:01.759><c> University</c><00:02:02.320><c> of</c><00:02:02.640><c> Kentucky</c><00:02:03.200
• ><c> College</c><00:02:03.520><c> of</c> The University of Kentucky College of The University of Kentucky
• </c> knows I've been a strong proponent of knows I've been a strong proponent of universal<00:18:47.280
• Five of the seven states that are contiguous to Kentucky now have some form of universal pre-K.

Committee: Senate Families & Children

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will be providing an overview of the May Revision proposals for the University of California as it
• I'm speaking for the University of California.
• The university is grateful to Governor Newsom for his sustained support of the University of California
• Melle Yucucucu, on behalf of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.
• Could some of the universal cost increases that we're seeing at all of our LEAs be related to health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also lets the University of Kentucky do that a little bit.
• So the University of Kentucky &gt;&gt; Sure.
• The University of Kentucky Center for Drug and Alcohol Research is conducting an evaluation of the behavioral
• </c> University of Kentucky um serving University of Kentucky um serving underserved<01:26:38.880><c>
• University of Kentucky Research.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the October 13 minutes and then moved through a large agenda of contracts and agreements, including a deferred list from the September 2025 agenda. Members questioned several agencies about the purpose, cost, and duration of the items before them, with repeated motions to consider the contracts reviewed without objection passing by roll call. The Office of Energy Policy and Energy and Environment Cabinet presented a solar-and-battery program. Members asked about panel and battery lifespan, warranty coverage, who would pay for replacement or disposal, and whether the program made sense in Kentucky. The agency said panels and batteries generally last 25 to 30 years, warranties would cover replacement during the warranty period, EPA guidance would govern disposal, and federal funds would cover program expenses. Officials estimated the program could reduce participating homeowners’ utility bills by about 70%, with a minimum required savings of 20%. The Department for Community Based Services explained a new vendor contract for SSI initial and redetermination work for children in out-of-home care, saying the work is federally required, the department lacks in-house capacity, and the contract replaced a prior vendor after an RFP protest and rebid. The Department of Highways described umbrella traffic engineering contracts for smaller highway safety projects, noting they are used for spot improvements and are nearing full utilization. The Kentucky Historical Society said its contract funded a temporary exhibit tied to 250th anniversary programming, and the Board of Medical Licensure discussed an amended audit contract, explaining that annual audits were adopted after an auditor’s recommendation and that the board is funded by state allocation plus fees and fines. The Department for Natural Resources/Abandoned Mine Lands gave the most extensive presentation, describing a $5 million engineering services contract as part of a much larger workload increase driven by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, with projects prioritized by citizen complaints and safety impacts; the agency said the contract supports design and oversight for community-scale mine reclamation projects that exceed in-house capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• SOME OF WHICH WE ARE IN SOME OF WHICH WE ARE NOT BUT IT HAS BEEN AROUND A NUMBER OF YEARS.
• THEN HAVE THE ABILITY TO GO TO THE UNIVERSITY OF THEIR CHOICE IN THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.
• WE HAVE LOTS OF THINGS AND THEN ECONOMIES OF SCALE.
• OF THE MODEL.
• WHEN YOU THINK OF THIS PERFORMANCE TYPE OF THING.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• across all stages of life.
• If they, many of these universities are, are born within their region, if they, many of these universities
• of Florida money.
• of Florida of money.
• the state of Florida.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee met to review and advance the Senate’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget proposal for the committee’s portfolio. The presentation highlighted a $1.8 billion increase over the current base budget, including full funding for Medicaid and KidCare, investments in IT modernization, Medicaid provider rate increases, mental health and substance use services, opioid treatment, foster care and guardian assistance, elder care, veterans’ services, cancer research, school nurse staffing, and other public health initiatives. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical adjustments and then approved the budget proposal to be reported to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then heard and voted on several bills. SB 152 on surgical smoke protection required hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt smoke evacuation policies; nurses testified in support, citing workplace and patient safety risks, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 958 on early detection of type 1 diabetes required the Department of Health to provide educational materials to schools and, by amendment, early learning coalitions; it was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home oversight added consumer satisfaction surveys, reporting requirements, quality incentive changes, and financial reporting penalties, with an amendment exempting state-operated homes and directing a study of best practices; it passed after questions about dementia, language access, and retaliation protections. CS/SB 738 modernized child care regulation by streamlining DCF processes and reducing obsolete requirements, and was reported favorably without opposition. The committee also approved CS/SB 1356 creating the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a Sunshine Genetics pilot to expand rare-disease screening and research, with support from members emphasizing early detection and data collection. SB 1370 separated ambulatory surgical centers into their own statute, with testimony that the change would better reflect the industry and help avoid burdensome regulation; it passed favorably. Finally, CS/CS/SB 1626 made a range of child welfare changes, including codifying DCF coordination with military installations, adjusting shelter certification, refining criminal-background exemptions, extending licensing compliance time, addressing room-and-board rate methodology, and clarifying missing-child procedures; after adopting three amendments and hearing both support and concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also recorded a member’s affirmative vote on SB 958 before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The title of the bill will be the title of the act.
• The title of the bill will be the title of the act.
• Of understanding how much we're driving businesses out of the state of Washington.
• Laura attended the University of Washington and more recently Bellevue Community College and Western
• She graduated in 2003 from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science degree and then received

Keywords: 904, all