Transcript Highlights:

• He currently serves as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine
• , Phoenix, and Midwestern University, and as an instructor with the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
• SB 1761, appropriations University of Arizona.
• SB 1761, appropriations University of Arizona.
• The clerk is instructed to record the action of the House. Appropriations University of Arizona.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Kai Sun. Members also welcomed newly sworn Representative Cody Rhyme and congratulated Sergeant-at-Arms Chuck Fitzgerald on his recent wedding. Several members introduced guests and visiting groups, including pharmacists at Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, the Arizona Education Association, the Well-Being Collaborative of Arizona, and local officials and constituents from around the state. The chamber then took up House Resolution 2001, which designated March 18, 2026 as Health Workforce Well-Being Day in Arizona. The resolution cited burnout and workforce shortages among physicians, nurses, medical students, residents, pharmacists, and other health professionals, and urged state officials and health organizations to prioritize workforce well-being. It was adopted without objection to waive first and second reading, and Representative Bliss introduced guests connected to the Well-Being Collaborative. The House also considered several bills on third reading. House Bill 2375, relating to housing and historic neighborhoods, drew extensive debate over local control, historic preservation, housing shortages, and concerns about exclusion and segregation; it passed 31-24, but without the required two-thirds vote for its emergency clause. House Bill 2931, concerning the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board, passed 36-19, and House Bill 2992, creating a child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention pilot program, passed 35-20 after debate over whether funds should instead support broader sex education. Senate Bill 1010, substituted for House Bill 4027 and relating to historic names, passed 33-22. The House also handled committee assignments, referrals, and first readings of additional Senate bills before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Up next we have the University of Hawaii. Deborah Halbert.
• Debbie Halbert, Vice President for Academic Strategy at the University of Hawaii.
• Kei Aashi, Superintendent, testifying on behalf of the Department of Education.
• And then we have Maui Chamber of Commerce. Maui Chamber of Commerce.
• </c> title of this subsection uh placement of title of this subsection uh placement of interns<00:10:

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Library and Technology Committee met on March 14, 2025, to hear House Bill 430, House Draft 2, which would create an internship/on-the-job training program administered by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, with the state serving as the responsible employer for workers’ compensation coverage and appropriations included. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and the Department of Education. Supporters emphasized the value of internships as a high-impact educational and career pathway opportunity. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill’s intent but raised a concern about the criminal history background check language, recommending that the bill be revised so DLIR may conduct checks “as appropriate” rather than requiring a mandatory check for all interns. The AG noted that juvenile records would remain confidential for 16- and 17-year-old interns under existing law and suggested deleting the more specific background-check language or replacing it with the more flexible wording. Several organizations submitted support, including business, health care, tourism, and industry groups. During decision-making, the committee discussed amendments incorporating the Attorney General’s recommendation, adding a 2.5 GPA minimum reference, and clarifying language about private or public sector organizations and placement of interns in state executive branch departments, agencies, or programs. The committee adopted the recommendation to pass the bill with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• end of this.
• The Department of Education is not involved. Universities aren't involved. Schools aren't involved.
• necessarily have the qualifications to go on to a four-year college or university, and a lot of them
• He can't afford one because, you know, the cost of homes, the cost of insurance, the cost of everything
• Employment within any state of the U.S., the District of Columbia, or any of our territories has to abide

Transcript Highlights:

• We could go down a list of a lot of different qualifiers that make a university successful or, you know
• They're the highest only second to the University of Missouri. those universities aren't doing well.
• They're the highest only second and to the University of Missouri. They are, right?
• They're the highest, only second to the University of Missouri and the University of Missouri system.
• Why does this university get X millions of dollars, and this university get X millions of dollars more

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:07:44.559><c> from</c> University of Minnesota and one from University of Minnesota and one from
• So the University of Minnesota is split into kind of three major groups.
• What's interesting about family medicine, and it's true of our program, of Mayo, of the University of
• What's interesting about family medicine, and it's true of our program, of Mayo, of the University of
• What's interesting about family medicine, and it's true of our program, of Mayo, of the University of

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• State Colleges and Universities, the University of Minnesota, and the Mayo Clinic.
• </c><00:03:06.959><c> In</c> and the university of Minnesota. In and the university of Minnesota.
• University of Universities, the University of Minnesota<00:05:20.639><c> and</c><00:05:20.880><c> the
• Next is the University of Minnesota, starting on line 141.
• <c> funding</c> the university and some of the funding the university and some of the funding there,<

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:51.919><c> of</c> doing business like the University of doing business like the University
• University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, Jefferson County Public Schools, and the city of
• The University of Kentucky, the City of Lexington, Fayette County, the University of Louisville, they're
• city</c> uh the University of Kentucky, the city uh the University of Kentucky, the city of<01:08:30.000
• </c> of Lexington, Fyet County, UN University of Lexington, Fyet County, UN University of<01:08:32.640

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony focused on barriers facing minority-owned businesses and on local programs intended to improve access to capital and contracting opportunities. A representative from the U.S. Black Chambers described disparities in minority spending, argued for more intentional and transparent investment in Black communities, and emphasized the need to disaggregate data, hold officials accountable, and expand tools such as the byBlack certification directory. He also stressed that businesses need technical assistance, resources, and opportunities to grow through mergers, consortiums, and joint ventures. The main presentation then came from Larry Forester and Tyrone of Commerce Lexington, who outlined what they called eight major barriers for minority businesses, including limited access to capital, weak mentorship networks, discrimination and bias, bureaucratic hurdles, branding and visibility challenges, stereotyping, generational knowledge gaps, and limited financial literacy. They described several Commerce Lexington initiatives: the Access Loan Program, which brings small businesses before a pool of 26 lenders; a Minority Business Accelerator to help firms scale and connect with prime contractors; and an Opportunity Exchange for business owners to share experiences and lessons learned. They said the Access Loan Program has funded nearly $26 million in loans with an average loan size of about $62,000. Members asked about bias in lending and how to make contracting and certification easier for minority firms. Forester said applications are vetted by a subcommittee before reaching the full lender group, with attention to completeness and readiness, and that only one lender needs to say yes. On contracting, the witnesses said certification can be burdensome and suggested more hands-on help from the state, relationship-building events that include decision-makers, and incentives rather than mandates. They also relayed policy ideas from a business owner, including culturally informed underwriting, public-private matching grants, supplier diversity enforcement, and mentorship tied to capital access. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to get to a place of universalizing pre-K for four-year-olds, as Governor Healey mentioned in
• My parents told me I needed to attend a top 25 college or university east of the Mississippi, partly
• My parents told me I needed to attend a top 25 college or university east of the Mississippi, partly
• College or university east of the Mississippi, partly for prestige and partly to stay close to home.
• So Northeastern University in Roxbury, one of the most diverse colleges and universities we have here

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Massachusetts; no bills were heard or voted on. Chairs Bud Williams and Liz Miranda opened by framing the hearing as a response to recent federal actions they said threatened DEI efforts, funding, and civil rights protections in education and other sectors. They said the committee would hear from experts, agencies, advocates, and businesses about the legality and benefits of DEI and the impact of federal actions on the Commonwealth. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler testified virtually that Massachusetts is pushing back against federal efforts to restrict DEI, including guidance and certification demands directed at schools. He highlighted state investments in early education, child care, early college, career and technical education, and educator diversity, arguing these efforts help close opportunity gaps for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, English learners, and other underserved groups. In response to member questions, he said federal education dollars are core to services for students and that the state is prepared to fight funding cuts while monitoring impacts across K-12, early education, and higher education. Elizabeth Matos of the Attorney General’s Office said DEIA programs remain legal under state and federal law and described AG guidance issued to help institutions navigate federal confusion. She reviewed litigation the office has joined or won, including efforts involving withheld school funds, museums and libraries, the Minority Business Development Agency, Head Start, AmeriCorps, and other federal actions. Members asked about immigration-related fear and profiling, and Matos pointed to existing Know Your Rights guidance, said complaints to the Civil Rights Division have increased, and noted the office is seeing issues involving housing discrimination, employment, public accommodations, and threats to call ICE. She also said the office is open to further legislative ideas but did not discuss specifics. Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, testified that diversity, equity, and inclusion are often misunderstood and defined the terms plainly, emphasizing that diversity is a group characteristic, equity addresses unequal starting points, and inclusion is about belonging and access. She argued that DEI matters because it creates guardrails against bias, helps make environments accessible, and addresses ongoing inequities. In response to questions, she suggested practical strategies such as using clear criteria and written records in decision-making, broadening who is considered part of one’s in-group, and pairing bias awareness with concrete behavior-change tools. The hearing also included testimony from Meredith Tewitt of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, who spoke about the importance of DEI for women, veterans, and people who rely on federal institutions, and urged lawmakers to continue supporting inclusion and access.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a first-generation, low-income Latina student, she graduated from the University of California, Berkeley
• Edna is a proud mother of three and a graduate of Hampton and Georgetown Universities.
• She holds a JD from the University of Michigan and lives in downtown San Jose with her husband and daughter
• She graduated from Brown University and the University of Michigan Law School. Thank you.
• From Brown University and the University of Michigan Law School. Please welcome Faisa Malik.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Austin Daley on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno. Just want to ditto as well. Thank you.
• They've been piloting with the University of Nevada, Reno, which really works with MTSS, which we all
• They had a pilot; this program was piloted with the University of Nevada, Reno, so there isn't a specific
• They had a pilot; this program was piloted with the University of Nevada, Reno, so there isn't a specific
• Austin Daly, on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno, for the record.

Committee: Assembly Education

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this is our our little corner of the universe and that work for space.
• And so in the first several years, the FSU College of Social Work in collaboration with other unit university
• We have an ongoing learning community faculty representing a number of different universities.
• These groups include the Florida Department of veteran Affairs, Florida's colleges and Universities Careersource
• This slide provides a comprehensive view of the child welfare systems, front door that whole universe

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I COME IN SUPPORT OF THIS HISTORIC EVENT BEING PUT IN FLORIDA UNIVERSITY AND I WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT
• WE WANT IT SALUTE THE UNIVERSITY FOR AGREEING TO AN MOU TO LEASE 14 ACRES OF SPACE AT THE CAMPUS.
• I AM THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY WHICH IS THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY IN SAINT AUGUSTINE
• FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY OF HISTORICAL BOND WITH SAN AUGUSTINE PARK WHILE THE UNIVERSITY WAS FORCED
• FLORIDA AND WE AT THE FLOATING UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION FULLY SUPPORT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TASK FORCE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , University of Louisville, to collaborate on research.
• instance</c> the University of Kentucky for instance the University of Kentucky for instance University
• </c> University of Louisville to collaborate University of Louisville to collaborate on<00:41:54.000>
• the</c> with University of Kentucky with the with University of Kentucky with the Neuroscience<00:49
• And I know she's been in a lot of communication with University of Kentucky specifically.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum, first taking up referred administrative regulations. One regulation was deferred, and two others were noted as deficient; with no one wishing to speak, the committee treated the regulations as reviewed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 13 from Chairman Meredith, which would reduce the number of Medicaid managed care organizations from five to three. Meredith argued the bill would reduce administrative burden, improve oversight, help rural providers, and potentially lower costs for families and the Medicaid program. Senators Berg, Herron, and Douglas asked about data, patient impact, network adequacy, and prior authorization burdens; Meredith said the effect on patients would be indirect through better access and less administrative delay. The committee approved a committee substitute and passed SB 13 favorably on a 10-0 vote. The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 26, presented by Senator Richardson and Kentucky Pharmacists Association Executive Director Ben Mudd. The resolution asks the Department of Medicaid Services to provide data and cost analysis on paying pharmacists fairly for clinical services already within their scope of practice under Medicaid and KCHIP. Supporters said pharmacists can improve access, especially in rural areas, by providing services such as medication therapy management, chronic disease management, and preventive care, and that the resolution is intended to gather information before any future bill. Senator Douglas questioned whether expanded pharmacy duties have actually improved access or outcomes and whether there is published data; Mudd said the Board of Pharmacy tracks use of protocols but that more data is needed. The committee approved the resolution by roll call, with all members voting aye. At the end of the meeting, Chairman Meredith announced that Senate Bill 27 would be heard for discussion only and not acted on that day so members could review it further. Senator Brandon Storm introduced SB 27, which would create a Kentucky Parkinson’s disease research registry, and noted that a Michael J. Fox Foundation representative could not attend because of a winter storm; her letter was included in the packet. Storm said the registry is intended to support research and policy by tracking Parkinson’s disease in Kentucky, citing national prevalence and cost figures. No vote was taken on SB 27 during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Katie Davis, and I'm a professor at the University of Washington, where I co-direct the UW
• at the University of Texas School of Law.
• Center for Digital Youth at the University of Washington, and a member of the APA advisory on social
• Should we be trusting the University of Washington when there's a bunch of tires floating in Puget Sound
• I've bought enough flubber and magic bean theories from the University of Washington.

Bills: SB5984 , SB6119 , SB6076

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: artificial intelligence, chatbots, regulation, technology, consumer protection, pollutants, tire regulation, 6PPD, environment, public safety, SB 6076, consumer-owned utilities, public utility districts, municipal procurement, competitive bidding, public works, clean energy, renewable energy, nonemitting generation, energy storage

Transcript Highlights:

• reverse osmosis cannot get rid of all of it.
• We're really failing the students who walk through the doors of our university campuses, and that's the
• AB 1732 is also supported by the University of California, the California School Employees Association
• AB 1732 would offer housing security to thousands of students by providing public universities access
• Tyler Aguilar here on behalf of the University of California.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1603, which would restrict new PFAS pesticides from being registered in California and add transparency requirements for pesticide use reporting. The author and supporters argued PFAS are persistent, harmful chemicals that contaminate water, soil, and food, and said the bill would reduce future contamination and public health costs. Supporters included environmental and public health groups, water agencies, nurses, teachers, and local governments. Agricultural and chemical industry groups opposed the bill’s registration ban, arguing California already has strong pesticide review, that the measure could limit future safer formulations, and that it could raise costs and reduce farmers’ access to pest-control tools. Committee members raised questions about affordability, water contamination, and the role of state versus federal regulators; the author said the bill was needed because existing regulation is too slow and incomplete. No vote was taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee then heard AB 2635, the Just Transition for Landscapers Act, which would create voucher programs and other support for landscapers transitioning from gas-powered to electric equipment, while limiting penalties and adding privacy protections. The author and supporters said many landscapers are low-wage immigrant workers who cannot afford the upfront cost of electric equipment and should not be punished for complying with local air-quality rules. Air district representatives and other opponents said the bill could be too prescriptive, could divert limited air district resources, and could create administrative and language-assistance burdens; one air district moved to neutral after amendments. Committee members discussed the health benefits of electric equipment and the need to avoid placing penalties on workers. The bill was held pending a quorum. The committee also heard AB 1732, which would extend CEQA streamlining to public university and community college housing projects. The author, UC student representatives, and the University of California said the bill would help address student housing insecurity and speed construction on already planned campus sites. There was no opposition. The committee then took up AB 1744, the Clear Labels, Clear Seas Act, which would prohibit sunscreen products marketed as reef safe or reef friendly from containing certain chemicals that harm marine ecosystems. The author said the bill is a transparency measure, not a ban, and the committee expressed support; no opposition appeared. Additional bills discussed included AB 2152, which would streamline CEQA review for fire station projects and was supported by firefighters and local governments but opposed by contractors over a project labor agreement requirement; AB 2231, which would streamline two hospital projects in Santa Clara and Emeryville and drew broad support with no opposition; AB 2410, which would create temporary CEQA and Coastal Act exemptions for wildfire fuel-reduction projects and drew support from counties, cities, utilities, and fire officials but opposition from Sierra Club California over the breadth of the exemptions; and AB 2234, which would update geothermal exploratory project rules to reflect newer technologies, supported by clean power advocates and opposed or opposed-unless-amended by utility groups concerned about impacts on existing geothermal operations. Several of these measures were discussed with amendments, but votes were deferred where a quorum was not yet present.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1932, he began his collegiate career at the University of Tampa and went on to serve in the U.S.
• And his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Florida in 1960.
• Every one of those spots at the University of West Florida or Florida State, every one of those spots
• I'm sorry, every university to ask them the question: How many of the 6,500 are illegal?
• The dreamers that I worry about are the 2000 students we know not going to Florida university of their

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here to speak as a community member of Minneapolis and as a public university employee.
• Those of us who are afforded the privilege of attending university may remember wearing many of these
• 47.200><c> of</c><00:20:47.400><c> attending</c><00:20:48.039><c> University</c> the privilege of attending
• University the privilege of attending University may<00:20:49.280><c> remember</c><00:20:49.760><c>
• My name is Danielle Huck, and I have been a professor of English at Minnesota State University, Mankato

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the Mauricio Gaston Institute for Community Development and Public Policy, both at the University of
• We'd love to bring in Renee Landers, professor of law at Suffolk University Law School, to talk about
• I'm a professor of law at Suffolk University Law School, and I'm the faculty director for the health
• Painter in 1950, which required the University of Texas Law School to admit Black students.
• Have special financial aid programs for graduates of historically Black colleges and universities, which

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held a hearing on the impact of federal policy on the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts, with no bills heard. Chairs Bud Williams and Miranda opened by framing the issue as a structural, long-standing disparity affecting Black and brown communities, citing major gaps in wealth, income, housing, and opportunity. Members noted this was the fourth hearing in a series on federal impacts on racial equity, and public written testimony was invited by the posted deadline. Administration witnesses Secretary Lauren Jones, Secretary Kiami Mahania, and Assistant Secretary Juan Vega described how labor, health, and economic development policy intersect with wealth-building. Jones pointed to higher unemployment, wage gaps, and underemployment among Black and Latino workers, and highlighted ESOL, workforce training, MassHire, and skills-based hiring efforts. Mahania argued poverty drives poor health, linking medical debt, Medicaid instability, maternal health, and chronic disease to wealth loss, and said federal changes could worsen both health and wealth gaps. Vega focused on entrepreneurship and procurement, citing disparities in business ownership and revenue, and described state efforts such as small business technical assistance, founder pipelines, place-based grants, and the Business Front Door; members also pressed him on microbusiness definitions, supplier diversity, and whether state programs were reaching firms that had received prior grants. Nicole O’Bean of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts testified that Black-owned businesses face a hostile environment due to tariffs, DEI rollbacks, immigration enforcement, capital barriers, and federal funding cuts that reduce contracts from education, health care, and nonprofit sectors. She emphasized that certification alone is not enough and called for stronger inclusive procurement outcomes, better data, and more support for microbusinesses. Dr. Melissa Colon and Dr. Fabian Torres-Dal of the Mauricio Gaston Institute testified on Latino wealth gaps, especially low homeownership, high rent burden, limited access to credit, and occupational segregation; they said structural racism, wage gaps, and education inequities are central drivers and urged housing, labor, and education reforms. Committee members repeatedly linked the hearing’s themes to redlining, medical debt, single-parent households, financial literacy, and the need for legislation and state programs to close the gap, but no votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the University of New Mexico, there are really only two audit firms that can audit them.
• Some of these flagship university accounting departments have these higher education endowments, and
• In terms of universities, we're going to do a statewide review of all university foundations.
• Foundations are component units of the universities, and we have a lot of foundations that are convinced
• of New Mexico. of New Mexico.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Fabian is 17 and is graduating from Florida Atlantic University this summer with a Bachelor of Arts.
• It is the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning at the University of South Florida.
• of South Florida to create— work in conjunction with that institute at the University of South Florida
• of South Florida to create. work in conjunction with that institute at the University of South Florida
• Maybe just walk me through some of these changes as it comes to university presidents.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum established, and several recognitions, including a legislative intern, a guest in the gallery, and Representative Bruce Antone’s upcoming induction into the Tuskegee Athletic Hall of Fame. The Speaker also gave brief remarks about the end of session and the freshman class. The chamber then took up a series of Senate-returned messages and concurred or insisted on several amendments while moving bills toward final passage. The House unanimously approved CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after adopting a House amendment to remove the IOTA-related provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties and business interests after a House concurrence motion. It also insisted on its amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 on housing. CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation was amended to restore House provisions on teacher-prep courses, the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College, and related testing and mentor-qualification changes; it passed 91-22 after debate over teacher certification, testing, and “identity politics” language. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers was amended to keep the House’s original notice and referral framework with a good-cause exemption; it passed 87-27 despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors. After recess, the House took up CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response. Members described changes including removal of some homestead-assessment and debris-removal provisions, a study requirement for a post-hurricane county restriction concept, and a Florida Keys evacuation-time change paired with a 10-year cap of 900 permit allocations; the bill passed 116-0. The House also refused to concur in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration and requested the Senate recede. Later, the House returned to HB 1101 and insisted on its amendment after the Senate refused to concur. The longest debate came on CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, where the House amendment replaced the Senate version with the substance of HB 1267, including Schools of Hope, higher education governance, and course transparency. Members questioned provisions expanding Schools of Hope co-location and sponsorship authority beyond traditional opportunity zones, the role of the Department of Education versus school districts, transportation and facility-cost issues, and performance-based agreements. Supporters said the changes would expand options for students and use vacant or underutilized facilities; opponents argued the language was added late, lacked transportation funding, and could allow charter operators to enter high-performing schools. The bill remained under debate at the end of the transcript, with no final vote shown.