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.

Transcript Highlights:

• data to outside of the university or anything like that.
• Madam Chair and members, Kathy Van Austin, on behalf of the American Association of University Women
• Good morning, Kathy Van Austin, on behalf of the American Association of University Women of California
• Jessica Dong, with the University of California, in support.
• I'm the Student Regent for the University of California, on behalf of the Board of Regents.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to do a confirmation of Senator Muñoz of Anna Silva, Secretary of GSD.
• She is currently an international studies major in the honors college at the University of New Mexico
• She is currently an international studies major and honors college at the University of New Mexico.
• That's a lot of money. That's a lot of money. Senator, that's a lot of money.
• One of those, that's one of those.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayers and pledges, and several procedural announcements, including permission for cameras, a relaxed dress code for guests, and excusing a few senators. Members also recognized numerous guests and honorary lieutenant governors, and discussed a planned bolo tie contest tied to New Mexico tradition and state history. The chamber then moved to business, including the confirmation of Anna Silva as Secretary of the General Services Department. The confirmation drew broad support from senators on both sides, who praised Silva’s long career in state government, her management experience, and her work on major projects such as the executive office building, procurement reforms, and facilities management. After debate, the Senate voted unanimously to confirm her appointment. Silva’s family and guests were recognized from the floor after the vote. The Senate then took up House Bill 2 and 3, the state budget. Senator Muñoz presented the Senate Finance version as a balanced budget with about $11.1 billion in spending, 27% reserves, recurring investments in health care, early childhood, public safety, education, roads, housing, and economic development, and targeted nonrecurring spending for items such as water, universities, and innovation sectors. Supporters emphasized affordability, teacher health insurance parity, medical residency funding, rural and community investments, and public safety funding. Critics raised concerns about the size of the budget, the late availability and complexity of the bill, the removal of a proposed 1% pay raise for state employees, and whether spending priorities and education dollars were being allocated effectively. No final vote on the budget was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Commerce will work with Cyber Florida at the University of South Florida to further
• In other words, that's like taking twice the University of Florida, you know, two times and still having
• Of charter school students, half of them are in a district-sponsored charter school, half at a university-sponsored
• It provides for the transfer of facilities from the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus
• It requires a university to commit 12% of its carry-forward funds toward a PICO project.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> colleges and the University of Wyoming. colleges and the University of Wyoming.
• It expands more opportunity for individuals attending from out of state at the University of Wyoming
• And there are no metal detectors on the campuses of the state universities in South Dakota.
• ><c> Wyoming</c><00:08:06.960><c> or</c> state at the University of Wyoming or state at the University
• ><c> in</c> campuses of the state universities in campuses of the state universities in South<00:08:58.880

Bills: HB0111 , HB0112 , HB0122

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, they have been doing that, and that board is made up of a lot of people from universities and colleges
• And as a graduate of a HBCU, because we do have our HBCU universities in the state, I'm aware of the
• substantial</c><02:09:17.040><c> on</c> of universities that is substantial on of universities that
• purpose of a university.
• </c> purpose of a university. purpose of a university.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 11 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She holds a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Florida, and her master's of law
• from the University of Miami.
• I'm a proud graduate of the Florida State University.
• I'm a proud graduate of the Florida State University, and I know that we have designated a portion of
• You see, my mother integrated the University of South Florida. She was part of the USF8.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the anacronym of speaking on behalf of the anacronym of all<00:03:27.599><c> the</c><00:03:27.760
• c> that</c> because of the abandonment of that because of the abandonment of that request<00:28:43.840
• about a fourth colleges and University about a fourth of<00:48:11.240><c> Minnesota</c><00:48:11.680
• Olaf College, is not on the list of private colleges and universities that participate in this program
• ><c> and</c> not on the list of private colleges and not on the list of private colleges and universities

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> university throughout the state of university throughout the state of Minnesota<00:35:07.839><c>
• That we were told, don't worry, Universal Meals is going to take care of that.
• That we were told, don't worry, Universal Meals is going to take care of that.
• </c> Universal Meals is going to take care of Universal Meals is going to take care of that.<00:48:49.359
• So, Universal Meals was one of those things that was finally like, "Aha, people get it."

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4893, a school safety and gun violence prevention bill, and first adopted a DE1 amendment before hearing the bill. The author and supporters described the measure as a layered approach to school safety, combining increased funding for student support personnel, required school safety plans, and anonymous threat reporting systems. They cited research from the Violence Prevention Project and other sources arguing that many school shooters are insiders, often show warning signs, and frequently leak plans beforehand, making early intervention and trusted adults in schools important. Members and testifiers also discussed the bill’s firearm storage provisions. Representative Green explained that the bill would require firearms on school property and in vehicles to be unloaded and locked, and would limit or remove principals’ discretion to allow firearms in school buildings, while preserving access for trained school security personnel. Supporters said the bill would improve clarity and safety for schools, while a representative from private schools raised concerns that the language could limit flexibility and create staffing and accountability problems for non-public schools, prompting discussion of possible amendments. Several student and organizational testifiers supported the bill, including students from Edina High School, Education Minnesota, the Minnesota School Counselors Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. They emphasized the impact of gun violence on students’ mental health and learning, the value of anonymous reporting systems, and the need to invest in counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, but the committee did adopt the DE1 amendment and continued discussion of possible changes, including with the BCA and school safety center.

Transcript Highlights:

• University system of New Hampshire, I'm sorry. The license by SP, uh, Mr.
• University system of New Hampshire, I'm sorry. The license by SP, uh, Mr.
• of New you University system of New Hampshire<03:19:39.279><c> I'm</c> Hampshire I'm Hampshire I'm sorry
• Moving on to the University System of New Hampshire, we have three items: Plymouth State University,
• </c><03:28:55.319><c> to</c> university system Board of Trustees to university system Board of Trustees

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing and work session on House Bill 25A, the capital improvements appropriations bill, which Representative David Mills said was based on Governor Ayotte’s budget and included appropriations for capital improvements and extensions of prior appropriation lapses. The hearing drew testimony on several requested additions to the bill, with the chair noting the unusually large turnout and moving quickly through speakers. No questions were taken on the initial bill presentation, and the public hearing on HB 25A was later closed. The Community College System of New Hampshire asked for an additional $2.6 million, including $800,000 for IT infrastructure, $1.3 million for critical maintenance, and $500,000 for energy management systems. The witness said the money would address cybersecurity and online learning needs, replace failing boilers and a roof at several campuses, and prevent costly damage such as frozen pipes. The New Hampshire Veterans Home requested $1.5 million for ADA compliance and safety improvements, including floor replacement and wider doors, citing an upcoming VA inspection and the importance of preserving federal funding. Testimony also focused on career and technical education and airport funding. Milford CTE sought to keep $9.9 million in the budget for renovations after a local vote fell short, explaining the project had been scaled down from an earlier $60 million concept and that the school board wanted another chance to seek voter approval. On aviation, Concord, the New Hampshire Municipal Association, and Department of Transportation representatives urged restoring state matching funds for FAA airport grants, saying roughly $3.6 million in state money would leverage about $62 million to $65 million in federal funds for safety and infrastructure projects at public airports. Committee members asked about project selection, matching requirements, and the airport priority process, and witnesses said the program is driven by FAA-approved capital improvement plans and safety needs rather than business-return rankings.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does so by increasing the number of local education agencies that offer universal access to students
• You heard from my colleague, Stanford University Professor Sean Rudin in the work of the education.
• , you know, continuing obviously the onboarding of Universal Transitional Kindergarten, ensuring that
• I think on page five you talk about some of that as it relates to the full implementation of universal
• I'm curious though, even if it is now universal in terms of access, how the participation rate is, and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So 42% in Arkansas, one of the lower—we're kind of on the lower end of the other states.
• of it.
• of one.
• University of Arkansas, Fort Smith, for a number of years, has run their own program.
• But the college or university could do all of that as long as they had a place for the students to go

Summary: The committee first approved the November 3 minutes, then received an extensive update from Arkansas Division of Higher Education and Division of Career and Technical Education officials on LEARNS and ACCESS implementation. Witnesses said the state’s goal is for students to graduate employed, enrolled, or enlisted, and described expanded career pathways, student success plans, merit and distinction diplomas, and school accountability measures tied to pathway completion and tangible credentials. They reported increases in K-12 CTE enrollment and concurrent enrollment, and explained that some secondary career center programs were reduced or eliminated because they no longer aligned with state workforce demand. Members asked detailed questions about how merit/distinction affects school letter grades, how AP, concurrent credit, CTE completers, apprenticeships, and work-based learning fit into the system, and whether homeschool and private school students can access the same opportunities. Officials said multiple pathways can satisfy the requirements, including AP Scholar, concurrent credit, technical certificates, and apprenticeships, and that counselors are being trained to advise students. They also discussed scholarship changes: ACCESS broadened eligibility for the Arkansas Academic Challenge and Governor’s Scholar awards, with diploma of merit or distinction now qualifying students for additional aid, while the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship itself remained unchanged. Questions were raised about whether homeschool and private school students can meet the new diploma-of-distinction criteria; officials said the intent is to make them eligible if they meet the same standards, and that guidance is being finalized. The discussion also covered workforce scholarships and grants. Officials said the Workforce Challenge was expanded to include vocational-technical schools and increased funding, and that the Division is reworking policy around “professional skills training” to support shorter-term, stackable programs. They reviewed the new federal Workforce Pell Grant, noting its narrow hour and duration limits and the need for programs to meet completion, placement, and earnings thresholds. Members also asked about the state lottery scholarship fund balance and whether more aid should be directed to students; officials said the fund remains healthy and that ACCESS has already increased awards and expanded eligibility, with more implementation data still to come. The final presentation came from the Director of Workforce Connections on a $35.8 million U.S. Department of Labor cooperative agreement for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund. Arkansas will administer the national fund, which is aimed at expanding advanced manufacturing registered apprenticeships across the country through a pay-for-performance model. Officials said the program will support occupations in aerospace, automotive, biotech, maritime, nuclear, semiconductors, supply chain, and automation, and that applications will open soon. Members asked who can apply and how the money will be distributed; the answer was that registered apprenticeship sponsors—sometimes companies, sometimes colleges, sometimes intermediaries—will apply, with Arkansas setting eligibility criteria, vendor requirements, and outreach efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we provide provided a couple of slides up front with some photos and maps of where some of the
• We also know that universal service is not universal yet, and I know we'll spend a fair amount of time
• The second element of the work that we do is universal service, and this is the principle of ensuring
• And then I'll turn to universal service and the questions of the affordable connectivity program.
• advantage of 156, and I'm going to own some of this.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:40.080><c> of</c><00:03:40.480><c> the</c> to better meet the needs of of the to better meet
• And some of them stay a month, some of them stay three months, some of them stay six months because education
• And some of them stay a month, some of them stay three months, some of them stay six months because education
• And some of them stay a month, some of them stay three months, some of them stay six months because education
• It requires local boards to develop a process for the utilization of universal screener and diagnostic

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an undergraduate pre-medicine student at George Washington University and a resident of Wellesley
• I'm Brianna Spiegel, a medical student at Boston University and a lifelong resident of Massachusetts.
• A 2023 study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst shines light on how effective this policy has
• For meals to be truly universal, they must be nutritious and meet the needs of all students.
• I'm a recent graduate of Northeastern University and a co-founder of the Naloxone Outreach and Education

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with the chairs emphasizing time limits, written testimony, and grouping similar measures together. Early testimony focused on opioid use disorder education in schools (S.382), with Senator Keenan arguing that students should be taught about the risks of substance use disorder and naloxone use as part of health curricula. Representative DeCost also briefly introduced H.551, a narrow bill concerning parent rights for children in third grade and younger. Several bills were then closed without testimony, including measures on type 1 diabetes informational materials and other diabetes-related proposals. A major portion of the hearing centered on school health and emergency response bills. Supporters of H.652/S.342 on diabetes management in schools described inconsistent district practices and urged clearer standards so students can receive care in classrooms rather than being sent out of instruction. Bills on epinephrine access and seizure disorders drew extensive testimony: advocates for stock epinephrine in schools argued that unassigned epinephrine can save lives and should be funded in a cost-neutral way, while a pediatrician opposed one version as an unfunded mandate. For seizure-safe schools (S.422/H.635), students, parents, educators, and advocates described missed or delayed responses to seizures, stigma, and the need for staff training, seizure action plans, and emergency medication protocols. A separate bill, H.645, allowing anti-seizure medication on school buses, was supported by a parent and student who said current law forces costly and restrictive transportation arrangements. The committee also heard testimony on youth skin health bills (S.334/H.600/H.619), which would let students carry and apply sunscreen at school and camp without a physician’s note. Supporters from melanoma prevention, dermatology, and industry groups said the bills would remove unnecessary barriers and promote sun-safe habits, while one witness cautioned about drafting details and unintended consequences. The hearing then moved to CPR/AED education for graduation (S.456), where Senator Tarr, a student advocate, and the Red Cross all supported requiring hands-on CPR certification for high school students. Finally, the committee took testimony on healthy school lunches (H.539/S.401): supporters from the Healthy School Lunch Coalition and school food directors backed stronger nutrition standards and a standing advisory council, while Consumer Brands Association witnesses opposed the bill as too vague and potentially disruptive. A nutrition scientist also warned about unintended restrictions on medically necessary or innovative foods. The chairs closed the hearing on the healthy lunch bills and then opened testimony on universal school meals for virtual schools (H.700), with Superintendent Patrick Latuka supporting access for students in Commonwealth virtual schools who currently receive no meal support.

Transcript Highlights:

• College chapter of My Sister's Keeper.
• That just gives you a little bit of idea of the difficulty of trying to make this thing make sense.
• In one case, one of our university systems, after being prompted by a committee hearing here, said we
• There's never a wasted dollar of P1 or cash. Of P1 or cash.
• So I thank all of the staff and all of the others who have participated. And with that, Mr.

Bills: HB2 , HB3

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: capital outlay, budget, infrastructure, appropriation, general obligation bonds, bond authorization, capital improvement, financial management, state treasury, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a member of Brockton Workers Alliance, one of the many providers, One of the many providers of FFN
• I'm also a member of BWA, and I'm one of the grandmothers who take care of the kids.
• All of the bills for universal preschool mentioned mixed delivery systems to achieve universal preschool
• Inclusive universal preschool could be our best investment in successful outcomes, but may be out of
• So what I'm proposing is that these bills propel development of regional universal preschools.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held its sixth public hearing and took testimony on a large slate of bills, with the chair moving H. 542/S. 341 on family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care to the top of the agenda so young constituents would not have to wait. Witnesses from labor, community organizations, and FFN providers strongly supported the bill, saying FFN care fills critical gaps for families working nonstandard hours, especially in low-income, immigrant, and BIPOC communities. Testimony emphasized that FFN providers are currently underpaid, often receive only about $24 per child per day, and should be guaranteed at least the state minimum wage. Witnesses also backed changes to the voucher system to allow families to combine formal and FFN care more flexibly, and they supported creating an FFN advisory council. Committee members asked about the difference between FFN and center-based care, registration requirements, fingerprinting/background checks, EEC’s ongoing study group, and the fiscal impact; witnesses said the current annual cost is about $1.8 million and could rise to about $6 million if all current FFN providers were paid minimum wage, still under 1% of the EEC budget. The committee then closed testimony on that bill. The committee next heard testimony on several preschool and universal pre-K bills, including H. 707 on public preschool facilities, H. 687/S. 339 on universal pre-K and mixed delivery, and related bills such as H. 606, H. 523, H. 618, H. 522, H. 510, and H. 615, many of which were later closed without additional witnesses. A Lowell school official testified that space and facilities funding are major barriers to expanding preschool and that the city has hundreds of children on voucher waitlists. Other witnesses and organizations, including the Early Care and Education Consortium and AFT Massachusetts, supported mixed-delivery universal pre-K and warned that public-school expansion should not undermine community-based providers, whose preschool tuition helps subsidize infant and toddler care. Several witnesses also urged stronger standards for preschool teachers, better staffing ratios, and more integrated special education and support services. The committee accepted written testimony on some bills and closed testimony on the others when no one else came forward. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 541/S. 373, which would ban school exclusion in pre-K through third grade. Advocates from Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Mass Appleseed, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, AFT Massachusetts, and the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee argued that suspensions and expulsions at young ages harm learning, worsen inequities, and contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. They cited data showing disproportionate impacts on Black and Latinx students, students with disabilities, and low-income children, and described personal stories of children whose behavior improved when schools kept them in class and addressed underlying needs. Committee members asked for updated data on the number of students and districts affected, and witnesses said they would provide more detailed written information. After testimony on this and a few other bills, including S. 372, S. 357, and H. 275/S. 133, the committee closed testimony and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jason Curry currently serves as the Vice Chair of Education at the University of Arizona College of Medicine
• Jason Curry currently serves as the Vice Chair of Education at the University of Arizona College of Medicine
• So we have UConn, so we'll have a Husky, the Longhorns, University of South Carolina, and UCLA.
• But now with the universal voucher program, we are hearing horrible stories of people wasting tax...
• But now with the universal voucher program, we are hearing horrible stories of people wasting tax...

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and several proclamations and recognitions, including Arizona’s hosting of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four, Autism Awareness Day, Farm Worker Day, and Passover observances. Members also welcomed guests from the Arizona Psychiatric Society, Tucson International Airport, Autism Bringing Change, and others. No substantive debate occurred during these ceremonial items, and the House later noted the Doctor of the Day and approved the prior journal. The chamber then moved through Committee of the Whole consideration of several Senate bills. SB 1024, SB 1078, SB 1123, SB 1164, SB 1232, SB 1293, SB 1493 as amended, SB 1520, SB 1572, and SB 1160 as amended all received do-pass recommendations, while SB 1665 was retained on the calendar. Debate centered most heavily on SB 1142, a federal scholarship tax credit conformity bill, with supporters arguing it would allow Arizona students to benefit from an existing federal tax credit and opponents warning it would divert public resources to private schools and expand voucher-like programs without accountability. SB 1293 drew debate over GPLET property tax abatements and whether the bill would protect school district revenues or hinder housing and economic development. SB 1572 also prompted discussion over civics instruction and whether it imposed an unfunded mandate on schools. On third reading, the House passed SB 1097, SB 1166, SB 1216, and SB 1787. SB 1787 passed on a 31-24 vote after debate over municipal and county development and due process. The House also adopted a floor amendment to SB 1160 before passing it as amended, with supporters framing it as a public safety measure for drone restrictions near venues and opponents raising constitutional and drafting concerns. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, properly engrossed the measures, and adjourned until Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> city of Robinsville a small city of city of Robinsville a small city of Robinsville<00:03:23.519
• You only need to look at University Avenue to see how that negative impact impacted all of the historical
• of the failures of the cost overruns and mismanagement of the South Southwest Light Rail.
• ><c> of</c> one wants a repeat of the failures of one wants a repeat of the failures of the<00:17:22.679
• I'm a resident of the city of Crystal.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This was our workers and learners project. 82% of university students in Los Angeles go to public universities
• In the summer of 2024, many of us, sorry.
• just really taps into all of that that all of us have.
• Tariffs and rising of cost of goods sold have added a layer of difficulty.
• A lot of businesses being closed because of the goods.

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Keywords: 988, house, all