Transcript Highlights:

• Yesterday, WGU alumni, staff, and students participated in their first annual Day at the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, we have OBU alumni on the floor and future students. So we have a page here.

Bills: HB1427 , SB1403 , SB1448 , SB1489 , SB1546 , SB1557 , SB1614 , SB1377 , SB1990 , SB1439 , SB1630 , SB1632 , SB1696 , SB1796 , SB1824 , SB1362 , SB1849 , SB2066 , SB2071 , SB2104 , SB933 , SB1633 , SB1224 , SB1246 , SB1280 , SB1303 , SB1346

Keywords: tax credit, clean-burning fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, environmental impact, vehicle modification, renewable energy, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, deceptive practices, exemptions, statutory exemptions, Corporation Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• the Board of Regents, through the Technology Research Innovation Fund, and from our partners and alumni

Bills: HB2809

Committees: House Science & Technology , House House Science & Technology Committee of Reference

Keywords: cybersecurity, post-quantum encryption, CMMC 2.0, state agencies, data protection, US-based vendors

Transcript Highlights:

• services that Treehouse provides to young adults who are either in extended foster care or who are alumni
• exceed $2,000 instead of the current $500, those funds may be deposited into a savings and loan association
• The pilot will provide rental assistance and associated housing fees for eligible youth.
• My name is Erica Limon Trefielo, Associate Director at Communities in Schools, Washington, testifying
• By investing in housing stability early, we reduce the social, educational, and economic costs associated

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held a work session focused on housing and services for youth and young adults, especially those exiting public systems of care. DCYF Assistant Secretary Vicki Ibarra described existing supports, including family reconciliation services and the youth and young adult housing response team, which coordinates with other agencies to help young people ages 12 to 24 avoid homelessness. Office of Homeless Youth Director Casey Hannawer Sutton outlined the office’s role in reducing youth homelessness, citing a 40% reduction since 2016, expansion of services to 37 counties, and ongoing work on prevention and “functional zero” efforts. Treehouse and the Mockingbird Society testified about education, transition, and housing barriers for foster youth and young adults, including funding cuts to Treehouse’s Graduation Success program, eligibility gaps, and the need for peer supports, financial literacy, and housing stability. A health impact review from the State Board of Health on a prior version of the extended foster care housing proposal found the bill would likely improve housing stability, health outcomes, and equity for some young adults in extended foster care. The committee then heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5911, which would stop DCYF from using Social Security benefits of young adults in extended foster care to reimburse the state for care costs. Sponsor Sen. Emily Alvarado said the bill would protect federal benefits that belong to the young person and help them meet basic needs; supporters from Partners for Our Children, TeamChild, Mockingbird Society, and a former foster youth testified that the current practice harms housing, education, and stability and urged the state to end it. Members discussed the need for financial literacy and the federal government’s recent direction discouraging the practice. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5940, a two-year extended foster care housing pilot that would provide rental assistance for up to 50 eligible youth in extended foster care who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with transition planning required before age 21. Sen. Wilson said the bill is intended to keep young people in care from having to choose between foster care support and housing assistance. Testimony from Mockingbird Society, current and former foster youth, and Communities in Schools supported the bill as a way to reduce homelessness and improve educational and health outcomes. The committee briefly heard Senate Bill 5942, which would rename the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board and shift its reporting structure while keeping its oversight role, and Senate Bill 5957, which would expand the Office of Homeless Youth Advisory Committee to include additional members with lived experience and representation from disproportionately affected communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• gifts, grants, contributions, or other money from governmental and private agencies, affiliated associations
• I think, as a community, alumni, and student, this falls on campus on December 6, 2023.
• particularly concerns me is Section 11, and that is the section that allows private organizations and associations
• John Lott, who wrote the book More Guns, Less Crime, and is associated with the Crime Prevention Research
• grants, contributions, gifts, and other money from governmental and private agency-affiliated associations

Bills: SB156

Committee: Assembly Government Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• , I love seeing the success State alumni, I love seeing the success that<00:20:55.360><c> the</c><00:
• </c><03:20:24.080><c> Association</c> the National Trade Associ Association the National Trade Associ
• We even hear about his associates.
• This time at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.
• </c> White House Correspondents Association White House Correspondents Association dinner.<05:13:35.920

Transcript Highlights:

• I know conversations are continuing between State Police and the sheriff's associations.
• We do not have that in the state, so the association has come forward, and I'll move to concur with the
• Association, program director for the Union Program Council, student government advisor, and adjunct
• The Louisiana Press Association, the Louisiana Police Jury Association, and other local governments have
• , the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, public and private colleges and universities, and the

Bills: SR146 , SCR12 , HB221 , HCR115 , HCR116 , HCR58 , HB1 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB383 , HB983 , HB1126 , HCR3 , HB2 , HB3 , SCR3 , SB56 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR72 , HCR5 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR62 , HCR64 , HCR68 , HCR78 , HCR81 , HCR86 , HCR97 , HCR102 , HCR31 , HCR47 , HB476 , HB481 , HB487 , HB492 , HB549 , HB579 , HB608 , HB621 , HB624 , HB626 , HB632 , HB637 , HB656 , HB722 , HB745 , HB804 , HB818 , HB821 , HB833 , HB864 , HB867 , HB874 , HB893 , HB909 , HB951 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB979 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1005 , HB1007 , HB1024 , HB1032 , HB1050 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1059 , HB1077 , HB1080 , HB1081 , HB1086 , HB1108 , HB1112 , HB1153 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1175 , HB1192 , HB1193 , HB1204 , HB1218 , HB1242 , HB1244 , HB1249 , HB1252 , HB1254 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB158 , HB160 , HB169 , HB227 , HB251 , HB289 , HB330 , HB394 , HB410 , HB429 , HB769 , HB971 , HB1017 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB9 , HB177 , HB181 , HB202 , HB223 , HB225 , HB387 , HB398 , HB457 , HB459 , HB540 , HB591 , HB616 , HB766 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB906 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1052 , HB1057 , HB1076 , HB1100 , HB1139 , HB1155 , HB1160 , HB1182 , HB1186 , HB1220 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1228 , HB1231 , HB1245 , HB1256 , HB17 , HB27 , HB36 , HB41 , HB47 , HB73 , HB126 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB205 , HB211 , HB226 , HB259 , HB271 , HB308 , HB310 , HB324 , HB337 , HB351 , HB399 , HB403 , HB571 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB740 , HB750 , HB759 , HB812 , HB844 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1018 , HB1036 , HB1038 , HB1107 , SB29 , SB42 , SB78 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB401 , SB441 , SB449 , SB487 , HB74 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB956 , HB1117 , SB43 , SB149

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, a prayer by campus pastor Anthony Brown, and the Pledge of Allegiance. After the journal was read, the chamber took up a series of resolutions and bills, beginning with measures directing studies on mineral servitudes, student non-enrollment determinations, autism services, school nurse orientation, declining school enrollment, behavioral health and homelessness, floodplain map updates, opioid treatment in correctional facilities, oversized vehicle permits, rural economic development, hunting education in schools, and fraud prevention for seniors. Several local and commemorative resolutions were also adopted, including Tangipahoa Parish Fair Day, recognition of Lane Frenchy Boudreau’s military service, and a memorial resolution honoring Bob Bowman. Personal privilege remarks also recognized festival royalty, the Westlake High School baseball team, Dr. E. Joseph Savoy, and 101-year-old Thelma Smith Williams. The Senate concurred in or adopted numerous House concurrent resolutions, often after brief explanations and, in some cases, amendments. These included measures on criminal history background checks for ambulance personnel, autism support services, school nurse orientation, acute care access for individuals with developmental disabilities, child abuse reporting training, physical therapy student loan eligibility, migratory waterfowl research, and a task force on senior fraud prevention. The chamber also adopted resolutions related to seafood competitiveness, bridge backup motors, I-12 improvements, and a Louisiana Energy Protection Act-style climate litigation measure, along with a resolution supporting Preeclampsia Day and a new Woman’s Hospital initiative. The Senate then moved through a long calendar of House bills on third reading and final passage. Bills passed included measures on Safe Haven Law postings in schools, official journal pricing, the Governor’s Task Force on Impaired Driving, the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program, sexual assault survivor rights, intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing records, renewable energy recycling, school emergency operations plans, the Louisiana FIRST data system, oilfield site restoration fees, inmate programming, automatic reinstatement of suspended driver’s licenses, special vehicle permits, climate-change damages, the Louisiana Center for State Schools, the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force, fire limits, police chief appointment in Folsom, digitized credentials, Sewage and Water Board procurement, behavioral health crisis insurance coverage, the Louisiana Talent Accelerator Office, indigent defender fee thresholds, prestige license plates, public license tag agent fees, highway naming, public defender terminology cleanup, an improvement district in Orleans Parish, a Democratic Party license plate, DWI-related substance definitions, commercial driver’s license rules, and a Shreveport demolition/local property bill. Several measures drew debate, especially HB 608 on athletics revenue-sharing transparency, which passed 32-13 after concerns about public records and taxpayer transparency. The final bill mentioned, HB 1059 on TOPS math requirements, was introduced at the end of the transcript but its disposition was not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chris McAley here on behalf of the Civil Justice Association of California.
• Jessica Moran, on behalf of the California Association for Nurse Practitioners and the California Association
• We would work with that on the medical association.
• Eric Barreves with the California Faculty Association in support. Thank you.
• I'm here on behalf of the Computer and Communications Industry Association.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 29, which would extend a sunset on California’s survival-action pain and suffering remedy and require additional reporting on settlements and cases. Senator Laird and supporters, including a family member describing a medical malpractice death and labor/building trades representatives, argued the bill protects victims whose claims would otherwise die with them and that there has been no demonstrated increase in malpractice rates. Opponents from the health care, hospital, and business sectors said the measure would increase costs, create a third category of damages, and could harm access to care, especially for clinics and rural providers. After extensive discussion about the sunset and data collection, the committee passed SB 29 to Appropriations on a divided vote. The committee then approved SB 294, which requires employers to notify workers about rights if they are arrested or detained and directs the Labor Commissioner to create an annual notice template. Supporters said the bill is needed because workers often do not know their rights amid weakened federal enforcement and workplace intimidation; there was no opposition on file after amendments removed prior concerns. SB 697, which updates stream adjudication procedures to allow the State Water Board to use modern technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations, also passed without opposition after stakeholders worked out concerns. Later, the committee took up SB 37 on attorney advertising, which would strengthen rules against misleading ads and allow consumer lawsuits. Consumer attorneys and supporters said the State Bar’s current enforcement is too weak, while joint-advertising businesses said they support the goal but want amendments to protect their model. The bill passed to Appropriations as negotiations continue. SB 645, dealing with peremptory challenges in civil cases and extending anti-bias procedures to certain discrimination-related matters, also advanced after supporters described it as a compromise and opponents said they were still working toward agreement. SB 303, narrowing protections for bias-mitigation trainings so good-faith admissions in those trainings are not treated as FEHA discrimination, passed after several groups moved to neutral. SB 464, requiring specified state workers to be included in annual pay-data reporting to better track racial pay gaps and promotion disparities, was presented as a reparations-related transparency measure and was heard with support from civil rights advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• fraternity, and then special guest Southern Providence Polemarch Jason Jones, Esquire, Montgomery Alumni
• </c><00:20:17.120><c> Chapter,</c><00:20:17.440><c> Polemark,</c> Montgomery Alumni Chapter, Polemark
• , Montgomery Alumni Chapter, Polemark, Deandra<00:20:18.640><c> Meadows.
• This is the amendment that was proposed by the DA's association.
• </c> was proposed by the DA's association. was proposed by the DA's association.

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and roll call, establishing a quorum and adopting routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be received throughout the day. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including members of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and other visitors in the gallery. The Senate received multiple House messages, referring several House bills on taxation, local legislation, and the entertainment industry to committee, and concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 259 on counties and Senate Bill 228 on the Alabama Space Authority. Committee reports then advanced a number of bills, including favorable reports from Judiciary, County and Municipal Government, and Local Legislation committees, with several bills receiving substitutes or minor dissent. The Senate also re-referred Senate Bill 333 to Local Legislation, Mobile County, and Senate Bill 292 to County and Municipal Government. Members adopted several commemorative resolutions, including Senate Joint Resolutions honoring Lt. Col. Jonathan David Schultz, Honda’s 25 years of operation in Alabama, Mrs. Kelly Fischer as Alabama High School Principal of the Year, and Peggy Sers Benson on her retirement from the Alabama Board of Nursing. The Senate also adopted a Rules Committee report setting a special order calendar that included bills on ground ambulance services, counties and municipalities, solid waste collection fees, public schools, and public assistance. On the floor, the Senate passed local bills including Senate Bill 324 on Tallapoosa County, House Bill 485 on Clark County, House Bill 479 on Cusa County, House Bill 410 on Limestone County, and House Bill 412 on Limestone County. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 254 on parole, adopting an amendment offered at the request of district attorneys to clarify the Pardons and Paroles Board’s discretion, and passed the bill 26-2. The Senate also debated Senate Bill 269 on ground ambulance services, with the sponsor describing it as a pilot bill addressing reimbursement, surprise billing, reporting requirements, and “treat in place” options; Senator Stutts raised concerns that it would shift costs to a smaller group of payers and increase premiums, while the sponsor argued it could reduce unnecessary transports and save money. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final vote on SB 269 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, more than half of those were in our associate degree programs, more than 2,000 baccalaureate
• Of course, more than half of those were in our associate degree programs, more than 2,000 baccalaureate
• Sometimes they're called adjunct faculty, associate faculty, etc.
• I'm Associate Director of Legislative and External Affairs here at the Washington Student Achievement
• I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Associated Students at the University of Washington,

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Summary: The committee held a work session on the state of Washington’s community and technical college system, beginning with an update from State Board executive director Nate Humphrey and Tacoma Community College president Ivan Harrell. They described the system’s open-access mission, affordability, enrollment growth over 12 consecutive quarters, credential production, guided pathways work, tribal partnerships, dual enrollment, corrections education, and a new program-search tool. They also highlighted major challenges, especially student basic-needs insecurity, rising emergency aid requests, and federal disruptions affecting TANF, BFET, SNAP-related supports, adult basic education, Perkins funding, and several federal grants. Members asked about SNAP and BFET participation, declining high school graduates, the value of higher education, and how colleges are responding to student needs and workforce demands. AFT Washington and the Washington Association of Higher Education then testified in support of stronger state investment in community and technical colleges, emphasizing the importance of classified staff, professional staff, and contingent faculty to student success. They argued that low wages, unstable employment, and lack of funding for staffing and compensation directly harm advising, retention, and classroom continuity, and urged lawmakers to protect existing funding and avoid further cuts. The committee also heard from the Workforce Board on federal H.R. 1’s new Workforce Pell program and the updated Career Bridge website. The presentation explained that Workforce Pell would support short-term, job-aligned training programs with high completion and employment thresholds, and that Washington is well positioned to implement it through its existing training-provider evaluation system. Members asked about implementation gaps, how the new Pell differs from traditional Pell, and whether eligibility is determined at the program rather than student level. Washington Student Achievement Council staff presented the new Washington Completes FAFSA campaign created by executive order. They described an advisory board, a prior pilot that used microgrants and outreach to boost FAFSA completion, and this year’s goal of 46,000 FAFSA/WASFA completions, with a focus on free-and-reduced-price-lunch students and underrepresented groups. They also demonstrated a public dashboard with subgroup data and a school leaderboard, and said they would provide legislators with outreach materials. Committee members asked about rural and homeschool outreach, Pierce County representation, and whether pilot schools overlapped with other grant programs. The meeting concluded with student leaders from the Washington Student Association, UW Tacoma, and Evergreen State College sharing personal testimony on affordability, basic needs, homelessness supports, Native student scholarships, the Shelton Promise program, and the importance of campus belonging and student support services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Associate degree completion, looking at summer over the last four years, shows a 20- to 30-point gain
• I'd be super interested in your, like, free association on what's going on here.
• I'm representing the Washington Student Association in support of this bill. Thank you.
• I'm representing the Washington Student Association in support of this bill.
• My name is Brandon Elliott and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for Associated Students of the

Bills: SB6209 , SB6217 , SB6227 , SB6235

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: financial aid, higher education, private institutions, student awards, affordability, Washington college grant, postsecondary education, nondegree programs, educational access, data collection, parenting students, education, support services, academic performance, college athletics, private equity, sovereign wealth funds, student athletes, financial agreements

Transcript Highlights:

• Mijo of the South Central Council of Governments, and Pasqual Maestas of the New Mexico Association of
• He's the National Junior High Vice President of the National Rodeo High School Association.
• She actively competes through organizations such as the National High School Rodeo Association, Little
• She's a lifelong educator and also an associate professor at a university. ...Dr.
• She's a lifelong educator and also an associate professor at UNLV.

Bills: HB111 , HB61 , HB43 , HB156 , HB70 , SB3 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HB247 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and pledges, and spent much of the session on memorials and recognitions. Members honored former Senator Clint Hardin with a certificate and extended condolences, with several representatives sharing personal remembrances of his work on autism coverage, second chances for formerly incarcerated people, rural issues, and bipartisan dealmaking. The chamber also recognized Council of Governments Day, 4-H Day, NMSU Day, scouting groups, and several student and community guests, including youth from 4-H, NMSU CAMP, folklórico, and the La Cueva boys soccer team. The House received messages from the governor and Senate, including authorization for House Bill 320, the Industrial Carbon Reduction Act, and Senate passage of several bills. Committee reports were adopted on a long list of measures, including House Bills 145, 158, 180, 49, 164, 256, 287, 60, 120, 166, 306, 124, 314, 185, 253, 195, 259, 295, 296, 338, and others, along with several joint resolutions and memorials. The chamber also ordered certain bills germane and referred them to committees, and enrolled and engrossed multiple memorials. On third reading, House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, passed 65-0. The House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70, updating the Public Regulation Commission and hearing officer structure, passed 66-0 after brief debate. House Bill 247, which modernizes capital outlay procedures and limits reauthorizations, was then taken up; the sponsor explained it would send unspent general fund capital outlay money to a Capital Development and Reserve Fund and tribal project balances to the tribal infrastructure fund. An amendment was offered to redirect the reserve fund money to the state road fund, and debate began, with members discussing road conditions and the purpose of the reserve fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• So always listening to the students too, and also, you know, alumni, like, how can we make it better?
• I speak from one service; however, I also represent the Minnesota Ambulance Association.
• Minnesota Ambulance Association is the vast majority of ambulance services across the state.
• <00:32:41.360><c> Minnesota</c><00:32:41.799><c> Ambulance</c> Association Minnesota Ambulance Association
• </c><00:32:44.039><c> majority</c><00:32:44.399><c> of</c> Association is the vast majority of Association

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• We also are directly connected to the educational interventions associated with initial first-time use
• And referencing again some of that data from the American College Health Association that does their
• My name is Christine McMullen, and I'm a policy associate...
• My name is Christine McMullen and I'm a policy associate opportunity to talk with you today.
• My name is Christine McMullen, and I'm a policy associate in student services and K-12 alignment for

Summary: The committee spent much of the meeting hearing presentations on student mental health supports at Central Washington University, Washington State University, the University of Washington, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. CWU described high levels of student distress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and basic-needs insecurity, along with a campus-wide holistic well-being model that includes behavioral intervention teams, emergency aid, peer outreach, community partnerships, and a collegiate recovery community. WSU emphasized loneliness, common presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship distress, and the role of housing and residence life, resident advisors, living-learning communities, and coordinated crisis response in identifying and supporting students. UW highlighted prevention and support programs through LiveWell, including alcohol and other drug consultations, confidential advocacy, suicide intervention, student needs navigation, peer health educators, and peer wellness coaches. The community and technical college system reported persistent access barriers, especially for students ages 18 to 24 and those facing housing or food insecurity, and said the legislature-funded mental health pilot at four colleges expanded counseling access, telehealth, and referral pathways, while broader system efforts focus on awareness, telehealth, basic-needs supports, and workforce training in behavioral health fields. Members asked each panel how they gather student feedback, and the institutions said they use surveys, evaluations, and ongoing outreach to students in services. Questions also focused on substance-use and recovery resources, Greek life outreach, and whether colleges have enough licensed mental health staff versus academic advisors; the community college board said not all colleges have licensed mental health providers on staff, and some rely on community contracts or telehealth. The committee also discussed whether counseling services are increasing because of post-pandemic effects or because students are more willing to seek help, with presenters saying both factors likely play a role. The committee then shifted to artificial intelligence in higher education. Washington State University, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and the community and technical college system described campus AI task forces, governance structures, and efforts to set policies for students, faculty, and staff. Presenters said institutions are requiring course-level AI use statements, promoting ethical and transparent use, expanding access to approved tools such as Microsoft Copilot, and using AI for teaching, research, advising, and administrative support while guarding privacy, equity, and academic integrity. Members raised concerns about deepfakes, bias, student monitoring, and whether AI should be used to screen applications or evaluate student work; presenters said human review remains essential and that some institutions prohibit AI use in hiring or admissions screening. The final presentation, from OSPI, described the statewide rollout of the School Links high school and beyond plan platform under 2023 legislation, saying it will standardize career and college planning across K-12, provide better data and student guidance, and connect students to postsecondary pathways and employers; OSPI said the rollout is underway but current funding only extends through June 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our request this year is $10.8 million to do dam repairs and associated work.
• Our request this year is $10.8 million to do dam repairs and associated work.
• I also know that UNH has been very grateful for their alumni donations to the university.
• I also know that UNH has been very grateful for their alumni donations to the university.
• I also know that UNH has been very grateful for their alumni donations to the university.

Summary: The committee heard a Department of Corrections capital budget presentation on HB 25, focused largely on urgent maintenance and security needs at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men and other DOC facilities. DOC officials described the governor’s proposed priorities: boiler surge and radiator tank replacements, electronic controls and camera upgrades, and replacement of HVAC units using R22 refrigerant. They also outlined additional requested projects totaling $15.4 million, including a body alarm/man-down system at Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility, steam line and trap repairs, fire alarm replacements, and removal of an underground diesel tank in favor of above-ground storage. DOC testified that many systems are well beyond their expected service life, including 40-year-old boilers, outdated analog cameras, and HVAC equipment using discontinued R22 refrigerant. They said the men’s prison is relying on a leased temporary boiler, has significant steam leaks causing major water loss and reduced boiler efficiency, and is dealing with frequent fire alarm faults and deteriorating wiring. On the body alarm system, they said the vendor no longer supports the equipment and replacement parts are no longer available. On the diesel tank, members questioned whether it could be abandoned in place or whether fuel could be reused; DOC said it had not explored all alternatives and would follow up, while noting the tank is underground and tied into the warehouse system. Members also asked whether some current investments could be reused in the planned new men’s prison. DOC said some items, such as air handlers, might potentially be moved, but most projects are needed to keep the current facility operational and would not be practical to transfer. Questions were also raised about the leased boiler arrangement, the use of the man-down system by staff and visitors, and whether the kitchen project could be converted to a modular unit. DOC said the modular kitchen approach is necessary because the existing kitchen cannot remain fully operational during repairs. The committee then moved to lapse extensions, and DOC identified several projects no longer needing extensions, including items numbered 64, 65, and 66 in HB 25, with the chair noting those balances would be deleted and that the lapse amount was $550,500.

Transcript Highlights:

• And these are just a few photos for everybody to see: some of our great alumni, our current student athletes
• and universities, and that goes true for athletics because they have big boosters, they've got big alumni
• :37.760><c> big</c> they have big boosters they've got big they have big boosters they've got big alumni
• 56:39.280><c> lot</c><00:56:39.359><c> of</c><00:56:39.680><c> money</c><00:56:39.920><c> that</c> alumni
• they've got a lot of money that alumni they've got a lot of money that they<00:56:40.400><c> generate

Summary: The joint House-Senate higher education briefing focused on how the University of Hawaii athletics department plans to remain competitive in the NIL era, especially as the House settlement and related changes allow new forms of athlete compensation. Chair and Senator Kim opened by framing the issue as balancing competitiveness, sustainability, compliance, and UH’s educational mission. Coaches Laura Beeman and Timmy Chang described how NIL and the transfer portal are already affecting recruiting and retention, with Beeman saying women’s basketball has lost six to 10 recruits because UH cannot yet match offers, and Chang citing examples of players being courted with large sums and the need to retain proven local and out-of-state athletes. Both emphasized that student-athletes should still prioritize education, culture, and team values, while also receiving support that helps them stay at UH. Athletic Director Matt Elliott then outlined UH’s broader strategy. He said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the highest level of the Mountain West, and strengthen the bond with the community. He described NIL as having moved from a largely unregulated period to a new phase in which institutions can directly control some NIL payments, while outside deals still must be reviewed for fair market value. Elliott said UH wants to use NIL to help athletes cover basic needs and build financial stability, while also keeping them academically on track. He noted the department is pursuing fundraising, including a “Boost the Bose” account, corporate sponsorships, and licensing deals, to support NIL opportunities. In response to questions from Senator Kim, Elliott clarified that UH’s approach involves both institution-controlled payments and outside NIL deals: internal payments can be structured at the department’s discretion within the cap, while external sponsor deals must go through NIL Go and meet market-value standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also are directly connected to the educational interventions associated with initial first-time use
• And referencing again some of that data from the American College Health Association that does their
• My name is Christine McMullen, and I'm a policy associate...
• My name is Christine McMullen, and I'm a policy associate in student services and K-12 alignment for
• Students can also filter for bachelor's degree, associate degree, or no degree or credential, which is

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Summary: The committee heard a series of informational presentations on student mental health, artificial intelligence, and the High School and Beyond Plan. Central Washington University, Washington State University, the University of Washington, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges described campus and system efforts to support student well-being through counseling, peer programs, behavioral intervention teams, basic-needs assistance, crisis response, and partnerships with community providers. Presenters said students are reporting high levels of anxiety, loneliness, basic-needs insecurity, and substance-use concerns, while also increasingly seeking services. Members asked about substance-use treatment, student feedback, historical trends, and the distinction between counseling and academic advising. The community and technical colleges also discussed a four-college mental health pilot that expanded access through licensed counselors, telehealth, referral pathways, and stronger connections to basic-needs supports. The committee then shifted to artificial intelligence in higher education. Washington State University, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges described how they are developing AI policies, governance structures, faculty guidance, and training for students and staff. Topics included academic integrity, ethical use, privacy, cybersecurity, equitable access to AI tools, and using AI to support teaching, research, advising, and operations. Presenters emphasized that AI should be used with human oversight and that students need clear course-level policies and foundational skills. Members asked about deepfakes, AI use in hiring and admissions, student monitoring, K-12 alignment, and the risk of bias or privacy problems. Finally, OSPI presented the statewide High School and Beyond Plan platform, School Links, as a practical tool to help students plan for postsecondary pathways and connect to career and college information. The presenter said the new platform is intended to create more equitable access across districts, improve implementation data, and support students’ future planning, while also helping them see a pathway forward. OSPI reported that about 200 districts and 694 middle and high schools are using the platform, with roughly 282,000 students rostered, and said additional funding is needed to complete the statewide rollout beyond June 30, 2026. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our alumni are working at leading companies. like Pixar, Apple, IDEO, Google, and Mattel, as well
• The most significant risks are associated with new programs or those programs that receive additional
• Anna with the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges.
• On behalf of the UC Student Association, which represents over 230,000 students.
• Good morning, Lisa Le, on behalf of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities

Transcript Highlights:

• We have with us today the Crooked Oak Hispanic Student Association, accompanied by Superintendent Bradley
• Leader, Senate Bill 1597 updates statutes by removing the requirement that the state association adhere
• since it was brought up in the questioning and in the explanation of this, that Implied or directly associated

Bills: SB2065 , SB1641 , SB1642 , SB1589 , SB1597 , SB1216 , SB2173 , SB2028 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB2014 , SB1805 , SB2044 , SB1836 , SB1380 , SB2179 , SB1436 , SB1558 , SB933 , SB1651 , SB1328 , SB1572 , SB1966 , SB175 , SB1475 , SB1950 , SB2049 , SB2052

Keywords: pollinator, state symbols, agriculture, insects, environment, business entities, limited liability company, LLC, foreign LLC, domestic LLC, limited partnership, foreign limited partnership, registered agent, Secretary of State, annual certificate, good standing, certificate of authority, designated office, email address, electronic mail

Transcript Highlights:

• Appointed special advocates association, you'll for questions and do pass.

Bills: SB1638 , SB504 , SB2072 , SB1283 , SB1216 , SB1655 , SB2011 , SB1643 , SB1446 , SB1256 , SB1258 , SB1441 , SB1224 , SB1448 , SB1496 , SB1597 , SB1621 , SB1827 , SB2066 , SB2104

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: Governmental Tort Claims Act, liability limits, claims, medical negligence, tort reform, state liability, public health, claims adjustment, compensation limits, SB504, marriage, child marriage, minor marriage, age of consent, minimum marriage age, underage marriage, teen marriage, parental consent, judicial approval, marriage license