Transcript Highlights:

• FIRST WE ARE GOING TO HEAR FROM DOCTOR COLLIN POLSKY FROM FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY.
• IN 2022 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES TO APPLY FOR THESE DESIGNATION.
• IT IS A GREAT 10 ACRE CAMPUS OUTSIDE FORT LAUDERDALE.
• TO BE CLEAR, IT'S NOT A REFLECTION ON THE UNIVERSITY.
• BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS.

Transcript Highlights:

• But Harlingen is a beautiful campus.
• This model for students is different than the university models, without really going into the university
• We have 46,000 students living on our campus.
• Howard University and a Juris Doctorate from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University
• Texas A&M's and the University of Houston.

Committee: Senate Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:59:01.760><c> um</c> term so it is not a a college campus um term so it is not a a college campus
• It's an incredible campus.
• It's an incredible campus. It's a wonderful place.
• </c> also work there um at the University also work there um at the University back<01:20:39.960><c>
• </c> Specialty Center at the downtown campus Specialty Center at the downtown campus as<01:43:05.000>

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Off-campus housing in the coastal zone is more expensive than the state average by about $3,000 every
• So the solution to this is to build more on-campus housing.
• But in the case of university and college housing, this is just not the same issue.
• With few options after their first year, most students live near but off-campus.
• We desperately need more on-campus housing.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on environmental protection, climate policy, public health, and housing. AB 1425 would prohibit pit dewatering near the San Joaquin River Parkway where groundwater is shallow, with the author and supporters arguing it is needed to protect the river, groundwater, flood safety, tribal and cultural resources, and a nearby restoration area. Supporters included environmental groups, local residents, and Indigenous speakers, while CEMEX, labor representatives, and industry groups opposed the bill as an improper circumvention of the CEQA process that could threaten an existing mine and about 100 jobs. After extensive questioning about hydrology, blasting, and the CEQA record, the committee voted the bill out on a due pass as amended recommendation, with some members not voting and the roll left open for absent members. AB 881 would lift California’s moratorium on carbon dioxide pipeline regulation and direct the State Fire Marshal to develop safety standards for carbon capture and sequestration pipelines. The author and supporters, including SMUD, Calpine, utilities, labor, and industry groups, said the bill is needed to advance carbon removal goals, preserve federal funding, and support clean energy and jobs. Environmental justice and conservation groups opposed or opposed unless amended, warning that CO2 pipelines pose serious safety risks and that state authority and standards need to be stronger. The bill received a due pass as amended recommendation to Appropriations. AB 1207 would tie California’s cap-and-trade price ceiling to the federal social cost of carbon. The author and EDF said the measure would keep the program science-based and protect it from federal political interference, while no opposition was heard in the room. The committee approved the bill on a due pass recommendation. AB 1106, sponsored by air quality agencies, would create a network of regional air quality incident response centers to improve monitoring and public health response during wildfires and other disasters; it also received a due pass recommendation after testimony on mobile monitoring, VOCs, metals, PM, and asbestos sampling. The committee also heard AB 28, the Landfill Fire Safety Act, prompted by the long-running Chiquita Canyon landfill subsurface fire. The author and residents described serious health impacts and argued the bill would require monitoring, reporting, corrective action, and stronger enforcement when landfill temperatures rise. Waste and county representatives opposed the bill as drafted, saying the cause of the event is still unclear and the proposal could impose broad costs on landfills statewide, though they said amendments improved the framework. Members discussed the scale of the fire, possible medical impacts, and whether the bill would punish compliant operators; the bill was sent out on a due pass as amended recommendation. The committee also heard AB 357, which would require the Coastal Commission to act within 90 days on student and faculty housing projects in the coastal zone; supporters said it would help address student homelessness and housing costs, while coastal and planning advocates raised concerns about the amendment and the role of coastal review.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they did the campus plan.
• So they did the campus plan.
• campus?
• plan so they did the know kind of Campus plan so they did the campus<01:21:25.000><c> plan</c><01:21
• I think that was on the West H campus, right? That's it, yeah, on the West H campus.

Transcript Highlights:

• A number of states have campus carry. A number of states have 18-and-up carry.
• A 20-year-old who got a gun from his mother was on campus.
• The number of shootings at colleges and universities... deeply personal to me.
• The number of shootings at colleges in university hit a record high in 2024.
• campus.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 133, which would lower the minimum age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores the rights of adults 18 and older, emphasizing constitutional rights, military service, voting, jury duty, and parental responsibility. Opponents, including gun violence prevention advocates and several members, cited Parkland and the recent FSU shooting, argued that people under 21 are still developing and more impulsive, and said the current law helps protect public safety. After extensive debate and public testimony on both sides, the committee voted 11-5 to report HB 133 favorably. The committee then considered PCS for HB 35, which adds driving without a valid license to the offenses that can lead to habitual traffic offender designation and is named Isaiah’s Law in memory of a child killed by an unlicensed driver. Supporters said it addresses repeat dangerous conduct and should help prevent similar tragedies. One member questioned whether it was a knee-jerk response, while others said it was a reasonable accountability measure. The PCS passed unanimously, 16-0, and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 245, which updates Florida law to use more accurate terminology for child sexual abuse material rather than “child pornography,” and includes related technical corrections. The sponsor said the change better reflects the seriousness of the crime and asked whether the bill also covered AI-generated material; the sponsor said the statute already addresses such references. After a technical amendment was adopted, the bill passed unanimously, 16-0, and was reported favorably. The chair also reminded members to maintain respect toward public witnesses and each other before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ; the first section deals with the University of Kentucky, and section 830 deals with the University
• </c><00:18:52.440><c> in</c> comprehensive universities in comprehensive universities in kctcs<00:18:
• </c><00:21:44.520><c> be</c> later let go would the university be later let go would the university be
• This is about providing universities the ability to do what's best for the university, what's best for
• </c> institutions Morehead State University institutions Morehead State University has<00:29:25.240><

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 305, which would clarify and expand a healthcare workforce bill to explicitly include physician assistants and dietitians in efforts to address shortages, especially in rural areas. Rep. Fleming said the change was intended to help with Medicaid-related needs such as diabetes care and noted a decline in dietitian internship applications. Rep. Roarx supported the bill, emphasizing the value of dietitians in helping patients make practical nutrition changes. The bill received a unanimous favorable expression, 14-0, and was reported to the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 427, which would create statewide 60-credit-hour transfer pathways for high-demand bachelor’s degree programs under the Council on Postsecondary Education. Rep. Grossl explained the bill is meant to prevent students from losing major credit when transferring between KCTCS and four-year institutions, using nursing as an example. Questions focused on rigor, dual credit, how high-demand programs would be selected, and the July 1, 2026 implementation date; the sponsor said CPE and faculty would map curricula and align standards. The Kentucky Student Rights Coalition testified in support, saying the bill would help students complete degrees faster and make credits count toward majors. HB 427 also passed unanimously, 14-0, with favorable expression. The committee then took up House Bill 424, as amended by a committee substitute. Rep. Tipton said the substitute removed language allowing up to six-year contracts and instead set up a process for four-year contracts and periodic performance reviews for faculty, including presidents, at public postsecondary institutions. He said the bill is intended to give universities clearer authority to remove underperforming employees and be more efficient with taxpayer dollars. Several faculty witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it would erode tenure protections, create arbitrary performance standards, and harm recruitment, retention, and academic freedom. The committee adopted the substitute and heard testimony, but no final vote on HB 424 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• University.
• University.
• , University of Washington and Washington State University, for their college-bound award.
• , University of Washington and Washington State University, for their college-bound award.
• I'm a second-year law student at the university. I had the privilege of... ...university.

Bills: HB2148 , HB2132

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: education, pay it forward program, tuition, student loans, financial aid, state financial aid, financial aid application, postsecondary education, higher education, student aid, Washington Student Achievement Council, public records exemption, privacy, student records, personally identifying information, financial information, data sharing agreement, enrollment assistance, institutional records, FERPA

Transcript Highlights:

• of Virginia, and the University of Maryland, where IonQ got its start.
• And on the university side, it's the leading university.
• Working with the universities, we can make sure this happens.
• To your point, they're And the innovation campus where they're needed.
• To your point, they're and the innovation campus where they're needed.

Bills: SB145 , SB143 , HB2 , SB145 , SB143

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• And local bargaining is really important to the university.
• The factor that has the largest impact on the university is the fund split.
• The factor that has the largest impact on the university is the fund split.
• The fund split is a mechanism. on the university is the fund split.
• Strategy with the University of Washington Human Resources Office.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Employment Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're gonna continue doing. encourage students to attend those universities.
• campus and community engagement, my village, our home. our community for thousands at UT.
• Our ability to feel welcome at the university was faltered.
• Many universities like mine over complied needlessly.
• I am a graduate of the University of Texas here at Austin and the School of Law. and the university is

Keywords: education, curriculum, HB178, diverse history, equity, testimony, higher education crisis, representation

Summary: The meeting was characterized by impactful discussions focused primarily on education and the representation of diverse histories in Texas's curriculum. Notably, Representative Christina Morales advocated for HB178, a bill aimed at ensuring that all Texas high school students have access to Mexican-American and African-American studies as part of their graduation requirements, moving from elective-only status. This bill garnered support from both sides of the aisle, highlighting a cooperative effort to improve educational equity in Texas. Several representatives shared personal stories reflecting on the importance of inclusive education, showcasing the bill's far-reaching implications for students' sense of identity and history.

Transcript Highlights:

• Previously, the University of Central Florida go Knights.
• of North Florida at Orders University Jacksonville University, which are 2 of our private schools as
• why we're platform there, we actually work with all the universities across the state University system
• I talked about a little bit where position at the University of South Florida working to the university
• But I think we need to think about that because getting to the problem in universe at university or location

Transcript Highlights:

• university funding.
• USF's primary campus is located in Tampa. They also have an additional campus in St.
• So FAMU has a campus here and a campus in Orlando, not close to each other.
• Petersburg campus.
• Petersburg campus.

Transcript Highlights:

• They were convinced by the Chinese to come build a campus in China.
• The market as the university perceives it. Correct. We usually look at...
• The market as the university perceives it? Correct.
• within the University of Louisiana system, UL Lafayette and UL Monroe.
• within the University of Louisiana system, UL Lafayette and UL Monroe.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first heard HB 690 by Rep. Amedee, which would prohibit education agencies and vendors from contracting with foreign adversaries, foreign terrorist organizations, or their agents, and would apply to education service providers, vendors of educational products, and some schools. Supporters argued the bill would protect school tax dollars and prevent foreign influence, especially from the Chinese Communist Party, citing similar actions in Florida and Texas. Some members raised questions about due process, how ineligibility would be determined, and whether payments would stop before appeals were resolved. A technical amendment changing “terrorists” to “terrorist” was adopted, and HB 690 was reported as amended without objection. The committee then took up HB 1078 by Rep. Freiberg, which would allow higher education institutions to offer standalone online courses, not just online programs tied to a degree, and to offer online programs even when there is no equivalent on-campus program. LSU officials said the bill would give flexibility for professional and workforce-related courses and certificates. Members asked about tuition-setting, prerequisites, and whether non-degree students could enroll. The bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 113 by Rep. Phelps, which sought retroactive application of the uniform 10-point grading scale to students who were ninth graders in 2023-2024, drew significant concern. Members questioned fairness, inconsistency if only some districts could recalculate grades, and the fiscal impact of retroactivity. Phelps said he had intended to capture that cohort and was willing to work with the Department of Education, but after debate the committee voted 2-9 against reporting the bill, so the motion failed. The committee also heard HB 632 by Rep. Spell on LA FIRST data sharing. The bill would streamline how student data is shared for the state’s longitudinal data system, and amendments were adopted to remove a five-year look-back and clarify data matching and de-identification. Members debated privacy, opt-out rights, and whether the bill should require or merely allow districts to participate; concerns were raised about sharing personally identifying information and the lack of clear opt-out protections. Rep. Carlson offered an amendment to change “shall” to “may,” but later withdrew it so the bill could be deferred for further discussion. Finally, HB 1132 by Rep. Carver, carried by Rep. Carlson, was introduced to expand lab school authorization within the University of Louisiana system; an amendment was offered to limit the change to new schools established after August 1, and discussion began on that amendment as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, this is very much appreciated as we hear from our college and university presidents. $6.4 million
• I want to look at our voucher program, and now that our state has moved into universal voucher, and I
• in a school, you could have started as a campus monitor somewhere along the school diagram and work
• That can't leave the campus during the time that schools are open. I think I'm good.
• and what's actually happening at the campus. ...because all of these little, like Cambridge labs, all

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

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met to hear the governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget recommendations for education from the Office of Policy and Budget and the Department of Education. Shelby Salmons and Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsis outlined the governor’s proposed $117.4 billion state budget, including about $32.5 billion for education, with major emphasis on public schools and early learning. The presentation highlighted a $30.6 billion K-12 budget, a $486 million VPK program, continued funding for VPK Summer Bridge, TEACH, HIPPY, and Help Me Grow, as well as increases for teacher pay, base student allocation, mental health, school safety, civics education, and school hardening initiatives. The commissioner also cited a 92.2% statewide graduation rate and Florida’s national rankings in education and education freedom. Senators used the question period to raise concerns about counselor staffing, mental health services, school closures, school choice oversight, the Guardian Program, data reporting, and school capacity. Senator Jones asked about counselor ratios, school closures in historically Black communities, and whether school choice schools are properly monitored for safety and instructional quality. Senator Osgood argued that mental health funding should support more clinical services on campuses, not just academic counselors, and Senator Bradley asked whether the centralized data repository includes scholarship students. Senator Gates praised the civics and debate funding and asked for more detail on the Guardian Program’s performance; the commissioner said 53 of 67 districts participate and described it as a successful safety option with sheriffs approving training. Senators Simon and Osgood also pressed for better use of the FISH report and more accurate space data to understand school capacity and right-sizing. During public testimony, Pinellas County School Board member Laura Hine said her district is an A-rated district with no D or F schools, but spends far more on safety and mental health than it receives in state categorical funding. She said Florida’s mental health staffing ratio is about one counselor per 2,203 students, compared with a recommended one per 1,106, and urged the committee to consider funding full-day VPK statewide, estimating it would cost about $375 million. Committee members followed up on her comments about local flexibility and whether districts can shift funds to meet needs. The meeting ended after members thanked DOE and executive branch staff for the presentation, and the committee adjourned without taking any substantive vote on legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida has very loose statutes when it comes to carrying on campus.
• Law enforcement has to be notified on campus. That's it. Okay.
• I'm also the proud father of a student at the University of Arizona. Go Wildcats.
• I didn't either, I think it's just the universities.
• They're the ones that have to be aware of everything happening on a campus.

Committee: House House Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2076, which would create a program and fund within ADE, in consultation with AZPOST, to reimburse eligible schools and employees for approved training, certification, and school safety equipment, and would allow schools to adopt policies permitting certain employees to carry concealed firearms on campus if they meet training, notification, and confidentiality requirements. The sponsor, Rep. Bliss, framed the bill as an optional, fiscally responsible medical-response measure focused on bleeding control and emergency preparedness, not a mandate to arm schools. Supporters said the bill adds guardrails, expands access to training, and could help staff respond in emergencies. Opponents, including Giffords, Arizona for Gun Safety, and the Arizona Education Association, argued it would normalize firearms in classrooms, create confidentiality and law-enforcement concerns, expose students and staff to new risks, and divert attention from prevention, mental health, and other school safety investments. After debate, the committee voted 6-5-1 to give HB 2076 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 2830, which directs the State Board of Education to adopt science standards requiring instruction on fetal and prenatal development and specifies that the content is not sex education. Supporters, including the sponsor, a school board president, and a biology teacher, said the bill is about age-appropriate, medically accurate science, parental rights, and clear statewide guidance. Opponents, including the AEA and Reproductive Freedom for All, said it fragments science instruction, politicizes the curriculum, and omits the broader reproductive and public health context students need. Members debated whether fetal development can be taught without discussing reproduction, and whether the bill is an education measure or an anti-abortion effort. The committee approved HB 2830 on an 8-4 vote. The transcript also included discussion of House Bill 2093, which would repeal required mental health instruction and social-emotional learning in schools; supporters argued it restores parental control and refocuses schools on academics, while opponents said school-based mental health education saves lives and helps students who may not have support at home.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also brings all the partners. table, our districts, our community colleges, our universities, and
• Associates with a university and the student Goes over to that university to get the CT course so they
• So the university... would partner with the campus to have the program at the campus. Correct.
• Does this anticipate that the school district would have more than one campus that would do this?
• Probably what Chairman Gates's idea is, he's got a TSTC campus in Fort Bend.

Bills: HB20 , HB 120 , HB20 , HB120

Committee: House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Keywords: applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Transcript Highlights:

• As a student at Seattle University, the Polish House is not too far from that campus.
• The Polish House is not too far from that campus.
• As a student at Seattle University, the Polish House is not too far.
• The society is not far from that campus. University, the Polish House is not too far.
• The site is not far from that campus. And it was an affordable place for students to rent.

Summary: The Senate convened on the second day of the 69th Legislature, approved the previous day’s journal, and moved through messages from the House and first reading of bills. Several measures were referred to committee, including Senate Bill 6106 and other introductions and referrals, with Senate Bill 6147 specifically sent to the Committee on Labor and Commerce because it concerns notice requirements for grocery establishment closures. The main floor action was consideration of Senate Resolution 8662, honoring Roman Rogalski. Senator Peterson described Rogalski’s refugee background, military service, community involvement, and the restoration and donation of a Capitol Hill home to the Polish Home Association. Senator Saldaña also spoke in support, emphasizing the broader contributions of immigrants and refugees and the local significance of the Polish House. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. After adoption, the President recognized Mr. Rogalski and guests from the Polish Home Association in the gallery. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, January 15, with both Democratic and Republican caucuses announced immediately before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• the University System, counties, cities, and industry representatives.
• We do have some collaboration with our partners at NDSU and our other universities.
• I believe that there's a perception that, you know, they haven't worked on campus yet.
• Levi, I will make this one for what the university system brought forth here. Okay.
• And so what we're really trying to do is identify what is our audit universe?

Committee: Joint Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency

Summary: The task force met with a quorum and first reviewed a memorandum summarizing a survey of state agencies on possible statute revisions. Levi reported that 20 agencies submitted 70 proposals, with about 33 potentially becoming agency pre-file bills. Common themes included procurement, concessions, architect/engineering services, liability limits, and IT-related efficiencies. Members asked about sharing the survey results more broadly and about cross-agency coordination, especially with higher education and ITD-related issues. OMB then presented three topics from its survey responses: concessions, pre-qualification of architects/engineers/construction managers/land surveyors, and publication of legal notices. OMB said the current concessions law is too rigid because it requires award to the highest responsible bidder and does not fit newer concession models, and it suggested a best-value approach, a higher threshold, and standardized templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB said the law is fragmented across several statutes and should be consolidated and expanded for broader use. On legal notices, OMB described the current rate-setting and publication process, noted rising costs and shrinking newspaper availability, and proposed a collaborative effort to modernize notice delivery, improve accessibility, and explore online options. The task force discussed how to move these ideas forward, and a motion passed directing OMB to implement its suggestions and report back at the next meeting. The University of North Dakota then presented several proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND recommended raising the threshold for treating routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements as construction, arguing that the current $250,000 threshold forces unnecessary architect/engineer involvement and adds cost. It also proposed changes to bid advertisement language to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement criteria, a higher direct-hire threshold for design services, and an increase in the legislative approval threshold for privately funded projects. Members discussed the need for data, risk and complexity considerations, and collaboration with counsel and industry groups. A motion passed directing Levi and counsel to work with UND on bill drafts based on its proposals for a future meeting. DPI followed with a shorter presentation on credentialing and statutory cleanup. It suggested reviewing the department’s 23 credential categories for relevance, and said DPI and the Education Standards and Practices Board have discussed transferring some credentialing authority to ESPB. DPI also recommended removing outdated school safety patrol language, cleaning up waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so districts are not burdened by obsolete reporting mandates. Members agreed the screening itself should remain in place, while the reporting requirement could be reconsidered. The committee then recessed until the afternoon session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Capping that career as the interim Dean in the College of Education at Athens State University.
• Our campus is 26 acres, and the academic building...
• Our campus is 26 acres, which includes the academic building, the boarding facility, and the gymnasium
• We want to have university-level resources that... ...have university-level facilities.
• Interestingly, if you've ever been to our campus, we have a beautiful theater in the community, but we

Bills: SB1 , HB176 , HB86 , SB1 , HB176 , HB86

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: workers' compensation, public education, employee injury, insurance trust fund, on-the-job injury, administrative procedures, HB176, Alabama sales tax, use tax, sales and use tax exemption, optical aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses, prescription glasses, vision care, optometrist, ophthalmologist, optician, medical devices, local option tax exemption