Transcript Highlights:

• I'm currently a student at the University of Idaho studying food nutrition with the hope of getting a
• I'm currently serving as the state's vice president, and I'm currently at the University of Idaho studying
• I am currently a student at the University of Idaho studying entomology to hopefully become an agricultural
• I am attending the University of Idaho right now in order to become an agricultural educator.
• of music.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee heard first from the Idaho School Board Association, whose chair Jason Sevy gave a personal account of how public schools, local governance, and school-based supports shaped his life and his family. He argued that school board training and state support for local control are important, citing the value of ISBA training funds and examples of districts using grants and partnerships to improve early literacy, mental health supports, and student outcomes. Members asked how urban districts could build stronger parent/community ties, and Sevy said community engagement should begin at the elementary level. The committee then received a presentation from Idaho FFA state officers, who described FFA’s three-circle model of classroom instruction, career and leadership development events, and supervised agricultural experiences. The officers highlighted their own agricultural and education pathways, the statewide reach of FFA chapters, leadership camps and conferences, community service hours, and the economic impact of SAE projects. They emphasized that FFA builds public speaking, parliamentary procedure, job interview, and leadership skills in addition to agricultural knowledge, and invited legislators to the state convention in Twin Falls in April. Members responded positively to both presentations. Representative Pickett asked about strengthening community engagement in larger districts and how FFA can attract students beyond agriculture; officers said the program’s broader leadership and workplace skills are a major draw. Other members praised the students’ confidence and articulation, and one suggested FFA should be considered as a minimum high school offering. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• of committees of this House?
• Angela is a 7th generation Texan, a graduate of the University of Texas, where she herself played golf
• HB 3730 by Reynolds relates to the creation of Texas Southern University College of Dentistry at Texas
• to the creation of Texas Southern University of Medicine at Texas Southern University for the Committee
• capital needs of educational programs offered by certain component institutions of the Texas State University

Transcript Highlights:

• be a part of this group of trailblazers.
• Austin school both groups she founded, she served as community liaison for the University of Texas at
• HR 61 by Leo Wilson, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, HR 71 by Collier. Yarria E.
• to the venue of the prosecution of an.
• the authority of the commanding officer of the state militia to prohibited sale of the exchange of firearms

Transcript Highlights:

• It's probably a combination of many of those different things.
• I'm the Director of the STEM Outreach Center at New Mexico State University, and we are very much in
• I appreciate your support of this to each of the members of the committee. Thank you.
• The first one online, Wanda, is the director of this program at New Mexico State University.
• of out-of-school time in New Mexico.

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• And I urge each of you, I urge each of you and all of your Senate colleagues to recognize Jewish heritage
• At the University of Pittsburgh, Jewish students were assaulted during a demonstration.
• Outside of this, what steps do universities and school administrators need to take to put an end to all
• Since a lot of our students, 12% of U.S.
• I just have a couple of quick questions. One of them is, I'm a baby of the 70s.

Committee: Senate Aging (Special) Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill prohibits a political subdivision of Arizona, including any public university or...
• The bill prohibits a political subdivision of Arizona, including any public university or any private
• The purpose of the increased incidence of spraying.
• I have a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Arizona.
• I have a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Arizona.

Bills: SB1005 , SB1202 , SB1278 , SB1279 , SB1280 , SB1287

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: cosmetics, animal testing, prohibition, manufacturers, sales regulation, state preemption, groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, solar radiation management, environment, regulation, Arizona Revised Statutes, weather modification, licensing, environmental impact, public safety, cloud seeding

Transcript Highlights:

• FOR PYTHONS OR CURRENTLY WORK WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA TO TEST DRONES NEAR INFRARED CAMERA
• I HEARD YOU MENTION THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA AND WONDERED HOW FAR NORTH DO YOU GO IN PURSUING THE PYTHONS
• I SAW A VIDEO OF LITERALLY 30 OF THEM MARCHING THROUGH THE YARD.
• SO WE ARE COUNSELING WORK WITH UNIVERSITIES AROUND THE STATE BUT I'M NOT AWARE OF ANY DIRECT A PROJECTS
• IT WAS A TIME FRAME OF YEARS THAT ENDED BEFORE THE SPRING OF 24 BUT THE SPRING OF 2024 WE OFFICIALLY

Transcript Highlights:

• 24th Street and Southwest 8th Street in Miami-Dade County outside of Florida International University
• And across our nation, so I think this is a very fitting tribute outside of the university that he and
• National University with both of us, it's being commemorated.
• But let's just say a university is applying for a private grant from some sort of foundation, and the
• Then we spent time in New Jersey, of all places, looking at Stevens University. where they're experimenting

Transcript Highlights:

• of Reference.
• As was mentioned by one of the speakers, the overall universe was immense and, quite frankly, limitless
• This really shrinks that universe down to three types of properties.
• This really shrinks that universe down to three types of properties: single-family homes, mobile homes
• I'm a senior at Florida State University and grew up in Senator Pasadomo's district of Naples, Florida

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee considered several tax-related measures. SB 674, allowing county property appraisers to budget for and pay hiring or retention bonuses with Department of Revenue approval, was supported by property appraisers and reported favorably. C.S. for SJR 318, as amended, would create a tangible personal property exemption for agricultural land used in agricultural production or agritourism; the amendment clarified the property’s location and allowed the Legislature to define conditions, and the resolution was reported favorably with support from Farm Bureau and the Florida Chamber. The committee also advanced C.S. for SB 1664, as amended, which requires locally approved discretionary taxes to be reauthorized by voters when they expire and sets rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds. Local government and tourism-related groups raised concerns about impacts on tourist development taxes, beach funding, transportation surtaxes, and long-term planning, while supporters argued voters should periodically reaffirm taxes; the bill was reported favorably. C.S. for SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, were both amended to sharply narrow a proposed long-term lease property tax exemption to one qualifying property and to single-family homes, mobile homes, and condominiums; counties and cities opposed the measures as tax shifts, but both were reported favorably. The committee then took up SPB 7034, the Senate tax package, which includes permanent sales tax exemptions for certain clothing and bullion, multiple tax holidays, a temporary motor vehicle fee reduction, a property tax study, corporate and insurance tax credit changes, a communications services tax freeze, and other tax provisions, with staff estimating $2.1 billion in total revenue reduction. Testimony included support for studying property taxes and strong opposition to the firearm and ammunition tax holiday from students and advocacy groups, who argued it was unsafe and inappropriate; others urged adding combined reporting or removing tourist development tax changes. After debate, the committee reported the package favorably and also approved a motion to submit it as a committee bill. The meeting ended after Senator Bernard recorded an affirmative vote on tab 5 and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• me out of order for the opportunity to testify in support of H. 5012 and S. 2927.
• The promise of universal free school meals is right in its name: universal.
• It does strike me as such an opportunity to continue to build on the access and opportunity of universal
• And there are a lot of important ramifications of this.
• Finally, many families of the Commonwealth rely on the universal school lunch program as a key source

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, S. 2927 and H. 5012, titled An Act Relative to Students Accessing Food and Nutritional Information, filed by Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Michelle Badger. The bills would require schools to make clear, centralized online information available about gluten-free and allergen-free meals, including menus, food safety procedures, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs. Committee members and the bill sponsors emphasized that the measure is intended to improve transparency, equity, and access within the Commonwealth’s universal free breakfast and lunch program. Testimony came from students, parents, physicians, and advocates, many of whom described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune condition requiring a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Witnesses said families often struggle to find reliable school meal information, and that lack of communication between school administrators, nurses, and food service staff can lead families to opt out of school meals even when safe options exist. Medical witnesses from Boston Children’s, Mass General, and Beth Israel said the bill addresses a real barrier identified in research and could help prevent health problems, missed school, and long-term complications from gluten exposure. Several witnesses also noted that the bill’s approach could benefit students with food allergies more broadly. Committee members praised the testimony, especially from young student witnesses, and discussed practical issues such as cross-contamination, 504 plans, and whether schools already have the underlying information needed to comply. One member suggested the Department of Public Health might be able to address some of the issue through regulations, similar to a prior restaurant allergy-protocol change. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee closed after hearing from all panels and the bill sponsors, who asked for favorable consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• the City of Blaine; and Western Washington University faculty, fellows, and representatives of the Border
• Washington University please stand and be recognized by the members of the Senate.
• ; and Western Washington University faculty, fellows, and representatives of the Border Policy Research
• Washington University please stand and be recognized by the members of the Senate.
• Delegate Ruiz, Mayor Stewart, and representatives of Western Washington University, please stand and

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate convened on February 24 with no roll call, approved the prior day’s Journal, and referred committee reports and listed measures as designated. One exception was Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, concerning health care market standards, which was sent to the Committee on Rules. The chamber then moved to the eighth order for resolutions. Senate Resolution 8696, recognizing Washington’s interconnected relationship with Canada, was read and adopted. Supportive remarks emphasized cross-border economic ties, family and community connections, shared environmental and scientific work, trade, border communities such as Point Roberts and Blaine, and cooperation with Canadian and Quebec officials. The Senate also formally recognized visiting Canadian and Washington guests in the gallery, including the Canadian Consul General, a Quebec delegate, the mayor of Blaine, and Western Washington University representatives. After a brief at-ease, the Senate returned to business and received supplemental standing committee reports, including Senate Bill 5998, the supplemental operating budget, and House Bill 2664, both referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate then agreed to adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hope with word of mouth from the interns last time and working with some professors out at the University
• And I think the sooner, the better in terms of getting this information out there to the universities
• And I think the sooner, the better in terms of getting this information out there to the universities
• and the colleges about, ...of getting this information out there to the universities and the colleges
• And a lot of the recommendations from the individuals at the universities was to go through what they

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up a draft bill to make legislators’ and candidates’ residential addresses confidential in public records. Legislative Council and the Secretary of State explained the proposal was prompted by security concerns and would protect residential addresses while still allowing election officials to verify residency and keep candidate names and offices public. Members raised concerns about unintended consequences, transparency, and how the change would affect rural districts and residency enforcement. The Secretary of State suggested an amendment to end the confidentiality when a candidate’s term ends, and the committee agreed to hold the bill over for further discussion at the next meeting. The committee also reviewed follow-up materials on legislator security and best practices, including advice on situational awareness, internet hygiene, varying routines, and reporting threats, along with NCSL materials comparing capitol security practices in other states. Members discussed a recent security incident and the need to keep alert contact information current, and staff said they would continue working with the Highway Patrol on legislative-specific notifications. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to Garrity Consulting’s final report on mitigating the effects of legislative term limits. The consultants summarized survey, focus group, and stakeholder input showing concerns about loss of institutional knowledge, leadership turnover, onboarding demands, and workload pressures, while also noting public support for term limits and annual sessions. Recommendations included considering annual sessions or shifting biennial sessions to even-numbered years, restructuring organizational session and interim committee work, creating office hours and more structured orientation and mentorship, expanding ongoing training and staff support, improving public communication and virtual testimony rules, and addressing barriers to service such as employer support and travel costs. Members discussed the tension between making the legislature more effective and preserving a citizen-legislature model, and the report was received as a roadmap for future implementation rather than immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> conclusion of the testimony on each of conclusion of the testimony on each of the<00:02:18.360><
• If you could explain. uh working at the University of I'm uh working at the University of I'm Chaminade
• <c> of</c><00:24:53.440><c> the</c> on the island of Kauai or any of the on the island of Kauai or any
• telemedicine to kind of share the support<00:26:53.280><c> of</c> support of support of all<00:26:54.640
• </c> of the nominee. of the nominee.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard a series of gubernatorial nominations to boards and commissions under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The chair explained the 90-minute agenda, the 2-minute testimony limit, and that written testimony had been reviewed in advance. Testimony was generally supportive for each nominee, with agency boards, professional associations, and individuals submitting written or oral support. For the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Michael Basta Jr. described his 40 years in the industry, ownership of two salons, and experience training educators. For the Board of Dentistry, Christopher Woo said he had served as an interim board member since July 1 of the prior year, and Jerry Young said she was a retired pediatrician and former Hawaii Medical Board member; in response to questions, she identified a potential conflict through her role with Pu'ulu Lapa'au and said she would recuse herself when appropriate. For the Board of Psychology, Sean Scanlon and Sherry Takuishi Sara both emphasized long careers in the field and service to the community. Several members questioned psychology and medical nominees about interstate licensing compacts and access to care. Scanlon said he supported expanding the profession but would need to recuse himself on compact issues because of his role at Chaminade University, and he noted growth in local training programs. Sara said her main concern with compacts was cultural sensitivity and Hawaii’s unique cultural milieu, though she acknowledged the need for more psychologists. Pediatrician Robert Watring, nominated to the Hawaii Medical Board, said he supported local providers and was cautious about compacts, emphasizing the need to ensure qualified care in Hawaii; he said he had not seen much change from temporary licensing measures on Kauai. For the Contractors License Board, Jerry Nishik said backlog problems were driven by staff shortages and board vacancies, noting the board lacked quorum for upcoming meetings and needed more members and staff. Other nominees included Albert Dennis and Nolan Miyahara for the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board, both of whom said they wanted to continue public service and help ensure legitimate, certified repair shops; Miyahara described his career path from apprentice to automotive technology professor. The committee also heard support for Robert Woltering’s nomination to the Hawaii Medical Board, with Woltering saying he wanted to help ensure quality health care providers, especially for children on Kauai. The transcript does not show any final votes or confirmations during the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the University of Colorado.
• Trustees of Metropolitan State University of Denver. B9.
• Metropolitan State University of Denver Metropolitan State University of Denver 35247,596,64157502493
• Regents of the University of Colorado. University of Colorado 2430 30 3110 1.
• University of Northern Colorado.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I guess I have initial just questions on kind of a little bit of the history of it.
• And I guess I have initial just questions on kind of a little bit of the history of it.
• 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
• 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 approved the November 3 minutes and then received an extensive presentation from Arkansas education and workforce officials on how the LEARNS and ACCESS Acts are affecting career and technical education, concurrent enrollment, and postsecondary readiness. Officials said the state’s goal is for students to leave high school employed, enrolled, or enlisted, and reported increases in K-12 CTE enrollment from about 161,000 to 171,000 students and concurrent CTE enrollment from about 12,000 to 16,000. They also described the new success-ready pathways, merit and distinction designations, and how those measures tie into school accountability and graduation outcomes. The discussion then turned to scholarships and grants. Officials explained that ACCESS expanded concurrent credit support, increased funding per credit hour, and broadened eligibility for the Arkansas Academic Challenge and Governor’s Scholar programs by adding diploma-of-merit and diploma-of-distinction pathways. They said the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship itself did not change, but the non-distinguished Governor’s Scholar award now includes diploma of distinction as an additional eligibility route. Members raised concerns about how these requirements apply to private school and homeschool students, and officials said the intent is to ensure those students can qualify if they meet the same standards, though some implementation details are still being worked out. Questions also focused on whether students who explore multiple pathways could be penalized in school letter grades; officials said the system allows multiple ways to earn credit, including AP, IB, concurrent credit, technical certificates, and apprenticeships. Officials also reviewed workforce scholarships and short-term training funding. They said the state is developing policy for the Workforce Challenge and related professional skills training to set an 80-hour minimum and tiered funding, and they discussed the new federal Workforce Pell rules, which they said are very narrow and will likely apply to only a small number of Arkansas programs unless providers repackage training into stackable, credit-bearing pathways. Members asked for lists of eliminated programs, apprenticeships, and data on scholarship recipients, and staff said they could provide those. The committee also heard from Cody Waites on a $35.8 million U.S. Department of Labor cooperative agreement for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, which Arkansas will administer nationally. He said the grant will support advanced manufacturing apprenticeships, use a pay-for-performance model, and be distributed to sponsors after apprentices are employed for 90 days, with applications opening January 28 and the state expecting to keep administrative costs under 8-9%.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to Thomas Gilbert at the University of Washington, ...of the Bellevue Chamber.
• According to Thomas Gilbert at the University of Washington, since the pandemic and the creation of the
• At the University of Washington, we've already seen the impact of state budget cuts, which have resulted
• I am professor of public health at the University of Washington, but I'm speaking as a member of Washington
• I'm a student at the University of Washington, a volunteer with the Washington Bus, and a resident of

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2140 would exempt land sold or transferred to a governmental entity from additional tax when removed from open space classification in certain circumstances. Staff explained the current use property tax system and said the bill would likely have minimal but indeterminate revenue effects, with about $30,000 in one-time Department of Revenue costs. Representative Lowe said the bill was intended to fix a niche problem where a farmer loses a small frontage strip to a county and is then charged back taxes despite no change in land use. FutureWise testified in support of the bill’s intent but asked for small language changes to ensure transferred land remains compatible with agricultural or open space use. The public hearing on HB 2140 was then closed. HB 2326 would allow a fire protection district that is partially overlapped by another district’s EMS levy to impose its own levy on the portion not already covered, subject to voter approval in the affected area. Staff said the bill would have no state general fund impact and about $28,000 in one-time Department of Revenue costs. Fire district and fire chief representatives testified in support, describing situations in Clark County and Kittitas County where most residents cannot vote on an EMS levy because a small overlapping area already has one. Opponents, including Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, argued the bill would add to property tax burdens. The hearing on HB 2326 then closed. HB 2334 would require rounding of cash transactions to the nearest five cents as pennies are phased out of circulation, while leaving non-cash payments unchanged. Staff said the bill would apply to the final total after taxes and fees, with an indeterminate but minimal state revenue impact and significant Department of Revenue implementation costs. The prime sponsor said the bill was needed because the federal government ended penny production without giving states guidance. Retail and grocery groups generally supported the concept but requested amendments for clarity, consumer protection, SNAP compliance, and flexibility while pennies remain in circulation; one witness opposed the bill as another tax burden. The hearing on HB 2334 was then closed. The committee then heard HB 2100, a proposed statewide payroll expense tax on large operating companies to fund a new Well Washington Fund for higher education, health care, cash assistance, energy, and housing. Staff said the proposed substitute would apply to employers with at least 250 employees and $7 million in annual payroll, exclude certain public and health care entities, and generate substantial revenue, with the fiscal note estimating about $7.6 billion to the general fund and $4.2 billion to the new fund in the 2027–29 biennium under the revised threshold. Supporters, including poverty, housing, labor, education, disability, and faith advocates, said the bill would help offset federal cuts and protect vulnerable residents. Business, retail, hospitality, construction, and technology groups opposed it, warning of job losses, higher costs, reduced competitiveness, and broader impacts on consumers and employers. The prime sponsor said the bill was a response to federal divestment and that the state needed a progressive revenue source now; no vote was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just putting this out in the universe. Because those are some of my thoughts that I have.
• We are partnering with the University of New Mexico to conduct surveys and focus groups around youth
• the University of New Mexico, OSA and the University of New Mexico are going to be using funds from
• I am planning that tobacco settlement funds will actually support University of New Mexico research so
• this work and do additional work that I mentioned, like with the University of New Mexico and our partners

Committee: House Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• at the University of Delaware.
• Matt Froden of Garwood, New Jersey, is a junior at the University of Delaware, majoring in economics
• He is the president and captain of the University of Delaware rugby team, helping lead the program to
• the most incredible minds coming out of Delaware State University and the University of Delaware—minds
• the University of Delaware.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a distinguished research professor of English at Florida State University.
• I’m a distinguished research professor of English at Florida State University.
• Supporting the constructive role of university unions is not ideological. It is practical.
• Supporting the constructive role of university unions is not ideological. It is practical.
• I am a graduate of Florida State University and the University of North Florida.

Summary: The committee took up several bills and confirmations. It reported favorably SB 332, as amended, on a narrow public-meetings/public-records exemption for legal strategy and settlement communications during the pre-suit period in Burt Harris claims; SB 464, requiring K-12 schools to formally observe Veterans Day; SB 984, clarifying firefighter cancer/death-benefit provisions and related prevention language; SB 576, expanding and codifying the local government cybersecurity protection program under Florida Digital Service; SB 964, revising how certain gifts and honoraria are reported to the Commission on Ethics; SB 1612, requiring local governments to accept electronic payments with exceptions and a delayed effective date; SB 830, creating public-records exemptions for certain local government administrators and their families; SB 1096, clarifying the filing deadline for Florida Civil Rights Act complaints; and SB 1656, designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship. The committee also considered a large confirmation package. Jeffrey Aaron’s appointment to the Public Employees Relations Commission was discussed separately after Senator Polsky raised concerns about his political connections and prior work; the committee still recommended him favorably. The remaining appointees on tabs 12 through 30 were also recommended favorably in one vote. The longest and most contentious item was SB 1296, with a committee substitute, on the Public Employees Relations Commission and public-sector unions. The PCS would change union certification/recertification rules, require a recent showing-of-interest form, create different voting thresholds for public safety and non-public safety employee organizations, limit paid union leave for non-public safety unions unless reimbursed, require equal access to certain employer communication spaces, and speed up impasse procedures for legislatively funded salary increases. Senators raised constitutional concerns, especially about the single-subject rule and collective-bargaining rights, and many speakers opposed the bill as union-busting and harmful to teachers, bus drivers, nurses, utility workers, and other public employees. Supporters argued it would improve accountability, ensure genuine member support, and prevent taxpayer-funded union activity. The committee continued debate on SB 1296 after extensive testimony, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Bevon is a sophomore at University of Maryland.
• Um, Bevon is a sophomore<00:21:42.080><c> at</c><00:21:42.320><c> University</c><00:21:42.640><c> of<
• </c> sophomore at University of Maryland. sophomore at University of Maryland.
• at the University of Maryland, but has a another<00:23:42.080><c> very</c><00:23:42.640><c> special<
• city</c> by the University of Maryland, the city by the University of Maryland, the city of<00:26:02.799

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 960, senate, all