Transcript Highlights:

• I would just request that I don't need an answer now.
• The other, I think, is appropriate if you're good with the question, Mr.
• Anyway, I wanted to make that comment, but also it was probably more appropriate, Mr.
• Chairman, if I made my request in the form of a motion.
• Representative Dale Hawkins, Legislative District 2.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee heard several RS introductions related to education and school funding. Representative Harris introduced RS 33225, described as the identical bill from last year’s accountability and spending measure, and after brief discussion about vouchers versus tax credits and accountability for state funds, the committee voted to introduce it. Representative Heather Scott introduced RS 33298, which would require the Professional Standards Commission to report any allegations involving suspected criminal behavior to law enforcement; the committee approved introduction. Representative Galaviz presented RS 3309C2, aimed at preventing property tax increases by allowing school districts to use certain building maintenance funds for lease purchases instead of forcing taxpayers into new bonds for construction or deferred maintenance. The committee moved to introduce it, with a request for additional information later on how the proposal would affect small versus large districts. Representative Tanner then brought RS 32889, a bill to have the State Board of Education aggregate and report data on the costs of educating children of foreign aliens. Members raised questions about legal status categories, charter schools, privacy, and whether the proposal created an unfunded mandate. The sponsor agreed to strike a sentence in the statement of purpose, and the motion to introduce the RS with that amendment and to add charter schools to the reporting language passed. Representative Hawkins presented RS 32826, a proposed constitutional amendment on parental rights that would replace the compulsory education language with a statement that the right to educate children without government regulation outside public schools shall not be infringed. Members supported the measure, and the committee voted to introduce it. Afterward, there was a procedural dispute over whether the earlier amended motion on RS 32889 had been a vote to introduce the RS or only to approve clarifying language, but the chair ruled the matter closed and the committee moved on.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would just request that I don't need an answer now.
• I'm just requesting that when we get to a hearing, if you could help me understand how the data from
• Representative Nelson said: "The other, I think, is appropriate if you're good with the question, Mr.
• Anyway, I wanted to make that comment, but also it was probably more appropriate, Mr.
• Chairman, if I made my request in the form of a motion.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, moving on. appropriation for the next year. But I appropriation for the next year.
• </c><00:24:41.600><c> of</c> the judicial branches of the request of the judicial branches of the request
• <00:33:30.880><c> to</c><00:33:31.039><c> transfer</c> requested the authority to transfer requested
• </c><02:47:12.960><c> We</c> regulation legislation next year. We regulation legislation next year.
• And a roll call has been requested. All right. And a roll call has been requested.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Legislative Auditor reports. Legislative Auditor reports.
• <00:25:01.200><c> auditor</c> legislative auditor legislative auditor when<00:25:02.400><c> I</c><00:
• </c><00:42:04.960><c> initiatives</c> part of their legislative initiatives part of their legislative
• So, it's going to take legislative<00:53:27.080><c> restrictions</c> legislative restrictions legislative
• </c> So, members, um I did a FOIA request. So, members, um I did a FOIA request.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is made possible due to Efforts from legislative action that happened in the last budget cycle,
• that is requested.
• Angela Short, Legislative Analyst's Office.
• These funds were appropriated.
• Building on the success and momentum of these investments, we request the legislature to provide full

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, requesting the Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology and the House of Representatives
• Um how did you guys determine requested.
• Moving on to STR 64, SR49, requesting DER to establish the Hawaii State Fellows Program.
• </c><00:38:22.880><c> And</c> requested to more closely cooperate.
• And requested to more closely cooperate.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several resolutions focused on workforce shortages and program development. STR 145/SR 117 would create a legislative working group on paid family and medical leave; testimony from state agencies, labor groups, advocacy organizations, and others was overwhelmingly supportive, though some asked for broader representation and legal expertise. Members raised questions about prior studies, staffing estimates, and funding needs for administering a future program. The chair ultimately deferred decision making on this measure to March 28, 2025. The committee also heard STR 55/SR 37 on reviewing the boiler and elevator inspection branch to improve recruitment and retention. DLIR supported the measure, while the Department of Human Resources Development supported the intent but suggested labor should lead the study. Industry witnesses described long inspection wait times, backlogs, and difficulty recruiting inspectors, and several said higher pay and training pathways were needed. The committee voted to pass the resolution unamended. For STR 64/SR 49, which would establish a Hawaii State Fellows Program, the department supported the concept but said resources would be needed and should be included in the budget rather than a resolution; the committee recommended deferral indefinitely. STR 67/SR 51, addressing hiring shortages in the public mental health care system, drew support from the State Council on Mental Health and others, with requests for amendments to ensure broader cooperation and added agencies. The committee moved the measure as a Senate draft with amendments. STR 63/SR 48, proposing a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award, received support from DLIR, and the committee later recessed and reconvened for decision making on the measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so let's go over your legislation.
• I hope the body can support this piece of legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Speaker, this legislation protects law-abiding contractors and laborers.
• I'd urge the body to support the legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Speaker, to speak in favor of the legislation. Proceed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The chamber first established a quorum, then moved through House Bills for Perfection. The first major measure discussed was House Bill 305, which would set policies for reconsideration of library materials in public and school libraries, require appeals processes, and prohibit tracking or retaining personalized user data, especially for minors. Supporters framed it as a local-control and parental-rights bill that largely codifies existing library practices, while some members raised concerns about the privacy language and whether materials should be removed during reconsideration. After discussion, the House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members then took up House Bills 2366 and 2511, a bipartisan construction-industry bill aimed at combating illegal labor and off-the-books hiring. The bill would give the Attorney General more investigative authority, including subpoena power, require complaints to be made by affidavit, and impose stronger penalties on violators. Supporters said it would protect law-abiding contractors and workers and level the playing field, while some members asked about possible overreach and whether the bill could be used against businesses unfairly. The substitute was adopted and the bills were ordered perfected and printed. House Bill 2409 followed, proposing child care tax credits for contributions to providers, employer assistance, and provider expansion; it was presented as a response to Missouri’s child care shortage and workforce challenges. Members from both parties largely supported it as an economic and family policy, though one member noted the bill’s fiscal cost and contrasted it with recent budget cuts to child care subsidies. The House adopted the substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. The chamber also considered House Bill 1885, which makes changes to the Missouri Clean Water Commission by adjusting membership qualifications and conflict-of-interest rules to make appointments easier while adding recusal procedures. Members said the changes would help fill vacancies and bring in knowledgeable members, and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Bill 2658 addressed telephony laws, expanding the no-call list to any phone subscriber, adding anti-spoofing provisions, and creating penalties for caller ID spoofing; an amendment adding misdemeanor penalties for spoofing was adopted, and the bill was then perfected and printed. House Bill 1919 would require more employers to file certain tax withholding documents electronically, aligning state practice with IRS rules; it passed with support and was ordered perfected and printed. Finally, House Bill 1871, an omnibus elections bill, proposed several election administration changes, including electronic receipt of notices, shifting filing deadlines away from holidays, expanding testing windows for voting equipment, protecting the confidentiality of the permanently disabled voter list, requiring tax compliance for certain local candidates, and tightening write-in candidate rules. A key amendment removed an expansion of no-excuse absentee voting to keep the fiscal note at zero; that amendment was debated at length and then adopted before the bill moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the appropriate time, respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• I’ll just note that what we’re doing... ...Appropriations Committee analysis.
• We respectfully request your aye vote today. Thank you. Chair Ransom, Vice Chair Hadwick.
• Respectfully request your passage of 1153. Thank you. Thank you for that. Awesome. Okay.
• Respectfully request your passage of 1153. Thank you. Thank you for that. Awesome. Okay.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know there’s been bills and there’s been legislation and lots of talks.
• Do you need legislative support to get some of the things done that you want to do?
• There should be legislation that limits packaging to one serving.
• There ought to be legislation that limits packaging to one serving.
• And if legislation has to be introduced, we’re prepared to help in that regard.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Frank Damrow Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Eddger to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission, each by 4-0 vote. The committee also approved a rule waiver to allow SB 1447 (health) to be heard after the policy committee deadline, and took up floor acknowledgments before moving to appointments requiring testimony. The committee then heard from Clint Kellam, nominee to lead the Department of Cannabis Control. Members focused heavily on cannabis labeling, youth protection, attractive-to-children packaging, the SB 540 educational pamphlet, and the department’s efforts to steer consumers from illicit to legal products. Kellam said the department’s role is not to promote increased consumption but to move existing consumption into the regulated market, and he described enforcement against illicit cultivation and retail, consumer education efforts, and a possible AI tool to help licensees review packaging. He also said the department would consider tighter packaging rules, including one-serving packaging, but emphasized the need for research and legislative collaboration. The committee voted 4-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate. The committee next heard from Jennifer Osborne, nominee to direct the Department of Industrial Relations. Questions centered on DIR’s handling of Cal/OSHA audit findings, labor commissioner backlogs, PAGA enforcement, staffing shortages, IT modernization, and how her administrative background would help address those issues. Osborne said DIR is working on revised Cal/OSHA policies and procedures, additional staffing and intake changes, new IT systems, and possible use of outside administrative law judges to reduce delays. She also clarified that the Civil Rights Department is not under DIR, but said she would follow up on concerns raised. Public commenters from employer groups, labor, and industry largely supported her nomination, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 to move to the full Senate for confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We didn't carry the legislation. It wasn't a GOSEP-sponsored piece of legislation.
• That extension request is currently under consideration at FEMA.
• So to your points are about legislative audit findings.
• legislation under the Stafford Act and 44 CFR.
• So some of those things are going to require changes legislatively.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster. Laura Sori of the Department of Conservation and Energy said the agency has inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the earthquakes, found no permit violations, and is requiring monthly reporting of daily injection data. LSU and Tulane researchers explained that the swarm includes about 50 earthquakes detected by USGS since December 2025, including a 4.9 magnitude event on March 5, and that better monitoring is needed because Louisiana has very limited seismic station coverage. Dr. Cynthia Ebinger said her temporary array has detected more small quakes than USGS, that the pattern looks more like a swarm than normal aftershocks, and that the data suggest pressure changes in the subsurface, though no definitive cause was identified. Keith Hall of LSU described how other states responded to suspected induced seismicity with more monitoring, more frequent reporting, injection limits or moratoria, and “traffic light” systems that escalate regulatory responses as seismicity increases. Members asked about depths, fault locations, possible links to injection or fracking, and whether more monitoring and data-sharing should be pursued; several speakers said Louisiana likely needs a denser monitoring network and more structured data collection. A Texas geoscientist, William Berger, also testified that Texas uses large-scale data analysis and AI to study injection-related seismicity and argued for secure sharing of operator data to improve forecasting and risk management. The committee then took testimony on UAV and drone incursions over Barksdale Air Force Base. GOSEP said the incident was logged in WebEOC and the common operating picture, but that Barksdale did not request direct GOSEP resources and that the matter was handled through law enforcement channels. Louisiana State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose, but confirmed multiple drone sightings on the morning and evening of March 9 and continued monitoring for several days. State Police said they have created a task force with the Police Chiefs Association, Sheriffs Association, GOSEP, and LSP, and that officers are receiving FBI-related training to help detect and, where authorized, mitigate drones. Members discussed whether the activity was nefarious, what counts as an incursion, and the need for better public education about drone restrictions near military and critical infrastructure sites. No formal action was taken, but members said the issue will continue to be tracked alongside pending legislation. Finally, the committee received a one-year update on the merger of GOSEP with the Louisiana National Guard and Military Department. Major General Thomas Freelieu and Brigadier General Jason Maffus said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, shifted administrative functions to the Military Department, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance. They said the agency has modernized its common operating picture, returned staff to in-person work, and continued statewide preparedness exercises. Freelieu highlighted Guard missions including cyber expansion, the new Air National Guard cyber squadron at Jackson Barracks, modernization of the 159th Fighter Wing, and ongoing support for homeland security missions in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. Maffus said GOSEP’s core mission remains emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, and that the merger is intended to make state support to parishes faster and more efficient.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:25.840><c> to</c> today we will be hearing legislation to today we will be hearing legislation
• Section 12, Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission, creates a legislative advisory commission
• </c> the public hearing that the legislative the public hearing that the legislative uh<00:19:05.840>
• </c> questions the office of legislative questions the office of legislative auditor<00:20:45.559><c>
• </c> between the office of the legislative between the office of the legislative auditor<00:27:08.880

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We should also be charging the Navy appropriate fees, and appropriate fees is not $5,000 to miss a meeting
• We should also be charging the Navy appropriate fees, and appropriate fees is not $5,000 to miss a meeting
• That's the appropriation bill.
• </c><02:55:19.279><c> Bill</c> that that that's the appropriation Bill that that that's the appropriation
• :21.080><c> section</c> we're not the appropriation section we're not the appropriation section we're

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt. The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, just for clarification, we're working off of request number 3969.
• I'm sure that's request number 3969 just for clarification.
• It's request number 3969. Thank you. Okay, Senator Kirt, you have a question?
• a future date there would be dollars appropriated.
• Request 3968. Senator Gillespie, you are recognized.

Bills: HB1823 , HB3031 , HB3369 , HB3378 , HB3429 , HB3624 , HB3657 , HB3880 , HB4215 , HB4476

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

Keywords: housing finance, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, publication requirements, housing policy, state regulations, HB3031, North Pointe Workforce Development Initiative, workforce development, job training, skills training, job placement, local hiring, economic development, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, revolving fund, state treasury, appropriation, budget, workforce investment, employment outcomes

Summary: The Senate Economic Development, Workforce, and Tourism Committee met for a work session focused largely on executive nominations and several House bills. The committee advanced nominations for Jared Lundry and Norville Ritter to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission, Amy Blackburn as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, and Jason Kays to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, with each nominee describing their background and priorities and receiving favorable roll-call votes. Members also considered and advanced a series of bills affecting housing, tourism, workforce, and related programs. HB 1823 would require the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency to provide advance notice of HOME program changes, limit retroactive rule changes, and give preference to nonprofit grant recipients; it passed 8-1. HB 4476 created a revolving fund related to a music industry rebate program and passed 7-2 after an amendment raising a threshold from 25,000 to 28,000. HB 3880 updated tourism advertising law to include digital media and allowed the Oklahoma Today magazine to move online, with an amendment making publication permissive rather than mandatory; it passed 8-1. HB 3031 created a revolving fund for workforce development tied to skilled trades and the North Point Workforce Development Initiative, and HB 3378 staggered terms on the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board; both passed. The committee also passed HB 3369, which aligned LP gas and fire-suppression rules for mobile food vendors and required annual fire safety training, HB 3429, which authorized up to $50 million in bonds for CareerTech-related economic development projects, HB 3657, which clarified agricultural labor reporting and allowed OESC to share workforce data with the Workforce Commission, and HB 4215, which lowered the minimum spend threshold for Oklahoma film post-production incentives from $50,000 to $20,000. Finally, HB 3624, a controversial bill changing how county lines are determined along shifting waterways, drew extensive debate over taxation, property records, and rural impacts before passing 6-5. The chair noted the committee likely had one more meeting remaining and invited further suggested language on the county-line issue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome back to the legislative session for the 2026 year.
• Shaun Scott, 43rd Legislative District, center of Seattle, Capitol Hill, University.
• Steve Bergquist, 11th Legislative District. That's home of the Seahawks. Go Hawks.
• And we will have to go over this again with respect to requesting amendments.
• Get to them as soon as possible with your amendment requests. Make yourself available.

Summary: The House Education Committee held a work session on reducing restraint and eliminating isolation in schools, then moved into a public hearing on House Bill 1795 and its proposed substitute. Chair Sharon Santos reviewed committee procedures and emphasized the short session timeline, then framed the discussion as part of a longer-running effort to address student restraint and isolation. Representative Callan, the bill sponsor, said the committee’s pilot and demonstration sites would help identify both benefits and implementation challenges for legislation. OSPI Acting Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs Misha Cherniski presented an update on the state’s demonstration project, saying it is in its third year and has $2 million per year in the current budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. He described intensive, targeted, and universal supports, including grants to pilot and demonstration districts, a technical assistance manual, and statewide professional learning. He reported that 68% of project sites saw reductions in restraint and isolation compared with the prior year, and said OSPI’s immediate policy recommendations are to extend prohibitions on dangerous restraints such as prone, supine, wall, mechanical, chemical, and noxious spray restraints, and to clarify the definition of “imminent likelihood of serious harm.” Committee members asked for more detailed disaggregated data by race, ethnicity, grade level, incident type, and sample size, and raised questions about authorized entities, student movement, and whether data captures incidents in nonpublic settings. Representatives from Auburn, Bainbridge Island, and Concrete school districts described how the grant-funded work has affected their districts. Auburn reported major reductions in isolation after removing its last isolation room, expanding behavior supports, and training staff through multiple professional development options; the district said the biggest challenge has been shifting staff mindset and navigating delayed access to vendors and grant systems. Bainbridge Island said it has used grant funds for universal staff training, administrator training, social-emotional MTSS work, and partnerships with multiple providers; it reported zero isolations and sharply reduced restraints, while noting the need to monitor nonpublic agencies closely. Concrete, a much smaller district, said the grant allowed it to hire a part-time BCBA, adopt Safety-Care training, and use OSPI’s manual and tracking tools, but staffing shortages and limited substitute coverage make it hard to attend demonstration sites or training in person. During the public hearing, the substitute bill was summarized as prohibiting certain restraints, banning isolation as a planned intervention, narrowing the definition of serious harm, and extending requirements to other providers of public educational services, while preserving lawful duties of school resource officers. Proponents included disability advocates, the Washington Education Association, and public school employees, who said the bill would reduce trauma and align practice with student safety and dignity. A parent testified about a child harmed by a room that was later used for involuntary confinement. A representative from a specialized learning center testified in opposition, arguing that a complete elimination of isolation for younger students could increase danger in some settings, that medical-provider requirements could be difficult to meet, and that specialized providers need broader exemptions. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of this legislation is to repeal...
• R.S. 33166, the purpose of this legislation is to repeal the last section of the county medical indigent
• The purpose of this legislation...
• And again, maybe it's more appropriate for a full hearing, but I understand the intent of this is to
• Thus, Idaho PTA requests the due pass recommendation for House Bill 531.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Could I please have the appropriate motion?
• We are in support of the legislation. We're not always inclined to... ...the legislation.
• But this legislation does not describe.
• But it was requested that that statement stay in there.
• And I will support that request.

Bills: SB47 , SB110 , SB122 , SB143 , SB168

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, bosque management, Rio Grande, environmental protection, water resources, fiscal appropriation, drinking water, well owners, water testing, water treatment, public health, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not appropriate money today. It does not mandate funding.
• The Constitution also authorizes the General Assembly to enforce these rights through appropriate legislation
• This bill mirrors Georgia legislation that was passed last year.
• Finally, the legislation respects and empowers parents.
• This legislation does not create unnecessary burdens. It creates clarity.

Committee: House Children and Families

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This Appropriations Committee, please silence your phones.
• A lot of legislation has been out on the national level as it relates to 340B.
• So the increase in the funding request that will be utilized for that? Dr.
• Every year, about 90 new requests come to the department to open up a new agency.
• I think you and I are saying the same thing because the legislation is, quote, subject to appropriation

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Could get a whole lot of requests for you to get rid of a book.
• That is not addressed in this legislation.
• They've requested this, and it could be for any number of reasons.
• Is this a request bill? Thank you for that question. I mean, my house member requested it.
• So, that next meeting will be no legislation taken up.

Bills: HB1937 , HB2153 , HB3674 , HB2978 , HB3885 , HB3671 , HB3261 , HB3021 , HB3029 , HB4274 , HB3701 , HB3076

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, and welcome to the Appropriations Committee on Higher Education.
• Very appropriate.
• Okay, welcome to the Higher Education Appropriations Committee.
• The Council of University Facility Planners has requested this amendment.
• There are many, many elements in sections of this legislation.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education first took up a block of confirmation hearings for trustees and board members at several public universities and state colleges. Appointees from Florida A&M University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, South Florida State College, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida described their backgrounds and emphasized themes such as governance, student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, research growth, and institutional reputation. Members asked a few questions, but most nominees received no substantive opposition. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of the group of appointees on tabs 3 through 18 and forwarded them to Ethics and Elections. The committee next heard Senate Bill 114 by Senator Trumbull, which would create the Florida Center of Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at Florida State University, move the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide funding for the effort. Trumbull said the bill is intended to strengthen the state’s insurance research capacity and broaden study of insurance lines beyond wind risk. Senators asked about the impact on FIU and the distinction between the new center and existing FIU work; Trumbull said FIU’s Wall of Wind would remain and that the state-owned model would simply be contracted to FSU instead of FIU. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1624 by Senator Calatayud, a wide-ranging higher education bill addressing tuition, workforce programs, institutional operations, and naming changes. Amendments were adopted to create state college regional consortium service organizations for rural colleges, remove a proposed out-of-state fee change for nonresident online students, extend university master plan update cycles from five to 10 years, and rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough College. The bill also changed several references from specific minority categories to “underrepresented,” revised aid and waiver provisions, adjusted adult education and career program rules, and made other technical changes. Senators Smith and Davis questioned the shift away from enumerated categories, arguing it could obscure disparities affecting groups such as Black students, women in STEM, and students with disabilities; Calatayud said the intent was to focus on socioeconomic access and flexibility for institutions. After debate, the committee voted 6-2 to report the bill favorably, with Senators Davis and Smith voting no, and then adjourned.