Transcript Highlights:

• And I think it also depends on if it's a financial institution to another financial institution versus
• So to answer your question, Member Dixon, yes, within the 72-hour window, institution to institution,
• The SAR is done at the level—let's say you come into an institution.
• It's the highest expense to every financial institution.
• It's the highest expense to every financial institution.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• It revises provisions governing Florida linkage institutes to remove the Florida China Institute from
• the list of authorized institutes.
• Chair, this has to do with linkage institutes that have foreign institutions.
• language on the Florida China Institute as one of the linkage institutes that's recognized under Florida
• , our That attacks our educational institutions, our business community, and our governing institutions

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• And originally it was formed to connect institutions together and to connect institutions to national
• </c><00:04:33.280><c> together</c> formed to connect institutions together formed to connect institutions
• ,</c><00:09:10.000><c> it</c> project with another institution, it project with another institution,
• </c> institutions, we employ 50,000 people. institutions, we employ 50,000 people.
• 26:16.799><c> included</c> other institutions have all included other institutions have all included

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board opened its fourth meeting, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior meeting’s minutes by unanimous voice vote, and then heard information items and agency presentations. The main substantive presentation came from the Council on Postsecondary Education, which outlined its capital planning recommendations for the 2026–28 biennium. CPE staff described the role of Kentucky’s research and education network (Kron), including connectivity to cloud services, Internet2, identity services, and new local AI/inferencing capacity, and argued that the network is now essential to higher education, health care, and extension services. They said the network’s recent upgrades were driven by privacy, security, redundancy, and the need to support modern research and AI workloads at lower cost than commercial providers. CPE also presented its broader higher-education capital request: $700 million for asset preservation and $1.73 billion for new construction, for a total recommendation of about $2.4 billion. Staff said they do not plan to recommend IT projects or equipment in this cycle, despite reviewing 48 IT submissions totaling nearly $1.4 billion and equipment requests totaling $322.6 million. For asset preservation, they said the recommended allocation method would remain based on each institution’s share of Category 1 and 2 square footage, and they noted that the state’s prior facility assessment is now 12 years old, with deferred maintenance still estimated in the $7–9 billion range. For new construction, they said the requests are heavily focused on STEM and health-related facilities that are difficult to retrofit into older buildings. Board members asked about how asset-preservation amounts were determined, including why Northern Kentucky University’s request was much larger than its prior allocation. CPE staff responded that campus size, building age, and institutional prioritization affect the requests, and that schools are asked to submit more projects than are likely to be funded. The board then moved on to an Attorney General capital plan overview, where senior counsel Will Schroeder began describing the office’s technology needs and the office’s prior reliance on a 2020 appropriation to replace legacy systems and improve security.

Transcript Highlights:

• find is that our institutions that already have... ...transfer volume to our institutions.
• institutions of higher education.
• TCUs nationally are public institutions. On that end, we are a public institution.
• Because these aren't institutions; they are not public institutions in terms of the state of California
• There is another institution, the California Tribal College, which is an emerging institution also in

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill simply says that the... proceedings and prohibits institutions from expending certain funds
• Louisiana taxpayers deserve institutions that are accountable for that result.
• Louisiana taxpayers deserve institutions that are accountable for that result.
• But the Board of Supervisors is already in those institutions.
• This is reaffirming their constitutional authority. ...for these institutions already exist.

Bills: HB818 , HB1063 , SB28 , SB64 , SB142 , SB234 , SB482

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:39.240><c> and</c> 291,000 to um institutions and 291,000 to um institutions and community
• </c> right going right to the institutions right going right to the institutions right<00:28:00.120><
• 28:01.360><c> have</c> right and then those institutions have right and then those institutions have
• </c><01:18:33.920><c> who</c> currently have three institutions who currently have three institutions
• </c><01:19:17.400><c> institutions</c> as well as participating institutions as well as participating

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• In Louisiana, there are institutions that are actively sharing U.S.
• They don't have civic institutions in China.
• They don't have civic institutions in China.
• , with a private institution, I would say that is a constitutional question.
• Sadie Back now with Louisiana Policy Institute for Children.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 399 by Senator Bass, which would create the Louisiana Higher Education Research Security Council to review and potentially block certain gifts, contracts, academic partnerships, and research partnerships involving foreign adversary sources. Bass said the bill is intended to protect university research, intellectual property, and students from foreign influence, and would also require public disclosure of certain foreign-linked arrangements and a plan to eliminate foreign-adversary-linked software. Supporters from State Armor argued Louisiana universities have been vulnerable to Chinese Communist Party influence and intellectual property theft. Representatives from Tulane University and Lenovo raised concerns that the bill could create duplicative review, delay research, raise costs, and sweep in legitimate private or multinational entities; a proposed amendment to exempt entities operating under a CFIUS national security agreement failed 4-8. After debate, the committee moved SB 399 favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 310 by Senator Cloud, presented by Representative Carlson, which would require public school and college health centers to display information about pregnancy resources available in Louisiana. Supporters from Louisiana Right to Life said the bill would help connect pregnant students with existing state and private assistance programs, while the ACLU submitted a red card in opposition without speaking. The bill was moved favorably without objection. The committee also advanced House Resolution 171 by Representative Turner, which calls for a study of the workforce-oriented TOPS Tech and M.J. Foster programs, with business and workforce groups supporting the study as a way to measure outcomes and return on investment; it was moved favorably. Next, the committee took up House Bill 1084 by Representative Turner, a tuition autonomy bill for public post-secondary institutions. An amendment was adopted to add a conceptual framework for tuition-setting considerations, but the bill would still remove the existing 10% over two years cap and allow institutions to set tuition more freely. Turner argued universities need more flexibility because state funding has declined and campuses face deferred maintenance and operating pressures. Several members, especially Representative Carlson, warned that higher tuition could reduce access and that the bill did not address broader structural problems in higher education. Despite those concerns, HB 1084 was moved favorably by an 8-3 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 351 by Senator Jackson Andrews, which would let families apply for child care assistance through CCAP once pregnancy is known, rather than waiting until after birth, to help move them up the waiting list. An amendment was adopted to have BESE, rather than the department, handle rulemaking and to allow the House and Senate education committees to approve the implementation process. The bill was then discussed as a way to help parents return to work sooner, and the hearing continued with questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• This defines institution as a private, nonprofit educational institution, the main campus of which is
• This defines institution as any public or private four-year institution of higher education and the community
• This removes the provision that an exemption from accreditation for a degree-granting institution may
• So this amendment does talk about institutions that are granted an exemption from requirements that institutions
• , the institution then closes... ...the institution itself closes, or the program is abruptly ended,

Summary: At the February 3 meeting of the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee, members reviewed several bills for possible executive session and noted that House Bill 2538 would be heard later in the session, while no action would be taken that day on House Bills 2422, 2427, and 2589. Staff walked the committee through proposed substitutes and amendments on multiple bills, including HB 2438 (early childhood education degree seekers scholarship), HB 2525 (heritage orchard program at WSU), HB 2586 (Passport to Careers and Washington College Grant alignment), HB 2458 (expanding Washington College Grant eligibility to certain non-degree credential programs), HB 2474 (student consumer protections and tuition recovery for school closures), and HB 2540/2450 relating to EMT recertification timing. Members discussed fiscal impacts, use of the GET account, student aid access, support for trades and vulnerable students, and protections for students when institutions or programs close. The committee adopted a proposed substitute for HB 2438 and reported it out on a 13-4 vote, with supporters emphasizing early childhood workforce shortages and opponents raising concerns about using GET account funds. HB 2525’s proposed substitute and a null-and-void amendment were adopted, and the bill was reported out unanimously. HB 2586 was reported out on a 17-0 vote, with members citing benefits for students experiencing homelessness and foster care. HB 2458’s amendment was adopted and the substitute bill passed out of committee on an 11-6 vote, despite objections about available financial aid funding. For HB 2474, members withdrew several amendments, adopted REN 076 to narrow exemptions for certain private institutions, and then reported the substitute bill out on a narrow 9-8 vote after debate over student protections versus institutional flexibility. The final bill considered, relating to EMT recertification intervals, was reported out of committee by voice vote with 17 ayes. Throughout the meeting, the committee generally advanced the bills with do-pass recommendations, while recording split views on funding sources, student consumer protections, and the scope of aid eligibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a structured system-wide assessment of fiscal risk and institutional performance.
• Institutional reviews are targeted toward institutions and institutional characteristics and changes
• This is followed by our other state and institutional aid programs.
• So it was a collaborative effort across the state with higher education institutions.
• Good afternoon, Sarah Buabipsa on behalf of the Institute for College Access and Success.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard updates on higher education issues, beginning with California State University’s turnaround plans for seven campuses with enrollment declines. CSU said overall enrollment is growing systemwide, but some campuses, especially in Northern California, face structural declines tied to demographics and community college pipelines. The plans focus on reengaging stopped-out and adult learners, expanding partnerships and guaranteed admissions, improving retention and student support, and reducing costs through program suspensions, hiring freezes, shared services, and procurement consolidation. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the strategies were reasonable but urged regular legislative updates, and the Department of Finance had no additional comments. Committee members emphasized the need for implementation oversight, written updates, and attention to student outreach, financial aid, and privacy concerns around AI tools used in recruitment. The committee then reviewed the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education’s request for a $10 million General Fund appropriation to repay litigation-related borrowing. Department of Consumer Affairs and bureau staff said the bureau has a long-standing structural deficit, has already cut positions and shifted some costs, and that the General Fund backfill would reduce future fee increases on institutions. The LAO opposed the request, arguing the bureau can cover near-term costs with its existing loan and that litigation costs should remain the responsibility of the regulated entities through fees. Finance supported the one-time backfill as a unique situation that would lower fee increases and avoid passing litigation costs on to schools and students. Members asked about preventing a repeat of the problem, and bureau staff said they are pursuing fee increases through the sunset review and have strengthened internal policies and disability accommodation practices. The subcommittee also heard a broad update on Cal Grant funding and student aid. The California Student Aid Commission, UC, CSU, and the community colleges described Cal Grant as essential to affordability, but the LAO noted spending has grown faster than historical averages and said the state likely lacks capacity for major expansion in the near term. The segments highlighted the importance of state aid in covering tuition and living costs, and raised concerns about federal changes to student loans and Pell Grants, especially the elimination of Grad PLUS for some graduate students and limits on part-time borrowing. Committee members pressed for data on students who are eligible but not served by current Cal Grant rules, including adult learners and students affected by age and merit restrictions, and asked for analysis of phased-in implementation of the Cal Grant Equity Framework. Finance said full implementation would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and that affordability remains part of the state’s multi-year compact with the segments. Finally, the committee began discussion of the Middle Class Scholarship Program. CSAC and the UC and CSU said the program is a key part of affordability and debt reduction, especially after the 2022 reforms that expanded awards to total cost of attendance and improved administration. They warned that cutting funding by more than half would reduce award coverage from 35% to 17.5% of cost of attendance and could affect enrollment and persistence, particularly for middle-income students who do not qualify for other need-based aid. The segments also noted that recent administrative changes have reduced award revisions and campus workload, but that data exchange and award volatility remain challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we look at the program, an institution.
• Technical College is and that's why they're at 35 institutions.
• So there's the list of those current institutions.
• So that's it for me on the institute itself.
• at the institute has had with us as Dr MacGregor mentioned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just the institutions, not the individual courses, Senator Berman. Okay.
• And they're paid at the same amount, regardless of the private institution or public institution, the
• In the event that education, student acceleration, and institutional operations.
• Just the institutions, not the individual courses, Senator Berman. Okay.
• And they're paid at the same amount, regardless of the private institution or public institution, the

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard and approved CS/SB 1694, which revises postsecondary general education standards to incorporate technology-related instruction. The adopted amendment shifted the bill away from creating a sixth core course and instead required technology-integrated general education courses to include digital literacy, AI tool application, and related content such as software engineering, networks, databases, and cybersecurity as applicable. The amendment also addressed high school computer science instruction by emphasizing critical evaluation of AI results, limitations of AI, and ethical use. After brief questions and no opposition, the committee voted unanimously to report the bill favorably. The committee also took up a confirmation package for appointments on tabs 1 through 2 and, on one motion, recommended confirmation of all appointees favorably. It then considered SPB 7038, a committee bill on postsecondary education and workforce development that touches tuition and fee policies, consumer protections, career and technical education, student acceleration, and institutional operations. Senator Berman asked about dual enrollment expansion, CIE licensure/jurisdiction, and removal of the classic learning test as a fee-waiver qualifier; the sponsor said the dual enrollment change was intended to expand student options without necessarily increasing enrollment costs, and that the classic learning test removal was an error to be corrected later. Joanne Hart of the Florida Dental Association appeared in support of preserving the existing exemption for dental assisting programs from CIE requirements, noting the programs are approved by the Board of Dentistry and help address workforce shortages. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to submit SPB 7038 as a committee bill and then voted unanimously to report it favorably. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• While many higher education institutions have... Threats to their physical safety.
• Institutions retain full discretion over how these policies are implemented.
• A broader review showed that this lack of clarity is not unique to that one institution.
• This change will improve the ability of institutions to ensure. Find credible threats.
• with institutions for over 20 years.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, we are the only ACC institution and only one of two public institutions in Kentucky with this
• </c> means that we provide an institution means that we provide an institution with<00:12:29.200><c>
• and only one of two public institution and only one of two public institutions<00:12:42.480><c> in</
• </c> a $22 million uh hit to the institution. a $22 million uh hit to the institution.
• to help that institution improve.

Summary: The committee met with a full quorum and approved the prior minutes. Members offered introductions of guests and family members, then heard a presentation from University of Louisville President Thomas Jared Bradley, who was sworn in before testifying. He described his background and outlined U of L’s strategic priorities: student success, access and affordability, workforce development, community engagement, and research. Bradley highlighted enrollment growth, increases in first-generation and Pell-eligible students, strong transfer pathways with KCTCS, and support programs such as the Cardinal Commitment Grant, 15-to-Finish, Comeback Cards, tutoring, mentoring, and mental health services. Bradley also emphasized U of L’s statewide and regional impact through UofL Health, rural outreach, the Bullitt County rural cancer education and research center, nursing expansion, and the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. He noted major institutional distinctions, including R1 status, a new Carnegie Opportunity College and University designation, and community-engaged classification. He said the university is one of only 10 public universities nationwide with all three designations and reported record enrollment, improved retention, and strong research expenditures. He also thanked lawmakers for significant capital and operating support, including funding for the simulation center, health science center, asset preservation, and the MEP program. During questions, members praised the university’s public service role and asked about first-generation enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes. Bradley said the university is working to improve completion by expanding academic support, early alerts, incentives for tutoring, and faculty/advisor mentoring, especially for first-generation and high-need students. He acknowledged that post-graduation employment data is difficult to collect but said the new Carnegie classification reflects positive outcomes. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and no formal actions were taken on legislation in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This slide shows you the 2024 and 2025 Go Grant allocations by institution.
• I know of no investigation of the institutions or requests for information from the institutions.
• Yes, we do see institutions that are financially challenged.
• So we do have challenged institutions for sure.
• They can go to a two-year institution and still be successful.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee met on March 17 to review the FY27 budgets for the Department of Education and several special schools and commissions. Fiscal staff outlined the Department of Education’s roughly $6.4 billion budget, noting that most funding goes to the Minimum Foundation Program and subgrantee assistance. Major changes discussed included the removal of one-time teacher pay stipends, increases for the LA GATOR scholarship program, and projected adjustments in early childhood funding. Members also reviewed the constitutional amendment proposal tied to using about $2 billion to pay down teacher retirement obligations and provide future teacher pay raises. Dr. Cade Brumley testified that Louisiana’s education outcomes have improved and answered questions on math performance, charter school funding, the LA GATOR scholarship, and the special education Choice program. Members pressed the department on the sustainability and balance of funding between LA GATOR and Choice, the number of applicants and current recipients, and outreach efforts. Brumley said charter schools are funded through the MFP like other public schools, that LA GATOR currently serves about 5,500 students with applications recently reaching about 17,000, and that the Choice program serves about 500 students with a waiting list of about 700 applicants. He also said the department would implement whatever funding levels the legislature approves. The committee then heard the special schools and commissions budget, including the Special School District, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, Thrive Academy, École Pointe-au-Chien, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, and BESE. Testimony focused on facility needs, enrollment, and program outcomes. LSU? No—LSM leaders described urgent roof and ceiling repairs estimated at about $800,000, while Thrive Academy highlighted student achievement, community service requirements, and economic impact. LPB said it is facing a federal funding loss of about $2.5 million and is responding with higher Passport fees, underwriting, and private fundraising. BESE’s small staff and administrative role were also explained, with members asking about board operations and the use of statutory dedication funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• These institutions and never leave.
• </c> institutional autonomy of my institution institutional autonomy of my institution while<00:08:51.600
• </c> our graduates and our institutions. our graduates and our institutions.
• </c> work for higher education institutions. work for higher education institutions.
• </c> pressure on our institutions. pressure on our institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• are guaranteed admission to at least one state university institution.
• We were founded as an institution during the Space Race. Thank you.
• It is an institution that is focused on outcomes.
• As an institution that, like I said, started, was founded to provide the workforce.
• And we believe that it should be part of what the institution does.

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary held an informational hearing focused on how Florida’s public colleges and universities are aligning bachelor’s degree programs with workforce needs and improving student outcomes. Chancellor Kathy Hebda described Florida College System enrollment growth, the state college system’s workforce-oriented bachelor’s degrees, approval and accountability processes for those programs, and outcomes data showing strong completion and wage results, especially in health care. Emily Sykes of the Board of Governors outlined the State University System’s program review practices, performance-based funding metrics, strategic emphasis programs, and the MyFloridaFuture tool that lets students compare earnings, debt, and employment outcomes by major and institution. University and college leaders then described campus-level workforce initiatives. Florida Gulf Coast University highlighted employer-driven microcredentials, digital badges, internships, career fairs, service learning, and partnerships with regional employers. UCF discussed its career navigator requirements, major industry partnerships such as Lockheed Martin, nursing and faculty career-integration efforts, and a centralized career development center. Northwest Florida State College and the University of West Florida emphasized their bachelor’s programs, transfer pathways, teacher and nursing outcomes, military and defense-related workforce pipelines, cybersecurity training, and stackable credentials tied to regional labor needs. During member questions, senators asked how microcredentials and military experience translate into college credit, whether credentials transfer across institutions, and what legislators can do to help. Witnesses said the state’s common course and articulation systems already support transfer, and they encouraged continued legislative support for innovation, faster curriculum alignment, internships, and specialized transfer degrees. No bills were voted on, and the meeting ended with no public comment and an adjournment motion adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• by having what comes out of our institutions.
• So an institution could do it more often than five years.
• The better that our institutions of higher education...
• and elevate some of the decisions that are already being made at our institutions.
• I think, yes, I mean, I think the institutions are, you know, smaller, more regional institutions are

Bills: HB2476 , HB2893 , HB4848 , HB5062 , SB37 , SB60 , HB2860 , HB4930 , SB646 , SB 37

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• It will strengthen protections against elder fraud and financial crimes by ensuring financial institutions
• While financial institutions are mandated reporters for suspected elder financial abuse, building a case
• That way we're getting institutions to provide the suspected victims with IC3's information, that way
• The other is in K2 of the bill, I believe, which requires that the institution provide the customer with
• A lot of institutions will have the teller note the account, and then the account gets reviewed by a

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Banking and Finance met and initially lacked a quorum, so it began as a subcommittee before later obtaining enough members to act. The committee took up a consent calendar containing AB 501, AB 683, and AB 1278, all of which were approved for passage to their next committees, with AB 501 sent to Judiciary and AB 683 and AB 1278 sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 871, which was presented as a measure to strengthen protections against elder financial abuse and scams by improving reporting and training requirements for financial institutions and mandated reporters. The author described the bill as a response to widespread elder fraud, including a personal family experience, and explained that the bill would add reporting guidance to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Federal Trade Commission. Supporters, including the California Welfare Directors Association and several local government and advocacy representatives, said the bill would help identify patterns, improve coordination, and potentially stop fraudulent transfers more quickly. The California Bankers Association did not oppose the bill but raised concerns about whether IC3 is the right reporting channel in every case, whether a dollar threshold should apply, and how institutions would operationalize customer notification requirements. Several committee members spoke in support, emphasizing the prevalence and sophistication of scams targeting older adults and the need to avoid imposing civil penalties or undue liability on financial institutions. The author said she was working with stakeholders to address concerns and keep the bill effective. AB 871 was then approved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee, and the roll was left open briefly for absent members before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The startup cost, about $20 million over 10 years, is a prudent investment for a permanent institution
• , other regional institutions.
• ... institutions of higher learning.
• by those institutions.
• Institutions must submit annual reports to verify.

Bills: HB1784 , HB2088 , HB3062 , HB3475 , HB3741 , HB4279 , HB4763 , HB5154 , HB5294 , HB5508 , SB1401 , HB232 , HB232 , HB232

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• DPRIT is intentionally modeled after the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, a proven
• institute delivering on the promise to accelerate advancements in cancer prevention and treatments.
• There are institutions out there that can help, and a lot of great scientists. Thank you, Bob Hall.
• This establishes the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas in the Constitution.
• It also harnesses the talent of our research institutions to create life science ecosystems.

Bills: SB5 , SJR3 , SB 5 , SJR 3

Committee: Senate Finance