Video & Transcript : 'Washington State Energy Code' :
Page 421 of 500
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Just for introduction, my name is Mark Harris, Idaho State Senate, Legislative District 35.
- Lambert, if you will state your name and who you represent, and then you have two minutes.
- My name is Chris Collins, and I served in the United States Army for 21 years.
- When I moved to Idaho from Washington State in 2006, the drop in educational rigor was so immediate that
- If you look at page four again, line eight, I think in the existing code there is a “may.”
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee heard two bills. Senate Bill 1358, presented by Sen. Harris, would amend Idaho’s career ladder rules so superintendents and principals who return to classroom teaching can count qualifying administrative experience toward career ladder advancement, rather than restarting at their prior teacher-ladder placement. Testimony from a remote superintendent and the Idaho Association of School Administrators supported the bill as a fairness and retention measure, noting that administrators can face large pay cuts when returning to teaching and that the bill still requires proficient-or-higher evaluations. After brief discussion, the committee voted to send SB 1358 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then considered House Bill 762, presented by Sen. Woodward, which would give charter schools the option to prioritize enrollment for children of active-duty or active-reserve military members and for foster children who already have a sibling in the school. A long line of testimony from military spouses, veterans, charter school leaders, and military children described frequent relocations, waitlists, and the difficulty of finding stable school placements, arguing the bill would improve access and support military readiness without creating new schools or changing accountability. One witness also noted the bill’s flexibility for charter schools and its limited, targeted nature. The committee voted to send HB 762 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we have judges from all around the state, including justices from our state Supreme Court, shadowing
- , school safety education; 1586, state agency's guidance; 1666, 3 feet of speech monument; 1665, state
- We're representatives of the state of Arizona, seven and a half million people.
- This bill would address some concerns that we've seen throughout the state.
- They were the first ones that formed the code talkers up in San Diego.
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed Judges Day guests and other visitors, and read a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month. Members also made brief introductions of guests and the doctor of the day, Dr. Philip Williams. The chamber then moved through a long Committee of the Whole agenda, taking up numerous bills with committee and floor amendments, most of them receiving do-pass or due-pass recommendations after brief explanations and some debate. Notable discussion included HB 2444, where several members raised concerns about pharmacist-led care, patient safety, and rural health impacts, while the sponsor argued it would expand affordable access to care; HB 2726, which drew comments about a new sleep apnea device and whether it was a vendor-driven proposal; HB 2991, a bipartisan effort to address social media harms to children; and HB 4070, a bill framed as a “corporate death penalty” approach to combat sex trafficking. Other measures addressed kinship placement in child welfare, midwifery oversight, vulnerable adult protections, tuition waivers for children of disabled veterans, license plate omnibus language, and county and education-related issues.
After the Committee of the Whole reported, the House adopted the report and assigned measures for engrossing. The chamber then proceeded to third reading votes on several bills. HB 2123, dealing with financial institutions and gold/silver legal tender, failed on a 24-28 vote after an excusal request was granted to one member with a financial conflict. HB 2270, concerning county authority and sheriff’s posse dissolution procedures, passed 50-3. HB 2324, creating a state fire marshal-related provision, passed 53-0, as did HB 2404 on mental health services. HB 2495 on sentencing failed 26-27. HB 2557 on patient records passed 37-16, HB 2574 on traffic violation appeals passed 52-0, HB 2594 on domestic relations and address confidentiality passed 44-9, HB 2611 on child welfare passed 51-0, HB 2681 on the county employee merit system passed 53-0, and HB 2697 also passed 51-0. The session continued into additional votes beyond the excerpt.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- three sections of code under the liquor part of the code.
- I think that my guess is covered in updated code. This is obsolete code.
- You indicated that this is just sort of stating the state sovereignty that we already have.
- States are not sovereign.
- States are not sovereign; the federal government is. Now, states have a lot of leniency.
Committee:
House State Affairs
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Mar 26th, 2026 at 02:30 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- This is on their radar, and it's on the radar of many states.
- Not only do we see the results, they're reported by state.
- We actually brought in phonics ahead of the state requirement.
- , I would say, or at least many of the states.
- Technology is coded. It is scripted.
Committee:
House Joint Committee on Education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- However, despite hundreds of millions of state dollars, However, despite hundreds of millions of state
- But they have to build to the highest fire standards already because that's what the code—the new code—no
- Do we have a list of these entities that are getting state funding currently that would not get state
- Do we have a list of these entities that are getting state funding currently that would not get state
- The bill is about state eligibility.
Committee:
Senate Local Government
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- “But they have to build to the highest fire standards already because that's what the code—the new code
- Do we have a list of these entities that are getting state funding currently that would not get state
- The bill is about state eligibility.
- ...energy supplies, etc.
- So that is in Water Code Section 10912.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire resilience, land use, and local government authority. SB 911 would require notification to fire agencies when a home in a high fire severity zone is sold under an agreement to complete defensible space compliance; the California Association of Realtors said it would drop opposition if the bill is amended to use the preliminary change of ownership report, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 994 would bar local officials from entering nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from sharing information with the elected decision makers of their jurisdiction; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it passed 4-0 as amended. The consent calendar, including SB 958 and several other bills, was also adopted 4-0.
The committee then took up SB 1041, which would expand PACE financing for wildfire home-hardening improvements statewide and add consumer protections, hardship provisions, and reporting requirements. Supporters, including Renew Financial and Cal Fire Local 2881, argued it would help homeowners finance fire-resistant roofs, vents, and other upgrades. Opponents, including homeowner advocates, county tax collectors, mortgage lenders, and consumer groups, warned that PACE has a history of contractor abuse, high costs, liens that survive bankruptcy, and risks to vulnerable homeowners. After extended debate, the bill advanced 3-2 to Appropriations and remained on call.
SB 1075 would require local governments in AB 617 communities to consider air-quality impacts and community emissions reduction plans when approving certain commercial and industrial projects. Environmental justice supporters said the bill would help implement long-promised pollution reductions in heavily burdened communities, while business, local government, planning, and industry groups argued it duplicated CEQA and existing permitting processes, created litigation risk, and could deter investment and jobs. The bill passed 3-2 and remained on call. SB 958, relating to the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, was presented as a path for a long-planned housing and entertainment project with at least 4,250 homes, including 2,000 affordable units, and it passed 3-0 to Appropriations.
Finally, SB 1182 would require local governments to consider insurance availability in safety planning for development in high fire hazard areas. The author said the bill responds to rising insurance costs and the Fair Plan’s growth, while supporters said it would better align land-use decisions with wildfire risk. Opponents and some committee members argued the bill was too vague, could burden cities, and would not solve the underlying insurance market problem. The discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- of Alabama. state of Alabama, the state of Alabama state of Alabama, the state of Alabama has<00:44:
- or the state of we have as our state or the state of Alabama<00:56:51.599><c> to</c><00:56:51.760><c
- </c> when it comes to our state. when it comes to our state.
- </c> federal law not exceeding state law. federal law not exceeding state law.
- </c> able to do that at the state level. able to do that at the state level.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer by Pastor Jeremy Ward and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sophia Woods. A quorum was established with 27 senators present, and the Senate adopted routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the previous day’s journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber also referred Executive Message 69, appointing Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission, to the Committee on Confirmations.
The Senate received several Judiciary Committee reports. House Bills 41 and 149 and Senate Bills 230, 87, 169, 238, and 233 were reported favorably, with amendments on Senate Bills 87, 169, and 233. Those measures received second reading and were placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 31, commending Mackenzie Grace Stigel, and Senate Joint Resolution 32, recognizing the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science for its national ranking; guests from the school were welcomed in the gallery.
The Rules Committee report was then adopted by a 33-0 vote, setting a special order calendar that included Senate Bill 71 on administrative rules, along with several other bills on dredging, county subdivisions, legislative matters, public corruption, rural hospital investment, minority affairs, campaign finance, and natural resources. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 71, the “sound science” bill, which would limit state agencies from adopting environmental rules more stringent than federal law and require science-based standards where federal law is absent. Senator Coleman-Madison offered an amendment to preserve stronger scientific and causal standards, arguing the bill could weaken protections in heavily burdened communities; the amendment failed on a roll call vote of 25 nays to 1 yea. Senators then continued debating the bill’s effect on ADEM’s authority, emergency rulemaking, federal standards, and environmental enforcement in Alabama.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (03/10/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- agency the department of know a state agency the department of energy<01:23:09.040><c> the</c><01:23
- today could potentially expose the state to an increase in distributed energy projects of about 325
- today could potentially expose the state to an increase in distributed energy projects of about 325
- Chairman, a couple of weeks ago, stating a new energy policy for the State of New Hampshire, and it had
- for the State of New new energy policy for the State of New Hampshire<05:06:14.400><c> and</c><05:06
Committee:
House Science, Technology and Energy
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:43:34.640><c> all</c> town with oversight from the state all town with oversight from the state
- Chairman, I have copies of New Hampshire's state aid booklet, which includes state aid grant history.
- Copies of New Hampshire's state aid booklet, which includes state aid grant history.
- </c><01:14:07.000><c> Rural</c><01:14:07.400><c> Water</c> Granite State Rural Water Granite State Rural
- </c><02:09:22.480><c> to</c> and I wasn't going to ask the state to and I wasn't going to ask the state
Committee:
Senate Finance
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health and Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Apr 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We did not see the state or the city come to our state. start shutting down.
- in the United States.
- in the United States.
- And so we're going to re-divered this energy to 0.000. that kind of energy.
- in the United States.
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on access to gender-affirming care in California, with members of the Senate and Assembly budget subcommittees hearing first from the Department of Justice, Department of Managed Health Care, and Department of Health Care Services. State officials described California’s legal protections against discrimination, privacy protections, shield laws, and Medi-Cal and commercial plan coverage requirements for medically necessary gender-affirming care. They also outlined ongoing litigation and advocacy against federal actions and proposed rules that could restrict care, including challenges to executive orders, HHS declarations, and federal reimbursement rules, as well as a temporary restraining order protecting care at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Committee members pressed the agencies on why some hospitals that had stopped providing care had not been sued, how the state measures network adequacy and equitable access, whether the $15 million previously allocated for gender-affirming care had been used, and what additional statutory changes might be needed. DMHC and DHCS said they regulate health plans rather than providers directly, rely on complaints and independent medical review to address denials or delays, and do not track utilization or have a specific provider category for gender-affirming care. DOJ said it is focused on the federal government as the source of pressure on hospitals and providers, while members discussed possible shield-law expansions and, if federal rules are finalized, the possibility of state-only funding to preserve access.
The second panel featured a physician, clinic leaders, parents, and a transgender teen describing how families navigate care and the effects of hospital closures and insurance barriers. Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy gave a history of transgender health care, described puberty blockers and hormones as established treatments, and said minors need parental consent for medical interventions. J.M. Jaffe of Lyon Martin Community Health Services said community clinics are absorbing patients after hospital programs closed and asked for $26 million in state funding to expand capacity. Parents and youth testified about delays, out-of-network referrals, lost coverage, and the emotional strain of uncertainty, while also urging the Legislature to stabilize access and protect continuity of care.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- One state, under God, one individual. Thank you. Thank you. I'll hear excuses for absent members.
- The officers who wield the judicial power of the state. state of Texas.
- That fact is a big reason why I can confidently say that the state of our judiciary is strong.
- . child, but if the state can't prove that, then why on earth would we destroy that family?
- But surely God was with our fathers, who built and sustained this beautiful state for us.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hied Committee Meeting - 2025-04-03
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- regional and state priorities.
- Bernie Omen with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
- , and Metro State.
- The state agency takes its authority from the state, but it is fully self-funded, meaning all costs for
- There is no, and I repeat, no cost to the state budget.
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Mar 3rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- facility... ...need, municipal need, or, as I said, some connection to a state facility.
- There's a ballot question in November that would cut the state income tax from 5% to 4%.
- So the federal dollars are essential in terms of being able to supplement the state dollars.
- Boston, but also policies that affect the entire state of Massachusetts.
- to achieving climate commitments as the state has made as well.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the Healey-Driscoll administration’s transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. Administration officials said the bill would authorize more than $5 billion overall, including $1.2 billion for Chapter 90 over four years, $500 million for accelerated road and bridge repairs, $200 million for MBTA rail modernization and reliability, $200 million for transportation projects supporting housing development, $200 million for a new DCR parkway resilience and safety program, and reauthorizations for federal-aid highway projects, non-federal highway projects, municipal pavement, and Shared Streets and Spaces. They emphasized that the proposal is backed by Commonwealth Transportation Fund revenues, including registry fees, gas tax, and Fair Share surtax revenue, and said it would improve safety, reliability, housing production, and regional equity.
Committee members asked about the four-year Chapter 90 authorization, the housing-related transportation funding, federal funding uncertainty, and how the MBTA money would support commuter rail electrification and regional rail. Administration witnesses said the multi-year structure would help municipalities plan and avoid more expensive deferred maintenance, that the housing funds would be flexible for infrastructure needs tied to development, and that the state is pursuing federal grants while relying on state-backed capital financing. They also described process improvements at MassDOT that have reduced project bid-to-notice timelines by 60% and said the rail modernization funds would support locomotive procurement, including battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association and local officials from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth strongly supported the bill, saying the increased Chapter 90 funding and road-mile formula have made a major difference for small and rural communities and that four-year funding would improve predictability, project bundling, and cost savings. They cited local road, bridge, culvert, and gravel-road needs and urged favorable action. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to use it for broader transportation policy changes and new revenue tools, including possible reforms to TNC fees, regional pricing, and other funding mechanisms. The committee took no vote during the hearing and adjourned after testimony.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 090 Apr 14th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> rural communities across the state. rural communities across the state.
- And we've seen the impact of that, of course, less production of energy in our state, less employment
- , less production of energy in our state,<01:59:45.280><c> less</c><01:59:45.599><c> employment,</c><
- </c> business in our state. business in our state.
- </c> state permits to sell firearms. state permits to sell firearms.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee Dec 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So one of the challenges that we have as a state is, what does the state of California do?
- So what can states do? Well, copyright preemption rules actually limit what states can do.
- Copyright Office in Washington, D.C.
- What happened today in Washington, D.C.?'
- I just want to briefly mention that traditionally hash codes, one-way hash codes, is something that's
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee and Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing at Stanford on the intersection of artificial intelligence, copyright, transparency, and California’s creative economy. Chairs and members emphasized that the hearing was not on a specific bill and no vote would be taken. Opening remarks framed the issue as balancing protection for artists and other rights holders with the need to keep AI innovation and related economic activity thriving in California, while noting that federal action is unlikely and that state policy may influence national standards.
The first panel featured Professor Pamela Samuelson and Stanford researcher Rishi Bommasani. Samuelson reviewed the current copyright litigation landscape, including dozens of lawsuits over AI training, and explained the fair use framework, the Google Books precedent, and the uncertainty around newer theories such as market dilution. She said states can likely regulate transparency, deepfakes, privacy, and safety, but warned that some proposals may be preempted by federal copyright law. Bommasani described widespread opacity around training data among major California AI companies, discussed AB 2013 and the EU AI Act as transparency models, and identified gaps in disclosure design, enforcement, and whether transparency alone can address copyright and IP concerns. Members asked about open-source models, opt-outs, machine unlearning, user data, and state options for protecting creators.
The second panel included SAG-AFTRA board member Jason George, Animation Guild president Danny Lynn, and OpenAI copyright counsel Mark Gray. George and Lynn argued that AI training on performers’ and artists’ work without consent or compensation threatens jobs, bargaining power, and reputations, and they supported stronger transparency and licensing requirements so creators can identify when their work is used. Gray said AI is already being used as a productivity tool and highlighted partnerships between AI companies and publishers, record labels, and studios, while arguing that specific harmful uses such as deepfakes should be regulated directly rather than restricting general-purpose AI development. Committee members discussed labeling and watermarking of AI-generated content, transparency around model use, and whether state law should require more detailed disclosure of training data; no formal action was taken.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/14/2026 - 31st Annual Indian Nations & Tribes Legislative Day
Transcript Highlights:
- our state.
- and senior water rights in all three states.
- any deal reached between the seven states.
- I come from the United States Marine Corps.
- We look forward to working with the tribes united, the states united, and let this be a true United States
Summary:
The Arizona House and Senate held the joint protocol session for the 31st Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day, opening with a tribal blessing, presentation of the colors, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed tribal leaders, elders, and guests, emphasizing the importance of government-to-government collaboration, tribal sovereignty, and the role of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes in issues such as water, energy, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.
The tribal address was delivered by Fort Mojave Chairman Timothy Williams, who focused heavily on Colorado River water rights, drought, climate change, and the need to include tribes in any future river management framework as current guidelines expire. He also discussed tribal economic development, education, public safety, border security, and the importance of protecting culture, language, land, and water. Thana Autumn Nation Chairman Verlin Jose similarly stressed unity, tribal sovereignty, border issues, water stewardship, and the economic impact of tribal gaming, arguing that tribes should be full partners in state and federal policy discussions and opposing a fixed border wall.
Dr. Laura Tohi of the Navajo Nation gave a poetry reading and spoke about her background, the importance of language and oral tradition, and her role as Arizona State Poet Laureate. Her poems centered on food, water, weaving, and homeland. The session concluded with closing remarks from legislative leaders thanking participants for their perspectives and contributions, and the joint protocol session was dissolved. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (04/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- for our state, so that we have a state building code, a state fire code, appropriate state amendments
- for our state, so that we have a state building code, a state fire code, appropriate state amendments
- for our state, so that we have a state building code, a state fire code, appropriate state amendments
- for our state, so that we have a state building code, a state fire code, appropriate state amendments
- for our state, so that we have a state building code, a state fire code, appropriate state amendments
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 94, which would prohibit municipal amendments to the state building code and move New Hampshire toward a more uniform statewide code. Senator McConi and several supporters, including the Josiah Barlo Center for Public Policy, the State Fire Marshal, the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association, argued that local variations create confusion, raise housing costs, and make compliance harder for builders operating in multiple towns. The Fire Marshal said the goal is a single state building and fire code with only limited administrative amendments at the local level, not technical changes, and noted that municipalities could still seek exceptions through the Building Code Review Board if needed. The chair explained that a similar House bill was already moving forward with fire code and administrative amendment language, and members agreed that retaining SB 94 would avoid conflicting bills. The committee then voted to retain SB 94 by roll call, 13-0, with no minority report.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 30, which would designate the Virginia opossum as New Hampshire’s state marsupial. Senator Fenton presented the bill as a light-hearted measure inspired by Chesterfield School fourth graders, who had submitted written testimony and supported the idea. Members discussed the bill in a humorous but mostly supportive way, with one member objecting that it trivialized the legislature, while others said it could help engage students in the legislative process. The committee voted ought to pass on SB 30, 11-2, and agreed to place it on consent with no minority report.
Later, the committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 95, concerning youth camp cabins and state fire/building codes. Senator McConi said the bill would exempt new residential cabins in youth recreation camps from sprinkler requirements and allow them to omit electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems, while requiring any such systems that are present to comply with state code. He said the measure was intended to resolve recurring interpretation problems that have caused expense and uncertainty for camp owners, and he praised work with the Fire Marshal’s office to reach a workable compromise. Representative Schmidt asked about cabin sizes and whether larger cabins with multiple occupants would still be safe; the senator explained that camps typically use counselors, drills, and supervision, and that the people behind him could answer more detailed questions. The transcript cuts off before the hearing concludes or any vote is taken on SB 95.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- the real energy concerns.
- Builders must comply with state building and electrical codes in this bill.
- States of America.
- Not in my United States of America.
- Because we need to remember that the state of Arizona is a racist state where there has been a sordid
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As for how it works across state lines, I'm not sure what other states are doing.
- I'm not sure what other states are doing.
- There are 116 school districts in our state, and 12 of them have green energy in their backyard—windmills
- There are 116 school districts in our state, and 12 of them have green energy in their backyard.
- There are 116 school districts in our state, and 12 of them have green energy in their backyard—windmills
Summary:
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee met on February 19, 2026, and first approved the minutes from its February 13 meeting. It then considered RS 33462, which would signal Idaho’s willingness to participate in a federal education freedom tax credit program and set up a framework for scholarship-granting organizations. Members raised questions about possible general fund impacts and the federal nature of the credit. A substitute motion to hold the RS for further committee debate failed on a roll call vote, and the original motion to introduce the RS and send it to the second reading calendar passed, with Representatives Barbieri, Shepherd, and Birch recorded as nays.
The committee next heard RS 3302, a sales tax exemption proposal for the Salvation Army. Representative Cornilles said the bill was complicated and would not move beyond introduction this session, with more work to be done over the summer. Members asked about the organization’s federal tax-exempt status and the broader policy implications of granting similar exemptions to other groups. The RS was introduced. The committee also heard RS 33398, which would align Idaho’s partnership audit procedures with the federal model by allowing audits at the partnership level rather than separately for each partner. Supporters said this would improve efficiency for the Tax Commission and taxpayers, while members questioned whether reduced granularity could affect revenue capture; the RS was introduced.
Finally, the committee considered RS 33417C1, a change affecting certain rural school districts with wind, geothermal, or solar energy revenue. Representative Furman said the proposal would adjust how tax distributions are calculated when a district no longer has a supplemental levy, using the county levy rate instead, and would apply only to geothermal and wind, not solar. The committee introduced the RS without objection. The meeting then adjourned, and members were told there would be no meeting the following day.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Our state university system is home to over 500 centers and institutes across the state of Florida.
- They often do public opinion research across the state.
- It was originally created as part of the State University...
- I've been at Florida State now for about two and a half years.
- And we continue to replicate this across the state.
Committee:
Senate Education Postsecondary
Summary:
The Education Postsecondary Committee held its first meeting and focused on state university centers and institutes, with an overview from the Board of Governors on how the more than 500 centers and institutes across Florida’s public universities are categorized, overseen, and reported. The Board described three categories: state-level centers, legislatively established centers, and university-established centers. Members were told universities must maintain policies, notify the Board of changes, publish public inventories, and submit annual reports and compliance certifications. Senator Harrell asked about funding sources and whether underperforming centers are reviewed for elimination; the response was that funding varies by center and that universities decide whether to maintain or disband centers under their own policies, with annual reporting and audit findings shared with the Board.
Four university presentations followed. Florida Atlantic University highlighted its Center of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology, describing research in marine-derived drug discovery, genomics, imaging, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and ocean sustainability, along with spin-off institutes and partnerships that have generated significant grant and contract support. FIU presented its Center of Excellence for Hurricane Damage Mitigation and Product Development, emphasizing the Wall of Wind facility, hurricane and water intrusion testing, code and product innovation, insurance modeling, and future expansion toward higher wind speeds and flood simulation. Florida State University’s High-Performance Materials Institute described work in advanced materials, aerospace composites, sensors, nanocomposites, and AI-enabled materials development, along with patents, industry partnerships, and new facilities tied to economic development. The University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning outlined its work on teacher professional learning, literacy, New Worlds Reading, tutoring, and mathematics supports, including microcredentials, statewide book distribution, and early results showing improved reading confidence and growth.
Members generally praised the centers for their research, commercialization, workforce development, and education impacts. Senator Jones and Senator Harrell commended the Lastinger Center’s literacy work and the broader return on investment from these programs, while Senator Berman noted the value of the synergies across institutions. The chair emphasized that future funding requests should clearly show measurable success, commercialization, and statewide impact. The committee then adjourned without any formal votes on legislation.