Transcript Highlights:

• Christian Rose with the Pelican Institute. I also worked with Dr.
• For our tuitions to go up on, for institutions to go up on tuition in areas where they can.
• And they can't go to school; therefore, that would impact the institution.
• So this will require that all of the institutions, including our private institution partners, share
• So this will require that all of the institutions, including our private institution partners, share

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met to hear several education-related measures. It reported favorably, without objection, on House Bill 1215, which would transfer certain removed historical statues and monuments to the Office of State Parks, prohibit re-erection in the parish where they were removed, and require interpretive signage. The committee also advanced House Bill 682, which creates a school guardian program for honorably discharged veterans employed or contracted by local school systems or charter schools; testimony emphasized that guardians would be unarmed, trained, and used for mentoring and school safety. House Bill 1079, giving enrollment preferences in charter schools to children in early childhood programs, military families, foster children, and children in custody disputes, was also reported favorably, as was House Concurrent Resolution 81, directing the Department of Education to study options for districts facing declining enrollment. The committee then took up House Bill 1084, which would allow public postsecondary institutions to raise tuition and mandatory fees by up to 15 percent annually, with higher increases requiring Board of Supervisors approval. The bill drew extended debate over affordability, TOPS, student retention, and whether universities should have more autonomy to set prices. Members raised concerns about fee burdens on families and whether the state should first study the issue; supporters argued the bill would increase transparency and let institutions respond to funding needs and market conditions. Senator Mazzell offered an amendment lowering the cap from 15 percent to 10 percent, and the committee adopted the amendment before reporting the bill favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 342, which would shift the burden of proof in special education due process hearings from parents to local education agencies. The author and parents testified that the current system places an unfair burden on families of children with disabilities, who often lack access to records and legal resources, and that schools already control the documentation and should have to show compliance with IEP obligations. Jefferson Parish school officials opposed the bill, arguing it would increase legal costs, require more staff and attorney time, and potentially lead to more hearings; they also questioned the fiscal note. The Legislative Fiscal Office said the fiscal impact was indeterminable, and the committee continued hearing testimony from parents and school representatives as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Christian Rose with the Pelican Institute. I also worked with Dr.
• We're just trying to make it easier for our institutions to go up on tuition in areas where they can.
• But this gives the institutions a chance to raise their tuition up by 15%.
• So this will require that all of the institutions, including our private institution partners, share
• So this will require that all of the institutions, including our private institution partners, share

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• of institutions of higher learning<00:54:08.040><c> uh</c><00:54:08.240><c> also</c><00:54:08.680><c
• ,</c> original bill that said any institution, original bill that said any institution, which<00:54:51.680
• </c> whatever, just say public institutions whatever, just say public institutions of<00:56:37.680><c
• ><c> of</c><00:57:10.760><c> higher</c> Would have public institutions of higher Would have public institutions
• </c><00:57:14.280><c> of</c> Yes, say public public institutions of Yes, say public public institutions

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:56:33.920><c> of</c> note on page two says institutions of note on page two says institutions
• And college institutions are institutions that the state supports.
• And uh college institutions are um And uh college institutions are um are<02:01:21.360><c> institutions
• The private institution.
• Let these institutions, especially the private institutions, choose for themselves. schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then lastly, in behavioral health, we run psychiatric hospitals and other institutions for those
• And then lastly, in behavioral health, we run psychiatric hospitals and other institutions for those
• And then lastly, in behavioral health, we run psychiatric hospitals and other institutions for those
• And then lastly, in behavioral health, we run psychiatric hospitals and other institutions for those
• We're we're finishing up institutions.

Summary: The committee met to hear a presentation from Dr. Hicks on the governor’s recommended budget for the next biennium. He reviewed the revenue outlook, noting modest general fund growth, a large rainy day fund balance, and the impact of recent income tax reductions. He said the budget was built around recurring reductions, lower debt service and retirement contribution rates, and the use of excess restricted funds, while protecting K-12 education, Medicaid, postsecondary education, public safety, and pension obligations. Dr. Hicks outlined several major spending and reserve proposals, including $350 million from the Department of Insurance’s excess restricted funds to support Medicaid in the first year, $150 million for the affordable housing trust fund, $125 million for rural hospitals, $100 million to offset lost federal ACA premium tax credits, $75 million for utility assistance, and $50 million for food assistance. In education, the proposal included a phased pre-K for all plan funded by sports wagering tax revenue, a 3% annual salary increase for full-time school personnel, continued full funding of teacher pensions, a 2.5% annual increase in SEEK base funding, and additional support for career and technical education and school facilities. He also discussed Medicaid cost pressures, including higher managed care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and nursing facility costs, and explained the expected effects of federal HR1 changes on Kentucky’s Medicaid program. Those changes include work and community engagement requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations for expansion members, which the administration estimated would reduce enrollment by about 4,300 in the first year and 28,000 in the second year. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting, which was limited to the budget presentation and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> enroll at a college for year institution enroll at a college for year institution where<00:16:59.560
• at our institution fit into degree<00:17:44.440><c> programs</c><00:17:44.880><c> in</c><00:17:45.000
• Having to sort of map from a particular degree at a particular institution.
• The university system office is relocating to the New Hampshire Technical Institute campus.
• The university system office is relocating to the New Hampshire Technical Institute campus.

Summary: The Public Higher Education Study Committee held an organizational meeting and received an update from the university and community college systems on implementation of recommendations from the governor’s higher education task force. The systems said the task force report contained about 40 recommendations, and they have focused first on operational items while continuing to work on larger policy issues, including better alignment of public higher education with workforce and economic development needs. The committee also discussed reporting requirements under the amended law and whether quarterly reports are required or whether annual updates are sufficient unless the committee requests more. A major topic was expanding Early College and dual-enrollment opportunities. The chancellors reported strong growth in Early College participation, significant student and family savings, and state scholarship support that they described as producing a strong return on investment. They said the goal is to build clearer pathways so students can earn college credit, reduce debt, and stay in New Hampshire for postsecondary education. They also noted ongoing work to simplify admissions and transfer processes, including about 100 transfer pathways between the systems, direct-admit efforts for community college and university students, and continued development of transfer equivalency tools. Members pressed the systems and the Department of Education on direct outreach to high school students, especially juniors, so students would know they are eligible for direct admission and other opportunities. The main obstacle discussed was access to student contact information, with officials saying the issue may involve contract limits with the College Board and possibly statutory constraints on sharing data. Department of Education staff said they are meeting with the systems and vendors to determine what changes are needed. Committee members urged faster action so students and families can receive letters or other notices about in-state options, affordability programs such as Granite Guarantee, and pathways to community college and university enrollment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We license the four walls, if it's a health care institution, where therapy is being provided.
• And their financial institutions licenses, right? And so it seems like a concerning trend.
• Chuck Bassett, to lead the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. Mr.
• I've been appointed to lead the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions.
• We want to have a robust marketplace for financial institutions and for insurance.

Committee: Senate Director Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• Are institutions graduating Native American and American Indian students in a timely manner?
• West Valley College is a Hispanic-serving institution, but that is more than just a designation.
• West Valley College is a Hispanic-serving institution. But that is more than just the designation.
• One of my favorite topics: Hispanic-serving institutions, Black-serving institutions, AAPI, which will
• with the express purpose. and billions of other dollars from higher education institutions, with the

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The fourth component is that it requires institutions seeking eligibility to provide certain data to.
• And so that's one of the reasons why we're kind of focusing on the public institutions first.
• And so that's one of the reasons why we're kind of focusing on the public institutions first.
• There are other institutions that we're absolutely aware of.
• , which may or may not be those kinds of institutions and other workforce development programs, as an

Summary: The subcommittee heard May Revision proposals from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Government Operations Agency, the Department of Technology, and the Franchise Tax Board, with public comment to come later and all items held open. CDFA presented funding for the animal care program implementing Proposition 12, including a one-time $5.2 million General Fund transfer to the Ag Fund and $2.8 million ongoing, and the LAO recommended approval while noting the Legislature should revisit the funding once litigation and federal preemption questions are resolved. CDFA also proposed ending state oversight of industrial hemp and moving to the federal USDA program by January 1, 2028, with an $8.3 million General Fund transfer to cover startup and transition costs; the LAO supported the transition. Additional CDFA items included $204,000 ongoing and one position to preserve agricultural statistics reporting after USDA reorganization, and trailer bill changes to clarify the department’s 5% indirect cost cap; both drew no objections from Finance or LAO. The Government Operations Agency and Cradle to Career items focused on implementing the new federal Workforce Pell program. Finance described trailer bill language establishing state eligibility processes, with the California Student Aid Commission as the authorizing entity in consultation with the Workforce Development Board, and proposed $1.3 million one-time General Fund for Cradle to Career to build data linkages. The LAO urged caution because federal rules were just finalized and said more information was needed on workload, costs, and whether existing data systems could support the work. Senators raised policy concerns about limiting the program to public institutions and about aligning the proposal with broader workforce and labor goals. The committee also briefly discussed SB 53/Cal Compute, with GovOps saying no appropriation had been provided for its consortium work, and Finance saying the administration was not proposing funding at this time. The Department of Technology presented a $30 million operational backstop for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, intended to cover any shortfall if expected revenues from the Golden State Net third-party administrator do not materialize in time. The LAO initially recommended rejection over broad spending authority, then suggested amendments with stronger reporting and legislative review; committee members questioned the revenue assumptions, oversight, and whether the request could recur. CDT also sought $1 million for Poppy, the state’s GenAI digital assistant, to expand secure statewide use; the LAO had no concerns, and members asked about data security, model bias, training restrictions, and possible local-government use. Finally, FTB proposed realigning CalFile resources after the federal Direct File program was discontinued, retaining three ongoing positions and returning the rest of the funding and positions to the General Fund; the LAO said the reduced scope was reasonable, and members discussed keeping the free filing system user-friendly and ready for future federal changes. The committee also heard the administration’s digital pre-written software tax proposal, which would extend sales tax to electronically delivered software and SaaS beginning January 1, 2027, generating an estimated $450 million General Fund in 2026-27 and $900 million ongoing, plus local revenue. The LAO supported modernizing the tax base but recommended broadening the proposal to include more digital products while considering a business-use exemption or reduced rate, and flagged a newly added video game exemption as a revenue downside. Senators generally supported the goal of raising revenue and aligning California with other states, but questioned the local revenue distribution and equity effects, and one senator said they would not support expanding the tax to books, music streaming, and similar consumer products. All items were left open without votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Policy Institute, where she helped craft the agenda for President Trump's second term.
• , institutions like Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia.
• There is strong bipartisan support for these institutions.
• It's lost on people who work at these institutions every day.
• . ...institutions, which help them to navigate their relationship with the USDA.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Allows the Pocagan Education Fund to be used for all higher institutions in Indiana.
• I represent—I mean, some of us represent different university state institutions.
• Now, this bill just requires state institutions to study this and not private institutions.
• Now, this bill just requires state institutions to study this, and not private institutions.
• Process, it could create hurdles for higher education institutions to help meet the moment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not bypass the large institutions, but oftentimes connects those smaller institutions that are
• It does not bypass the large institutions, but oftentimes connecting all boat.
• It does not bypass the large institutions, but oftentimes connecting those smaller institutions that
• Each institution administers its own tuition waiver program with specific detail.
• Each institution administers its own tuition waiver program with specific details varying by institution

Bills: SB6256 , SB6275 , SB5868 , SB5954

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: tax exemptions, affordable housing, nonprofit, unoccupied property, housing policy, community reinvestment, economic development, local investment, financial assistance, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges

Transcript Highlights:

• So does that put them in a maybe our sponsor will tell us, but puts those institutions in a different
• It is simply inaccurate to continue calling these institutional facilities a school.
• It is simply inaccurate to continue calling these institutional facilities a school.
• This change will help us avoid the public perception of the purpose of these institutions.
• This change will help us avoid the public perception of the purpose of these institutions.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2539 would raise the indigent inmate account threshold from $25 to $100, allowing incarcerated people to retain more money for commissary items like hygiene products, postage, and medications before deductions for legal financial obligations, child support, and other debts. Representative Street said the bill is meant to better cover essentials without stopping debt repayment. Testifiers from Civil Survival, incarcerated people, and family advocates supported the bill, describing current commissary prices, low prison wages, and the burden on families. The committee also heard that the Department of Corrections expects some indeterminate implementation costs and IT expenses. No vote was taken. House Bill 2510 would require the Department of Corrections to supervise anyone sentenced to community custody for stalking, regardless of risk classification. Representative Burnett said the bill is intended to protect victims and give them peace of mind. Staff explained that the bill is narrower than a related measure heard earlier because it applies only to people sentenced to community custody, typically at the superior court level. Victim advocates and survivors testified in strong support, describing stalking cases that escalated to severe threats and violence and arguing that mandatory supervision could prevent future harm. The hearing was closed without action. The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2319 and Substitute House Bill 2350, both concerning residential habilitation centers. HB 2319 would rename Fircrest School and Rainier School to remove the word “school” and better reflect their current role as residential habilitation centers; supporters said the old terminology is outdated and confusing, while the sponsor said the bill is a clarification only and does not change services or funding. HB 2350 would require DSHS to notify residents, guardians, and other designated people when an RHC falls out of compliance with federal CMS requirements, and to post plain-language notices at the facility. Supporters from Disability Rights Washington, The Arc, and self-advocates said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The committee closed public hearing on both bills, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a nonprofit education organization that partners with schools and higher education institutions to
• But looking for a great opportunity to create a class action lawsuit against educational institutions
• And there is a licensing fee that the higher-ed institutions pay to access that data.
• But looking for a great opportunity to create a class action lawsuit against educational institutions
• And there is a licensing fee that the higher ed institutions pay to access that data.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• or university, and most importantly, hearing from them directly what their vision is for their institution
• I believe in this institution. It's a very important institution.
• I believe in this institution. It's already well represented.
• at the time. ...graduate of the institution and its collegiate high school, which was really innovative
• Born and raised and grew up in Tampa, and I can see the effect that this very special institution has

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a slate of trustee confirmations for several Florida state colleges and universities. Chair Harrell outlined the process, including swearing in nominees, allowing brief presentations and questions, taking public comment after each nominee, and voting on the full slate at the end unless a member was pulled for separate consideration. One nominee, Edward Fleming, was not heard and was deferred to a future meeting. The committee also dealt with several technical issues for remote participants before proceeding through the agenda. Nominees and reappointees emphasized their personal ties to their institutions and focused their remarks on workforce development, affordability, and partnerships with local employers. Several highlighted nursing and allied health programs, with committee members repeatedly asking about NCLEX pass rates; reported figures included Polk State at 100%, Lake-Sumter at 97.5%, Northwest Florida State at 100%, Daytona State at 95%, Pasco-Hernando at 97% for associate degree and 100% for practical nursing, Pensacola State at 90% practical nursing and 85% RN, and Hillsborough College at 87.5%. Other priorities mentioned included construction technology, agriculture and ag technology, surveying/geodetic programs, maritime and diesel mechanics, aircraft maintenance, dual enrollment, AI, cybersecurity, and support for military and veteran transitions. After hearing from all nominees, the committee asked whether any names should be voted on separately; none were requested. Senator Bradley moved a block vote to recommend confirmation, the motion was approved by roll call, and all nominees heard that day were recommended for confirmation except Tab 10, Edward Fleming, who was postponed to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because of that, the state helps subsidize veterinary seats for Idaho students at out-of-state institutions
• Teaching a child to read literally changes the trajectory of their life, and our purpose as institutes
• We don't often get even release time from our institutions. It literally is a passion for us.
• This slide just highlights some of the literacy initiatives that our institutions and the state we've
• but it's also good for the students in our K-12 schools so we work very deliberately to institutions

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• that capacity, I was responsible for overseeing and administering some of the largest financial institutions
• I was one of many that had the responsibility of going in and assessing the quality of those institutions
• where a lot of the carnage from the financial crisis really hit home to consumers and financial institutions
• I started off in the Financial Institutions Bureau, which oversees our banks, credit unions, and trust
• I was formerly the finance, or currently, depending on your vote, I’m currently the Financial Institutions

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Institutions.
• For every single Jewish institution has skyrocketed.
• Because it would be a shame if this is where this institution has gone.
• BECAUSE IT WOULD BE A SHAME IF THIS IS WHERE THIS INSTITUTION HAS GONE.
• Every single Jewish institution has to significantly increase security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Department of Financial Institutions.
• Total loans of those institutions.
• </c><01:12:40.400><c> often</c> other financial institutions often other financial institutions often
• </c> institution does with their earnings. institution does with their earnings.
• Institutions was good with us accepting Institutions was good with us accepting those<01:22:32.480><c

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 16 minutes, and then received an update from Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark and staff on the Department of Insurance. Clark reviewed department activity, including growth in premium volume and licensing, consumer complaints and recoveries, and a rise in fraud referrals. She said the department has 66 open fraud cases and described common schemes such as staged auto accidents, inflated repair or cleanup charges, and roofing scams. She also said the department’s investigators often prepare strong cases but face reluctance from local prosecutors, especially in Fayette and Jefferson counties, to pursue them. Clark reported favorable workers’ compensation news, saying rates will decrease 9.7% next year for the 20th straight year. She contrasted that with a difficult property insurance market driven by storms, reinsurance costs, inflation, labor shortages, and litigation, but said Kentucky’s market remains relatively stable, citing the Kentucky Fair Plan’s small number of policies. She then warned of significant 2026 health insurance premium increases on the exchange: 16.1% for Molina, 23% for Anthem, and 37% for WCare, after CareSource withdrew. She said the rates were reviewed by actuaries and found fair, but that the biggest pressure point is the scheduled expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which she said could leave about 90% of exchange enrollees facing a compounded increase. Members questioned Clark about fraud prosecution, the number of people in commercial versus public coverage, and the impact of expiring subsidies. Clark said the prosecution issue is mainly with Commonwealth attorneys and that rural counties are more cooperative than urban ones. She also said the health market is individually rated and that older enrollees would be hit harder, while the loss of tax credits could push some people out of the marketplace. One member asked about the attorney general’s recent opinion on SB 188, the PBM bill; staff said attorneys were still reviewing it. Clark closed by noting that Kentucky’s fraud and towing/storage legislation has become a model for other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> statute regarding institutional statute regarding institutional eligibility. eligibility. eligibility
• Chapter eight, section 18 institution.
• Um the main institutions in Minnesota.
• </c><00:36:28.720><c> to</c><00:36:28.960><c> register</c> those institutions to register those institutions
• eligible for a grant include post-secondary institutions, nonprofit and for-profit institutions or organizations

Summary: The committee took up House File 2312 and first adopted the DE1 amendment, after which the amended bill was discussed. Nonpartisan fiscal staff walked through the spreadsheet and explained the bill’s higher education budget changes, including increases for state grants and tribal college assistance, unchanged funding for several existing programs, and reductions or eliminations for items such as state work study, summer academic enrichment, student loan counseling, concurrent enrollment, and the student parent support initiative. Staff also noted transfers to special revenue funds, the cancellation and reappropriation of ALS research funding, and a new licensing/registration revenue item. The committee was told the bill met the committee’s zero target overall, with a net general fund change of zero relative to the February forecast, while also adding some non-general fund expenditures for program licensing and registration. Members asked several questions about the transfers and specific line items, including whether any new special revenue accounts were being created, the foster care wraparound services line, and the treatment of the University of Minnesota and Centric Care partnership. Staff explained that the transfers generally did not create new accounts, that some items were not in the base, and that the U of M/Centric Care partnership was a one-time appropriation in the prior bill but was now being built into the base at a different amount. The University of Minnesota section also included new or continued funding for medical school development, health training restoration, emergency assistance grants, ALS research, and a weather resiliency program, while the Mayo Foundation section eliminated funding for Mayo Medical School and the Mayo family medicine residency program. The policy portion of the DE1 was then introduced. It included a maximum tuition and fee amount for state grants, direct appropriation of emergency assistance grants to Minnesota State, a juvenile justice appropriation for Metropolitan State University, and the ALS research reappropriation to the University of Minnesota. It also contained repealers for unfunded programs, including a delayed repealer for the student parent support initiative. In the higher education policy article, the bill would allow Minnesota State to offer applied doctoral degrees in cybersecurity, make technical changes to hunger-free campus and sexual misconduct procedures, extend pregnant and parenting student protections to private institutions, allow OHE to retain up to 10% of certain competitive grants for administration, consolidate reports, change the state grant formula so negative FAFSA contributions count as zero, and reduce the state grant lifetime credit cap from 180 to 120 credits. The Northstar Promise provisions would limit tuition and fees to resident rates and require MnState, and request the University of Minnesota, to ensure eligible students receive the benefit.