Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for a vote by the states. for a vote by the states.
• Why do you think that we are going state by state, few states passing, and why don't we have a federal
• </c><01:39:17.280><c> state</c><01:39:18.320><c> few</c><01:39:18.560><c> states</c> are going state
• by state few states are going state by state few states passing<01:39:20.000><c> and</c><01:39:20.239
• have</c><04:05:40.399><c> a</c> and as you stated, some states do have a and as you stated, some states

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, yes, North Dakota is one of the states.
• And to your point, some of the states are rural, and some of the states are not; they're much more urban
• to the lower basin states.
• the lower basin states, including Arizona.
• But are fees collected now in other states? Yes.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2003, which would lower the instruction-permit eligibility age for Class D, G, and M licenses from 15½ to 15, while increasing supervised driving requirements for minors and extending the permit-holding period before licensure. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill builds on Arizona’s graduated driver licensing system and would improve teen safety based on data from other states; one senator raised concerns about parents certifying driving hours and another cited a study suggesting higher crash risk from lowering the permit age. After discussion, the bill received a do pass recommendation by a 9-1 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2063, appropriating $1.5 million from the General Fund to the Corrections Oversight Fund, and heard emotional testimony from a mother describing her son’s mental illness, incarceration, and death in prison, along with support from advocates who said the oversight office is needed, especially in light of federal receivership over prison health care. The sponsor emphasized prison transparency, public safety, and accountability. The bill passed unanimously, 10-0. The committee also heard House Bill 2210, which would prohibit state, local, and private entities from using ADS-B aircraft surveillance data to calculate or collect landing fees. Pilots argued the technology is meant for safety and that using it for billing could discourage compliance, while airport representatives and city officials opposed the bill as an unnecessary statewide restriction on local fee-setting. After extensive debate over safety, federal law, and local control, the bill received a narrow 4-4 do pass recommendation. Later, the committee heard House Bill 2116, which appropriates $1 million to the Colorado River litigation fund. The sponsor said the money is needed to prepare for possible litigation over Colorado River cuts and to signal Arizona’s seriousness in negotiations; members discussed whether the funding should come from the General Fund or WIFA resources. The bill passed 8-0. Finally, HCM 2007, a memorial urging renaming sections of State Route 69 to honor veterans of multiple wars, was approved 5-4 after some members objected to emphasizing war memorialization. The committee also briefly noted that House Bill 2111 was held, and after the votes, a pilot and flight instructor offered additional testimony on HB 2210, reiterating safety concerns about turning off ADS-B and saying the bill addresses a real risk even though Arizona airports are not currently using the technology for fee collection.

Transcript Highlights:

• credit independent to the state.
• You know, as state legislators, we kill businesses in rural parts of our state, which we've done again
• Currently, there are none of those in our state.
• I'm testifying on behalf of the Council on State Taxation.
• COST is a nonprofit trade association based in Washington, D.C.

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• credit independent to the state.
• You know, as a state legislator, as we kill businesses in rural parts of our state, which we've done
• You know, as a state legislator, as we kill businesses in rural parts of our state, which we've done
• Currently, there is none of those in our state.
• I'm testifying on behalf of the Council on State Taxation.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 108, which amends the Watershed District Act to fix a problem created by last year’s changes: appointed watershed district boards could not legally levy taxes, even though several districts already had mill levies. The sponsor and staff explained the bill would preserve the existing tax authority by tying it to the soil and water district responsible for the watershed district. There was no public opposition, and the committee voted do pass on HB 108 as amended. The committee then heard House Bill 154, a tax credit bill intended to decouple New Mexico’s Advanced Energy Equipment Tax Credit from changing federal definitions and to add fusion machines and related components to the state definition. Supporters from economic development, industry, utilities, and education argued the bill would provide certainty, attract advanced manufacturing, and help New Mexico compete for investment without changing the credit’s caps or fiscal impact. Members questioned why hydrogen, geothermal, and small modular reactors were not included; staff said those technologies were not in the federal definition and that adding them now could create unintended consequences. The committee voted do pass on HB 154, with one member voting reluctantly yes. House Bill 291, the Taxation and Revenue Department’s annual tax code cleanup bill, was then presented and amended twice. The first amendment preserved New Mexico’s independent definition of qualified research for the tech jobs and R&D credit. The second removed a proposed expansion of the film tax credit to certain tribal expenditures after concerns about fiscal impact; members discussed possible future approaches for tribal film activity and the film partner loophole. The bill also makes technical and policy changes including rounding certain payments to the nearest nickel, waiving interest when tax deadlines are extended for good cause, removing small late-filing penalties in some cases, allowing delinquent taxpayers to renew permits under installment agreements, intercepting excess delinquent property tax auction proceeds for other state tax debts, clarifying tobacco tax treatment for larger vape cartridges, and tightening film credit rules. After public opposition from business groups and discussion from members, the committee voted do pass on HB 291 as twice amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without the state of parole, police I waive in support. Thank you.
• Everybody across the state thinks this.
• Everybody across the state thinks this.
• Everybody across the state thinks this.
• To that point, the required state... scale developments.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 330, by Sen. Bradley, clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, including allowing a prior physical exam to count if a transferring officer is not given a new one; an amendment declaring the act an important state interest was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. SB 594, by Sen. Burton, would make mobile home residents eligible for local housing assistance programs such as SHIP for lot rent and home repairs; it received supportive testimony from manufactured-home advocates and passed favorably. SB 840, by Sen. DeSigley, revised hurricane-related land-use restrictions from prior legislation by shortening the affected area from 100 miles to 50 miles, ending certain temporary limits on June 30, 2026, and exempting some water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; it passed favorably after supportive comments from local-government interests and members noting the need to fix unintended consequences of prior law. The committee also approved SB 526, by Sen. Grawe, which addresses no-damages-for-delay clauses in public construction contracts, creates a uniform commercial permit application, requires permit fee reductions when private providers are used, and adds mitigation to statewide product approval categories. County representatives testified with concerns about the contracting language, unfunded mandates, and fee reductions, but the bill passed favorably. SB 504, by Sen. Burgess, creates a statewide framework for code inspector body camera use, and SB 506, its linked public-records bill, exempts certain sensitive content from disclosure; both passed favorably with support from the sponsor and no opposition in committee. The most heavily debated measure was SB 354, by Chair McLean, which creates a “blue ribbon project” framework for very large developments that trade state preemption over local land-use regulation for reserving at least 60% of the land for conservation, agriculture, recreation, utilities, and related uses. The bill drew significant testimony from environmental groups, counties, smart-growth advocates, and local residents who argued it could weaken local control, reduce public review, and allow sprawl or inadequate infrastructure planning; supporters argued it could help address housing needs and preserve large amounts of land. The committee adopted two amendments clarifying reserve-area easements and requiring certain easements to be granted without charge, and the committee then reported the bill favorably, with some senators noting they supported it in concept but wanted further changes before later stops.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida is proud to be the most military-friendly state in our country.
• I retired out as a police chief up in the state of Washington.
• Viewed as unlicensed security officers here in the state of Florida.
• Many states already handle it this way. Florida should too.
• And again, thank you for your service to our state. Thank you, Pastor.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clark from Florida State University. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Clark from Florida State University. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• and the state university system.
• and the state university system.
• The only, you know, con, I would The university and the state university system.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to examine how Florida’s state universities are funded and to begin discussing a possible university funding model. The panel included the State University System chancellor and CFOs from FSU, UF, FAMU, FAU, UNF, and UCF. Members first reviewed major cost drivers, which the universities said are broadly similar across institutions: wages and benefits, equipment and supplies, financial aid, professional services, utilities, IT, and maintenance. Several institutions noted unique pressures from geography, growth, research intensity, and mission, such as UCF’s size and engineering focus, UF’s land-grant and research enterprise, FAMU’s need to recruit top talent while serving a high-Pell student population, and FSU’s large facilities and research obligations. The chancellor also summarized systemwide cost growth since 2012-13, including higher health insurance, retirement, and salary costs, while noting tuition had been held flat. The committee then discussed other revenue sources, including auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. University leaders explained that many of these funds are restricted to specific purposes, and some, like UF Health, account for a large share of operating expenses. Members also discussed the current performance-based funding process. University representatives generally praised it for transparency, accountability, and its focus on student success, but said the heavy use of one-time funds, nonrecurring appropriations, and unfunded mandates makes long-term planning difficult. FSU and others argued that rising employee costs, waivers, and facilities expenses are not fully covered, while FAMU said performance funding has improved outcomes but can disadvantage institutions serving more low-income students. In response to questions about improvements, the universities suggested more recurring and predictable funding, better coverage of mandated costs, more flexibility in fees, and continued investment in research and strategic priorities. The chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a version 3.0 of performance funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications. The committee also explored whether universities should have more flexibility to set out-of-state tuition and professional school tuition. Most university leaders favored giving boards of trustees more authority, while the chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or tuition too much could affect legislative support. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking the panel and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• By having the state conduct these studies in detail.
• Typically, we take the last report we've done, send it to the state, and the state sends it back to us
• To even Saturday night in Leona, Texas when I take my state...
• Use parks in Washington. State parks. It's just here. Come on up real quick.
• State your name and what you represent. Thank you.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a GIS website, the state parcel viewer that's online.
• United States—kind of walked back the Open Fields Doctrine in that ruling, that opinion then. ...States
• Washington state as well, and now there are three states—Montana, New York, and Oregon—that have never
• Am I correct in stating that? Yeah, I suppose that you are. Okay.
• We'll have State Police come into the district.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So when you from a Florida State University. Welcome.
• Clark from Florida State University. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• the state university system.
• and the state university system.
• The only, you know, con, I would The university and the state university system.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on higher education funding, focusing on how Florida’s university system should be financed and whether a new funding model is needed. University system financial officers and Chancellor Ray Rodriguez discussed major cost drivers, including wages and benefits, utilities, maintenance, financial aid, research, and the effects of geography, institutional mission, and student mix. UF highlighted the cost of research and graduate programs; UCF and FAU pointed to growth, location, and cost of living; FAMU emphasized recruiting top-tier talent while relying on other revenue sources; and UNF noted the challenges of growth and long-term planning. Members also discussed the role of internal controls and audits in addressing excessive spending and questioned whether out-of-state tuition should be adjusted to help offset costs. On revenue sources beyond state appropriations and tuition, the panel described auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. Several universities noted that some revenues are restricted to specific purposes and cannot be used for general operations. FAMU explained that a large share of its capital project funding reflected active campus construction, while UF said its component-unit revenue is largely tied to UF Health. The Chancellor emphasized that the system’s low tuition and strong state support are central to Florida’s national standing, but also noted that some auxiliary revenues are pledged to debt and must be managed carefully. When discussing the current funding process, witnesses praised Florida’s performance-based funding model for aligning incentives with student success, transparency, and accountability. They also raised concerns about non-recurring appropriations, rising employee benefit costs, unfunded mandates, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of multi-year planning. Suggestions for improvement included more recurring funding, better coverage of mandated costs, greater flexibility in fee-setting, and possible weighting for mission, geography, and institutional type. The Chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a “version 3.0” of performance-based funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications, but any changes would require legislative action. On out-of-state tuition, most universities said they would prefer local board flexibility, while the Chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or fees could affect future state support and should be balanced carefully.

Transcript Highlights:

• our date, I'm going to request unanimous consent to send to a privileged committee, which should be State
• It's not required, and it sets a standard policy for us across the state.
• The state is not actually obligated to provide social events for homeschoolers.
• It required a lot of state supervision.
• So you recall from Representative Furness stating that in the case of the state getting involved, there

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first approved unanimous-consent requests to print two RS measures, including RS 33-510, a resolution asking the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop proposed school funding formula legislation, and RS 33-484. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1290, the PROM Act, which would let homeschool students voluntarily obtain a social access pass to attend certain school-sponsored social events such as dances and college fairs without enrolling in public school. Supporters said it would improve community integration and expand opportunities for homeschool families, while opponents from Homeschool Idaho argued it was unnecessary, could create administrative burdens, and might blur lines between homeschool and public-school systems. Committee members raised concerns about fees, liability, discipline, and whether the bill could be used for field trips or other activities; after discussion and proposed amendments, the bill was not advanced immediately but was held at the call of the chair for further work. The committee next considered House Bill 608, which clarifies and revises the school facilities cooperative funding program created to address unsafe school buildings. The sponsors explained that the bill streamlines prior law, adjusts when districts must run bonds before seeking state assistance, clarifies supervision and repayment provisions, and ensures unused funds can still be used for safety-related projects. No one testified against the bill, and it was sent to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 635 also passed with a due-pass recommendation; it requires the Professional Standards Commission to report complaints involving suspected criminal behavior to law enforcement while leaving its existing licensing and disciplinary role unchanged. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 636, which would allow school districts and charter schools to use remaining school district facility funds for lease-purchase agreements after bond and levy obligations are met. The sponsor and West Ada Superintendent Derek Bubb said the change would align the statute with existing facility-funding language, support debt reduction, and give districts more flexibility for future facility needs. The committee approved the bill and sent it to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation before adjourning and announcing the next meeting for Monday at 3 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you state your name again? Yes, Carl Molley. I'm with Local 3808.
• And the State Board of Mediation recognized that organization.
• And actually it applies to all public employees, state employees.
• As we know, the State Board of Mediation has already been discussed.
• Firefighters in Cape Girardeau remain committed to serving our state.

Committee: House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Summary: The committee first heard House Bills 2161, 1830, and 1728 together. Those bills would revise the appointment structure for the St. Charles City-County Library Board so that the four most populous cities in St. Charles County, based on the most recent census, would each appoint one trustee, while the county governing body would continue appointing five members. Sponsors said the change simply codifies an existing informal practice and does not change the board’s total size. St. Charles County supported the measure, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee then heard House Bills 3283 and 3306, which were described as identical bills creating timelines and procedures for collective bargaining between public employers and labor organizations. The bills would require bargaining to begin within set timeframes, move unresolved disputes to mediation after 180 days, then to arbitration if mediation fails, and make arbitration decisions binding. Supporters, including labor representatives, firefighters, police, and some local officials, said the bills would curb delay tactics, reduce litigation costs, improve morale and retention, and provide clear rules when contracts expire. Several witnesses described long-running disputes in places such as Cape Girardeau, Robertson Fire Protection District, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood as examples of why deadlines and enforceable procedures are needed. Opponents, led by the Missouri Municipal League, argued that binding arbitration would shift final fiscal authority away from locally elected officials and could limit cities’ ability to respond to budget stress or emergencies. They said the timeline provisions had merit but wanted alternatives to arbitration that would preserve local control and taxpayer accountability. Committee members questioned how good-faith bargaining would be enforced, how arbitrators would weigh municipal budgets, and whether the bills could affect police, fire, and other public employees. No votes were taken, and both public hearings were completed before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're now looking at our state universities. And for me, this is key.
• This is all equipment for the universities and state terms.
• last major expense category representing 2% at Florida State University.
• with supplemental resources at Florida State University.
• in the state university system.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , district school boards, state colleges, and state universities.
• Part of my responsibility is boards, state colleges, and state universities.
• Part of my responsibility is oversee audits of state universities.
• Finding three, contrary to state law, the university dispersed extra compensation payments to university
• Finding four, the university exceeded the state law remuneration limits for university president and

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from the Florida Auditor General’s office on recent operational audits of four universities and to discuss how audit findings are handled. The Auditor General explained that financial audits occur annually and operational audits at least every three years, with universities required to respond in writing to findings; the office generally follows up in the next audit cycle, though it can audit sooner if needed. Members asked about accountability, whether findings are referred to other bodies, and how internal university audit functions interact with the state audit process. The chair emphasized the committee’s oversight role in ensuring public funds are used appropriately. The audit findings highlighted issues at New College of Florida, Florida A&M University, the University of Florida, and Florida Atlantic University. At New College, auditors cited invoice/payment errors, delinquent student account collection delays, prohibited extra compensation, exceeding state remuneration limits for certain employees, weak purchasing card controls, construction management cost documentation issues, and subcontractor licensing documentation gaps. At FAMU, auditors found investment accounting classification issues, delayed bank reconciliations, late vendor payments, and incomplete annual employee evaluations. At UF, auditors reported concerns over a $6.4 million consulting contract, event and catering spending, president’s office hiring and salary practices, bonus and relocation payments, continued high compensation after the president transitioned to another role, travel expenses including charter flights, and remote work agreements. At FAU, auditors found distance learning fee revenue exceeded allowable costs by about $2.8 million, carry forward funds were underreported by about $77 million, and credit card controls needed improvement. Members pressed the Auditor General on whether overpayments were refunded, whether any findings involved statutory violations, and what enforcement exists beyond the audit report. The auditor said some issues were corrected by the universities, such as New College recovering excess compensation from foundation funds, but others would be revisited in future audits; if potential fraud were identified, it would be referred to the state attorney’s office. The chair closed by noting that accountability for public spending rests with the Legislature and the committee, and the meeting adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond receiving the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The University of Minnesota has five strong and distinct campuses across the state.
• The University of Minnesota has five strong and distinct campuses across the state.
• /c><00:41:17.400><c> and</c><00:41:17.520><c> now</c> University and state thank you and now University
• Flor Yang: Yes, the University of Minnesota is a major economic driver for the state.
• The University of Minnesota serves a unique role in the fabric of the state.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I look forward to working with you to ensure that our university, the entire state university system,
• I’m a proud product of our state university system, where I graduated from Florida State University with
• Should we, as an appropriations committee, stop funding state universities, the University of West Florida
• state university within 200 miles of us.
• I am also a product of the State University System.

Summary: The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor. The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• where the state of Florida deserves to have a university that all children of our state would never
• And my loyalty to Florida State and really the public school system here in the state and the state university
• And my loyalty to Florida State and really the public school system here in the state and the state university
• I would not be here if it wasn't for our state university system.
• Michigan State University, and Wayne State.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmations for 19 appointees and reappointees to university and state college boards, with most of the agenda focused on the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, Florida State University, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Pensacola State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, North Florida College, South Florida State College, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Testimony from the nominees generally emphasized their educational backgrounds, professional experience, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving institutional rankings. Several UF trustees highlighted the university’s “One UF” vision, institutional neutrality, and goals of reaching top-three or top-one national status. Other nominees stressed the role of state colleges in workforce pipelines, and Florida Poly witnesses focused on STEM growth, housing, and strong graduate outcomes. One in-person public testimony came from Elijah Hooks, who spoke in opposition to the current FAMU administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from campus after protesting the appointment of President Marva Johnson. For FAMU, Jocelyn Dobson Rodriguez testified in support of her appointment, emphasizing her legal background, alumni ties, and goals of strengthening leadership, alumni engagement, and the connection between the main campus and the College of Law in Orlando. For Florida Atlantic University, Tina Vidal-Duart was questioned closely about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about CDR Health’s involvement in state contracts; she said she was not aware of the foundation’s governance problems at the time and that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate. The committee then voted to report all appointees favorably except for Tina Vidal-Duart, whose confirmation was held for a separate vote at the request of Senator Bracy Davis. After discussion, the committee voted 5-1 to report her confirmation favorably as well. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our 2030 vision is clear: the State University System of Florida will be the premier public university
• The State University System of Florida: extraordinary impact.
• The State University System of Florida is more than a colloquial.
• Currently that is Florida State University, the University of Florida, the University of South Florida
• Currently that is Florida State University, University of Florida, University of South Florida, Florida

Summary: The committee heard a presentation on the State University System’s new strategic plan, SUS 30, from Emily Sykes and later the system’s legislative budget request from Sarah Denagie. The strategic plan centers on five priorities: One SUS collaboration, elevating student success, operational excellence, world-class talent, and innovative research and economic development. Testimony highlighted Florida’s continued status as the nation’s top higher education system, record rankings, improved four-year graduation rates, higher median graduate wages, strong licensure pass rates, and expanded focus on research commercialization and workforce alignment. Senators asked about programs of strategic emphasis, mental health and teacher workforce needs, use of the My Florida Future wage data tool, support for first-generation and Pell students, and the role of liberal arts degrees. The system said it would provide follow-up information, including the full strategic-emphasis list and a report on campus safety best practices after a recent summit following the FSU shooting. The committee also received an update on line funding for nursing and health care partnerships. Officials said the $6 million appropriation was fully subscribed through 24 proposals from all 10 nursing programs, supporting scholarships, faculty recruitment, internships, simulation, and expanded nursing capacity. They reported more than 1,900 new nursing graduates, over 200 new student slots, more than 300 scholarships, and a 92% NCLEX pass rate. Senators asked about expanding eligibility for the program, and staff indicated that would be examined this year. For the legislative budget request, the Board of Governors asked for $634.5 million total, including $295 million to maintain the institutional performance-based funding base, $400 million for the state investment portion of performance-based funding, $125 million for preeminence funding, $100 million for faculty recruitment and retention, $6.4 million for UF/IFAS extension workload, and $3.1 million for state fire marshal inspections. The chair noted that resources are limited and that difficult budget decisions will be required. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is in Washington, D.C., moving our agenda forward at this time.
• </c> have a lot of broadband uh in the state have a lot of broadband uh in the state or<00:08:58.680>
• In other words, they can't transport across state lines with it.
• In other words, they can't transport across state lines with it.
• </c><00:26:43.120><c> regulations</c> do that our federal state regulations do that our federal state

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from its previous meeting. It then considered several transportation-related bills, beginning with House Bill 157 on special license plates. The bill, as amended by a committee substitute, would create a commercial Friends of Agriculture plate to support agriculture-related programs, with proceeds going to the same fund used by the existing farm tag. Members also discussed the committee substitute’s fee exemptions for military-related plates, and the bill was reported favorably with the substitute attached. The committee next took up House Bill 682 on utility relocation. Testimony from Charter Communications explained that the bill would update outdated law so cable and broadband providers are treated like public utilities for reimbursement when forced to relocate facilities for highway projects, while preserving the Transportation Cabinet’s discretion over reimbursements. Members asked about the current reimbursement process and fiscal impact; witnesses said the bill does not change cabinet discretion and therefore has no fiscal note. The bill was reported favorably. House Bill 443, which would shift the east end signage of the H. Rogers Parkway farther east to US 23 in Prestonsburg to reflect the already four-laned section and support future federal funding efforts, also received favorable expression. House Bill 444, a commercial driver’s licensing measure brought by the Transportation Cabinet and amended by committee substitute, would align Kentucky reporting requirements with federal law and allow drivers age 18 and older to qualify for a hazardous materials endorsement, with limits excluding school buses and interstate transport. Members discussed the safety rationale and the need for drivers in agriculture and propane delivery; the bill was reported favorably with the substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 493 on towing and storage of motor vehicles. Representative Pollock and a Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance witness described it as a cleanup bill aimed at transparency and enforcement against predatory towing and inflated charges, and members noted constituent concerns about towing practices. The bill was reported favorably with a committee substitute attached. The committee also reviewed Administrative Regulation 600 KAR 1:041, which updates disadvantaged business enterprise certification rules to conform to federal nomenclature and related federal changes; the regulation was reviewed without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the entire state University system continues to thrive as the top university system.
• I'm a proud product of our state University system where I graduated from Florida State University with
• wasn't a state university within 200 miles of us.
• Dr Marshall, as many of you know, is a former Florida State University State State University.
• I am also a product of the state University system.

Keywords: 999, senate, all