Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, we now have a backlog of trained but unregistered peers, and employers across Kentucky have
• During this interim period, currently trained alcohol and drug peer support specialists may continue
• Registration will provide consistent standards for training, testing, and background checks, ensuring
• This incredible success would not have been possible without the leadership of head coach Vicki Fox and
• her exceptional coaching staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also allows individuals who have not undergone a background screening to act as an athletic coach
• if they are under the direct... ...supervision of an athletic coach who meets the screening requirements
• the agenda on tab 2. individuals who have not undergone a background screening to act as an athletic coach
• if they are under the direct supervision of an athletic coach who meets the screening requirements.
• Bill 878 would allow Florida to default to the federal CLIA requirements that permit on-the-job training

Bills: S0042 , S0196 , S0878 , S0902 , S0914 , S1092 , S1168 , S1340 , S1404 , S1414 , S1684 , S1686

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to hear and vote on a series of health, human services, and education-related bills, along with a presentation of the committee’s proposed HHS budget. The budget was described as increasing by more than $2.1 billion over the current base, with major funding highlighted for Medicaid and KidCare, rural health, provider rate increases, child welfare, mental health and substance use, opioid treatment, Alzheimer’s initiatives, cancer research, ADAP, veterans’ services, and IT modernization. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on AIDS Drug Assistance Program funding and concerns about Department of Health changes affecting access, premium assistance, notice, and continuity of care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Among the bills reported favorably were measures on podiatric medicine and tissue-based products (SB 1092), background screening and clearinghouse procedures (SB 1168), child protective investigations involving specific medical diagnoses and second opinions (SB 42), clinical laboratory personnel licensure standards (SB 878), uterine fibroid data tracking and research (SB 196), medical marijuana treatment center oversight and related health provisions (SB 902), dyslexia and dyscalculia screening and intervention in schools (SB 1340), memory care licensure for assisted living facilities (SB 1404), congenital CMV education materials (SB 1414), Parkinson’s disease registry and related public records exemption bills (SB 1684 and SB 1686), and occupational therapy dry needling licensure standards (SB 914). Several bills were amended before passage, including SB 1092, SB 42, SB 902, SB 1684, and SB 1404. Testimony generally came from professional associations, advocacy groups, and affected stakeholders, with support voiced for most measures. The committee adopted amendments on the floor, heard no opposition during debate on the bills described, and then voted to report each measure favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded in the affirmative on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas head coach Mark Fath and assistant coaches Chris Audette, Jen Hempy, Nan Campbell, Megan
• And whereas head coach Mark Fath Vasser.
• And whereas head coach Mark Fath and<00:07:03.520><c> assistant</c><00:07:04.000><c> coaches</c><00:07
• The team and their coaches are with us in the House today.
• </c> align with education and training align with education and training providers,<00:26:15.440><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• And then as a DDPA, we provide, you know, of course, networking opportunities and education trainings
• We provide networking opportunities and education trainings.
• And initially, you know, we provide a job coach to go with them.
• So the job coach will learn skills and tasks together.
• And the goal is for the job coach to, I guess, fade out.

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and then reviewed several vacant membership slots on the task force, including appointments from the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian positions. Members discussed trying to fill those vacancies before the next meeting, and noted that if they remain open they may be addressed in the task force’s legislative report and through possible statutory changes in the next General Assembly. Representatives from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association (DDPA) and Civitan Services presented on DDPA’s role serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Arkansas. They said DDPA now represents 80 providers serving more than 13,000 individuals in 75 counties, with services including early intervention, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services. They also shared survey data on older clients and said these services remain available to seniors with IDD, including people with autism. The task force then heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to include licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while still maintaining quality standards. Members asked about training, licensure, and whether other professionals such as speech-language pathologists or audiologists should be included; Dr. Scott noted that current practice already relies on a two-provider model and that speech-language pathologists play a role because autism diagnosis considers communication, cognitive ability, and language. The discussion also touched on the need for proper testing standards and board oversight. No vote was taken on the amendment, and the meeting ended with plans to return to fraud-related discussion and to begin prioritizing recommendations for the 2027 session before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a DDPA, we provide networking opportunities and educational trainings.
• We help them with job opportunities in the community, and initially we provide a job coach to go with
• The job coach will learn skills and tasks together. The goal is for the job coach to fade out.
• Some may attend a day program, but some have work training opportunities within the facility.
• Even within the thrift store, there are different types of tasks that you can start training on.

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Transcript Highlights:

• And after talking to coaches in age...
• And after talking to coaches in age ...or scholarships.
• I'm the head volleyball coach here at Idaho State.
• I'm the head football coach at Idaho State University.
• Makes me want to put my coaching voice on, because I remember when I was coaching my son and his teams

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• AI can entrench biases based on the data it's trained on.
• This bill proposes a framework to govern AI model training.
• We can train and support our workforce.
• We each other not to show And the coach from the Red Sox is telling the picture.
• No machine can assess safety hazards the way a trained human can.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity

Summary: The committee held a hearing on several artificial intelligence bills, opening with remarks about the 9/11 anniversary and then broad statements from the co-chairs about AI’s promise and risks. Chair Farley-Bouvier and Senator Moore emphasized the need for guardrails, transparency, and worker and consumer protections, while Senator Finegold described Senate Bill 37, which would create a framework for AI model training with safety assessments, audits, incident reporting, Attorney General oversight, and workforce reporting. Members also discussed Massachusetts’ position relative to other states and the need for state action in the absence of federal regulation. A large portion of the hearing focused on the Fair Act, House 77 and Senate 35, which would limit workplace surveillance, restrict collection of biometric and location data, require notice and human review for automated employment decisions, and protect workers from retaliation. Labor leaders, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFT, SEIU, building trades, and other worker representatives, testified in support, describing harms from bossware, automated benefits denials, hiring and promotion screening, scheduling, and monitoring in workplaces ranging from health care and education to manufacturing and construction. They argued that AI systems are already affecting wages, benefits, safety, and job security, and that Massachusetts should act now to set clear rules. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 74, which would require informed consent and clear contract terms for digital replicas of voices and likenesses, with SAG-AFTRA representatives supporting the bill as a protection for performers and creators. Another major topic was Senate Bill 51 on social media algorithm accountability and transparency; child safety advocates, researchers, and a public health expert described harms from engagement-based algorithms, including exposure to harmful content, eating disorders, and youth mental health impacts, and supported independent audits and public reporting. A few industry and civil liberties witnesses supported regulation but urged balance, warning against overly burdensome rules while acknowledging the need for privacy, transparency, and accountability. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so being able to build a bridge of decision training—how do you pick your life, right?
• Because we'll go in, and oftentimes they won't let a job coach in because they're afraid of the job coach
• set in stone, so I want to be careful about what I'm saying, but making sure that if we have a job coach
• And so the way I was trained back in the... as they develop these plans for students that would lend
• And so the way I was trained back in the, And so the way I was trained back in the very early, late '

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The meeting opened with approval of the November 17 minutes, then moved to presentations from Arkansas State University and the University of Central Arkansas on programs serving neurodiverse and intellectually/developmentally disabled students. Dr. Kristen Johnson and Shane Broadway described A-State’s HOWL and ATLAS programs, which provide inclusive post-secondary education, on-campus living, academic and life-skills support, internships, employment preparation, and community integration. They emphasized that students are admitted to the university, can pursue either non-degree comprehensive transition programming or degree-seeking support, and are expected to build independence through activities such as financial literacy, medical appointments, meal prep, and work experience. Johnson cited strong student outcomes, including high goal attainment and post-graduation employment, while also noting barriers such as business liability concerns, fragmented transition planning, and the need for clearer funding pathways and statewide coordination. Committee members asked about coalition-building, public awareness, school outreach, eligibility, tuition, and the structure of the programs. Johnson said A-State has done extensive recruitment through IEP meetings, transition events, email outreach, and campus visits, and that a state alliance is being built with new programs launching at ASU Mountain Home and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. She said program fees are $5,000 per semester, with efforts underway to reduce costs through reimbursement and other funding sources. Members also discussed the need for better communication with schools, employers, and families, and several legislators offered to help spread the word and connect the programs with local business and education networks. Dr. Debbie Daly and Jeremy Gillum then presented UCA’s Project Ascend, a new low-sensory, voluntary living-learning community in Hughes Hall for neurodiverse students. The program focuses on belonging, retention, and community-building rather than academic remediation, and uses self-identification rather than requiring a diagnosis. Daly said the program is in its infancy, with small participation so far, and that success will be measured by student engagement and retention. Members asked how students are recruited, how success will be measured, and how the program can grow; UCA said it plans to expand outreach through admissions, campus tours, orientation, and other events. The task force concluded by thanking both universities, noting the importance of these efforts for Arkansas families, and adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We train and support young folks to step into coaching roles.
• We train and support young folks to step into coaching roles.
• train and support young folks to step into<01:29:06.480><c> coaching</c><01:29:06.840><c> roles.
• And we provide a into coaching roles.
• </c> college and maybe haven't had that coach college and maybe haven't had that coach helping<01:29:

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd also like to discuss the intervention, so in the form of the ethics training.
• I was a soccer coach there for a few years.
• I have a business that is called Rue Rose Coaching by Sonia. Hello, my name is James Hill, Jr.
• Navy veteran, and I'm also a youth coach, coaching basketball and football. Thank you. Mr.
• In another school, where we did bullying and anti-bullying training, we had the superintendent report

Committee: All ALC-HIGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The meeting opened with a report on annual solvency certification for institutions of higher education, which required no action and was to be distributed later. The main presentation focused on artificial intelligence in K-12 and higher education, delivered by students from Arkansas State University, the University of Central Arkansas, and Valley View High School. They argued that AI is becoming central to education and the workforce, especially as Arkansas adds major data center investments, and said students should be taught to use AI responsibly so they can compete for jobs, improve internships, and keep talent in-state. They also emphasized concerns about academic integrity, cybercrime, and the need for ethics training and district-level guidance. The presenters shared survey findings from educators in several Arkansas districts, saying most teachers support teaching responsible AI use, believe students without access to AI will be disadvantaged, and want training and district-level management. They described existing AI uses at Arkansas colleges, including AI tutors, AI-generated practice exams, homework feedback tools, and classroom applications in business, climate science, and urban forestry. They also proposed an AI library built on the state’s Access Act infrastructure so K-12 and college students could access shared AI tools and resources across Arkansas. Committee members asked about student attitudes, classroom concerns, and whether AI could help standardize course materials and objectives across institutions. The presenters said reactions among students are mixed, with arts students especially worried about copyright and originality, but that many recognize AI’s real-world value. A UCA representative added that faculty training, ethics discussions, and academic dishonesty guidance are already underway there. The chair thanked the students, noted their work on related research projects, and then moved to a second presentation from Pine Bluff community leaders. The Pine Bluff group described community-based school support efforts, including the Pastors on Patrol program, mentoring, anti-bullying and nonviolence training, drug and vaping education, leadership clubs, and a youth diversion effort for students at risk of detention. They said their work is aimed at improving school climate, encouraging citizenship and scholarship, and reducing negative behavior. Members praised the group’s efforts and asked about expanding the programs to other districts; the presenters said their model and curriculum can be shared and adapted. The meeting ended after the chair thanked both groups and adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's had a lot of extensive training, but what I really want you to know about Denny is that she has
• this year they decided it was time to really outdo themselves, so with the guidance of head football coach
• So with that, Madam President, at this time, I request permission that Coach Bradbury be permitted to
• Coach Bradbury, you are recognized to use the floor leader's microphone.
• Coach Bradbury, you are recognized to use the floor leader's microphone. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and opened with the daily prayer led by Senator Hamilton, reflecting on Lent, Easter, and Christian themes of grace, penance, and service. The chamber then recognized nurse of the day Denny Wilson Lober, who was introduced for her work raising awareness about the burn dangers of microwaved water-related foods for children, and welcomed the Adair Warriors football team to the floor for a citation honoring their 2025 2A2 state championship, undefeated season, and third straight district title. Coach Brady Bradbury briefly addressed the Senate and thanked the team’s supporters. On legislative business, the floor leader moved to reject House amendments to Senate Bill 133 and request conference, with Senate conferees to be named later; the motion passed by voice vote. Senator Coleman announced that the Oklahoma Forward Caucus meeting would be moved to Room 6S7 due to attendance. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn once the clerk’s desk is clear, setting the next meeting for Thursday, April 2nd at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Growing our own, we've found that if we're able to bring individuals in for the training, they generally
• And so with that, we of course provide a lot of technical assistance and training around bridge housing
• We have also created additional training and technical assistance opportunities via recorded trainings
• Saluna has delivered 19,660 mental health coaching sessions as of February of 2025, with 47 percent of
• For Bright Life Kids, over 23,000 sessions with coaches have been delivered, and the average wait time

Transcript Highlights:

• experience we have of multiple years, what are the additional resources or support or strategic training
• experience we have of multiple years, what are the additional resources or support or strategic training
• out in schools actually providing implementation supports, so that administrators are giving good coaching
• And I realize that what your presentation has done, you're a scorekeeper, not a coach.
• You know, the coach is sitting over there, Dr.

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The Senate Committee on Pre-K through 12 Education received a Department of Education presentation from Deputy Commissioner Juan Copa on Florida’s K-12 assessment system, including FAST progress monitoring, end-of-course exams, science, writing, alternate assessments, English language acquisition testing, and VPK progress monitoring. Copa reported year-over-year gains in ELA and mathematics, noted that end-of-course and science results also improved, and explained how assessment data are used for school grades, third-grade promotion, graduation requirements, and other accountability measures. He also reviewed the independent study required by SB 1048, which recommended keeping PM3 as the primary accountability measure, proceeding cautiously on further test-length reductions and remote testing expansion, and using PM1/PM2 only as supplemental evidence in limited cases. Committee members focused on whether the new system is improving student outcomes enough, what supports teachers and schools need to use the data effectively, and how Florida compares nationally. Chancellor Dr. Burns said the department is emphasizing implementation of the new standards, high-quality instructional materials, coaching, professional learning, collaboration, and school improvement support, and also pointed to resiliency education standards and mental health supports. Copa said Florida’s latest NAEP results remain mixed but still generally outperform the nation in some grades, while members pressed for more information on best practices, other states’ approaches, and how districts are using the data. Several members requested follow-up information, including the independent review report, breakdowns of PM1/PM2/PM3 results by grade and subgroup, details on VPK outcomes by provider type and full-day versus half-day programs, and data on use of the CLT versus SAT/ACT for graduation concordant scores. The committee also discussed third-grade retention outcomes, computer-based testing, district assessment calendars, and whether some districts still administer additional local testing. No votes were taken on legislation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not currently provide dedicated funding for faculty training or create clear statewide
• Most of you may know me as a coach of the Florida Gators or the Ohio State Buckeyes or even as a Saturday
• actually had our first meeting last night at New College with close to 80 student athletes and the coaches
• I appreciate the opportunity to follow Coach Meyer. Didn't expect that today.
• I am a scientist by training, a chemist specifically, and an entrepreneur by my career.

Bills: S1694

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the gallery, we're joined by the entire team, coached by Elena Padilla, Cat Martin, and James Blunk
• In the gallery, we're joined by the entire team, coached by Elena Padilla, Cat Martin, and James Blunk
• The entire team, coached by Elena Padilla, Cat Martin, and James Blunk.
• And I got to say, as a cheer dad myself, I know how hard not only the students and the coaches work,
• She recruited David to join Coco, as it's affectionately called, and I had the pleasure of training both

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then proceeded through routine journal, procedural, and guest-introduction business. Majority Leader Garcia secured suspension of rules for several procedural matters, including allowing guests in the chamber, moving AB 2568 Johnson out of Appropriations to the second reading file, and setting SB 73 Cervantes for a Public Safety Committee hearing; the rule-suspension motion passed 41-14. The floor also recognized several guest groups, including Placer County Sheriff Wayne Wu and Undersheriff Shane Wright for the sheriff’s office’s 175th anniversary, students from John Muir Charter Schools, youth art contest winners from the 24th District, the Oak Ridge High School cheer team, and students from Casa Grande High School. The Assembly then moved through the daily file, passing and retaining numerous second- and third-reading items. Two resolutions drew floor debate and were adopted by voice vote after coauthor roll calls: ACR 176 by Assembly Member Elhawary, declaring April as Second Chance Month, and HR 109 by Assembly Member Schiavo, recognizing California’s janitorial and cleaning workforce. Supporters of ACR 176 emphasized rehabilitation, reentry barriers, and the importance of second chances for formerly incarcerated people, while also noting the need to remember victims and survivors. Supporters of HR 109 highlighted janitors’ role in public health and the often unseen nature of their work, with members sharing personal experiences in janitorial and service jobs. The Assembly also adopted ACR 119 by Assembly Member Ta, recognizing Black April Memorial Month and the 51st anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Speakers described the trauma of the Vietnamese refugee experience, honored those lost during and after the Vietnam War, and praised the contributions of Vietnamese Americans in California. After additional items were passed and retained on the third reading and consent calendars, the House announced its schedule and adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• They go through extensive training.
• They go through extensive training.
• These students receive quarter-long training from professional staff, and once they're trained, they're
• Our peer wellness coaches, in addition to that quarter-long training, receive additional training and
• And then our fall 2026 launch cohort will actually start training in March.

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Summary: The committee heard a series of informational presentations on student mental health, artificial intelligence, and the High School and Beyond Plan. Central Washington University, Washington State University, the University of Washington, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges described campus and system efforts to support student well-being through counseling, peer programs, behavioral intervention teams, basic-needs assistance, crisis response, and partnerships with community providers. Presenters said students are reporting high levels of anxiety, loneliness, basic-needs insecurity, and substance-use concerns, while also increasingly seeking services. Members asked about substance-use treatment, student feedback, historical trends, and the distinction between counseling and academic advising. The community and technical colleges also discussed a four-college mental health pilot that expanded access through licensed counselors, telehealth, referral pathways, and stronger connections to basic-needs supports. The committee then shifted to artificial intelligence in higher education. Washington State University, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges described how they are developing AI policies, governance structures, faculty guidance, and training for students and staff. Topics included academic integrity, ethical use, privacy, cybersecurity, equitable access to AI tools, and using AI to support teaching, research, advising, and operations. Presenters emphasized that AI should be used with human oversight and that students need clear course-level policies and foundational skills. Members asked about deepfakes, AI use in hiring and admissions, student monitoring, K-12 alignment, and the risk of bias or privacy problems. Finally, OSPI presented the statewide High School and Beyond Plan platform, School Links, as a practical tool to help students plan for postsecondary pathways and connect to career and college information. The presenter said the new platform is intended to create more equitable access across districts, improve implementation data, and support students’ future planning, while also helping them see a pathway forward. OSPI reported that about 200 districts and 694 middle and high schools are using the platform, with roughly 282,000 students rostered, and said additional funding is needed to complete the statewide rollout beyond June 30, 2026. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:29.720><c> Jared</c> resolution be presented to coach Jared resolution be presented to coach
• Lieutenant Governor, for the coach to say a word or two? &gt;&gt; Thank you, Mr.
• Lieutenant Governor, for the coach to say a word or two?
• We have added 13 new early learning coaches for a total of $1,202,766.
• coaches coaches uh<00:49:47.080><c> for</c><00:49:47.240><c> a</c><00:49:47.280><c> total</c><00:49:

Transcript Highlights:

• A man was cornered in a train station by three individuals. They were surrounding him.
• A man was cornered in a train station by three individuals. They were surrounding him.
• A man was cornered in a train station by three individuals. They were surrounding him.
• Watertown, my old hometown, and the coaches were coaches of the year: Billy McDonald and Mr.
• Watertown, my old hometown, and the coaches were coaches of the year: Billy McDonald and Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Performing arts, an industrial training center, an emerging technology complex, and they're currently
• The Texas Skills Development Fund is aimed at providing industry-specific job training to address local
• In the case of Coach Kennedy, they can express that personal religious expression after a football game
• And when I was 10, quite frankly, sometimes I'd be listening to the coach, sometimes my friends would
• Kennedy explicitly says that the coach was not in violation of the U.S.

Bills: SJR12 , SJR37 , SB7 , SB8 , SB16 , SB27 , SB108 , SB125 , SB207 , SB251 , SB318 , SB371 , SB379 , SB396 , SB406 , SB472 , SB503 , SB533 , SB578 , SB599 , SB608 , SB617 , SB621 , SB689 , SB707 , SB763 , SB836 , SB854 , SB856 , SB857 , SB875 , SB878 , SB906 , SB922 , SB942 , SB965 , SB985 , SB988 , SB1021 , SB1059 , SB1084 , SB1098 , SB1185 , SB1188 , SB1202 , SB1207 , SB1307 , SB1321 , SB1330 , SB1366 , SB1388 , SB1396 , SB1453 , SB1484 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB1535 , SB1563 , SB1596 , SB1610 , SB1619 , SB1737 , SB1738 , SB1741 , SB1816 , SB1822 , SB1841 , SB1939 , SB2188 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR37 , SJR81 , SJR50 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB875 , SB318 , SB707 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB608 , SB955 , SB957 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB541 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SB16 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB1029 , SB1185 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB878 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB1535 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB207 , SB1207 , SB1619 , SB1396 , SB920 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB1741 , SB7 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1366 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1816 , SB1841 , SB2188 , SB1147 , SB879 , SB1008 , SB1536 , SB2016 , SB1453 , SB1173 , SB1163 , SB996 , SB27 , SB568 , SB1370 , SB1321 , SB1101 , SB906 , SB860 , SB1563 , SB993 , SB693 , SB1610 , SB1537 , SB836 , SB1332 , SB1307 , SB963 , SB493 , SB922 , SB984 , SB1084 , SB619 , SB1098 , SB1122 , SB455 , SB522 , SB1057 , SB1239 , SB1254 , SB1255 , SB1259 , SB1341 , SB1664 , SB1877 , SB464 , SB1277 , SB32 , SB732 , SB660 , SB731 , SB921 , SB268 , SB1822 , SB1188 , SB1939 , SB1589 , SB397 , SB1388 , SB2230 , SB1058 , SB1036 , SB1267 , SB2112 , SB1930 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB2155 , SB508 , SB29 , SB292 , SB291 , SB901 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB964 , SB779 , SB1378 , SB2312 , SB1719 , SB1386 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB1245 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB1948 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB1882 , SB1197 , SB1814 , SB618 , SB38

Transcript Highlights:

• , cybersecurity trained graduates, ...able to leverage the production of cyber-trained, cybersecurity-trained
• So not only do we provide the training, but we train the trainer.
• To date, we've trained over 10,000 people.
• this training.
• These leads ensure that the training teams are well prepared to host train-the-trainer events and provide

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session and received an overview of the Higher Education Appropriations budget from staff director Tim Elwell. He explained the committee’s broad jurisdiction over universities, state colleges, district workforce programs, vocational rehabilitation, blind services, student financial aid, private colleges, and the Board of Governors, and reviewed key budget concepts such as local funds, funds per FTE, performance funding, and the distinction between the total appropriation and the recurring base budget. He noted that higher education is funded largely through state and local sources, with substantial flexibility compared with other state budgets, and that the base budget is heavily weighted toward lump-sum allocations to the public systems. The committee then heard a presentation from the University of South Florida’s Florida Center for Cybersecurity (Cyber Florida), led by retired Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie and USF representative Mark Walsh. They described Cyber Florida as a statewide cybersecurity platform created by the Legislature in 2014 to support education, research, workforce development, public policy, and community engagement. McKenzie emphasized the growing cyber threat environment, Florida’s leadership role, and several funded initiatives, including K-12 outreach, workforce training, a cyber range for county governments, critical infrastructure assessments, grant development, and public conferences and outreach. Members asked about public cyber awareness, the lack of a national cyber defense strategy, school district participation in Cyber Launch, and which counties are most at risk; McKenzie said smaller counties with limited cybersecurity staffing are generally more vulnerable and offered to provide follow-up information. Finally, the committee heard from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida, led by Dr. Drew Andrews, along with program and parent representatives from participating institutions. Andrews explained the center’s role in coordinating Florida’s postsecondary comprehensive transition programs for students with intellectual disabilities, supporting program development, distributing grants and scholarships, and monitoring outcomes. He reported that the state now has 33 approved programs at 35 institutions, including universities, state colleges, and technical colleges, and that scholarship and grant funding has grown significantly. He said student retention is about 88 percent, many graduates are employed, and median hourly earnings have increased over time. A representative from Southeastern University described how the center’s support helped build and sustain SEU Link, including a new third-year employment-focused option for students.