Transcript Highlights:

• Of our state.
• </c> university system. university system.
• </c> the state. the state.
• Let's remember almost all of the state support buys down in-state tuition.
• That's why out-of-state tuition is double in-state tuition, because the state support covers that delta

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met to review the annual report on collaboration between the University System of New Hampshire and the Community College System of New Hampshire, and the meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing the community college system’s 80th anniversary. Both chancellors praised the proclamation and described the report as a statutory follow-up to the public higher education task force. They said the two systems have built a close working relationship and that the collaboration is intended to continue, though progress may be limited by resources and staffing changes. Much of the discussion focused on transfer pathways and new academic models. The chancellors said House Bill 1530 helped drive the creation of more than 100, and possibly about 130, “universal pathways” between the systems, with a reported 30% increase in community college associate-degree graduates transferring to the university system in the last academic year. They also discussed direct-admit outreach for community college graduates, early college and CTE-to-workforce pathways, and the development of three-year bachelor’s programs at Plymouth State and in some health-care fields. Members asked about nursing, allied dental health, and radiologic technology, and the chancellors said they are exploring whether some programs can be streamlined, while noting that nursing’s requirements may limit how short a pathway can be. Members also raised concerns about whether transfer pathways could affect university enrollment, but the university chancellor said declining enrollment is more likely due to a smaller pool of college-age students and broader competition, not the transfer programs. Another topic was the ERP/technology platform recommendation from the task force: the university system is moving to Workday, while the community college system is working to align business practices and move from an on-premises system to a cloud-based solution. Officials said a shared enterprise system could create efficiencies in the future, but it is not expected in the short term; student-facing tools like Canvas are already shared. The committee also discussed House Bill 112, which would require passing a civics test for graduation, and the chancellors said they support civic education but see implementation challenges. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the report.

Transcript Highlights:

• of other universities around the state<00:37:27.040><c> including</c><00:37:27.520><c> WKU</c><00:37
• We definitely want our universities to be following both federal and state law as it stands, so please
• room today and see that Kentucky State University is present, Morehead State is present, University of
• ><c> see</c> Kentucky State University is present see Kentucky State University is present see that<00
• Morehead State is present see that University<00:50:22.000><c> of</c><00:50:22.119><c> Kentucky</c><00

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 19, which would require a daily moment of silence or reflection in Kentucky public schools and clarify that students may use the time as they choose without coercion or religious direction. The sponsor and supporters, including representatives of the Kentucky Jewish Council, argued the bill is nonsectarian, intended to promote calm and focus, and supported by research and prior bipartisan backing. Opponents from the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass said they supported the anti-coercion language but objected to making the moment of silence mandatory rather than permissive, citing concerns about the statute’s interaction with the Lord’s Prayer language already in law. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 19 unanimously with favorable expression. The committee then considered SB 83, which revises the KEES scholarship program so homeschool and non-certified school students can receive awards using an ACT-to-GPA conversion and be treated more comparably to public school students. The sponsor described the bill as a recurring measure and walked through how the award amounts would be calculated under the substitute. There was no opposition raised during the hearing, and the committee adopted the substitute and passed SB 83 unanimously with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 55, directing Kentucky public postsecondary institutions to combat anti-Semitism. The resolution would require campuses to adopt policies using the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, notify students of Title VI and state-law complaint rights, recognize Jewish organizations as community resources on the same basis as other religious organizations, take action against student groups supporting designated terrorist organizations, and collect and report campus anti-Semitism data. The presenters and supporters described a sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents on campuses after October 7 and said schools have not responded adequately. The committee adopted the substitute and began hearing testimony on the resolution, but the transcript cuts off before any final vote on SJR 55.

Transcript Highlights:

• While the university has endowment funds, both state law and UC policy restrict the use of these funds
• But for the record, let me state again that the University of California is requesting no cut.
• But the University of California has bond funds within our state General Fund allocation, which is very
• If the state cuts the university by 8%, we will be forced to decrease enrollment for the fall 2026 admission
• I mean, what educational benefits do our out-of-state or international students add to our University

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an extended hearing focused primarily on University of California budget issues, enrollment, housing, and Title IX. Chair David Alvarez opened by noting the governor’s proposed 8% ongoing General Fund reduction to UC, the deferral of compact funding, and the College of the Law budget item, while emphasizing that no votes would be taken that day. Public commenters, including UC Davis employees and lecturers, urged restoration of UC funding and opposed the hiring freeze, saying cuts would worsen staffing shortages, reduce research capacity, and harm students and patients. On UC core operations, the Department of Finance said the governor’s budget maintains the compact but defers $240.8 million in ongoing support and continues a planned 7.95% reduction, while the LAO recommended rejecting the deferrals and instead making any changes in the budget year. UC San Diego’s chancellor and UC Office of the President argued the cuts and deferrals would create major campus shortfalls, force hiring freezes, larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, delayed projects, and possible layoffs. Committee members questioned whether cuts could be shifted away from students and toward administration, discussed UCOP reserves and bond debt, and noted that UC’s budget structure makes the campus-level impact larger than the headline reduction. The committee also reviewed enrollment trends and nonresident replacement. The LAO said UC resident enrollment has grown and recommended revisiting 2026-27 targets and pausing the nonresident replacement plan if state funding does not improve. UC said it has exceeded California undergraduate enrollment and nonresident replacement goals, but warned that continued growth without funding would force enrollment reductions and harm quality. Members discussed the role of nonresident and international students, tuition rates, and the value of UC as a pathway for California students and a source of talent for the state. A separate housing item covered the state’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program. UC reported that recent bond savings could support additional affordable beds at UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara, but the LAO and Finance noted the Legislature would need to decide how to use the $6.2 million in savings from the original projects. The committee also heard a Title IX update from UC’s systemwide civil rights office, which described campus Title IX structures, training, and policy enforcement, and said the system has been working to improve confidentiality guidance and streamline complaint processes after survey feedback showed confusion and lengthy procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• state colleges and University Minnesota state colleges and University system<01:17:19.320><c> um</c>
• There are seven state universities in this system: Bemidji State University, Metro State, Moorhead, Mankato
• </c> universities in this system B midi State universities in this system B midi State University<01:
• </c> University metro state Morehead Mano University metro state Morehead Mano Southwest<01:24:22.360
• state colleges and University Minnesota state colleges and University system<01:25:09.320><c> was</c

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• if they transfer to Kentucky university if they transfer to another<00:25:17.840><c> state</c><00:25
• I am here today to send a clear message to our public universities that not a single dollar of state
• I am here today to send a clear message to our public universities that not a single dollar of state
• </c> University of Kentucky. University of Kentucky.
• . universities. universities.

Committee: House Postsecondary Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > of</c><01:02:38.920><c> course</c> state college or university of course state college or university
• college or university Minnesota state college or university these<01:04:36.440><c> are</c><01:04:36.720
• </c><01:15:24.239><c> University</c> I am a senior at Metro State University I am a senior at Metro State
• My name is Hans, and I'm a junior at Metro State University.
• </c><01:17:58.960><c> University</c><01:17:59.960><c> um</c> a a junior at Metro State University um

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Stephen Gross said he is a math instructor at Texas State University, speaking on behalf of himself,
• universities in our great state of Texas.
• State University, Liberty University, Baylor, Dallas Baptist, Hardin-Simmons, Howard Payne, and the
• law and how our university systems follow state law.
• In 2024, the Texas State University System approved the Josie School as Polytechnic College.

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several higher education and public school bills. Senator Burwell presented SB 1242 to remove an outdated Coordinating Board approval requirement for Texas State Technical College land and facility acquisitions, and SJR 59 to create a constitutionally dedicated endowment for TSTC capital needs; both drew strong support from industry and workforce groups and were left pending. SB 757, by Senator Middleton, would create a debt-to-earnings accountability system for public college programs, with supporters saying it would protect students from low-value degrees and opponents warning it could unfairly penalize programs with long-term value, especially graduate, medical, and public service fields; it was also left pending. SB 1241, by Senator Millington, would expand acceptable college entrance exams beyond the SAT and ACT, including the Classic Learning Test, and was left pending after testimony from CLT, homeschool, and student groups in support. SB 1085, by Senator Blanco, would let Sul Ross State University offer lower-division courses at its satellite campuses in the Middle Rio Grande region; it too was left pending. The committee then took up a series of public school and higher education measures, voting several out favorably. SB 605, as substituted, limits commissioner approval of charter school expansion amendments for schools under conservatorship or a management team and was reported favorably 9-0. SB 1871 and SB 1873, both by Senator Perry, were revised to narrow teacher immunity, clarify removal and suspension procedures, require periodic review of in-school suspension placements, and align discipline rules; both substitutes were adopted and reported favorably. SB 1872, SB 1874, SB 762, SB 1962, SB 1750, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 2365, SB 1924, and SB 37 were also considered, with most reported favorably on party-line or near-unanimous votes. SB 1750 would replace a flat charter school facilities funding cap with an attendance-based formula; SB 2252 and SB 2253 address kindergarten readiness, early literacy/numeracy, and educator preparation; SB 2365 concerns student phone use during instructional time; SB 1924 restores local citation authority for certain school offenses and adds reporting, notice, and completion requirements; and SB 37 would expand state oversight of higher education curriculum, governance, faculty senates, and compliance with state law. Other measures heard included SB 769, which would require a Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education; supporters emphasized the need for better data and accessibility, while witnesses suggested broader reporting on race, disability types, and K-12-to-college transitions. SB 2231 would designate a Free College Application Week in October and was left pending. SB 1878 would modernize the Josie School statute and provide formula funding and aid eligibility for Polytechnic College. SB 1409 would authorize universities to offer self-funded student health benefit plans, with Rice University and Texas 2036 supporting the measure as a way to lower costs and expand coverage. SB 2431 would require universities to give foreign language credit for study abroad programs, SB 2314 would require schools to inform students about opting in or out of record sharing for direct admissions through My Texas Future, and SB 2138 would extend the state’s anti-ESG contracting restrictions to public higher education endowments and governing boards; these later bills were introduced and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• colleges and universities.
• Plana is an example of one of the trustees I think universities across the state would love to see help
• And I have the real joy of having two universities in our state university system that impact my district
• Education has always been important to me, and I believe UCF and the other state universities in Florida
• and the industries within our state.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will hear testimony from the Texas State University Chair Kitzman: System and the University
• I'm Chancellor of the Texas State University System, Texas's oldest university system.
• The Chair calls Doctor Kelly Dampfus, President of Texas State University.
• I have the honor of serving as the president of Texas State University.
• and Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Eastern New Mexico University, Santa Fe Community College
• Very recent information: As the Secretary mentioned, New Mexico State University had a request through
• We have our Center of Excellence at the New Mexico State University, who has AI.
• For example, my nieces and nephews are on the waiver at New Mexico State University.
• I mean, any university, any college that you in the state of Mexico, you walk right onto campus, and

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> State University. He's from Kenya. State University. He's from Kenya.
• The first week in January, I work at Metro State University.
• I'm also a graduate student at Metro State University.
• I'm also a Metro State University.
• :01.360><c> Mankato,</c> at Minnesota State University, Mankato, at Minnesota State University, Mankato

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When Justin died, I was a junior at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
• </c><00:05:13.199><c> University</c><00:05:13.720><c> Morehead</c> Minnesota State University Morehead
• Minnesota State University Morehead everyone<00:05:15.120><c> in</c><00:05:15.280><c> this</c><00:05
• Next on the agenda will be our presentation from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
• Next on the agenda will be our presentation from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's two school districts in the state that are not at 275; they're below.
• I thought you were saying there were only two schools in the state that were at that level.
• Is rebuilt consistent throughout the state by assessors? Maybe this is a question for assessor.
• we're ultimately talking about is what is the local effort percentage going to be and what is the state
• feed into the conversation about is the community doing enough local effort and not leaning on the state

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , but also the other universities in our state, the National Laboratory, businesses in our state, and
• To any research at New Mexico Tech in agriculture, as a Mexico State University, that is our land-grant
• New Mexico Tech and New Mexico State University have incredible test beds.
• Of course, the University of New Mexico Health Sciences is the single medical school in our state with
• That is another area that goes across all of our universities, with New Mexico State being a leader in

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• in the state of California and where they transfer to, ...the universities in the state of California
• parties, including our local California State universities of San Diego and Cal State San Marcos, University
• holders, including our local California State universities of San Diego and Cal State San Marcos, University
• at Sac State University.
• Hi, I’m Assiz Magrano, also a student at Cal State University San Bernardino.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard a series of bills focused on expanding access to higher education, addressing workforce shortages, student housing, and labor standards on campus projects. AB 662 would create a South County Higher Education Task Force to explore a mixed-use, intersegmental institution in Chula Vista; supporters said South San Diego County is a “college desert,” while the bill passed on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations. AB 885 would establish a College Access for All Fund to help make CSU and UC attendance more affordable; supporters cited student debt and affordability concerns, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 730 would provide $15 million to help establish a medical school in the Central Valley to address physician shortages, and it advanced on a due pass motion. AB 1400 would let up to 15 community college districts pilot bachelor’s degrees in nursing; supporters argued it would expand affordable BSN access and keep students local, while CSU, UC, and other higher education groups opposed it as unnecessary and inconsistent with the master plan. The bill passed to Appropriations, with members raising questions about clinical placements, faculty shortages, and possible effects on associate-degree programs. The committee also considered AB 1235, which would require CSU design-build projects to use a skilled and trained workforce, aligning CSU with other public higher education construction standards. Supporters said it would improve safety, training, and local job opportunities, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1247 would restrict contracting out of classified school and community college jobs unless workers meet training and qualification standards and would address pension and training concerns; supporters said it would protect students and classified employees, while school and college groups warned it would disrupt services and add unfunded mandates. The bill passed to Appropriations with one no vote. AB 1470, presented on behalf of Assemblymember Haney, would allow a portion of student housing revolving loan funds to be used for affordable student, faculty, and staff housing in downtown and commercial districts; it was discussed as a housing and downtown revitalization measure, but the committee held off on a motion pending more members. ACA 3, also on behalf of Haney, would require UC to offer limited down payment loans to eligible long-term support staff first-time homebuyers; it drew extensive support from UC workers and unions, while UC and business groups opposed it as costly and outside UC’s mission, and the measure was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Missouri is home to two such institutions: Lincoln University and Harris-Stowe State University, my alma
• I also have the privilege of attending Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee.
• State University.
• ...appropriation process for all the universities in the state.
• Nursing at Lincoln University is among the top in the state.

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development heard two bills. House Bill 3221, sponsored by Rep. Castile, would bar state funds from supporting higher education degree programs that the federal government designates as low-earning, with the Coordinating Board for Higher Education reviewing the federal list and reporting impacts. The sponsor framed it as taxpayer accountability and return on investment, while many committee members and witnesses argued it was premature, lacked data, and could harm essential but lower-paid fields such as education, social work, early childhood education, counseling, and the arts. Supporters said the bill would mirror federal policy and affect only a small number of programs; opponents warned it could discourage universities from offering needed programs and would not account for long-term career outcomes or transferable skills. No vote was taken, and the sponsor said the bill was still a work in progress. Testimony in support of HB 3221 came from a lobbyist for FGA Action and others who said federal law is already moving in this direction and cited a small number of affected programs. Opposition came from representatives of independent colleges, community colleges, and other witnesses who said the federal rules are still being developed, the earnings test is based on a limited snapshot, and some low-wage programs serve important workforce needs or lead to later advancement. Several members asked for more information on the federal list, the number and demographics of affected students, and possible unintended consequences for rural schools and workforce development. The committee then heard House Bill 3416, sponsored by Rep. Bosley, which would create the Strengthening HBCUs Fund and direct a portion of gaming and classroom trust revenues to Lincoln University and Harris-Stowe State University for capital improvements and related support. The sponsor said the bill is intended to address historic underfunding of HBCUs and align Missouri with similar efforts in other states and at the federal level. Lincoln University President John Mosley testified in support, describing recent growth, major campus projects, and the need for additional infrastructure funding without increasing debt. Committee members asked about the funding amounts, whether Lincoln receives any special state support, and how the money would be distributed. No opposition testimony was heard, and the committee adjourned after the HB 3416 hearing without taking a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> any university in Kentucky except UK. any university in Kentucky except UK.
• ><c> delivers</c><00:09:06.000><c> hyperlocal</c> state, the Mezzanet delivers hyperlocal state, the
• Number four is Indiana University.
• Number four is Indiana University.
• Number four is Indiana University.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met without a quorum, so no minutes were approved. The committee then heard a presentation from Western Kentucky University President Timothy Kabone, who highlighted WKU’s recent gains in graduation rate, retention, degree production, graduate enrollment, research activity, and financial stability. He said WKU’s FY 2026 budget is structurally balanced without one-time reserves, and he tied the university’s growth to its strategic plan and to Senate Bill 77, which created a pathway for WKU’s first PhD program. WKU’s initial PhD offering is planned in data sciences for fall 2027, and Kabone said the university continues to pursue R2 research status. Kabone also outlined WKU’s budget requests, including a 4.5% base appropriation increase for each year of the biennium, a $30 million increase in the performance funding pool, a $30 million trust fund for tuition waiver reimbursement, and $2 million per year for the Gatton Academy. He also requested continued funding for the Kentucky Mesonet, 8.9% of proposed asset preservation funding, and support for a $280 million new Potter College facility. He emphasized inflationary pressures, rising fixed costs, and the burden of mandated tuition waivers, and said the university supports performance funding but wants the model adjusted to better reward student success rather than enrollment growth. Members asked about WKU’s student housing situation and the transition away from the former student life foundation model. Kabone said the foundation structure had run its course, that the university had lacked adequate oversight under the old arrangement, and that WKU is moving to a public-private partnership with Gilbane and the College Housing Foundation. He said the new model would not increase the university’s debt load and would replace older residence halls with a roughly 1,000-bed complex, eliminate community-style bathrooms over time, and expand living-learning communities. Representatives McCool and Tipton praised WKU’s graduation and retention results and asked questions about the housing project and its timeline. The committee then heard from CareerVXR and KCTCS about a proposed career exploration pilot. Company representatives said the platform uses web-based and virtual reality experiences to show students real jobs and workplaces, with the goal of addressing an “awareness gap” in workforce participation. They proposed a $1.8 million, two-year pilot to reach 50,000 to 60,000 students in three regions, including Hazard Community and Technical College, Southeast Community and Technical College, and western Kentucky. Members asked about cost, funding source, and locations, and were told the request would come through the KCTCS budget. The meeting ended with notice that the next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, February 26.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1787 directs the Department of State Health Services to develop a comprehensive state plan
• Texas State University previously gave their students the option to pick which name they wanted on their
• Also, the comprehensive regional universities are more cost efficient for the state.
• Angelo State University in San Angelo, Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, um, Prairie View
• , as our state produces proportionally fewer than per capita than other states produce.

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• WE CURRENTLY FIND THE STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEMS AT 23 PERCENT OF THEIR BUDGET COMING FROM STATE DOLLARS
• I AM A STUDENT AT FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY. I AM HERE TO SPEAK IN OPPOSITION TO HB 757.
• STATE UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
• THIS BILL WILL PROVIDE THAT FOR THE STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.
• THIS BILL WILL PROVIDE THAT FOR THE STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm dean of University of Minnesota Extension, and I'll be here to talk about the state special and the
• half of it is the state special; the other half is O&M appropriations through the University of Minnesota
• Over 95% of the state special funds here are used to provide grants to PIs within the university, with
• The university is really good at research, so across these four areas the state and the university have
• c> have</c> areas the state and the University have areas the state and the University have the<01:47

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all