Video & Transcript : 'Washington State University' :
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent the seven universities in the state of New Mexico, and we strongly support this bill because
- Clayton Abbey with New Mexico State University.
- University students? Okay.
- You know, your University of New Mexico and NMSU, any other state universities, are all of them hitting
- You know, your University of New Mexico and NMSU, any other state universities, are all of them hitting
Summary:
The committee first announced that House Bill 180 would be rolled because of administration concerns, with plans to meet with stakeholders and sponsors later in the week. The committee then took up House Bill 8, which would create and transfer $300 million to a Major Capital Projects Fund for higher education, with stated priorities of $150 million for the UNM School of Medicine, $50 million for a multipurpose building at NMSU, and $100 million for student life and housing projects statewide. The sponsor and staff explained eligibility rules, match requirements, waiver procedures, and how institutions would apply through the Higher Education Department, with the legislature retaining final appropriation authority.
Public testimony was strongly supportive. Representatives from the New Mexico Council of University Presidents, NMSU, and the independent community colleges said the bill would address major capital and housing needs, especially for student housing and facilities that are not well served by current funding streams. Committee members asked detailed questions about match waivers, who would set waiver standards, whether housing and family housing projects would qualify, and how the fund would interact with the budget and the State Investment Council. Staff clarified that the fund is a transfer from the general fund rather than an endowment, and that the $150 million for the UNM School of Medicine in the budget depends on passage of HB 8.
Members also discussed the bill’s graduation-rate standards for athletics projects, noting current rates at UNM and NMSU are below the 65% threshold and would need to improve over time. After questions concluded, the committee adopted an amendment that removed the general-fund transfer language and struck a section on page 5, then voted “do pass” on House Bill 8 as amended. Representative Pettigrew was noted in opposition.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Property - Room 409, 29 January, 2026; 2:30 P.M.
Public Property
Transcript Highlights:
- And the only universities or community colleges that would be involved are Jackson State and Hines Community
- And the only universities or community colleges that would be involved are Jackson State and Hinds Community
- And the only universities or community colleges that would be involved are Jackson State and Hinds Community
- And the only universities or community colleges that would be involved are Jackson State and Hinds Community
- And the only universities or community colleges that would be involved are Jackson State and Hinds Community
Committee:
Joint Public Property
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE Public Hearing 03-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This is relating to the University of Hawaii and appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii system
- of Havi appropriates funds to University of Havi appropriates funds to the<00:01:20.920><c> University
- Testifying for the university...
- </c> you're referring to the universities you're referring to the universities tfsf<00:37:41.599><c>
- </c><00:40:55.200><c> of</c> was going to attend the University of was going to attend the University
Summary:
The Committee on Higher Education met on March 11 and began with House Bill 442, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi system for nursing programs. University of Hawaiʻi representatives testified in strong support, and several additional supporters submitted testimony. Members asked about a similar Senate measure, and the witness confirmed the university supported that bill as well. No opposition or vote was recorded on HB 442 during the excerpt.
The committee then heard House Bill 1169, a housekeeping measure concerning the University of Hawaiʻi Conference Center revolving fund. Testimony explained that the bill would consolidate existing Conference Center statutes into one centralized fund statute and allow campuses to use the fund more broadly. Members raised no questions, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
House Bill 185, which would establish a plant-based building materials working group, drew the most discussion. The Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted baseline research before a larger working group was formed. Supporters argued the measure could help develop a homegrown industry using bamboo, hemp, and other plant materials, create green jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several members questioned whether a formal working group was necessary and whether the work could be done without new legislation. The University of Hawaiʻi later estimated the bill’s requested work would cost about $150,000 over two years to analyze crop options and report findings.
The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 1320, which requires the University of Hawaiʻi to collect, analyze, and publicly report graduate outcome data and develop a Graduate Outcomes Dashboard. University officials said they already use some data sources but lack a dedicated data-visualization specialist and need additional capacity to consolidate and present the information. Members questioned the need for new positions and funding, arguing the university should use existing resources and that students already have many ways to explore careers. Supporters responded that the dashboard would help students and the state better understand postgraduate outcomes, workforce needs, and program value. No final action or vote was shown in the excerpt.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I later went to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
- in many university activities and sporting events.
- Neil Wolf, President of New Mexico Highlands University.
- Yes, he has, um, Senator Kumpo stated, um, I as known as Miss Grace.
- I'm the director of student success at New Mexico Highlands University.
Committee:
Senate House Rules & Order Of Business
Summary:
The committee held confirmation hearings for Don Walters as New Mexico’s first State Child Advocate and for two New Mexico Highlands University regents, Elaine Luna and Grace Margaret Herrera. For Walters, the sponsor and selection committee chair described her extensive child welfare background, including work as a guardian ad litem, CYFD attorney, and director of CYFD’s Office of Advocacy. Multiple supporters testified, including former colleagues, a foster parent, and CYFD Acting Secretary Valerie Sandoval, all praising her integrity, child advocacy experience, and commitment to collaboration and transparency.
Committee members focused heavily on the new Office of the Child Advocate’s startup needs, especially staffing, access to CYFD records, and funding. Walters said she expected the office to need roughly $4.5 million to $5 million to launch and envisioned about 26 to 27 staff, with regional presence across the state. Members urged the legislature to fund the office through House Bill 2 and discussed possible legislation to ensure timely access to records. The committee then voted unanimously to advance Walters to the full Senate.
For New Mexico Highlands University, Senator Campos introduced Elaine Luna for reappointment, highlighting her background in social work, hospital administration, and community service. Luna said she would focus on student support, basic needs, and mental health, and the university president testified in support. The committee asked about campus safety and student issues, including how the board would respond if students were affected by ICE actions. The committee voted to advance Luna unanimously.
The final confirmation was Grace Margaret Herrera, presented as a student regent candidate for Highlands. Supporters described her as a former foster youth, small business owner, and current student success center employee who mentors students and brings lived experience to the role. Members praised her resilience and connection to students, and the committee unanimously advanced her to the full Senate as well.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Jun 18th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Higher Education Institutions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And we want to welcome you to North Dakota State University. We're glad to have you here.
- And it's not only good for the university, it's good for the state.
- This is in regard to the ongoing compliance review at Dickinson State University.
- A 16-week university semester is the most common in public universities in the United States.
- The first was methods to promote efficiency and collaboration among state universities.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We recently worked with Good Jobs Hawaii, a partnership with the State of Hawaii and University of Hawaii
- with the state of Hawaii and<00:13:25.600><c> University</c><00:13:26.040><c> of</c><00:13:26.160><c
- if you will, for something really good for the University and for the state.
- if you will, for something really good for the University and for the state.
- if you will, for something really good for the University and for the state.
Committee:
House Higher Education
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education met on January 31 and heard six bills. The chair opened by outlining committee practices, including giving at least 72 hours’ notice for hearings, releasing testimony by 5:00 p.m. the day before hearings, and deferring bills needing substantive HT1 changes so members would not vote “blind.” Members briefly thanked the chair for the transparency approach before moving to the agenda.
HB 223 would create a Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy special fund and workforce assessment fee to support a pharmacy center. Testimony from the Board of Pharmacy, the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo College of Pharmacy, Mokai Drugs, and others generally supported the measure, emphasizing workforce data, rural access, student loan repayment, and retention. The committee later advanced HB 223 with amendments, including leaving fee amounts blank for further discussion and inserting a defective date, and the motion passed unanimously.
HB 940 would appropriate funds for the rat lungworm lab at UH Hilo; HB 546 would establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute at UH to advance AI; HB 549 would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program; HB 1172 would add the Department of Taxation to the Statewide Longitudinal Data System for wage-data sharing; and HB 1320 would require UH to collect and publicly report graduate outcome data and create a dashboard. Testimony on these bills was largely supportive, with some privacy concerns raised on HB 1172 and a request to protect taxpayer confidentiality. In decision-making, the committee passed all five bills with amendments, generally deleting or blanking appropriations and FTEs for Finance Committee review, adding defective dates for further discussion, and in HB 549 adding a statement that the program is a matter of statewide concern. The committee recessed briefly for decision-making and then adopted the chair’s recommendations on each bill.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- of single-state licensure.
- compact state.
- passing</c><01:06:08.720><c> this</c> state which state requires passing this state which state requires
- states do lag country um those State states do lag behind<05:10:54.920><c> as</c><05:10:55.040><c> far
- We have states that we will model after the state of Kentucky.
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on House Bill 144 and House Bill 145, both related to professional licensing for dietitians and dental hygienists. HB 144 was described as a technical fix to align statute with existing Board of Dental Examiners rules allowing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, with supporters saying the bill would add needed training and examination requirements to statute. A dentist and dental society representative testified that the practice is already being done safely within scope, and committee members discussed whether nitrous oxide is still used and whether the bill was mainly to keep the paperwork and law consistent. The committee moved HB 144 forward on a 12-0 vote and placed it on consent.
HB 145 would join New Hampshire to a dietitian licensure compact and add a criminal history check for initial licensure to match compact language. The sponsor and board witnesses said the compact would improve portability, support telehealth, help military families and spouses, and maintain public safety by ensuring qualified practitioners and information-sharing among member states. Committee members asked about withdrawal from the compact, the difference between single-state and compact licensure, and why a background check was included; the witness said the compact is not yet active, with four states enacted and seven needed, and that the background check is required by the compact language. Additional testimony from a private-practice dietitian supported the bill, citing continuity of care, rural access, and workforce mobility, while some members raised concerns about telehealth across state lines and the practical effect of the background check.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Biji State<00:04:54.720><c> University.
- It is a significant State University.
- state universities, the community state universities, the community colleges,<00:44:13.520><c> and</c
- </c> want to pick on Winona State University. want to pick on Winona State University.
- </c><01:13:14.800><c> the</c> universities either Iowa State or the universities either Iowa State or
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (04/09/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- . universe. universe.
- </c> secretary of state secretary of state um<01:13:15.199><c> and</c><01:13:15.600><c> run</c><01:13
- </c> Secretary of State. Thank you, Mr. Secretary of State. Thank you, Mr.
- state and Dartmouth.
- Personnel across the state.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the state support for the university system does buy down in-state tuition.
- system has a place with the university system has a place with the state<00:21:58.400><c> and</c><00
- Again, Katherine Preventure, chancellor for our state university system.
- Um, Senator Waters's question about our surrounding states. the value in the university system and the
- Um, the University of Um, the University of Maine system has offered in-state tuition to any student
Committee:
Senate Finance
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Apr 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Shirley, Minot State University has a unique arrangement with its dual credit students, and let's say
- school and they want to be a student at Minot State University, if they come to MSU, we credit back
- This has had a transformative impact, I think, on colleges and universities across our state.
- And I'm just wondering if that's any part of the piece of what's going on at Dickinson State University
- So the university system has had particularly heavy workload tied to it compared to a lot of the state
Summary:
The committee met on the Minot State campus for a presentation from President Shirley and several university leaders on enrollment, academics, workforce initiatives, and partnerships. Shirley reviewed the university’s financial audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings in recent years, and highlighted Minot State’s major programs, specialized accreditations, and ties to Minot Air Force Base and NCAA Division II athletics. Members asked about education workforce shortages, athletic tuition waivers, dual credit incentives, and the university’s in-state tuition policy for all students. Shirley also discussed the university’s recruitment efforts, including the Hometown Pride and Academic Excellence scholarships, campus visit growth, and the Emerging Scholars dual-credit reimbursement program.
A major focus was workforce development and new academic offerings supported by legislative Workforce Education Innovation Funds. Shirley described the new Innovation Engineering program, which was developed with industry input to train broadly skilled engineers for western North Dakota, and said it had already drawn more applicants than expected. Dr. Crystal St. Peter presented a new master’s program in counseling that integrates mental health and addiction counseling to address statewide provider shortages, with a hybrid format to reach rural students. Members asked about licensure requirements, internship hours, and job placement for graduates. Shirley also outlined a new nursing simulation center and health sciences space in downtown Minot, made possible by state support and the purchase of the former Trinity Health Center West building.
The committee also heard about Minot State’s efforts to build pipelines into education and special education, including the Aspire program for rural high school students and an online paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Shirley said these programs, along with new articulation agreements and a large Bush Foundation grant, are intended to address teacher shortages and keep students in North Dakota. No formal committee votes or actions were taken during the presentation; the session consisted of informational updates and member questions.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- >> There's a number of states, you know, we're not the first state to do it.
- </c> we're not the first state to do it. we're not the first state to do it.
- We're just trying to align the university system with the goals of the state, what our needs are here
- system with the goals of the university system with the goals of the state,<00:54:00.960><c> what</c
- </c> be a lot for those three universities. be a lot for those three universities.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They listen to local school boards across our state. local school boards across our state.
- </c> carry, colleges and universities. carry, colleges and universities.
- in the southeastern United university in the southeastern United States.<00:49:35.920><c> uh</c><00:
- </c> 23 counties and then the state system. 23 counties and then the state system.
- </c> say that almost all 50 states have it. say that almost all 50 states have it.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- across the state.
- Well, I would say we are the most diverse university in the nation. State and maybe in the country.
- Senator Miles, Chairman Moore, you stated earlier that the University of Houston is one of the most diverse
- universities in the state and probably in the country.
- It's heavily state oversight, and it's a state agency or state commission.
Committee:
Senate Nominations
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 27th, 2026 at 04:11 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- I know that one of the things that New Mexico State University is working on very intently is to make
- I know that one of the things that the New Mexico State University is working on very intently is to
- It was announced during the State of the State.
- It was announced during the state of the state.
- Has the state, is there any discussion on how to support our universities in that particular area?
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
Keywords:
high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education, dual language program, reading intervention, reading difficulty, reading improvement plan, literacy coach
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , that we do it not only with Texas Tech University but with Angela State University, Midwestern State
- So for example, Angela State University, right there by Goodfellow Air Force Base.
- We're the largest university in the United States.
- And the Texas University Fund for Texas Tech University, I will tell you, so for example, Angelo State
- If you look at our comprehensive regional universities around the state, not just in our system.
Committee:
House Higher Education
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE, HRE Public Hearings 04-17-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> testifying for the University of Hawaii. testifying for the University of Hawaii.
- I think part of it is that we're unique in that, unlike many states, we have a single public university
- That we, unlike many states, have a single public university system.
- the University of Hawaii.
- university.
Summary:
The committee first heard HCR 96, which encourages the University of Hawaiʻi to evaluate and expand student mental health services. University of Hawaiʻi Associate Vice President Farah Marie Gomes testified in support and noted the system’s mental health and basic-needs efforts across all 10 campuses. Members discussed staffing and funding constraints, including that the system had 27 adult mental health positions, 21 filled and six vacant, with one vacancy open for about four years. The resolution was adopted unanimously, unamended.
The committee then took up several gubernatorial appointments. GM 785 nominated Wendo Hensel to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), and GM 784 nominated Terry George to the same body. Both nominees testified about the value of Hawaiʻi’s participation in WICHE; Hensel emphasized the importance of sharing policy ideas and best practices, while George highlighted Hawaiʻi’s unique higher education needs and the benefits of learning from other western states. Both nominations were supported and moved forward.
The committee also considered multiple appointments to the Hawaiʻi Commission for National and Community Service. Kylie Alakard described wanting to serve as a youth voice and role model, and Ray Galas spoke about his prior volunteer board experience and desire to help people connect through service. Sandra Larson said volunteerism and community service were important to her and that she wanted to give back. The committee then heard GM 771 and GM 772 for Ken Kawahara to the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi; Kawahara said he would bring business and government experience to help with internal operations, education, and strategic goals, though he acknowledged he was still learning the organization’s details. Members also began hearing GM 624 for Joshua Famuina to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, with student caucus testimony in strong support emphasizing his attendance, communication, and engagement with students.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The state granted $25 million in funding for each state university school during the 2024-2025 fiscal
- This provision may force state universities to increase tuition for our in-state students so they are
- What does that data look like for the university system, whether it's the state university system or
- This will impact Florida State University, Florida International University, University of Florida, of
- We are at an average of $21,000 in our state university system.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report and a rules report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber also heard several recognitions and a farewell speech from Representative Nixon, who reflected on constituent service and her legislative priorities.
On the floor, HB 1405, relating to a statewide project for missing persons with special needs, passed unanimously. The House then took up CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which drew questions about the handling of surplus conservation lands and agricultural uses; it passed 94-10. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, was explained as a broad package restricting foreign-country influence in government, procurement, gifts, cultural agreements, and related areas. An amendment adding restrictions on surrogacy and adoption involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern was adopted after debate over possible impacts on families and adoption practices, and the bill then passed 80-20.
The House also passed CS/CS/HB 1197, a bill to modernize state information technology procurement and contracting, unanimously after debate about improving oversight of large IT projects. HB 1103, allowing local governments to fast-track action on derelict vessels, also passed unanimously. The chamber then considered CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use development and development regulations, including limits on development fees, changes to local voting thresholds for comprehensive plan and boundary actions, manufactured homes in RV parks, and resort-related provisions. Several amendments were debated, including one on local control and rural boundaries that failed and another strike-all amendment ruled out of order; the bill ultimately passed 71-38. The final item reached before the transcript ended was a local bill for the Pace Fire Rescue District in Santa Rosa County, described as adjusting its assessment formula to provide tax relief.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine research security risks posed by foreign nationals from countries of risk working at the Department of Energy¿s National Laboratories and necessary mitigation steps. Feb 20th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- For most U.S. universities, research universities, the level of due diligence required by NSPM-33 and
- In United States military.
- Chinese Communist Party, because in those states, the state doesn't exist for the people as it does in
- Universities need to, and faculty universities, need to understand that they could be involved in the
- In your state.
Keywords:
national security, Department of Energy, foreign espionage, security protocols, Chinese Communist Party, national laboratories, research security
Summary:
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened to address pressing issues related to research security risks at the Department of Energy, focusing specifically on foreign nationals' access to sensitive information. The meeting highlighted the increasing threats posed by espionage from the Chinese Communist Party, which has sought to infiltrate U.S. national laboratories and exploit American research for military purposes. Discussions included the importance of tightening security protocols to safeguard national interests and maintain technological advantages. Witnesses provided insight into historical contexts and current vulnerabilities, emphasizing that without proper measures, the gaps could jeopardize national security.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
State Bond Commission May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I would note that the university has two outstanding debts.
- a state appropriation.
- Those bonds do require the state, the university, and the foundation to provide certain operating and
- The state has timely filed all of its requirements; however, the foundation and the university have not
- The beneficiary is Southern University, Scott's Bluff Housing LLC.
Summary:
The State Bond Commission met on May 21 with a quorum present and approved the April 16 minutes. The commission then reviewed and approved a large slate of local government and public authority financing requests, including election propositions for the November ballot, water and sewer infrastructure projects, fire protection and recreation district bonds, school board financing, and several refunding transactions. Most items were found to meet technical requirements and were approved on motions by Speaker DeVillier and seconded by Senator Talbot.
Among the more notable items were the East Baton Rouge City-Parish refunding bonds for the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District, the City of Kenner’s retroactive approval request tied to a convention center agreement with GMB Basketball LLC, a Louisiana Housing Corporation financing increase for the Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, and preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport. The commission also approved financing for Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools/Harriet Tubman Charter School project. The Crescent City Schools item prompted questions about how MFP funds are used; staff explained that lease payments would support the bonds and that MFP funds are generally split between educational expenses and facilities-related costs.
The commission received six monthly cost-of-issuance reports, which required no action, and a status update on the state debt schedule. It also approved Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund the Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. During other business, New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morel thanked the commission for its role in helping address the city’s fiscal crisis and for approving a charter amendment election item aimed at strengthening budget oversight. The meeting adjourned after no further business.
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