Transcript Highlights:

• Existing public institutions and takes effect immediately. Senator Leas. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Last line: existing public institutions and take effect immediately. Senator Leas. Thank you, Mr.
• First, Representative Conway, and then Senator Conway has been a fixture in this institution.
• They hold that institutional knowledge and just a great love and respect for the institution.
• And just a great love and respect for the institution.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Summary: The Senate convened on March 9, 2025, approved the previous day’s journal, suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during floor sessions, and referred committee and gubernatorial reports as designated. It also received several new bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 6359, and later suspended Rule 20 to allow additional floor resolutions. The chamber then moved through a series of gubernatorial confirmations, with broad support for Megan Matthews as Director of the Washington State Office of Equity and for several college board trustees, including Robert A. Zupon (Renton Technical College), Denise E. Gideon (Clark College), Adria Buchanan (Clover Park Technical College), Michelle R. Smith (Columbia Basin College), and Edison A. Valerio (Columbia Basin College). Each confirmation passed by majority roll call vote, with some members excused. The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. Members rejected the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopted a narrower striking amendment that, among other changes, repealed the luxury aircraft tax and replaced it with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, while also making technical corrections and creating a sustainable aircraft fuel account. Supporters said the bill reflected a bipartisan agreement, improved transportation funding, and supported aviation sustainability; opponents argued it would disproportionately burden small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed the Senate on a 33-15 vote. The final major action was adoption of Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. The resolution highlighted his long career in the House and Senate, his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and local projects, and his reputation for institutional knowledge and mentorship. Numerous senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising his integrity, advocacy for working families, and support for colleagues. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and Senator Conway, joined by family and friends in the gallery, offered brief remarks thanking the Senate, his staff, family, and constituents before the chamber recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• before they begin teaching at a school. and it convenes a work group for recommendations about an institute
• This amendment formally establishes the Florida Institute for Parkinson's Disease within the University
• It is an identity erased and rebuilt under constant threat, institutional control, and forced adaptation
• Members, the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition is an institute that's located in Pensacola.
• And before I waive close, I did want to say that one of the coolest things The Institute for Human and

Bills: HB 24 , HB 45 , HB 15 , HB 35 , HB 38 , HB 47 , HB 318 , HB 349 , HB 554 , HB 1359 , HB 1373 , HB 1647 , HB 2254 , HB 2259 , HB 2853 , HB 3073 , HB 3088 , HB 353 , HB 355 , HB 786 , HB 762 , HB 705 , HB 932 , HB 849 , HB 1160 , HB 1119 , HB 1612 , HB 3041 , HB 713 , HB 3104 , HB 3970 , HB 3962 , HB 5061 , HB 4042 , HB 4115 , HB 4490 , HB 1731 , HB 1705 , HB 2607 , HB 3556 , HB 138 , HB 3689 , HB 1788 , HB 1887 , HB 1914 , HB 2402 , HB 2306 , HB 1809 , HB 2350 , HB 3000 , HB 3237 , HB 3326 , HB 3211 , HB 1056 , HB 2081 , HB 2187 , HB 3092 , HB 3308 , HB 3526 , HB 3750 , HB 3527 , HB 4219 , HB 4230 , HB 4290 , HB 5238 , HB 4804 , HB 4749 , HCR 6 , HCR 12 , HCR 34 , HCR 50 , HCR 55 , HCR 58 , HCR 70 , HCR 71 , HCR 72 , HCR 74 , HCR 75 , HCR 78 , HCR 80 , HCR 93 , HCR 100 , HCR 107 , HCR 116 , HCR 117 , HCR 90 , SB 1806 , SB 783 , SB 1271 , SB 326 , SB 1637 , SB 769 , SB 897 , SB 1035 , SB 1706 , SB 1185 , SB 1194 , SB 384 , SB 1426 , SB 1468 , SB 1215 , SB 1066 , SB 599 , SB 1930 , SB 2065 , SB 767 , SB 1619 , SB 1738 , HB 1500 , HB 718 , HB 23 , HB 34 , HB 119 , HB 128 , HB 130 , HB 132 , HB 2756 , HB 166 , HB 406 , HB 186 , HB 331 , HB 380 , HB 1583 , HB 1584 , HB 621 , HB 303 , HB 552 , HB 366 , HB 463 , HB 1211 , HB 1327 , HB 1461 , HB 923 , HB 1760 , HB 2467 , HB 5333 , HB 1592 , HB 1576 , HB 1552 , HB 2018 , HB 3511 , HB 1781 , HB 2013 , HB 2340 , HB 2508 , HB 2970 , HB 865 , HB 2851 , HB 3385 , HB 3336 , HB 3309 , HB 1127 , HB 1232 , HB 1397 , HB 4236 , HB 4041 , HB 1965 , HB 2730 , HB 3698 , HB 3699 , HB 163 , HB 201 , HB 272 , HB 405 , HB 519 , HB 654 , HB 694 , HB 791 , HB 1136 , HB 1240 , HB 1266 , HB 1275 , HB 1437 , HB 1532 , HB 1675 , HB 1842 , HB 1868 , HB 1894 , HB 1943 , HB 1990 , HB 2029 , HB 2061 , HB 2286 , HB 2523 , HB 2622 , HB 2652 , HB 2692 , HB 2842 , HB 2885 , HB 3016 , HB 3096 , HB 3248 , HB 3255 , HB 3479 , HB 3611 , HB 3623 , HB 3803 , HB 3804 , HB 3805 , HB 3806 , HB 3810 , HB 3816 , HB 4129 , HB 4163 , HB 4187 , HB 4238 , HB 4454 , HB 4588 , HB 4643 , HB 4738 , HB 4739 , HB 4945 , HB 5015 , HB 5616 , HB 1749 , HB 1775 , HB 118 , HB 1762 , HB 2520 , HB 24 , HB 45 , HB 15 , HB 35 , HB 38 , HB 47 , HB 318 , HB 349 , HB 554 , HB 1359 , HB 1373 , HB 1647 , HB 2254 , HB 2259 , HB 2853 , HB 3073 , HB 3088 , HB 353 , HB 355 , HB 786 , HB 762 , HB 705 , HB 932 , HB 849 , HB 1160 , HB 1119 , HB 1612 , HB 3041 , HB 713 , HB 3104 , HB 3970 , HB 3962 , HB 5061 , HB 4042 , HB 4115 , HB 4490 , HB 1731 , HB 1705 , HB 2607 , HB 3556 , HB 138 , HB 3689 , HB 1788 , HB 1887 , HB 1914 , HB 2402 , HB 2306 , HB 1809 , HB 2350 , HB 3000 , HB 3237 , HB 3326 , HB 3211 , HB 1056 , HB 2081 , HB 2187 , HB 3092 , HB 3308 , HB 3526 , HB 3750 , HB 3527 , HB 4219 , HB 4230 , HB 4290 , HB 5238 , HB 4804 , HB 4749 , HCR 6 , HCR 12 , HCR 34 , HCR 50 , HCR 55 , HCR 58 , HCR 70 , HCR 71 , HCR 72 , HCR 74 , HCR 75 , HCR 78 , HCR 80 , HCR 93 , HCR 100 , HCR 107 , HCR 116 , HCR 117 , HCR 90

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, information network, health services, client referral, data privacy, disaster preparedness, accreditation, community services, sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination

Summary: The Florida House conducted legislative business including prayer, pledge, and voting on multiple bills. Key legislation included land development and wetlands mitigation (SB 492), renewable natural gas infrastructure investment (SB 1574), local government regulation (SB 1080), housing and accessory dwelling units (SB 184), recovery residences (SB 954), and various health, education, and criminal justice measures. The session also addressed returning messages from the Senate with amendments, transportation facility designations, and claims bills for wrongfully convicted individuals. Several bills passed unanimously while others faced structured debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• portal known as My Texas Future to facilitate public school students' awareness and application to institutions
• Today I'm honored to have UTC's President of the United States, Southwestern Institute Mobile Cancer
• offered by those institutions.
• or any other state and Puerto Rico for certain programs offered by these institutions, is that right
• This program instituted or to have, you know, UT go through this process.

Bills: HB24 , HB45 , HB15 , HB35 , HB38 , HB47 , HB318 , HB349 , HB554 , HB1359 , HB1373 , HB1647 , HB2254 , HB2259 , HB2853 , HB3073 , HB3088 , HB353 , HB355 , HB786 , HB762 , HB705 , HB932 , HB849 , HB 1160 , HB 1119 , HB1612 , HB3041 , HB713 , HB3104 , HB3970 , HB3962 , HB5061 , HB4042 , HB4115 , HB4490 , HB1731 , HB1705 , HB2607 , HB3556 , HB138 , HB3689 , HB1788 , HB1887 , HB1914 , HB2402 , HB2306 , HB1809 , HB2350 , HB3000 , HB3237 , HB3326 , HB3211 , HB 1056 , HB2081 , HB2187 , HB3092 , HB3308 , HB3526 , HB3750 , HB3527 , HB4219 , HB4230 , HB4290 , HB5238 , HB4804 , HB4749 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR34 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR74 , HCR75 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR93 , HCR100 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR90 , SB1806 , SB783 , SB1271 , SB326 , SB1637 , SB769 , SB897 , SB1035 , SB1706 , SB1185 , SB1194 , SB384 , SB1426 , SB1468 , SB1215 , SB1066 , SB599 , SB1930 , SB2065 , SB767 , SB1619 , SB1738 , HB1500 , HB718 , HB23 , HB34 , HB 119 , HB 128 , HB 130 , HB132 , HB2756 , HB166 , HB406 , HB186 , HB331 , HB380 , HB1583 , HB1584 , HB621 , HB303 , HB552 , HB366 , HB463 , HB 1211 , HB1327 , HB1461 , HB923 , HB1760 , HB2467 , HB5333 , HB1592 , HB1576 , HB1552 , HB2018 , HB3511 , HB1781 , HB2013 , HB2340 , HB2508 , HB2970 , HB865 , HB2851 , HB3385 , HB3336 , HB3309 , HB 1127 , HB 1232 , HB1397 , HB4236 , HB4041 , HB1965 , HB2730 , HB3698 , HB3699 , HB163 , HB201 , HB272 , HB405 , HB519 , HB654 , HB694 , HB791 , HB 1136 , HB 1240 , HB 1266 , HB 1275 , HB1437 , HB1532 , HB1675 , HB1842 , HB1868 , HB1894 , HB1943 , HB1990 , HB2029 , HB2061 , HB2286 , HB2523 , HB2622 , HB2652 , HB2692 , HB2842 , HB2885 , HB3016 , HB3096 , HB3248 , HB3255 , HB3479 , HB3611 , HB3623 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3805 , HB3806 , HB3810 , HB3816 , HB4129 , HB4163 , HB4187 , HB4238 , HB4454 , HB4588 , HB4643 , HB4738 , HB4739 , HB4945 , HB5015 , HB5616 , HB1749 , HB1775 , HB 118 , HB1762 , HB2520 , HB24 , HB45 , HB15 , HB35 , HB38 , HB47 , HB318 , HB349 , HB554 , HB1359 , HB1373 , HB1647 , HB2254 , HB2259 , HB2853 , HB3073 , HB3088 , HB353 , HB355 , HB786 , HB762 , HB705 , HB932 , HB849 , HB 1160 , HB 1119 , HB1612 , HB3041 , HB713 , HB3104 , HB3970 , HB3962 , HB5061 , HB4042 , HB4115 , HB4490 , HB1731 , HB1705 , HB2607 , HB3556 , HB138 , HB3689 , HB1788 , HB1887 , HB1914 , HB2402 , HB2306 , HB1809 , HB2350 , HB3000 , HB3237 , HB3326 , HB3211 , HB 1056 , HB2081 , HB2187 , HB3092 , HB3308 , HB3526 , HB3750 , HB3527 , HB4219 , HB4230 , HB4290 , HB5238 , HB4804 , HB4749 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR34 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR74 , HCR75 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR93 , HCR100 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR90

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, information network, health services, client referral, data privacy, disaster preparedness, accreditation, community services, sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination

Transcript Highlights:

• What SB 960 says, though, is that it's not about the institutions. It's not about the lanes.
• This is something that all of our institutions contend with, both the UC, the CSU, and of course the
• So the bill does not apply to UC programs at all because UC is defined as a statewide institution.
• prioritizing funding our institutions.
• We instituted last year, part of the new policies put into place applied to volunteers as well.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee first heard SB 998, which would clarify and expand school discrimination prevention coordinator roles, including new coordinators focused on disability and anti-AAPI discrimination. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen school climate, provide clearer guidance and training, and help schools address discrimination before it escalates. Support came from education, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ groups, while some witnesses expressed support if amended but raised concerns about gubernatorial appointments and preferred civil service hiring. Several senators debated whether the bill duplicated existing protections and whether it diverted attention from academic priorities, but the chair and coauthors emphasized it as follow-up legislation tied to prior civil rights commitments. The committee voted SB 998 out on a due pass motion to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the bill was placed on call. The committee then took up SB 1082, which would streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring faster district action, concurrent review, and clearer notice when applications are incomplete. The author and sponsor said families often face long delays and inconsistent practices, and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness and reduce administrative burden without changing local approval authority. The California School Boards Association had an oppose-unless-amended position but said it was re-evaluating after amendments, and some other groups said they were removing opposition. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed it on call. Next, the committee heard SB 960 on community college baccalaureate degrees. The author argued the bill would create a statewide framework allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in unmet workforce areas when CSU programs are unavailable or effectively inaccessible because of impaction, while also limiting growth so community colleges do not drift from their core mission. Supporters said the bill would expand access for place-bound students and align with workforce needs, while CSU and faculty opponents warned it could duplicate programs, affect faculty jobs, and worsen pressure on the CSU system. Members debated the master plan, impaction, funding inequities, and whether the bill would siphon students from CSU. The committee ultimately moved SB 960 out on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the bill was placed on call. Finally, Senator Blakespear presented SB 965, which would make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and her son described inconsistent local rules and said the bill would reduce barriers while preserving local library policies on checkout and liability. The transcript ended during testimony on SB 965, before any committee vote or further action was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• What SB 960 says, though, is that it's not about the institutions. It's not about the lanes.
• prioritizing funding our institutions.
• Into our institutions and graduating them in a timely manner, then let's do that.
• We instituted last year, part of the new policies put into place applied to volunteers as well.
• We instituted last year, part of the new policies put into place applied to volunteers as well.

Summary: The committee heard SB 998, which would define and expand the roles of discrimination prevention coordinators in the Office of Civil Rights, including a new disability-focused coordinator and a deputy coordinator on anti-AAPI discrimination. The authors and supporters, including representatives from LGBTQ, Black, Latino, and AAPI caucuses, argued the bill would help schools proactively address discrimination, improve student safety and belonging, and support learning. Opposition from the California Faculty Association and SEIU California focused on the appointment structure and preference for regular civil service hiring, while some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing anti-discrimination law and whether it would add government bloat. The committee ultimately voted SB 998 out on a due pass basis to the Senate Judiciary Committee and placed it on call. SB 1082 was then presented as a measure to streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring more timely district action, allowing concurrent review, and clarifying that a district’s failure to respond is not treated as a denial. The sponsor, the Association of California County Boards of Education, and supporters from Families in Action for Quality Education said the bill would reduce delays, improve fairness, and help families make timely educational decisions without changing districts’ authority to approve or deny transfers. The California School Boards Association had previously been opposed unless amended and said it would re-evaluate after the committee changes. The committee supported the measure, and SB 1082 was voted out as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed on call. The committee also took up SB 960, which would revise the rules for community college baccalaureate degrees by tying authorization to local access gaps and impacted CSU programs rather than a blanket statewide prohibition. Supporters, including the Campaign for College Opportunity and several community college and education groups, argued the bill would expand access for place-bound and adult learners and better align programs with workforce needs. CSU representatives and the California Faculty Association opposed the bill, warning it could duplicate CSU offerings, worsen enrollment and funding pressures, and affect faculty jobs. Members debated the Master Plan for Higher Education, impaction, and whether the state should instead fully fund CSU capacity; the committee nevertheless recommended SB 960 for passage as amended to Appropriations and placed it on call. Finally, SB 965 was heard, a bill to make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and supporters said the bill would remove an unnecessary barrier to educational resources while preserving local library control over checkout policies and liability rules. The California Library Association expressed support for the goal but said details matter and urged language that preserves local discretion while encouraging reduced in-person requirements where feasible. The transcript ended during that testimony, before any committee vote on SB 965.

Transcript Highlights:

• participating in PSO as eligible institutions.
• </c> line 18.18 that says in an institution line 18.18 that says in an institution of<00:13:32.160><c
• </c> refer to the post-secondary institutions refer to the post-secondary institutions participating<
• And this just aligns institutions.
• </c><00:15:22.959><c> to</c> from the eligible institution to from the eligible institution to determine

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So when you look at the differences across the institutions per FTE, or full-time equivalent, you can
• If you look at the difference between the median of the non-research 1 institutions and our number, the
• </c><00:15:17.600><c> Um</c> Craftmies at two other institutions.
• Um Craftmies at two other institutions.
• </c> only National Cancer Institute only National Cancer Institute designated<00:26:13.919><c> comprehensive

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met without a quorum and postponed approval of the minutes. The committee first heard from Northern Kentucky University President Katie Short Thompson, who highlighted NKU’s enrollment growth, student success metrics, national recognition for value, lower student debt, and new programs tied to regional workforce needs, including AI, cybersecurity, supply chain analytics, cardiovascular perfusion, and the Norse Network Hub for employer access. She asked for a $5 million recurring base funding adjustment to align NKU’s general fund support with peer institutions, along with support for tuition waivers with FAFSA requirements, continued debt collection authority through the Department of Revenue, inclusion of fire and tornado insurance premiums in base funding, inflation and performance-funding support, and increased asset preservation funding. She also outlined capital priorities for the Hail College of Business building, Nunn Hall, and the MEP building, and requested $5.4 million to match private support for the Young Scholars Academy, a dual-credit program serving first-generation and low-income students. Representative Tipton questioned NKU about the number of older students using tuition waivers and whether the university could continue the program without a statutory age-based mandate. Thompson said the number of students over 65 using the waiver was small, that some students pursue degrees while others audit classes, and that external fundraising could potentially support the program if state funding changed. Tipton also confirmed NKU’s requested priorities and the $5.4 million match for the Young Scholars Academy. The committee then heard from University of Kentucky representative Dr. Cavallo, who framed UK’s request around accountability, workforce development, research, and health care impact. He described a patient story to illustrate UK’s medical mission, cited growth in enrollment, degrees awarded, hospital patients treated, and research grant revenue, and emphasized UK’s role in extension services and disaster response. He said UK is consolidating services for efficiency and is focusing on future workforce needs, especially artificial intelligence, noting the launch of the state’s first AI bachelor’s degree and a partnership with Microsoft to expand AI tools and training across campus and the Advancing Kentucky Together network. He also discussed demographic challenges, the need to retain graduates in Kentucky, and the importance of aligning programs and funding with long-term state needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, let's take up tab one: Senate Bill 312 on the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
• To refresh your memories, what Senate Bill 312 does is really relates to the Florida Institute for Human
• And especially with the amendment added by Senator Fine, it is an outstanding bill to allow the Institute
• for Human and Machine Cognition to be able to contract with various... ...Institute for Human and Machine
• This bill authorizes institutions to partner with online providers for adult education and career instruction

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard two bills. First, it considered Senate Bill 312 relating to the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. The committee took up a strike-all amendment and then a secondary amendment offered by Senator Fine to clarify that the current University of West Florida Board of Trustees chair would have no role in the organization. Members described the changes as friendly, and both amendments were adopted. The bill, as amended, was then reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1624 on higher education, which was presented as a broad higher-education package. The bill would set market-rate out-of-state fees for nonresident online students, revise financial aid and support program language, provide tuition and fee waivers for Florida State Guard members, change rules for adult and career education programs, redirect certain workforce-related funds, rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough State College, rename the Florida Educational Equity Act as the Florida Educational Equality Act, adjust appointments to certain boards and councils, update admissions and scholarship references to include the classical learning test, broaden the definition of opioid antagonist, repeal a grandparent-based out-of-state fee waiver, and strengthen FIU’s Office of Ocean Economy. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting concluded after both measures were approved and no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is composed of a network of institutions, Fortune 500 institutions, that are running the nodes and
• ,<01:08:57.679><c> Fortune</c><01:08:58.159><c> 500</c><01:08:58.640><c> institutions</c> institutions
• , Fortune 500 institutions institutions, Fortune 500 institutions that<01:08:59.839><c> are</c><01:09
• 01:37:32.480><c> applications</c> these are the institutional applications these are the institutional
• </c><01:58:56.480><c> that</c> any developers any institutions that any developers any institutions that

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met with a quorum, approved the agenda, and approved the November 12 minutes after a motion, second, and unanimous voice/online consent. The chair said the meeting would include two presentations—one from Noah Herman of Fortress Global and one from John Kicko and team from Hedera—followed by discussion of the commission’s next steps and public comment. The chair also noted he was still seeking a clerk for note-taking. Herman’s presentation focused on stablecoins, blockchain use cases, and operational considerations for states and other institutions. He described Fortress as an enterprise crypto-wallet and treasury platform serving corporates, governments, and nonprofits, and used examples such as Save the Children and a large global commodities firm to illustrate custody and treasury management on blockchain rails. He said stablecoins are designed to maintain a U.S. dollar peg, are increasingly backed by treasuries and subject to greater transparency, and are being adopted by major firms and payment companies because they can improve speed, reduce cost, and simplify payments. He also highlighted market growth, including claims that stablecoins now represent a significant share of on-chain activity and are a major holder of U.S. Treasuries. He identified custody as a key issue for state and institutional use, outlining qualified custody, managed custody, and self-custody models. He said the main practical challenge for the commodities client was moving funds safely and quickly across global time zones and that blockchain rails could solve problems that traditional banking rails could not. He framed the broader trend as one of accelerating institutional adoption, citing recent acquisitions and product launches by Visa, Stripe, Citi, and PayPal as evidence that stablecoin infrastructure is becoming mainstream.

Transcript Highlights:

• institutions institutions uh<00:24:56.240><c> are</c><00:24:57.039><c> uh</c><00:24:57.279><c> also<
• ,</c><00:25:42.559><c> accredited</c> education institutions, accredited education institutions, accredited
• higher<00:25:43.520><c> education</c><00:25:44.080><c> institutions</c> higher education institutions
• Uh and as you would institutions.
• </c><00:42:22.319><c> uh</c> institutions. That's what this is. uh institutions.

Bills: HF2440

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: labor market, employment, economic development, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Representative, did you talk to any of the institutions about why they haven't already instituted
• I mean, we don't And directing institutions about how they're going to teach and grade.
• House Bill 3129 just simply adds one paragraph to existing law that says that public institutions of
• Would every institution need to go through the...
• I see it being more of a collective because, you know, if multiple institutions are using...

Bills: HB3700 , HB3315 , HB3242 , HB3379 , HB3129 , HB3132 , HB2950

Committee: House Postsecondary Education

Keywords: education policy, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, higher education, bachelor's degree, feasibility study, Oklahoma State Regents, accreditation, credit hours, emergency declaration, gender, privacy, public schools, sleeping quarters, restrooms, criminal history, admissions process

Summary: The House Postsecondary Education Committee met and considered several higher education bills. HB 3700, by Rep. Chad Caldwell, would require public college grades to be based only on academic criteria, including attendance, and not on students’ opinions, beliefs, or conduct outside the classroom. Supporters said it formalizes an existing expectation and protects free speech; opponents raised concerns about local control and whether it was a response to a specific incident. The bill passed 6-2. The committee also passed HB 3379, a “ban-the-box” style bill by Rep. Ranson that would bar colleges from asking about felony history before admission, with exceptions for sex-related felonies and post-admission follow-up on housing, payment, and degree planning. Members questioned campus safety and whether violent offenses should be excluded, but the bill advanced 6-2. Rep. West’s HB 3129, prohibiting public institutions from charging security fees to student groups based on the content of their expression, passed 7-1 after discussion about whether schools could still assess security costs based on event size or risk. His HB 3132, which would limit the use of DEI-related practices in accreditation and require annual reporting on accreditors, also passed 6-3. Rep. Eves’ HB 3315, directing a feasibility study on three-year bachelor’s degrees, passed unanimously 9-0. Rep. Woolley’s HB 2950, as amended, would prevent extra admissions requirements for students from unaccredited backgrounds, address Oklahoma’s Promise requirements for homeschoolers, and allow OLAP applications up to age 18; it passed 7-2. Finally, Vice Chair Wolfley’s HB 3242, aimed at protecting women’s privacy in restrooms, locker rooms, showers, shelters, and correctional facilities, passed 6-2 after extensive questioning about how it would apply to transgender individuals and safety concerns for both women and trans people.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our membership includes all of the four-year institutions in the state, as well as our associate
• spread... across the state, so when I recognize their institution, I'll ask them to stand so you can
• In Idaho, traditional EPPs that we represent are housed at institutions... programs.
• In Idaho, traditional EPPs that we represent are housed at institutions of higher ed, and were guided
• Finally, our institutions are at the forefront of conducting research about AI's impact on teaching,

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee first approved the January 21, 2026 minutes and then heard two print requests from Senator Carrie Semmelroth tied to code cleanup work that originated from House Bill 14 last session. RS 32-89 would remove obsolete references to regional library systems that no longer exist, and RS 32-91 would clean up Title 33 by removing redundancies and non-applicable provisions. Both RSs were moved to print and approved without opposition. The committee then held a special presentation on spelling to communicate (S2C) from Kara Sanders, followed by testimony from Jennifer Ruiz on behalf of her daughter Ray Ruiz. Sanders described S2C as a communication method for non-speaking people who can point to letters to spell their thoughts, emphasizing presuming competence, the role of a communication regulation partner, and the need for training and safeguards. Ray Ruiz testified that S2C opened communication and educational opportunities for her, including sharing her interests, languages, and goals in psychology and advocacy; committee members asked about when she began spelling, learning languages, and her education plans. Jennifer Ruiz said S2C allowed her to truly get to know her daughter after years of uncertainty. The final presentation was from Dr. Brooke Blevins on behalf of the Idaho Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. She outlined educator preparation efforts across Idaho’s colleges and universities, including work on student behavior, educator ethics, career and technical education, rural teacher preparation, early literacy, and generative AI. In response to committee questions, she said schools need more support personnel and tiered interventions to address behavior, stressed that education is a right, and said clear expectations, stable environments, and teacher retention are important. Members raised concerns that student behavior is becoming a crisis and urged the group to help develop new solutions; the presentation ended with the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1286 also creates an institute for post-traumatic stress disorder within DFS to serve as
• The purpose of the institute is to strengthen the mental resilience and well-being of the state's public
• But at the end of the day, as a financial institution, we are limited as to what we can do to protect
• include credit unions and financial institutions generally.
• include credit unions and financial institutions generally.

Bills: S0198 , S0570 , S0772 , S0808 , S1038 , S1040 , S1286 , S1440 , S1504 , S1668

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, payment scams, task force, fraud prevention, property insurance, roofing requirements, inspector, insurance policies, homeowners insurance, roof age, residential structures, insurance renewal, investment

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1286 by Senator Wright. That bill expands the law enforcement recruitment bonus program to include firefighters, creates a DFS grant review panel for fire-related grants, and establishes an institute for PTSD and first-responder behavioral health. Testimony from fire chiefs and others supported the measure, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee then considered several insurance and financial regulation bills. CS/SB 198 by Senator Rousan, as amended, regulates virtual currency kiosks with transaction limits, notice and receipt requirements, and OFR enforcement authority; witnesses described it as a needed anti-fraud measure, especially for seniors, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 772 by Senator Burgess, as amended, allows limited licenses for portable electronics and eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504 by Senator Claudio, as amended, creates a pathway for high school students to qualify for insurance customer representative licensure; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved two cryptocurrency reserve bills by Senator Gruters: CS/SB 1038 creates the Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve framework, and CS/SB 1040 creates the related trust fund; both received technical amendments and favorable reports. CS/SB 1440 by Senator Martin, as amended, creates public records exemptions and cybersecurity reporting provisions for financial institutions and related entities, and it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1668 by Senator Burton, which updates the NICA program’s funding and benefit structure, and CS/SB 570 by Senator Polsky, which creates a task force on payment scams, were both heard with supportive testimony and reported favorably. Senators later recorded additional affirmative votes on selected bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Salzman: allow postsecondary institutions to opt in. Institutions would identify criteria for Rep.
• It will expand Fortify Florida to higher education institutions.
• It requires public institutions to annually conduct security assessments.
• It would require institutions to Rep.
• It would require public institutions to annually conduct security assessments. require institutions to

Transcript Highlights:

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

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's been a great ambassador and leader for that institution and that law school.
• And so it's an honor for me to introduce y'all and help celebrate 200 years of a great institution.
• And so it's an honor for me to introduce y'all and help celebrate 200 years of a great institution.
• </c><00:14:11.839><c> of</c> office and some of our institutions of office and some of our institutions
• And what the impact you've institution.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 22 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A farm to institution pilot program.
• ... ...county and other gateway cities to test scalable farm to institution models.
• Farm to institution matters because institutions purchase millions of dollars in food annually.
• Farm to institutions offers a critical new sales avenue for farmers in this region.
• We've started to conduct a landscape analysis for farm-to-institution infrastructure.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held a public hearing on 19 legislative proposals, with testimony limited to three minutes per speaker and seven minutes per panel. The hearing opened with testimony on bills promoting urban agriculture and vacant-lot conversion, including H.121/S.61, which Green Roots staff and community members supported as a way to turn vacant lots in environmental justice communities into urban farms and gardens that improve food access, health, community cohesion, and climate resilience. Rep. James Arena-DeRosa also spoke in support of H.109/S.56, the PFAS bill, describing it as a measure to protect soil and farms from contamination and to create relief for affected farmers. A major portion of the hearing focused on H.109/S.56, which would ban land application of sewage sludge/biosolids, provide liability protection and relief funds for farmers, and address PFAS contamination in soil, water, crops, and animals. Testimony came from environmental groups, farm organizations, and individual farmers, including the Mass Food System Collaborative, Conservation Law Foundation, Clean Water Action, CEMAP, NOFA, Sierra Club, and several farmers who described contamination in Maine and Massachusetts and urged the committee to act. Witnesses emphasized that PFAS poses serious health risks, that farmers should not bear responsibility for legacy contamination, and that the bill should be paired with funding for testing, remediation, and assistance. Committee members asked questions about farm liability, the scope of the bill, contamination in different ownership situations, and the costs and timelines of remediation, with Senator Comerford and others clarifying that the bill is intended to protect farms and farmers rather than non-agricultural landholders. The committee also heard strong support for H.416, a farm-to-institution pilot program, from Rep. Lee Davis, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, and Berkshire Bounty. They said the pilot would connect Massachusetts farms to schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other institutions, creating new markets, strengthening local supply chains, and supporting food-is-medicine efforts. Members discussed whether the model could be statewide and referenced existing programs such as Island Grown Initiative and local hospital and insurance partnerships. Another agricultural bill, H.1058, was supported by Rep. Mark Sylvia and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association as a way to allow unused cranberry water rights to be transferred within the same watershed for municipal mitigation while helping growers retire or consolidate bogs. The hearing also included testimony on the broader farm omnibus bill H.112/S.55 and related measures, with the Massachusetts Farm Bureau and others praising the committee’s work on agricultural resilience, food security, agritourism, workforce development, and farmland access, while suggesting additional transportation-related fixes for farmers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

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

Committee: Senate Education

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

Transcript Highlights:

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

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

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

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all