Transcript Highlights:

• You know, when it comes to our youth, we definitely want to be able to send them to these institutions
• you're saying, meaning the Mexico institutions, they would be the ones funding the money.
• that are less reputable than our public institutions.
• Yes, free to the individual, but what does that look like for the institution?
• Yes, free to the individual, but what does that look like for the institution?

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met with a quorum and first approved a consent calendar containing AB 341, AB 1098, and AB 1316, sending those measures to the Human Services, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees respectively. The committee then heard AB 977, which would require CSU to audit surplus land and work with California tribes to identify three regional burial sites for Native American remains that cannot yet be repatriated. Supporters, including tribal leaders and archaeology groups, said the bill is needed to honor ancestors and address the large number of remains still held by CSU; CSU said it is committed to repatriation but had no formal position. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. Members also heard AB 1093, creating a California-Mexico higher education exchange program, and AB 1035, expanding the California College Promise to cover tuition for students pursuing community college bachelor’s degrees. AB 1093 drew support for strengthening cross-border educational and economic ties, but some members raised concerns about border-region sewage problems and the bill’s budget implications; it was held for later consideration. AB 1035 received strong support from community college leaders and faculty who said it would help low-income and first-generation students complete workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees, but several members questioned whether it would stretch Prop. 98 funding and whether the state should prioritize broader affordability concerns. AB 1035 passed to Appropriations on a 3-2 vote. The committee next approved AB 922, which would let the University of California keep access to federal criminal-history information for hiring background checks, avoiding delays and added costs if statutory authority is required. UC said the bill is needed to maintain safety and hiring operations, and it passed to Public Safety on a 5-0 vote. AB 1346, protecting military dependents from losing in-state residency status because of family travel, also passed unanimously to Military and Veterans Affairs. AB 1212, allowing UC to use low-income housing tax credits to build affordable housing for faculty and staff on UC land, drew support from UC and labor groups but opposition from members concerned about preferential access to public resources; it was held for later action. Finally, the committee approved AB 500 and AB 684, both aimed at increasing transparency around UC admissions policy changes and UC BOARS decision-making, sending AB 500 to Education and AB 684 to Governmental Organization, each on 5-0 votes. The hearing then moved on to AB 1122 on dual enrollment, with the author and witnesses presenting the bill as a way to expand college access for high school students.

Transcript Highlights:

• FLAD is a private nonprofit financially independent Portuguese institution that strives to promote the
• FLAD is a private nonprofit financially independent Portuguese institution that strives to promote the
• FLAD is a private nonprofit financially independent Portuguese institution that strives to promote the
• FLAD is a private nonprofit financially independent Portuguese institution that strives to promote the
• FLAD is a private nonprofit financially independent Portuguese institution that strives to promote the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, called the roll, and approved the previous day’s journal. Members then made several introductions recognizing visitors in the gallery, including staff and guests connected to tourism, a group from the Luso-American Development Foundation from Portugal, and students and administrators from Kahakai Elementary School. Senator Kim also introduced four University of Hawaiʻi Shidler College of Business Travel Industry Management students and their academic advisor and professor. Senator DeCoite spoke about Tourism Day at the Capitol, thanking HTA, HBCB, CNH, and Kilohana for their participation and youth-focused tourism programs, and later introduced the FLAD visitors from Lisbon, Portugal. The clerk reported Governor’s Message Nos. 713 to 717 transmitting nominations to boards and commissions, and Governor’s Message No. 718 withdrawing a nomination to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund board. The Senate also received Senate Concurrent Resolutions 51 to 67 and Senate Resolutions 33 to 51 for referral to committee, which were ordered referred. The Chair announced that the deadline to file Senate Concurrent Resolutions and Senate Resolutions with the Clerk’s Office was 4:30 p.m. that day. At the close of business, Senator Wai moved that the Senate stand in recess, leaving the journal open until 4:30 p.m. for receipt of resolutions and reconvene at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 10. Senator Dort seconded the motion, and the Senate recessed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would remove regulatory barriers and prevent churches and other religious institutions from
• This bill would remove regulatory barriers and prevent churches and other religious institutions from
• The American Institute, Enterprise Institute, has estimated that, introduce yourself for the record and
• The American Institute, Enterprise Institute, has estimated that, The American Institute, Enterprise
• Institute, has estimated that Idaho has 10,000 acres of commercially zoned land statewide that remains

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's such an important institution for... Senator, thanks so much for the opportunity.
• And on behalf of our institution, again, I just want to say thank you sincerely.
• Extension, well-made. and more than 161 years is New York State's land grant institution.
• Wonderful institution. But we are all inclusive.
• Every state has a land-grant institution. These were started by Abraham Lincoln.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee met and first took up five bills. It reported S.593 (land used in agricultural production), S.879A (the Garden Protection Act), S.3277 (transfer-on-death beneficiaries for farming implements), and S.4754 (creating an Office of Urban Agriculture). S.1529A, the Carbon Farming Act, was moved to the Finance Committee. The committee briefly discussed S.4754, with Senator Borrello asking about its status and members noting strong support for urban agriculture and food-system resilience; the bill was then reported to Finance by voice vote. The committee then heard from Julie Suarez, Associate Dean for Land Grant Affairs at Cornell CALS, who described Cornell’s role in research, extension, and public service across New York agriculture. She highlighted Cornell’s economic impact, growth in FFA participation including new urban chapters, dairy investment, and the potential of the maple industry, while emphasizing the need for continued agricultural science funding to address climate change, invasive species, and market challenges. She also pointed members to Cornell programs supporting food entrepreneurs, soil health, small farms, veterans entering agriculture, and community integrated pest management. Members asked questions about tick increases, with Suarez attributing them to deer, rodents, climate change, and invasive species, and said Cornell’s community IPM program offers landscaping and prevention guidance. She also explained Cornell’s land-grant and contract-college structure, including its statutory mission and state support. The meeting ended after members expressed interest in further outreach and informational sessions, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 5 by Huffman, relating to the creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute
• Senate Bill 5 by Huffman, relating to the creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute
• of public institutions of higher education from soliciting or accepting gifts and grants, to Education
• constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute
• constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute

Summary: The Senate met briefly and referred a large number of first-reading bills and resolutions to standing committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including hemp regulation, dementia research funding, parental rights and public education, municipal library funding, tax and local government issues, criminal justice, health care, education, transportation, natural resources, and election law. Several constitutional resolutions were also referred, including proposals related to the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and a severance tax revenue fund. Most of the transcript consists of the reading of bill captions and committee referrals, with no substantive debate or testimony recorded. The listed measures included proposals on school uniforms, charter schools, Medicaid fraud remedies, insurance practices, occupational licensing for people with criminal convictions, water and sewer utility cybersecurity, agricultural protections, public meeting broadcasting, and various local and state governance matters. No votes were taken on the bills in this segment. The only formal action reflected was referral of the bills and resolutions to the appropriate committees, followed by adjournment of the Senate until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the largest sponsoring institution the largest sponsoring institution across<00:02:43.239><c> the
• </c> profit um U Venture um the institution profit um U Venture um the institution Mayo<00:29:14.840>
• </c><00:42:39.520><c> provide</c> don't how how many institutions provide don't how how many institutions
• </c> if there are any private institutions if there are any private institutions that<00:42:47.920><c
• </c> Communications with the institutions Communications with the institutions those<00:46:59.400><c>

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• body and implemented across our higher education institutions.
• body and implemented across our higher education institutions.
• body and implemented across our higher education institutions.
• When in reality, public institutions should target individual student needs.
• Their institution of higher education had been designated as an HSI.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kendra Kaiser from the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute. Welcome, Dr. Kaiser.
• I'm the director of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, IWRI for short.
• I'm the director of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute. IWRI for short.
• We are one of 54 sister institutions across the country.
• There's a water research institute in every state and territory.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now it's any institution, any college or state institution in Kentucky, so you can go to UK, UofL, or
• any of the state institutions with accredited programs.
• </c><00:13:09.399><c> College</c><00:13:09.880><c> State</c> it's any institution College State it's
• any institution College State institution<00:13:10.760><c> in</c><00:13:10.959><c> Kentucky</c><00:13
• </c> UK uvl any of the state institutions UK uvl any of the state institutions that's<00:13:16.519><c

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 01:23 Discussion of 25RS HB 219 06:40 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 219 07:44 Discussion of 25RS HCR 20 09:36 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HCR 20 10:58 Discussion of 25RS HB 303 17:02 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 303 18:38 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 21:46 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 219, sponsored by Representative Rebecca Raymer. The bill requires emergency services to provide mandatory training for emergency medical staff on sexual assault emergency response requirements, with the training developed in collaboration with the Sexual Assault Response Team advisory committee. Testimony from Jenna Cassidy of the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs and WN Stevens of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kentucky explained that the training would help emergency department staff properly respond to sexual assault patients, preserve evidence, and connect patients to needed resources; the committee also clarified that the bill is training-focused and not a certification requirement. HB 219 received favorable expression and was reported to the House floor. The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 20, also from Representative Raymer, which directs the Legislative Research Commission to study gaps in sexual assault nurse examiner coverage, why those gaps exist, and what hospitals do when no SANE nurse is available. Raymer said the study was intended to gather data for future legislation, and members noted the importance of documenting current practices and supporting efforts to expand SANE coverage. The resolution was adopted with 16 favorable votes and recommended for passage on the House floor. Next, the committee took up House Bill 303, sponsored by Representative Steve Bratcher, which creates a pathway for military medical personnel to translate their training into civilian Kentucky credentials through colleges and universities. The committee substitute broadened participation beyond KCTCS to any Kentucky institution with accredited programs, and Bratcher explained that schools would evaluate military experience, award applicable credit, identify gaps, and still require the relevant licensure exam. Members asked about university participation, credentialing standards, and how prior military radiology training would transfer; Bratcher said the program is voluntary for institutions and works with existing SkillBridge and veterans’ programs. HB 303, as amended by committee substitute, passed unanimously and was recommended for passage. At the end of the meeting, the committee briefly reviewed administrative regulations. Representative Fleming asked about a behavioral regulation that had previously been found sufficient, and staff indicated it had been deferred, later found deficient again in the Senate Health Services Committee, and may be addressed through Senate Bill 65. The chair then allowed members to record additional votes before adjourning and announced the next Health Services meeting would be February 20 at noon in Room 149.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not push financial institutions into speculative activity.
• </c><01:55:10.320><c> to</c> allowing local financial institutions to allowing local financial institutions
• </c> institution in certain circumstances? institution in certain circumstances?
• And if we're creating a institutions.
• </c><02:05:51.920><c> have</c> it insure it would the institution have it insure it would the institution

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of early learning here at the Hunt Institute.
• </c><00:51:59.200><c> Thank</c> childhood education institutions.
• Um, and here at the Hunt Institute.
• Um, I've been here for just Institute.
• But that Institute to help you plan.

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you start reading on page 12, line 21, it refers to attending public or private school or an institution
• , strike school and insert that language: attending public or private school or an institution of higher
• We just use that same language, public or private school or an institution of higher education, and insert
• Same language into the end of Letter C: or attending public or private school or an institution of higher
• So if I'm understanding correctly, or institution of higher...

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you start reading on page 12, line 21, it refers to attending public or private school or an institution
• 12, lines 22 and 23: public or private school, Lines 22 and 23: public or private school or an institution
• We just use that same language, public or private school or an institution of higher education, and insert
• Same language into the end of Letter C or attending public or private school or institution of higher
• So if I'm understanding correctly, or institution of higher.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 38 and Senate Bill 101, both of which had already received public comment and questions earlier. In each case, a member moved a due pass recommendation, the motions were seconded, and both bills were approved on 4-1 votes, with Representative Locke voting no and the other members present voting yes. The committee then considered House Bill 199, as amended by a House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee substitute, dealing with sex offender registration and notification laws. The sponsor and Department of Public Safety explained that the bill is intended to bring New Mexico closer to federal SORNA standards under the Adam Walsh Act by creating a tiered registration system, shortening the reporting deadline from five business days to three, requiring in-person reporting for changes, expanding public website information, and adding some offenses to the registry. Supporters included DPS, State Police, and the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, while an opponent on Zoom argued the bill would hurt public safety and noted low recidivism rates. Committee members raised several drafting and policy questions, including definitions, tier placement for certain offenses, out-of-state registration, and the impact of publishing employment information. The committee adopted amendments to remove a superfluous definition of “sexually violent offense,” clarify “three business days,” and replace vague school language with “public or private school or an institution of higher education.” After the amendments, the committee voted 5-1 to give House Bill 199 a do pass recommendation, with the amended committee substitute moving forward to the next committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans Affairs, HB 102 by Wilson relating to the early registration for certain students at public institutions
• State Affairs, HB 2410 by Lee Wilson, relating to granting charters to certain public and private institutions
• It was 2420 by Gonzalez of El Paso relating to the requiring each public institution of higher education
• HB 2535 by Leach relating to the determination of resident status of students by public institutions
• Institutions of higher education requiring students to enroll in certain courses to complete certificate

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether we're talking about credit unions or banks, the reality is the same: institutions can, and...
• Whether we're talking about credit unions or banks, the reality is the same: institutions can, and...
• Financial institutions can follow the law in good faith and still be sued.
• That are publicly available or communicated directly to the financial institution.
• institution and the dealership not getting the title to the individual in a timely manner.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> plan on attending a state institution. plan on attending a state institution.
• The institution first takes into account the PEL grant.
• The institution first takes into account the PEL grant.
• The institution first takes into account the PEL grant.
• private institutions.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a data demand to our higher ed institutions that is asking for a variety of information in a question
• It's a data demand to our higher ed institutions that is asking for a variety of information in a question
• variety of information about the identities of our students or applicants for admission to our institutions
• is one of our older cases, an older set of issues, and involves the disruptions at the National Institutes
• The Department of Education awards grants to UMass, the City of Boston, and other institutions to train

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group. The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office. Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines. Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the portion remaining within an OE would be for nonprofit or tribal institutions.
• The House adopts a section from... institutional aid. And so uh it is I institutional aid.
• Um, this is institutional language.
• </c><01:26:33.120><c> Um</c> Ohei's lensure of those institutions.
• Um Ohei's lensure of those institutions.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Higher Education Finance and Policy Conference Committee met publicly to compare House and Senate positions on the higher education budget, with the chairs emphasizing transparency and alternating gavel control. Nonpartisan fiscal staff walked through a spreadsheet of differences across the Office of Higher Education and Minnesota State, including major items such as state grants, childcare grants, work study, tribal college grants, emergency assistance grants, hunger-free campus grants, student parent support, direct admissions, paramedic scholarships, and several medical residency and fellowship programs. The House and Senate also differed on administrative funding, campus sexual assault reporting, and a House FY25 cancellation that would be carried forward. Members discussed several of the larger policy and funding choices. The Senate explained its increase for Minitex as support for operating costs and statewide access to information. The House explained its cuts to student parent support and other items as necessary to work within a zero target and to prioritize direct aid to students, while the Senate said it focused on direct appropriations and access-related programs. On hunger-free campus grants and emergency assistance grants, the Senate said it was changing the distribution method and direct appropriations rather than reducing the overall money, while the House noted differences in whether nonprofit institutions remained included. The committee also reviewed Senate-only additions and reductions in Minnesota State, including free course materials, Lake Superior College remediation, and changes to the Kids on Campus appropriation. A representative from Lake Superior College testified that the PAS remediation funding would help address contamination issues at an emergency training site near Lake Superior and that the money was shifted from the Kids on Campus initiative. No final conference agreement or vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee continued discussing differences and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:11.440><c> licensing</c> on the post-secary institution licensing on the post-secary institution
• If an institution loses eligibility for federal student aid, the commissioner of OE has the option of
• <00:22:43.919><c> for</c> institution uh loses eligibility for institution uh loses eligibility for federal
• </c> Ohei to gather uh Minnesota institutions Ohei to gather uh Minnesota institutions dual<00:28:21.679
• like ours really play a institutions like ours really play a critical<00:39:43.599><c> role.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And in the Seattle area, the amount of homes in a large institutional investor's portfolio has grown
• know we have a housing shortage, we need more homes, but at a time of shortage, we don't need institutional
• I'm Professor Brian Henning, Director of the Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment
• In my comments today, I do not speak on behalf of Gonzaga, but as myself from the Climate Institute.
• While we understand the concerns about large institutional investors purchasing single-family homes,

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 904, all