Transcript Highlights:

• You can see over the last several years our total research expenditures, how much this has changed, You
• can see over the last several years, our total research expenditures, how much this has changed.
• ... ...very important positions, their lives change, careers change.
• Let me start with three and work up for a change.
• And that includes their pedagogy, that includes their content knowledge, because that in turn changes

Summary: The Education Postsecondary Committee held its first meeting and focused on state university centers and institutes, with an overview from the Board of Governors on how the more than 500 centers and institutes across Florida’s public universities are categorized, overseen, and reported. The Board described three categories: state-level centers, legislatively established centers, and university-established centers. Members were told universities must maintain policies, notify the Board of changes, publish public inventories, and submit annual reports and compliance certifications. Senator Harrell asked about funding sources and whether underperforming centers are reviewed for elimination; the response was that funding varies by center and that universities decide whether to maintain or disband centers under their own policies, with annual reporting and audit findings shared with the Board. Four university presentations followed. Florida Atlantic University highlighted its Center of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology, describing research in marine-derived drug discovery, genomics, imaging, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and ocean sustainability, along with spin-off institutes and partnerships that have generated significant grant and contract support. FIU presented its Center of Excellence for Hurricane Damage Mitigation and Product Development, emphasizing the Wall of Wind facility, hurricane and water intrusion testing, code and product innovation, insurance modeling, and future expansion toward higher wind speeds and flood simulation. Florida State University’s High-Performance Materials Institute described work in advanced materials, aerospace composites, sensors, nanocomposites, and AI-enabled materials development, along with patents, industry partnerships, and new facilities tied to economic development. The University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning outlined its work on teacher professional learning, literacy, New Worlds Reading, tutoring, and mathematics supports, including microcredentials, statewide book distribution, and early results showing improved reading confidence and growth. Members generally praised the centers for their research, commercialization, workforce development, and education impacts. Senator Jones and Senator Harrell commended the Lastinger Center’s literacy work and the broader return on investment from these programs, while Senator Berman noted the value of the synergies across institutions. The chair emphasized that future funding requests should clearly show measurable success, commercialization, and statewide impact. The committee then adjourned without any formal votes on legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• got a lot of bills on for today, so if you can keep your testimony to three minutes, there'll be a clock
• to reflect changes that have occurred since then.
• But oftentimes, it's a change in insurance coverage — whether it comes from a job change, an employer
• And so the idea behind this bill is to ensure that, despite a change of insurance, the patient still
• The bill was reported... ...with the provider, even if there has been, as they say, a change in their

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on a large group of behavioral health and insurance-related bills. Topics included expanding access to mental health services by allowing physician assistants to authorize Section 12 emergency holds and be recognized as licensed mental health professionals (H. 1131/S. 773); improving coverage for community behavioral health centers so commercial insurance matches MassHealth’s bundled outpatient and crisis services (H. 1276/S. 703); eliminating cost sharing for certain behavioral health services (S. 718); extending detox and clinical stabilization coverage from 14 to 30 days and adding transitional support services (H. 1319/S. 772); requiring coverage for dual-diagnosis treatment in psychiatric facilities (H. 1277/S. 771); and preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness through coverage of coordinated specialty care and assertive community treatment (H. 1135/S. 709). The committee also heard bills on preventive behavioral health services for children (H. 1228/S. 802) and post-pregnancy mental health care, including postpartum depression and pregnancy loss-related care (H. 1314/S. 823).

Transcript Highlights:

• That act ultimately created a number of system changes in Florida. to really bring together all of our
• and their needs to access certain systems change, is important.
• So, let me change the question: how many unique people are using the system now?
• We could not execute a change order after the obligation date.
• So a change order would not be possible after that.

Transcript Highlights:

• They state that any person can't try to change the qualifications for voters in our state that would
• be contrary to state law and can't try to change how we conduct elections. election in a way that would
• There are some changes that are needed for statutory compliance in terms of how ballot boxes, I mean,
• If you would, please watch your clock on that. We'll come back around if you need a second round.
• Obviously, things have changed dramatically. And I appreciate you bringing this.

Bills: SB23, SB221, SB261, SB264

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• By license type has changed over time.
• And we learned from LCB that some cannabis license holders will change the weights of their inventory
• And we learned from LCB that some cannabis license holders will change the weights of their inventory
• Or if they split a lot of cannabis into smaller lots, they might change the original weight or add a
• DOH has not quantified how these changes affect the time or staff needed for an inspection, how these

Summary: At the May 14, 2025 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 9 minutes and adopted the 2025–27 biennial work plan with a minor typo correction. Staff reviewed the new work plan studies, including a drug take-back program fee/expenditure review due in December 2025 and a state energy performance standard compliance review due in June 2027, and noted JLARC’s recent session activity, including several bills passed related to JLARC work and recommendations. The committee then heard a preliminary cannabis market study showing Washington businesses likely produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023. Staff and RAND said LCB’s data systems are incomplete and unreliable, limiting regulation, tax verification, and diversion tracking; they recommended that LCB submit a plan by year-end for collecting accurate data by the end of 2026. Members and LCB discussed the long timeline for a new traceability system, the causes of missing sales and weight data, overproduction, diversion, and the social equity program’s effect on producer licenses. JLARC also presented a preliminary hospital oversight report concluding that the Department of Health is late on many hospital inspections, does not verify third-party inspection standards, does not review adverse health event correction plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. The committee discussed fee funding, language access, and inspection timing, and DOH said it would work on a strategic plan and continue coordinating with JLARC. Members also heard a preliminary report on the public records survivor exemption, which found agencies are using it but need more guidance; JLARC recommended keeping the exemption and having the Attorney General provide additional training. Finally, the committee approved the DDA processes and staffing final report for distribution, which recommended performance metrics, stronger data quality controls, and workforce planning; DDA concurred. JLARC also introduced proposed study questions for a future DCYF juvenile rehabilitation review focused on safety, security, programs, staffing, education, and contraband, and the meeting adjourned after members asked about scope and facility conditions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Parents are notified of any change to their child's mental or physical safety.
• There is no changing that. People have been trying for a very long time.
• Texas is a rapidly changing, diversifying state.
• Can I have your permission to change that? Yes. Okay. We're going to change that.
• Okay, I'm going to have to change the registration. Okay, that's fine. Either way.

Bills: SB12, SB226, SB413, SB1049, SB1191, SB2398, SB571, SB2920, SB 12

Keywords: parental rights, education, social transitioning, diversity, equity, inclusion, school policy, student clubs, residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, school boards, transparency, public meetings, attendance, recording, released time, religious instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• This does not change discretion.
• We have your permission to make that change, Mr. Brandon Johnson.
• And the committee substitute just had one change.
• Do you want to change your position to on the bill?
• So renumbering similar non-substantive changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's That's the fundamental challenge that we have here, without new growth in revenue or change
• There's been some new policy. changes that the current administration has advocated and acknowledged
• They allow the governor. to approve any changes in the structure of the MPOs themselves.
• That's why the value changes every year. So there are no needs that.
• And priorities change, and so every year those priorities change, but we accommodate. whatever needs

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:17:39.840> the second injury fund process and the second injury fund process and the changes
• that he was requesting in house changes that he was requesting in house bill<00:17:42.200> 2<
• > lot<00:17:52.400> of<00:17:52.559> discussion<00:17:52.880> that of changes
• and a lot of discussion that of changes and a lot of discussion that needs<00:17:53.360> to<00
• I've got quarter past on my clock. So, we're going to go back. We're at the bottom of page four.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• know what we need to do right now is we need to work on the Minnesota state budget, and whatever changes
• come at a federal level when changes come at a federal level when those<00:15:16.240> actually
• <00:15:32.399> We<00:15:32.639> need be changes on a federal level.
• We need be changes on a federal level.
• I mean, it's kind of like that old cartoon where the sheepdog and the coyote would clock in and they'd

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They just clocked someone recently at 177, so this is becoming a major problem in New Hampshire.
• 06:09.280> just with people driving 100 120 they just with people driving 100 120 they just clocked
• at clocked someone recently at 177<00:06:13.560> so<00:06:14.280> this<00:06:14.440>
• It's a small sample size because we changed systems in 2021, so we only have partial records and data
• That doesn't change that scenario. That's correct.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do appreciate that once the account was funded, SBA staff worked around the clock, including over the
• The application process had to change, and the program continues.
• You believe, therefore, that you're authorized to change the DEI programs because of an executive order
• But you do understand that it has to be Congress that changes the laws.
• So, what are your thoughts on how we implement this SBA change, working with our colleagues, to get a

Transcript Highlights:

• that changed at all? that changed at all?
• supports billing limit changes. supports billing limit changes.
• law with this change? law with this change?
• changes in subdivision two would change changes in subdivision two would change any<01:24:55.720
• Changing clause three.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What has not changed is our understanding of child development.
• since then uh what has what's changed since then uh what has not<01:04:41.480> change<01:04:42.039
• The names have been changed for student confidentiality.
• The names have been changed for student confidentiality.
• planning interventions changing planning interventions changing schedules<01:43:03.520> or

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This change would allow COA directors to ensure that their departments can meet the needs of their municipalities
• Essentially, what this does is just update the bill as councils on aging have changed from when this
• As you see in the bill, the proposed language change reflects both constructs of advisory and supervisory
• I think Chairman Stanley raised the question of some of the changes nationally, I think, will force more
• income, the joys of retirement, with grandchildren, friends, and family, and the best part, no more clock

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence held a hearing on several bills, led by Chair Tom Stanley and Senate Chair Patricia Jehlen. The committee first heard testimony on H. 765/S. 487, an act relative to councils on aging, which would update outdated statutory language and allow directors of councils on aging to make staffing decisions when a council is structured as an advisory body. Representative Donahue and Betsy Connell of the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging said the change reflects how most councils now operate and would resolve conflicts like the one that arose in Sherborn. Members asked about whether the bill would affect town managers, volunteer roles, and whether the language should more clearly exempt informal volunteer help; supporters said the bill is aimed at municipal staffing structures, not unpaid volunteer assistance. The committee then took extensive testimony on H. 789/S. 470, an act to improve Massachusetts home care, which would create a statewide licensure system for non-medical home care agencies and entities. Julie Watt, Jay Krillovich, Betsy Krimmins, Lisa Gargoni, Tim Foley, and several providers and advocates supported the bill, arguing that licensure would establish baseline standards for background checks, training, service plans, insurance, complaint procedures, and labor-law compliance, while helping consumers identify legitimate providers and reducing fraud and abuse. Several witnesses described problems with unlicensed or poorly supervised providers, and family members and dementia advocates emphasized the need for dementia-specific training and better oversight for vulnerable clients. Tim Foley also raised concerns about private equity’s growing role in home care and said stronger regulation is needed to protect consumers and workers. Committee members focused on practical questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would reach informal paid helpers, volunteers, or people doing occasional household tasks, and what agency would enforce the rules. Supporters said the bill is intended to cover entities advertising home care services, not unpaid volunteer help, though they acknowledged regulators would need to work out details. John Sneeth of Tribute Home Care offered a more cautious view, saying licensure should not unduly burden smaller providers or reduce competition, and that enforcement would be key. The hearing also included testimony from the Alzheimer’s Association and family caregivers, who strongly supported the bill’s dementia-training provisions and described how trained caregivers improved safety and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. At the end of the hearing, the committee also heard support for H. 778/S. 473, regarding the Commission on LGBTQ Aging, with Lisa Krinsky urging funding for a full-time director and continued support for the commission’s strategic plan. After public testimony concluded, the committee adjourned the hearing by motion and voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's coming from outside, of course, is climate change, which I'm allowed to talk to state legislators
• We've been changing our language when talking to the feds.
• regulations, so as our scientific understanding of environmental impacts improves, and as climate change
• regulations, so as our scientific understanding of environmental impacts improves, and as climate change
• That seems to be changing, and this is a topic that CASA has been leading on.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology held an informational hearing on the role of biotechnology industries in wastewater treatment, hosted at Bakar Labs on the UC Berkeley campus. Opening remarks emphasized California’s water scarcity, the rising cost of wastewater infrastructure, and the need to reuse and clean contaminated water. Committee members framed the hearing as a look at both current treatment challenges and emerging technologies that could improve water quality, affordability, and resilience over time. The first panel focused on statewide wastewater challenges. BACWA Executive Director Laurie Fono described wastewater plants as part of a broader circular economy, noting their roles in recycled water, environmental enhancement, biosolids management, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy generation. She highlighted major challenges including aging 1970s-era infrastructure, nutrient reduction mandates, sea level rise, evolving regulations, and PFAS source control. She said Bay Area agencies face about $11 billion in nutrient reduction costs, with rate increases, state revolving funds, WIFIA loans, and bonds as the main financing tools. Members asked about regional differences, energy revenue opportunities, smaller decentralized plants, and agricultural collaboration. The second panel featured researchers and lab experts discussing biotechnology solutions. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s Dr. Romine Chakarvati described using microbial communities and machine learning to help break down PFAS and treat produced water. CEL Analytical’s Dr. Yigi Dearborn explained pathogen testing for direct potable reuse, wastewater monitoring, and the need for larger sample volumes and more funding to validate methods for viruses and protozoa. Stanford’s Dr. Chunhung-Shin presented an anaerobic membrane system that turns domestic wastewater into clean water and energy with less biosolids and lower operating costs. Committee members asked about AI, assay development, scaling technologies, and funding priorities. Public comment from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies stressed the need to balance scalability, reliability, and affordability, and the hearing adjourned without any formal vote or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we have a very unique time in history right now to make some massive changes.
• If we all believe in climate change and that the climate changes seasonally, I mean, CAL FIRE responds
• But we do have to invest in changing policies so we can better mitigate the risk of these wildfires in
• As Assemblymember Bennett talked about, the new normal in California with climate change is drought and
• We're also grateful for the administration's around-the-clock support of L.A.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:59:40.960> their payroll is finalized and change their payroll is finalized and change
• allows allows them to change their mind. allows allows them to change their mind.
• So, what has changed in 2026?
• <02:21:05.200> their and then maybe midshift changing their and then maybe midshift changing
• has changed and there are new people. has changed and there are new people.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• us a brief explanation of what changed us a brief explanation of what changed from<00:34:13.079>
• Those are the major changes.
• > the they're going to have to change the they're going to have to change the rates<01:35:24.960
• before or after the policy change before or after the policy change suggesting<03:33:23.080>
• more quickly in order to beat the clock more quickly in order to beat the clock where<03:33:53.560

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first discussed scheduling, noting that Town Meeting Day would cancel the next Tuesday meeting, that they would meet Wednesday instead, and that remaining bills would be handled through subcommittees and a likely final executive session on the 19th to meet the deadline for committee action on the 20th. The committee then took up several bills, with repeated roll calls and votes, often placing measures on the consent calendar after committee approval. House Bill 185 on ambulance reimbursement rates was described as a perennial issue and was voted inexpedient to legislate, with members noting concerns that an any-willing-provider approach would make premium impacts hard to evaluate. House Bill 186 on cannabis legalization was retained for further work, with members saying the bill addressed stopping marijuana arrests but that the sales and implementation details still needed more development. House Bill 241 on treatment alternatives to opioids was also retained because the sponsor could not attend and the committee wanted more time to continue work. The committee then considered House Bill 302 on state treasury investments in digital assets and precious metals. The amendment narrowed the proposal, removing more complicated provisions like stable tokens and staking, lowering the authorized allocation from 10% to 5%, and limiting eligible digital assets to those with very high market capitalization; members discussed volatility, the treasurer’s discretion, and oversight through bond-rating concerns. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. Other measures moved quickly: House Bill 451 on a paint product stewardship program was amended to remove direct funding and framed as manufacturer-run enabling legislation, then passed and was placed on consent; House Bill 499 made technical corrections to insurance laws and passed unanimously; House Bill 538 on relocating Liquor Commission positions passed unanimously; House Bill 552 on children covered under the state retirement insurance plan was cleaned up to remove a student requirement and passed unanimously; and a blockchain/digital currencies bill was amended to address noise and local regulation concerns for data mining operations, with supporters emphasizing energy-use issues, municipal authority, and a separate commission studying regulation. That bill also passed and was sent to consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• . change. change.
• <00:21:11.760> of notice of their charge change of notice of their charge change of employment
• I I rise not to influence or try to change any votes.
• >> global climate change offer opportunity.
• We don't want Tunbridge to be changed.

Keywords: 927, senate, all