Transcript Highlights:

• And through conversations and understanding of Walt and Walt's war experiences, he learns more about
• what life and death is really about, more than you can learn from books.
• what life and death is really about, more than you can learn from books.
• We have Heidi Sers, who's a local teacher success and work-based learning coordinator.
• We have Heidi Sers, who's a local teacher success and work-based learning coordinator.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and then took up several ceremonial and procedural items before moving to resolutions and a large consent calendar of supplemental appropriation bills. The chamber also received committee reports, including Agriculture and Natural Resources appointments to the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund, the Colorado Agricultural Development Authority, and the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee, which were recommended for the consent calendar and confirmation. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and personal privilege remarks. Senators recognized Cap Alpha Psi Fraternity for its mentorship, scholarship, housing, and community service work in Colorado, and later honored Ukraine Power, a Colorado Springs nonprofit that raises funds and delivers generators, heaters, power banks, and other aid to people in Ukraine. Senators emphasized the ongoing war in Ukraine and praised Coloradans helping with humanitarian relief. The Senate then adopted SJR 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, after extended remarks about agricultural education, leadership development, and the role of FFA in both rural and urban communities. The resolution passed on a 33-0 vote, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The chamber also passed a 30-bill consent calendar of supplemental appropriations and related measures, with several senators recording no votes on selected bills. Final passage followed for House Bill 1151 and the remaining bills on the calendar, covering supplemental appropriations to departments including Corrections, Health Care Policy and Financing, Agriculture, Early Childhood, Education, Human Services, Judicial, Labor and Employment, Law, Local Affairs, Military and Veterans Affairs, Personnel, Revenue, State, Transportation, Treasury, and capital construction and education-related funding measures. Debate on HB 1155 focused on Medicaid and behavioral health cuts, with one senator opposing the bill over parity concerns and others supporting it as part of broader budget balancing. Most bills passed with strong majorities, though several had recorded no votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Classroom teachers are the center of student learning and school success.
• <00:03:59.680> and the center of student learning and the center of student learning and school
• And um who have our kids grow and learn.
• components these principles learned components these principles learned through<00:29:03.440>
• <00:31:43.120> themselves a way that helps them learn themselves a way that helps them learn

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Senator Julie Rocky Adams, which would prohibit school administrators from receiving a percentage pay increase greater than the average percentage increase given to classroom teachers in the same district. Supporters said the bill is intended to keep teacher pay from falling behind, promote fairness and transparency, and preserve local control through existing waiver options. Senators Thomas, Higdon, Givens, Neal, Williams, and others generally supported the bill, while Senator Meredith raised concerns about unintended consequences for rural districts and the ability to retain principals and other talent quickly enough through the waiver process. The sponsor and others responded that the waiver process is standardized and expedited, and that normal raises would not be affected. SB 2 was adopted unanimously with favorable expression. The committee then took up Senate Bill 4 on school leadership, with a committee substitute changing a reference from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce to the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. Senator West explained that the bill is designed to create a coordinated five-year principal leadership pipeline, based on research suggesting that school leadership is a major factor in teacher retention and school success. The first two years would be KDE-run foundational training and mentorship, followed by a gap year, then a public-private partnership year with the Chamber/Truist program, and finally a fifth year of advanced training through approved providers such as Western Kentucky University or KASA. West said the goal is to extend principals’ tenure and improve leadership quality statewide. Ashley Watts of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce testified that the Chamber Foundation has run the Leadership Institute for School Principals since 2011, sending 641 principals from 112 counties through the program at a business-funded cost of more than $4.4 million. She said the program has reached about 3 million students and produces measurable school improvement. Henderson County Superintendent Bob Lawson said the program has been valuable in his district and emphasized the heavy workload and leadership demands placed on principals. The discussion continued with testimony about the importance of principal leadership and the need to invest in it, but no final vote on SB 4 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, back in 2019, KB has we have been serving as a workplace learning intermediary for the Kawaii complex
• Um, we just want it to be a safe place for people to learn.
• <00:08:18.479> yeah<00:08:18.919> and safe place for people to learn yeah and safe
• <00:10:01.320> digital them really um you know learn digital them really um you know learn
• And, um, you know, I'm still learning, right? I'm still learning a lot about HTDC.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard confirmations for two Hawaii Technology Development Corporation board nominees, Jaclyn Ka and Gregory Oara. Testimony for both was overwhelmingly in support. Supporters for Ka emphasized her Kauaʻi roots, work in workforce development and digital equity, and ability to connect schools, industry, and community needs. In her own remarks, Ka said she wants to bring resources to Kauaʻi and the neighbor islands, strengthen local workforce pathways, and use the HTDC board to help local residents access technology jobs and training. Members questioned Ka about how to reduce reliance on mainland hires for jobs at PMRF and other technology employers, how to better align training with local needs, and how to connect Kauaʻi schools, community college programs, and creative media/digital technology efforts. Ka described KDB’s role in building islandwide digital media and drone clubs, professional development for teachers, and partnerships intended to create a pipeline from school to workforce. She also said the legislature can help mainly by listening and staying informed about local needs. For Oara, supporters highlighted his engineering and semiconductor background, his experience in academia, industry, and startups, and his potential to help HTDC with technology commercialization, IP, and exportable services. Oara said he wants HTDC to better support early-stage companies, improve coordination among universities, government, and the private sector, and create a directory of technical skill sets to connect startups with needed expertise. He also discussed AI, saying Hawaii can contribute by developing smaller, locally relevant models rather than only relying on large-scale data-center infrastructure. The hearing focused on these nominations and testimony; no vote or final committee action was stated in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Relish from Twin Cities PBS, viewers learn about global cuisines through the stories and food shared
• Viewers learn about global cuisines through the stories and food shared by our neighbors right here in
• address specific math benchmark learning address specific math benchmark learning standards<00:23
• in their learning in their learning Journeys<00:27:09.120> not<00:27:09.320> all<00
• And you know, I just learned today that the number of people of color and Indigenous people connected

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fund this uh the same the math learning fund this uh the same the math learning program<00:33:37.000
• swallow uh reducing the math learning swallow uh reducing the math learning communities<00:34:33.879
• prime sponsor this bill math learning prime sponsor this bill math learning communities<00:35:48.920
• and uh helpful to me as I've learned and uh helpful to me as I've learned more<01:01:54.520>
• um creates or widens gaps in learning um creates or widens gaps in learning because<05:36:43.440

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which clarifies that dual and concurrent enrollment courses may not exceed four credits. Members said the bill came from the community college system and was intended to preserve the program’s high school-to-college pathway. An amendment changing the effective date to passage was adopted 18-0, and the committee then voted 18-0 to recommend OTPA on the bill as amended, with the bill placed on the consent calendar. The committee then retained HB 295 and HB 366, both related to school building aid, after members said the issues were complex and needed more work. Both motions to retain passed 18-0, leaving the bills in committee without reports. The chair also said HB 354 would not be taken up that day because of possible changes from the Department of Education and others. HB 494, funding the math learning communities program, was then amended to flat-fund the program rather than increase it, with members citing budget uncertainty. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted 18-0 for OTPA on the bill as amended, placing it on consent. Finally, HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid, drew debate over whether charter schools should be treated differently from traditional public schools. The committee voted 10-8 for inexpedient to legislate, sending the bill to the regular calendar; Representative Damon was assigned the minority report and Representative Popovic the majority report. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program, where members discussed flat-funding the program at $2.5 million per year and the potential impact on course availability, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there time to learn lessons and quickly pivot into the Olympic Games?
• Some lessons learned that we've already taken into account are around safety and public safety needs
• And some of the lessons learned are that... ...we have to invest in.
• So we get a lot of these learnings as we go along.
• So we get a lot of these learnings as we go along.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The hearing focused on Los Angeles’ preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with an emphasis on infrastructure, transportation, sustainability, community benefits, and legacy planning. Members and witnesses discussed venue readiness, state and local coordination, public safety, accessibility, and how the Games can leave behind lasting improvements such as transit upgrades, streetscape work, energy and utility improvements, and potentially permanent community assets. LA28 also highlighted its broader planning goals, including a transit-first, no-new-permanent-build approach and the use of temporary venues that could later serve communities. LA28’s Joey Freeman reported on ticket sales, volunteer interest, sponsorships, and recent legislative wins, including laws to support the games route network, temporary infrastructure, medical staffing, and out-of-state EMS deployment. He said LA28 has reached $2.5 billion in corporate sponsorships, sold more than 4 million tickets in the first drop, and launched a local presale with roughly half a million $28 tickets and a community ticketing program. However, several senators sharply criticized the ticketing rollout, saying low-cost tickets were too limited and that the committee lacked basic data on how many tickets were available, sold, or priced affordably. Members also raised concerns about ensuring access for low-income residents, schools, nonprofits, and the broader Los Angeles community. Mayor Karen Bass said the city’s theme is “Games for All” and described efforts to prepare small businesses, improve infrastructure, and create a citywide Cultural Olympiad and fan-fest style viewing sites modeled partly on Paris. She asked for state help with permitting, mutual aid for law enforcement, and cleanup of state-owned corridors and highways, and said the city wants local businesses prioritized over a broader Southern California definition of “local.” Other witnesses from Exposition Park and the Rose Bowl described major venue-specific needs, including accessibility, traffic and safety upgrades, utility replacement, site improvements, and legacy investments. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, but members requested follow-up meetings and additional information on ticketing, community access, procurement, cultural programming, and infrastructure plans.

Transcript Highlights:

• comment, and this will be just on the four items: Part 1 for the Department of Education—Expanded Learning
• And we also are strong supporters of augmented support for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program
• This is the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program proposals.
• There are also learnings as well. So I talked about the coordination of support.
• We also still—that is a learning for us as well.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard testimony and took up three main budget areas: the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), differentiated assistance and the statewide system of support, and universal school meals with kitchen infrastructure grants. Public commenters and agency witnesses generally supported continued or increased funding for ELOP, with several groups urging stabilization of Tier 2 rates, more support for older youth, and preservation of equity guardrails and local flexibility. On school meals and kitchen infrastructure, testimony broadly supported universal meals and additional kitchen funding, while the LAO questioned the need for a fourth round of kitchen grants and recommended rejecting it until clearer unmet-need data are available. For ELOP, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to provide $4.7 billion ongoing for the program and $62.4 million ongoing to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended instead fixing the Tier 2 rate at $1,579 and tying future changes to program requirements. CDE said the program is showing positive results in attendance and math, but data on enrollment patterns, TK participation, and some overlap with other programs are still being collected. Members raised concerns about possible double-funding with ACEs and 21st Century programs, the lack of site-specific data, and whether the current structure best targets students most in need; the issue was left open. For differentiated assistance, CCEE outlined the current statewide system of support and the Governor’s proposal to shift to universal and targeted assistance with a three-year cycle. Finance said the proposal would provide more stable county office funding, broaden universal supports, and give the State Board more flexibility to revise eligibility criteria; it also proposed $131.9 million ongoing for universal and targeted assistance. The LAO objected to changing the system before the State Board finalizes the new performance criteria and recommended revisiting the proposal later, while several members worried that a three-year entry window and broader board authority could weaken subgroup-based equity protections. The committee also discussed school meal funding, with Finance proposing $1.8 billion for universal meals and $100 million ongoing plus $100 million one-time for kitchen infrastructure, while CDE emphasized ongoing needs, deferred maintenance, and the importance of flexibility for innovative strategies such as food pantries. The committee held the issues open and invited additional public comment before moving on.

Transcript Highlights:

• values that I think I have uh learned values that I think I have uh learned from<00:31:54.240>
• learn this is part of their history? learn this is part of their history?
• So, you learn these things, but then what do you do with it? What are you bringing it forward?
• Great.<00:48:20.960> So,<00:48:21.200> you<00:48:21.440> learn<00:48:21.920>
• So, you learn these things, but Great.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard and then took action on several measures. Senate Bill 3048, relating to the State Building Code Council and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, received support from OPSD and the Chamber of Commerce, with OPSD requesting amendments tied to software licensing and a public permitting dashboard. The committees ultimately recommended passing the bill with amendments, including an effective date, and later adopted that recommendation by vote. Senate Bill 3083, relating to protective orders, drew support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Military and Community Relations Office, and a member of the public, while the Judiciary asked that the bill be deferred or amended because a prior notification process had lapsed and a new mandate could be difficult to implement. The committees nevertheless recommended passage with amendments and an effective date, noting implementation concerns in the report, and that recommendation was adopted. The committees also considered Senate Bill 3010, which would allow law enforcement, animal control officers, and firefighters to enter unattended vehicles to rescue animals in distress. The Animal Legal Defense Fund supported the measure as a common-sense good Samaritan protection, and the Hawaii Association for Justice recommended a small amendment. The bill was recommended for passage with amendments and later adopted. Senate Bill 3187, relating to off-site construction and SPEED Task Force recommendations, received OPSD testimony in support with comments; the committees recommended passing it with amendments, deleting the dollar amount and adding an effective date, and adopted that recommendation. In a later joint hearing with the Committee on Education, Senate Bill 2138, which would expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to graduate study, received support from the University of Hawaii, the Department of Defense, the Hawaii Army National Guard, and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office. Members asked whether the current law limited assistance to undergraduate degrees and whether the program would require new funding; witnesses said the bill would simply expand authority and could be implemented within the current budget. Senate Bill 2614, authorizing high school diplomas for certain veterans whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices, also drew support from DOE and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, with DOE explaining it had previously issued diplomas under an earlier version of the law and would verify eligibility through an application process. Senate Bill 2687, requiring a 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum plan and pilot program, drew mixed testimony: DOE said the topic is already covered in existing social studies standards and the bill was unnecessary, while supporters argued the history is not being consistently taught and should be mandated. The transcript cuts off before final action on the education bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• impacts turnover and morale and learning impacts turnover and morale and learning outcomes<00:13
• Learning results have increased in double digits, and most importantly, the learning results for the
• , effects of interrupted learning, effects of interrupted learning, particularly<00:42:37.400>
• ,<00:43:03.400> student experiences, student learning, student experiences, student learning
• , and communities in Minnesota learn, and communities in Minnesota learn, lead,<00:45:10.359>

Bills: HF3119

Keywords: teacher compensation, educational staff, unlicensed staff, minimum wage, inflation adjustment, education finance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• in place now, students would be learn in place now, students would be learn losing<00:20:25.919>
• > or<01:10:19.440> thrive Children cannot learn, grow, or thrive Children cannot learn,
• Uh we've learned a lot of aware of.
• Thank you for learning environments.
• > through<01:32:08.480> a learning generally diffused through a learning generally diffused

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:09.600> one continu continuity of learning one continu continuity of learning one significant
• The potential negative impact on student learning is clear.
• their style of learning.
• their style of teacher that they learn their style of learning<00:56:38.559> they<00:56:38.799
• relationship and the way they've learned relationship and the way they've learned to<00:57:39.400

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee opened by approving the January 16 and January 21 minutes. Members then heard testimony focused on the impact of Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) and the proposed paid family and medical leave program on Minnesota school districts, with the chair framing the hearing as an opportunity to hear from major employers and school leaders about costs and operational effects. Kimberly Lewis, speaking for the Minnesota School Boards Association and related school administrator groups, said districts generally already provide generous, locally negotiated sick leave and had initially adapted to ESST by separating vacation, sick time, and ESST into different buckets. She argued that a 2024 law effectively converted previously bargained sick leave into ESST, which she said undermines contracts, creates large unfunded costs, and may raise constitutional contract-clause concerns. Lewis cited large accumulated leave banks in some districts, increased sick leave use, and estimated significant costs from paid leave, including a reported $2.5 million impact for one large district. She urged flexibility such as prorating ESST for midyear hires and part-time staff and exempting coaches, short-term substitutes, and similar employees from ESST. Superintendent Anarie Fuco of St. Michael-Albertville said her district expects about $400,000 in added fiscal 2026 costs from ESST and paid leave, plus indirect costs from substitute coverage and increased absenteeism. She said schools already have generous bargaining agreements, but the new laws reduce verification and require districts to track leave for temporary staff, creating what she described as a need for “substitutes for our substitutes.” Fuco said the district would face more than $211,000 in direct payroll costs from paid leave alone and asked for flexibility or exceptions for districts already offering comparable benefits. Members asked follow-up questions about how substitute teachers accrue leave and how many districts may be cutting budgets; Lewis and Fuco said many districts are making cuts and that substitute and staffing burdens are growing. A third testifier began by Zoom, but the transcript cuts off before her full testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then also from YNI High School Marine Science Learning Center we have Miss Dana Hoppy, Mr.
• And then also from YNI High School Marine Science Learning Center we have Miss Dana Hoppy, Mr.
• , arts integration, place-based learning, arts integration, place-based learning, and<00:30:20.159
• She has utilized her passion and drive for learning to motivate our students.
• learning to motivate our students. learning to motivate our students.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You learned something every day. Representative Fleming: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• You learned something every day. Representative Fleming: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• You learned something every day. Representative Fleming: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• You learned something every day. Representative Fleming: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• <00:21:22.559> something<00:21:22.880> every you learned something every you learned

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:15 HB 537 Discussion 00:01:30 HB 537 Vote 00:05:15 HB 695 Discussion 00:07:00 HB 695 Vote 00:23:15 HJR 31 Discussion 00:27:40 HJR 31 Vote 00:29:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 537, as amended by PHS 1, which was described as a technical measure needed to ensure Kentucky can receive opioid settlement funds despite changes in bankruptcy court orders. The sponsor and Attorney General’s office explained that the bill does not change the settlement formula or substantive terms, but adjusts the mechanism for receiving the money. After brief discussion, the committee adopted PHS 1 and then passed HB 537 out favorably on a 17-0 vote, with one member recording attendance after arriving late. The committee then considered House Bill 695, also amended by PHS 1, a Medicaid stabilization bill. The sponsor said the measure is intended to hold the program steady while the legislature gathers more information and awaits work by a future Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. The bill would limit new waivers, state plan amendments, and coverage expansions; require reporting and record retention; create a Kentucky Medicaid Pharmaceutical Rebate Fund; direct certain behavioral health and managed care changes; and include an emergency clause. Members raised questions about the rebate fund, work requirements, and whether the bill could affect coverage or funding, while supporters emphasized transparency, data collection, and preventing new expansions until oversight is in place. Several members spoke in favor of the bill’s goals but expressed caution about micromanaging a complex program and about possible unintended consequences for beneficiaries. Representative Fleming stressed the need for stronger oversight and noted the potential fiscal impact of federal Medicaid changes. Representative Stevenson voted pass, saying the committee should let the new oversight board handle the issue, and Representative Gentry also passed, citing concern about overreach and the burden of data collection. The committee ultimately reported HB 695 favorably on a 16-1 vote with three pass votes. Afterward, members recorded additional yes votes on HB 537 for the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we know now, with genetic testing and advances in biotechnology, people can learn about risk factors
• I learned this in 2013 after my aunt tested positive for the BRCA-2 mutation.
• I asked myself, do I learn this information? I was a 39-year-old single mother of two.
• Ultimately, I chose to get tested right away, and I learned that I, too, carry the BRCA-2 mutation.
• It would allow... ...diseases are not punished for learning about their own health risks.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a fully virtual public hearing after a blizzard and state emergency closed the State House and created travel and cleanup concerns. Chairs Senator Paul Feeney and Representative James Murphy opened by thanking first responders and committee staff for making the hearing possible and noted that several members attended remotely. The committee heard testimony on three bills: H.5112, An Act Prohibiting Genetic Discrimination; H.4914, An Act Relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code; and S.2921, An Act Relative to Travel Insurance. Most of the testimony focused on H.5112. Representative Dave Rogers and his constituent Robin Biggs testified in support of H.5112, describing gaps in federal genetic nondiscrimination law that do not cover life, long-term care, or disability insurance. Biggs shared her experience as a BRCA2 mutation carrier and said genetic knowledge helped her take preventive steps, but that people fear testing because insurers may use results against them. Lindsay Jack of the ALS Association and Lisa Schlager of FORCE also supported the bill, arguing that it would encourage preventive care, research participation, and fairer underwriting without harming insurance markets. They said insurers could still use medical history and diagnoses, but not genetic test results alone. Committee members asked questions about whether insurers currently request genetic testing and how such information is used in underwriting. Testifiers said the information is routinely asked for or found in medical records, but the bill would prohibit its use in coverage decisions and would prevent insurers from requiring testing. No votes were taken. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the chairs closed the hearing and adjourned the meeting by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Milk will uh help us uh learn more about Milk will uh help us uh learn more about them.<00:01:43.600>
• And and that's one thing we I've learned And and that's one thing we I've learned from<00:09:54.000
• summer to learn more and more<00:25:29.440> about.
• :30.560> really have actually learned some really have actually learned some really exciting<01
• Um, so we're learning of micronutrients.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I want to start with a couple things that I've learned.
• And learning in order to fulfill yourself, you have to forget yourself.
• to<00:05:06.880> fulfill And learning in order to fulfill And learning in order to fulfill
• And I learned so much from those interactions.
• I'm thankful that I was able to listen and learn.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Kresha delivered his final House floor speech as he finished his seventh term and retired from the legislature. The remarks were largely reflective and humorous, with thanks to House leadership, nonpartisan staff, education committee colleagues, constituents, and his family. He spoke about how he entered office during redistricting, described the legislature as challenging but rewarding, and emphasized humility, public service, and the importance of listening to others’ stories. He also offered personal anecdotes about colleagues and staff, including Representatives Swedzinski, Schumacher, Joe Hoppe, Sarah Anderson, Davids, Jen Loon, Roger Erickson, and others, and praised the professionalism of nonpartisan staff and education committee personnel. He thanked Speaker Damuth, Chair Youakim, and his education members for both disagreements and collaboration, saying there was still important work to do. No legislation was debated or voted on in this segment. The only action was the conclusion of his farewell speech, followed by applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• The way we learned this at the youth farm is by going into groups.
• It's great to learn about the work that you're doing in St. Pete.
• So the culinary, what we've learned is the most economic way to do that is through the...
• What we've learned is the most economical way to do that is through the food truck.
• It's helping you learn how to prepare it.

Summary: The committee first considered and unanimously recommended confirmation of Melanie Ressler to the Florida Citrus Commission. It then took up SPB 7020, a Department of Agriculture bill to reenact an expiring public records exemption for certain aquaculture production records held by the department. The department supported the measure, and the committee adopted a motion to submit it as a committee bill and reported it favorably. Next, the committee heard SB 534, which would create a Hunger-Free Campus Pilot Program in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Senator Bernard explained that the program would target campuses with high percentages of Pell-eligible students, require a survey and SNAP-related assistance, provide at least one food pantry on participating campuses, and direct a report to the Governor and House Speaker by December 1, 2028. A supporter waived in, there was no debate, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then received a lengthy presentation from Carla Bristol and youth ambassadors from the St. Pete Youth Farm. They described the farm as a youth-led response to local food access problems after grocery store closures, and outlined programs in leadership, financial literacy, career readiness, mental wellness, composting, aquaponics, community education, and food production. Members praised the program and asked about expansion, including a culinary kitchen or food truck, partnerships with schools and colleges, and how the initiative began. Bristol said the farm is funded mainly through local redevelopment dollars and that future plans include a food truck, more youth opportunities, and a possible culinary kitchen. The committee concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• give law enforcement the opportunity to get into the schools safely, quickly, and after Uvalde we learned
• ,<00:03:51.000> understanding,<00:03:51.600> and<00:03:51.760> educating learning
• , understanding, and educating learning, understanding, and educating at<00:03:52.600> all<00:
• safely, quickly, and after evolve we um safely, quickly, and after evolve we we<00:05:03.560> learned
• that um it's important to get we learned that um it's important to get to<00:05:06.520> the<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So this gives you the space to learn if somebody has a history and that, and not only history but does
• these systems involvement, and what we've learned from many of these youth is that they would like to
• We know that programs such as work-based learning opportunities, um, such as apprentice apprenticeships
• We know that many young people say they need to not only work and learn, but they need to be able to
• earn while they're, um, learning, uh, and we know that.

Transcript Highlights:

• as the first-time chair of this learned as the first-time chair of this is<00:58:38.440> that
• uh utilizes something that I've learned uh utilizes something that I've learned a<00:59:04.680><
• Had this bill hypothetically a couple years ago passed and what we learned just recently on the KARE
• months<01:21:40.560> after<01:21:40.880> a We learned that just months after a We learned
• They're here to learn about engage them.

Keywords: 1183, house