Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm glad most of those questions got answered.
• They couldn't believe how fast we went and we told them, here's the keys, or you want the keys or give
• went and we told them here's the keys went and we told them here's the keys or<01:13:50.360>
• could have probably told you the answer could have probably told you the answer to<01:30:28.000>
• I don't know, but we can find that answer for you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We see it as a key strategy and getting our students graduated in four years.
• I hope that answers your question. Mr. Chair, Senator, it does.
• It looks like everyone covers each other, so those calls will be answered and returned.
• I think we have Jason New online, available to answer any questions that you might have.
• Available to a division head to answer any questions that you might have.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were able to answer a very simple question and get that back to them by December 12th.
• We were able<00:10:41.360> to<00:10:41.519> answer<00:10:41.839> a<00:10:42.160>
• very<00:10:42.480> simple<00:10:42.880> question<00:10:43.760> um able to answer
• a very simple question um able to answer a very simple question um and<00:10:44.160> get<00:10
• parts of the after go through the key parts of the process<00:25:26.320> that<00:25:26.559>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met on December 19, 2025, approved the draft minutes from the November 21 regular meeting, and received a DHS commissioners update. Patricia Tilly reported on the state’s rural health transformation application, saying CMS had provided only one question and positive feedback, that the final federal award amount was still pending, and that DHS was preparing an accept-and-expend item for fiscal review using an up-to amount. She also said the new Hampstead YDC facility remains on track, with substantive construction expected by late summer 2026 and move-in likely in early January 2027. In response to questions, she confirmed the playground/outdoor activity area had been in the original design and was added when funding became available. Henry Litman, Medicaid director, discussed the Senate Bill 248 study committee report on palliative and hospice care. He explained the distinction between palliative care, which can be provided while a patient still seeks curative treatment, and hospice care, which involves electing not to pursue curative services. He said the committee’s work pointed to a need for better education for providers and the public, and described ongoing conversations with the Foundation for Healthy Communities and Home Health and Hospice about developing materials and possibly addressing how palliative services are bundled. He also said the study committee itself did not generate future legislation, though members could pursue it separately. Litman then answered questions about Medicaid eligibility and long-term services and supports, including delays in processing, the backlog from pandemic-era redeterminations, and efforts to speed reviews. He said the department is using temporary staffing funded in part by last session’s legislation, working with the New Hampshire Healthcare Association, counties, and UNH Law to streamline policy and training, and relying more on electronic asset verification while still guarding against improper asset transfers. He emphasized the goal of balancing faster access to benefits with compliance and fraud prevention. Robert Rodler followed with the annual tuition waiver update for children in foster care or guardianship. He reported 82 applicants and 65 waivers granted, including 35 for USNH schools and 30 for the community college system, and noted a correction would be issued for inaccurate continuing/new student figures in the report. Senator Gray said he intends to pursue a separate budget appropriation for these tuition waiver costs in the future so the funding would be clearly identified and easier to track. No additional votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• SET A BASELINE OF WHERE WE'RE AT TODAY I PASSED THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SPEND THE MORNING ANSWERING
• THIS LAST SLIDE HIGHLIGHTS ADDITIONAL KEY INITIATIVES OF THE REGIONAL LITERACY TEAM PROGRAM.
• COPPOLA CAN SHARE THAT INFORMATION. >> Chair Rizo: WE WILL GET THE ANSWER FOR YOU AND NOW WE WILL GO
• I DON'T HAVE DATA TO ANSWER ANY SPECIFIC BUT TYPICALLY WHAT WE SEE IS IF STUDENTS ARE NOT SCORING ON
• >> Chair Rizo: GO AHEAD AND ANSWER THAT FIRST FOR. >> Rep.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to offer our strong support and am here to answer any questions.
• So, here to answer any questions you folks might have. Thank you very much. Oh, wait.
• <00:02:39.040> to day that is going to be the key to day that is going to be the key to winning
• Uh the and here to answer any questions.
• here to answer any questions you folks might<00:04:12.400> have.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint AEN-HRE hearing focused on HCR 130, HD1, which urges increased and sustained funding for the island invasive species committees and the Hawaii Ant Lab within the University of Hawaii’s Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. The Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent and noted that ISC funding flows through the Hawaii Invasive Species Council budget item via DLNR, while also describing ongoing collaboration with DLNR and efforts to support ant control work. Testifiers from CAPS, the University of Hawaii, the Oahu Invasive Species Committee, and CARES all supported the resolution, emphasizing that invasive species work is underfunded, that the island committees and Hawaii Ant Lab do critical control, research, outreach, and eradication work, and that sustained resources are needed to plan effectively and respond to priority pests such as little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and coqui frog. A lengthy exchange followed over whether the resolution was meaningful, since it would be urging the state to fund work the Legislature itself controls. Several members argued that a resolution alone has no legal effect and that funding should come through bills and appropriations instead. In response, the Department of Agriculture said its top biosecurity needs are personnel and chemicals, and noted it is building up its plant quarantine and plant pest control divisions with prior funding and HB 427. Oahu Invasive Species Committee representatives said they rely heavily on Hawaii Invasive Species Council grants, have limited soft funding, and need more stable resources; they also pointed to annual reports and prior testimony as documentation of their work. After a brief recess, the chairs announced they would pass the resolution with amendments to make it more relevant. The amendments changed the title and text to urge the counties, Congress, and other relevant agencies—not the state alone—to provide increased and sustained funding, and added language urging all of those bodies to seek federal grants. The AEN committee then voted to pass HCR 130, HD1, as amended, and the HRE committee also voted to pass it with amendments. The motion was adopted in both committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the key things for us is that we follow up with students who have incomplete applications.
• We would love to be able to answer that question more definitively.
• . answering the questions that you may have.
• I welcome you to answer my question earlier about the budget deficit that you're currently in.
• Thank you all for answering those questions.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• John James Audubon first cited the flamingo in 1732 in the Keys.
• So it's been around a long time, longer than you and I have been in the Keys. So, oh, it's close.
• Representative Tant, we're going to answer your question? Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Well, I recognize it's been the state bird for 98 years, and the key lime pie was the pie forever.
• I live in the Florida Keys.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two bills. HB 705, by Representative Weinberger, would preserve the public records exemption protecting the address and telephone number of people using public emergency shelters during storms or catastrophic events. Representative Anderson spoke in strong support, citing the vulnerability of shelter residents after recent hurricanes and the need to prevent criminals from targeting them. The bill drew no public testimony and passed the committee by a 15-0 vote. The committee then heard HB 11, by Representatives Mooney and LaMarca, which would designate the flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the scrub jay as the state songbird. Sponsors argued the flamingo is an iconic symbol of Florida and tied the bill to Everglades and Indian River Lagoon restoration, while also noting the scrub jay’s status as Florida’s only endemic songbird. Members raised questions about the birds’ native range, regional representation, and possible future amendments, including suggestions for a pelican designation and preserving the mockingbird’s historical role. One support card was filed by Jose Romano of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. During debate, several members voiced support while noting they might seek amendments later. Representative Miller supported the flamingo but objected to elevating the scrub jay because of property-rights concerns. Representative Andrade said he would vote yes to allow a future pelican amendment, and Representative Tant said he would support the bill while seeking recognition of the mockingbird as a songbird. The bill passed 15-1, with Representative Miller voting no. After the vote, the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a design concept that answered questions like what and how.
• This data resulted in nine key themes.
• I'll be happy to answer as many questions as I can.
• But to answer your question, Senator Sickler... ...or not.
• This is just the answers from 400 people.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That R word I used earlier, the relationships are key.
• This data resulted in nine key themes.
• I'll be happy to answer as many questions as I can.
• But to answer your question, Senator Sickler... ...or not.
• This is just the answers from 400 people.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that kind of already answers my next question.
• President, and thank you for that answer.
• The answer to the question is yes.
• I love key lime pie, so I'm going to go by there and get some key lime pie right now.
• I love key lime pie, so I'm going to go by there and get some key lime pie right now.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of the day’s doctor of the day, an intern, and a resolution honoring the late Bob Graham and firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber also adopted a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day. After routine announcements, the Senate moved to the special order calendar and took up a series of bills, many of them with House companion bills substituted in place of Senate versions. The first major floor action was passage of a tax-related bill conforming Florida’s Internal Revenue Code to federal changes while excluding certain provisions from H.R. 1; it passed 34-0. The Senate then considered CS/SB 1758 on public assistance and Medicaid, which proposed stronger fraud enforcement, a Medicaid work requirement for able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral health services, pharmacy and drug rebate reforms, and SNAP fraud reduction measures. A Berman amendment to require Medicaid expansion before work requirements was rejected, as was an Osgood amendment to add photo-ID protections and exemptions for certain SNAP users. The bill remained on the calendar for third reading after extensive debate and questioning about implementation, exemptions, and potential impacts on beneficiaries. The chamber also passed bills on technology education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry and related public records exemption, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the sunset on gold and silver legal tender, public records exemptions for financial institutions and custodians, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, local government finance transparency, digital voyeurism, and insurance customer representative licensing. Most of these measures were adopted after brief explanation, minor amendments, or substitution of House companions, with votes generally in favor and several passing unanimously or by wide margins. Later, the Senate took up CS/SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin access, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition. The bill’s first amendments clarified anti-kickback rules for vaccine manufacturers and required informational materials to address risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy; the transcript ends during consideration of this bill, before final passage is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• page eight in your e-books, I'll start with the financial plan executive summaries, going over the key
• I don't know if that answers your question, but. One of the chair members, Ms.
• So, I'm not sure if that answers your question.
• First, we'll start with the key points for FY 25 project, for the project closeout overview.
• Some key points.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Leader Nisco was very key in that. I'll let him answer that a little more specifically.
• <00:07:04.479> I'll leader Nisco was very key in that.
• I'll leader Nisco was very key in that.
• I'll let<00:07:04.720> him<00:07:04.960> answer<00:07:05.120> that<00:07:05.360>
• a<00:07:05.520> little<00:07:05.599> more let him answer that a little more let

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just don't know the answer to it yet. It's an incredible nation gathering there.
• And I'll ask Drew just to add a couple of key points before we go to questions. Thank you, Chair.
• So thank you for that answer. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Great.
• That language is key.
• And I think the key there is connecting MNERD and the PRC to do this.

Transcript Highlights:

• The key step in this effort with this was the designation of circuit level champions within both djj
• I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. There we go. Aren't members questions.
• So that you answered the question I have about the bq are teepees the you have just the one facility
• And you can answer that later. I just that's the question I'm asking.
• And forgive me as I pull up the answer, the department actually contracts with the providers directly

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Happy to answer any questions. Reserve the right to close.
• Happy to answer any questions. Reserve the right to close.
• And the answer is that it'd be very difficult to do that.
• We might need to bring the county judge in to answer that question, but to answer your question, I mean
• We might need 665 to bring the county judge in to answer that question, but, and to answer your question

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2203, relating to certification of discovery issues in TCEQ contested cases referred to SOAH. The chair noted the House had already passed the companion HB 3249, then moved SB 2203 without amendments. The motion prevailed on a 5-0 vote, and the bill was reported favorably to the full House. The committee then heard SB 1898, which would prohibit the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam for testing and training, while still allowing it in emergency firefighting. The sponsor described PFAS as “forever chemicals” and said the bill would protect firefighters, water supplies, and public health. Testimony in support came from Environment Texas, which cited contamination concerns and noted other states and federal actions restricting PFAS foams. No one testified against the bill, and after closing testimony the committee left SB 1898 pending. The remainder of the hearing focused on SB 1758, a Grayson County pilot program aimed at addressing potential conflicts between Global Wafers’ semiconductor wafer facility and a proposed Black Mountain Cement/aggregate operation. Supporters, including Global Wafers, Grayson County officials, and manufacturing groups, argued that vibration from mining or blasting could threaten a major national-security semiconductor investment and that an independent BEG study was needed to set safe parameters. Opponents from Black Mountain Cement and related industry groups argued the bill would improperly interfere with a lawful permitting process, pick winners and losers, and harm Texas’ pro-business climate; they also said they had already revised operations and removed blast mining. The discussion included extensive questioning about geology, vibration, the permitting timeline, and whether the issue was really about mining rather than the air permit. No vote was taken on SB 1758 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• answer the phone.
• You don't know the answer to that? No, I don't. Can you answer that question, Mr. Thomas?
• So, to answer your question...
• Not a long answer, just a... Let me try to answer that.
• Yeah, it's key.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So you can see that our total funding key.
• The key.
• ">another, whether drivers that is focus on key metrics as
• And those key metrics we've done this every
• For actually answer that.