Transcript Highlights:

• Leela attracts 1,400 students from 20 communities to our language immersion and IB program, and our students
• This is a program worth extending for schools, for ESPs, and for students.
• This is a program worth extending for schools, for ESPs, and for students.
• This is a program worth extending for schools, for ESPs, and for students.
• 02:07:47.119> on<02:07:47.360> student statewide program focused on student statewide program

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• disabled veterans, as well as the Effective Access to Student Education Grant Program.
• public health programs for private practices to apply for the dental student loan payment program prior
• Today, there are 543,000 students in scholarship programs.
• Right now, we have thousands of students who are in the scholarship program.
• Credit back in the use by a student in this program, last year the number of students was 60,000.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the programs we're best known for now is our aviation program which uh is nearly 500 students strong
• program which uh is nearly 500 students program which uh is nearly 500 students strong<00:04:55.199
• As we look at our health sciences programs today, we are servicing nearly 2,500 students on campus who
• <00:57:35.359> who other programs, a number of students who other programs, a number of students
• feeder students into these programs<00:58:45.280> and<00:58:45.599> I<00:58:45.839>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:55 Approval of Minutes 00:02:01 Information Items 00:02:10 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:02:20 A. A. Eastern Kentucky University 00:02:48 B. B. Kentucky Community and Technical College System 00:15:21 C. C. Kentucky State University 00:31:43 D. D. Morehead State University 00:41:44 E. E. Murray State University 01:01:56 F. F. Northern Kentucky University 01:16:09 G. G. University of Kentucky and Hospital 01:25:00 H. H. University of Louisville 01:42:52 I. I. Western Kentucky University 01:56:17, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. The committee then approved the prior meeting’s minutes. Members were reminded to silence cell phones, and the chair noted an informational item on capital plan amendments made by state agencies during the latest revision period before moving to university capital plan presentations. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden outlined EKU’s enrollment growth, strong Kentucky student retention, and signature programs in nursing, occupational therapy, criminal justice, education, manufacturing engineering, and aviation. EKU’s main capital priorities were a new health innovation project to support a proposed osteopathic medical program, including a $50 million escrow requirement until accreditation; a collaborative center for health innovation to address outdated health sciences facilities; a $5 million startup request for an air traffic control program; aircraft upgrades for the aviation fleet; and continued asset preservation funding. In response to questions, EKU said roughly 40% of the new health facility would be dedicated to the medical school, with shared simulation space for multiple health programs, and that aviation maintenance needs are currently being met through KCTCS partners but could be expanded if demand grows. KCTCS representatives then described the system’s scale and capital needs, noting service to 107,000 students, extensive dual credit and workforce training, and a network of 342 buildings across 70 campuses. They said prior legislative support, including $277 million in asset preservation and $90 million released for approved projects, had helped with safety, roofs, energy efficiency, and campus security. Their current priorities include about $30 million for systemwide safety and security upgrades, renovations tied to consolidation and footprint reduction under Senate Joint Resolution 179, and broader asset preservation needs estimated at roughly $300 million to $325 million. Members discussed the need to preserve and expand skilled trades training, and KCTCS said its plan includes construction trades and flexible, multiuse facilities that can adapt to changing workforce needs. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the presentations concluded with questions and discussion only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans Program, and the Effective Access to Student Education, the EASE Grant Program. ...fully funding
• , and the Effective Access to Student Education, the EASE Grant Program.
• programs or private practices to apply for the dental student loan repayment program prior to beginning
• Chair, there are 543,000 students in scholarship programs.
• or the personalized education program students, and that's the amendment.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill). The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• These programs help students reach a number of goals, whether it's to master basic skills necessary for
• This is intended to support a new program that was created for students to be concurrently enrolled as
• For example, we can track any student in any program.
• But we do spend a lot of time ensuring that our programs are meeting the goals of the students.
• and retain faculty, we were not able to admit those students into our program.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to review funding models for the Florida College System and district workforce education programs, with an emphasis on how new dollars are allocated in the program fund and how performance and targeted funding are incorporated. Chancellor Hebda explained the Florida College System model, including base program funding, student success and pipeline funds, performance incentives for industry certifications, and the 2022 president-developed formula that weights enrollment, workforce enrollment, completions, small-college factors, and regional cost differences, plus a targeted funding floor for colleges below a minimum per-FTE level. Vice Chancellor Goodman then outlined the district workforce model, which uses lagged enrollment, program cost weights, local revenue offsets, small-district adjustments, and unmet-need calculations to distribute lump-sum appropriations to school districts offering workforce education. The department also provided updates on several grant programs and funding delays. Goodman said the Workforce Development Incentive Grant, Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education Startup Grant, and teacher apprenticeship/mentor bonus programs all involve multi-year awards and often require reversions and reappropriations because projects are delayed, extended, or not fully obligated by year-end. She said the department is moving toward an electronic grants system and had already adjusted internal deadlines to speed awards, while acknowledging some reimbursement delays and explaining that mentor bonuses for teacher apprentices will not be paid until the first cohort reaches the statutory timing requirement. Members asked about tracking whether CTE students work in their trained fields, how Xello is used to inform students about career pathways, how FTE is calculated, whether the funding formulas could encourage growth over quality, and how students with disabilities are counted in workforce funding. Questions also focused on tuition, enrollment trends, and the gap between college and university funding. The committee heard that tuition has remained flat for more than a decade, enrollment has rebounded from COVID and is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, and the college system’s funding per FTE varies widely. Valencia College President Kathleen Plinsky testified in support of the proposed formula and an additional $200 million for the Florida College System, saying Valencia is the second-largest college in the state but ranks last in per-FTE funding, which has made it difficult to recruit and retain faculty and admit qualified students in high-demand programs like nursing. The committee took no vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• those programs.
• students, returning to higher unit loads, retaining students during summer sessions, and reengaging students
• The program is supported by a transfer planner designed to help community college students map out their
• The program equips students with the qualifications to earn a community health education specialist certificate
• Do we track in our data the complaints and the statistics around student versus student, student versus

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Meet the needs of their programs, students, and themselves.
• With the current iteration of the program, students will receive awards in the amount of $10,000.
• In this case, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) administers the program.
• I came through a regular credentialing program, student teaching, and all of that.
• There are a number of those programs in existence to help students or help our certification candidates

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we are now running Students through three different programs in Invenida.
• We can see we're at a record number of K-1w2 students enrolled in career tech programs.
• That means we went from about 41% of all high school students being in a K-12 career tech program to
• Do you see a lot of high school students transferring into the adult program for further education or
• They are exactly the same, so they're in the exact same programs, high school students and adults run

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At some of the ACE campuses, we have STEM programming, music, and other programs that help students,
• Aldean ISD is starting a new Grow Your Own program for their high school students.
• These are day placement programs where your ARD committees are assigning students with very intensive
• The trade-off is that you have to allow students in the county to attend whatever program you set up.
• Those programs serve 77 students with intensive academic, behavioral, and therapeutic needs across 57

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So Texas followed the research and they looked at how different programs were benefiting students based
• see in some programs... ...a resident, or a student teacher, I should say, dropped into a mentor teacher's
• Unlike our regular teachers' programs, that's getting your bachelor's degree and student teaching.
• So SB 1210 protects Arizona students who participate in fully online, out-of-state programs, and ensures
• teaching our students, which programs are solvent and quality programs, so we can put Arizonans to work

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Education Committee began with a lengthy presentation from Dr. Victoria Dyson Homer on the Arizona Teacher Residency Program. She argued that Arizona faces a teacher shortage and high attrition, with many teachers uncertified or leaving early, and said research shows high-quality, practice-based residencies improve retention, teacher confidence, and student outcomes. She compared Arizona with Texas, described Arizona Teacher Residency’s structure as a year-long apprenticeship paired with coursework and mentorship, and said the program’s early data show strong retention and positive student feedback. Committee members asked about how the residency differs from traditional student teaching, its master’s-degree structure, and whether it should influence broader teacher-preparation and salary policies. The committee then heard and debated SCR 1006, a ballot referral dealing with school restroom and pronoun policies. The measure would require schools to provide reasonable accommodations for students unwilling or unable to use sex-designated multi-occupancy restrooms or sleeping quarters, and would bar school employees from using pronouns or names inconsistent with a student’s biological sex without written parental permission. The sponsor framed it as a parental-rights and student-safety measure, while opponents from education, civil liberties, and mental health backgrounds called it discriminatory, unnecessary, and harmful to transgender and non-binary students. After public testimony and member debate, the committee approved SCR 1006 on a 7-5 vote. The committee also considered SB 1126, which would require schools to provide certain student records and related information to Department of Child Safety caseworkers during abuse or neglect investigations and would prohibit schools from blocking staff from speaking directly with DCS. DCS testified neutrally, saying the bill could help resolve delays and improve information sharing, while members raised FERPA and guardianship concerns. The bill passed 10-0 with two members present. Finally, the committee took up SB 1210, which requires certain out-of-state private postsecondary institutions offering fully online programs to Arizona residents to register with the state’s private postsecondary regulator and comply with tuition recovery fund requirements unless covered by reciprocity. Supporters said the bill closes a regulatory loophole and protects students financially; it passed 11-1. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They would complicate a program designed to remove barriers, creating more roadblocks for the very students
• They would complicate a program designed to remove barriers, creating more roadblocks for the very students
• They would complicate a program designed to remove barriers, creating more roadblocks for the very students
• They would complicate a program designed to remove barriers, creating more roadblocks for the very students
• They would complicate a program designed to remove barriers, creating more roadblocks for the very students

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• More students are being exposed in high school and in it in those programs.
• Is there a minimum number that you need in order to have one of these programs, a minimum number of students
• to serving 245 students and Automotive Services program, which is fantastic.
• This is provide additional funding to our aluminum, welding fabrication program and it's free for students
• Some of those students then come take advantage of programs like open door, the apprenticeship programs

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:46:38.440> if<00:46:38.680> they programs as options for students if they programs
• program and one who did not both of program and one who did not both of these<01:12:05.880> students
• <01:15:49.880> students participate in this program students participate in this program students
• This program helps students explore what works best for them, whether it's a two-year program, a technical
• helps students degrees too this program helps students explore<01:18:01.239> what<01:18:01.360

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , was the student.
• We don't want to play in their space, but we need the programs to open up so our students can go to that
• He helped us launch the College Corps program, which seeks to help students pay for school while also
• programs.
• type programs.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As shown on page 8 in chart 5, most students are enrolled with either very small or very large programs
• National research has also shown that school meal programs can improve students' academic performance
• Programs are universally free to all students.
• Given our high rates of CEP participants due to high rates of student participation in these programs
• the increases in program expenditures are in part driven by increases in student participation, but

Transcript Highlights:

• The Cal Grant Program is a financial aid program administered by the California Student Aid Commission
• The Cal Grant Program increases access for low- and middle-income students to education that can transform
• The Cal Grant Program increases access for low- and middle-income students to education that can transform
• We have laid off scores of teachers, reduced counseling services, and cut many valued student programs
• That is unlike any other program and does not deliver the best results for African American students.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard AB 402, which would increase Cal Grant award amounts for students attending private nonprofit colleges and allow community college transfer entitlement awards to be used at those institutions. The author and supporters said the bill would restore award levels to their 2001 value and improve access for low- and middle-income, working, military, and transfer students. Several witnesses from private nonprofit universities, community college districts, and advocacy groups supported the measure. Senators raised concerns about the prior Cal Grant agreement tied to Associate Degree for Transfer participation and about the need to fund broader Cal Grant reforms, but the bill advanced on a unanimous due-pass vote to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. The committee then took up AB 2067, a sunset extension for lease-lease-back authority for TK-12 school construction through July 1, 2032. The author and supporters from school housing and contractor groups said the method provides flexibility, early collaboration, cost control, and legal certainty for school construction projects. Senators asked how often lease-lease-back and other alternative delivery methods are used, and whether the skilled-and-trained workforce provisions limit competition. Some members objected to the skilled-and-trained requirement, while others said the bill simply preserves an existing tool without changing labor rules. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, with Senator Ochoa Bogh voting no, and was placed on call. AB 1204, which would revise the Local Control Funding Formula by increasing supplemental and concentration grants, lowering the concentration threshold, adding regional cost adjustments, and setting a minimum annual COLA floor, drew extensive testimony on both sides. Supporters said the bill better reflects regional costs, inflation, and student need, especially for low-income, multilingual, and unhoused students. Opponents, including several school district leaders, argued it would widen funding disparities and divert money from the LCFF base grant, which they said should be the priority. Committee members also questioned the fiscal impact, the proposed 4% COLA floor, and whether the bill had enough research and stakeholder consensus. Despite those concerns, the bill was advanced to Appropriations on a due-pass vote and placed on call. Finally, the committee heard AB 1235, which would require a skilled-and-trained workforce process for CSU design-build projects to align CSU with UC and community college construction rules. Supporters said it would improve training and project quality, while opponents from contractor groups argued it would reduce competition, increase costs, and impose mandates without evidence of better outcomes. Several senators objected to the skilled-and-trained requirement as limiting opportunities for contractors who comply with state law, while others noted the issue was already common in higher education construction. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final vote on AB 1235 was captured.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the way the program is structured is to really make college affordable to those students who need
• So the way the program is structured is to really make college affordable to those students who need
• The program is structured is to really make college affordable to those students who need it the most
• I was one out of 400 candidates and 100 students elected into the program.
• This program financially supported me, and I will be graduating with under $5,000 in student loans as

Summary: The subcommittee held an informational budget hearing covering several GovOps, CDT, CPPA, and DGS items. GovOps reported that most deliverables under the Governor’s generative AI executive order have been completed, including guidelines, procurement tools, community-impact guidance, and a new project delivery lifecycle for Gen AI projects; one workforce-related deliverable remains. Members and public commenters raised concerns about privacy, labor impacts, and how the state will explain and oversee Gen AI use. The committee also heard a proposal to create a California Education Interagency Council with $5 million ongoing and 16 positions to coordinate workforce and education systems; LAO questioned duplication and recommended limited-term funding, while supporters said a neutral convening body is needed to improve coordination and student outcomes. GoServe presented the College Corps budget proposals, describing the program as a paid service and career-development opportunity for undergraduate students that helps reduce college costs while supporting communities through tutoring, food insecurity work, climate and disaster response, and other service. The administration sought one-time and ongoing funding to expand the program to more campuses and students, while LAO objected to the high administrative costs and recommended rejection. Several students and alumni testified that College Corps provided financial support, professional experience, and career pathways. The committee also heard a $5 million proposal for a Belonging Campaign to address loneliness and social isolation through research, outreach, and local grants; LAO said the proposal lacked clear goals and measures, while supporters said the effort is needed for youth, seniors, and community resilience. The Department of Technology updated the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, saying construction is underway on the statewide open-access network and the project remains on track for the 2026 deadline, though LAO noted a required business plan had not yet been submitted. The California Privacy Protection Agency presented its Delete Act implementation request for the DROP platform, which will let consumers request deletion of personal information held by data brokers; LAO flagged oversight concerns because CDT is both developing the system and involved in project support. Public commenters from business groups urged caution on CPPA’s rulemakings, warning of compliance costs and job impacts. The Department of General Services then discussed implementation of Proposition 2 school facilities bonds, requesting staffing and administrative funding to manage the new bond program and continue school facility work. Officials said the program can also help districts affected by the January wildfires, including interim site funding and expedited assistance. Finally, DGS requested authority and positions to operate Building 18 for labor-agency tenants relocating from older Capitol Mall space; SEIU Local 1000 criticized the state’s four-day return-to-office policy and said telework has improved productivity and retention. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and member questions on each item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are our students with teachers who go through Program A, Program B, certified, or uncertified?
• The Road to College and Career Program, which includes both a low college advisor-to-student ratio and
• Those students participate in programs that maybe they can't do that right now because there's just no
• That will create a positive impact for students being able to have access to this program.
• So, a regular program offset results in some special education students... ...I'm generating only half

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• School meal programs can improve students' academic performance, boost attendance, and promote health
• If the identified student population (ISP) in these programs at the school meets a minimum threshold
• Given our high rates of CEP participation due to high rates of students who participate in these programs
• This program not only literally feeds our children, but will also increase educational outcomes for students
• Chair, Representative, one of the requirements of the program is for schools to take feedback from students

Transcript Highlights:

• FEFP student enrollment information and the K-12 program. So this is your FEFP, $28.4 billion.
• FEP, student enrollment information, and the K-12 program. So this is your FAPFP, 28.4 billion.
• Do we know the number of students who return, who are in a scholarship program?
• If a student was in a scholarship program initially and they were not in the October survey, but they
• education programs in Florida to try to speak to the students.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and received an overview of the Pre-K-12 education appropriations jurisdiction and base budget. Staff explained that education funding is driven largely by enrollment and per-student formulas, with most money coming from state and local sources. The presentation highlighted the major budget areas: early learning, the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), non-FEFP K-12 programs, federal programs, and the State Board of Education. Members asked about instructional materials funding and how scholarship students who return to public schools are counted and funded; staff explained that instructional materials remain in the base and that funding depends on survey timing, with districts ultimately funded through the enrollment count process. The committee then reviewed federal IDEA funding for students with disabilities. Department of Education officials explained how IDEA Part B funds are split between state set-asides and local educational agencies, and noted that Florida ranked fourth nationally in total IDEA Part B funding and received a 95% state determination for meeting IDEA requirements. They also described the bureau’s responsibilities, including monitoring, dispute resolution, instructional support, and the Hope Florida unit for ages 3 to 5. Members asked for more information on student performance outcomes and how the state measures success beyond compliance, and the department agreed to provide follow-up data. The final major topic was the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), including associate centers, multidisciplinary centers, and specialized centers for deaf/hard of hearing and visually impaired students. Presenters described services such as child find, family support, assessments, professional learning, accessible instructional materials, and technical assistance. Committee members focused on whether families and schools have equal access to services across the state, how IEP disputes and reevaluations are handled, and whether more support is needed for parents, teachers, and rural districts. FDLRS representatives said they do not write IEPs but help connect families to districts, provide training and assessments, and support compliance and data collection; they also emphasized staffing and resource needs, especially for low-incidence disabilities and multilingual family outreach.