Video & Transcript Research : 'STEM'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill makes changes to the board stemming from the recent... 13.02 is a sunset bill for the Board
- This bill makes changes to the board stemming from the recent sunset review oversight hearing.
- This bill makes changes to the board stemming from the sunset review oversight process and extends the
- This bill makes changes to the board stemming from the recent sunset review oversight hearing.
- This bill makes changes to the board stemming from the recent Sunset Review Oversight Hearing.
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of licensing, consumer protection, and sunset-review bills. Early items included SB 1148, which would let aspiring security guards complete all required training before a guard card is issued; SB 342, which would soften the penalty for contractors who were licensed during part of a project but had a brief lapse; and several sunset bills for boards and bureaus, including the Board of Registered Nursing (SB 1302), the Board of Naturopathic Medicine (SB 1303), the Respiratory Care Board (SB 1304), the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (SB 1363), and the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SB 1368). The committee also heard SB 1311, which makes various updates to DCA boards and programs, and SB 1314, which restricts new tobacco retailers from locating within 600 feet of schools or daycare centers and bans nitrous oxide sales and related paraphernalia.
Testimony was generally supportive on the training, sunset, and licensing cleanup bills, though several measures drew “opposed unless amended” or neutral positions over scope and implementation details. On SB 1314, supporters including prosecutors and school administrators argued it would reduce youth exposure to tobacco, while gas station, convenience store, cigar lounge, pharmacy, and business groups raised concerns about impacts on existing businesses, transferability of tobacco licenses, and possible de facto limits on future stations; some public health groups shifted to neutral after amendments. On SB 1302, nursing groups supported the board sunset bill, while the California Medical Association objected to allowing out-of-state nurse practitioner transition-to-practice experience to count without a California attestation process. On SB 1304, health facilities and long-term care groups supported the board extension but sought broader clarification so LVNs could perform respiratory tasks consistently across settings.
After quorum was finally established, the committee voted to send the consent calendar bills SB 1376, SB 1391, SB 1416, and SB 1315 to Appropriations, and then approved SB 342, SB 1148, SB 1302, SB 1303, SB 1304, SB 1311, SB 1314, SB 1363, and SB 1368, all moving forward to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 1314 passed with some no votes, while the other measures advanced with broad support. The hearing ended after additional members were added on the record and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill makes changes to the board stemming from the recent...
- This bill makes changes to the board stemming from the recent sunset review oversight hearing.
- This bill makes changes to the board stemming from the sunset review oversight process and extends the
- This bill makes changes to the board stemming from the recent sunset review oversight hearing.
- This bill makes changes to the board stemming from the recent Sunset Review Oversight Hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we'll move on to House 561, An Act Advancing Massachusetts from STEM to STEAM, and we'll start
- It updates all existing references in state law from STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and math
- By advancing from STEM to STEAM, Massachusetts would acknowledge that creativity is not a luxury, but
- We'd like to note that this bill doesn't mandate every STEM program to suddenly expand to include the
- We'd like to note that this bill doesn't mandate every STEM program to suddenly expand to include the
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with the largest portions focused on the Healthy Youth Act (S.340/H.656), comprehensive and inclusive curriculum bills (H.655/S.371 and related measures), climate literacy education (H.560/S.391), computer science coursework (H.534/S.362), arts education funding and STEM-to-STEAM proposals (H.561 and H.4297), and a homeschooling reporting bill (H.518). Supporters of the Healthy Youth Act argued it would preserve local control while requiring medically accurate, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sex education and regular updates to state health frameworks; opponents raised parental rights, age-appropriateness, and opt-out concerns, with some calling for fetal development content. Supporters of inclusive curriculum bills said they would improve representation, belonging, and civic understanding, while opponents argued they could undermine parental authority or promote ideological content. Climate, computer science, and arts advocates emphasized workforce readiness, student engagement, and the need for state support and funding to expand access and teacher training.
Testimony on the climate literacy bill described increasing climate impacts in Massachusetts and argued that interdisciplinary instruction would prepare students for science, policy, and green careers; witnesses said the bill was not a mandate but a support and funding measure. Computer science supporters said access remains uneven, especially for girls, students of color, and students with disabilities, and urged stronger statewide requirements and AI-related standards. Arts advocates backed both the STEM-to-STEAM bill and the Lowell Mason arts funding proposal, citing research on student achievement, attendance, creativity, and the economic importance of the arts sector. The homeschool bill was supported by a homeschool advocacy group as a modernization of reporting requirements.
The committee closed testimony on numerous bills where no one remained signed up or testimony had concluded, including several education, curriculum, and commission proposals. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. At the end of the session, the committee closed out the remaining testimony and adjourned after a motion and second.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- many others across the state bring critical innovation through continued and advanced discoveries, STEM
- But anyway, what I want to tell you is a little bit about STEM.
- I work for Aerospace Corporation, now running a STEM program.
- It's just a fantastic way to excite our young students to pursue careers in STEM.
- I'm going to continue my quest with STEM for many years to come. Thank...
Bills:
SB 26, SJR 36, SB 26, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 28, SR 109, SR 122, SR 126, SR 130, SR 136, SR 137, SR 141, SR 142, SCR 20
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Apr 17, 2026 @ 8:30 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- So, it all stems from the sister-state relationship. All right, let's move to SCR 47.
- So, it all stems from the sister-state relationship. Okayama would be the eighth. Okay.
- So, So, So, but<00:12:49.800>
it <00:12:49.960>all <00:12:50.200>stems <00:12:50.880 - from<00:12:51.080>
the <00:12:51.240>sister <00:12:51.720>state but it all stems - from the sister state but it all stems from the sister state relationship. relationship. relationship
Keywords:
SCR184, Senate Concurrent Resolution 184, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, HCRC, civil rights, anti-discrimination, algorithmic decision making, automated decision making, artificial intelligence, AI bias, machine learning, employment screening, tenant screening, housing discrimination, credit decisions, lending discrimination, public benefits eligibility, state services, equal opportunity, algorithmic discrimination
Summary:
The committee met in Room 430 on April 17 at 8:30 a.m. and heard several resolutions focused on Hawaii’s sister-state and international relationships. Measures discussed included SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1. Testimony generally supported expanding or formalizing ties with Japanese prefectures and other partners, including Yamaguchi, Okayama, and Aotearoa/New Zealand, as well as maintaining the Hawaii-Taiwan relationship. DBED’s Dennis Ling explained that sister-state agreements provide a framework for broader government, nonprofit, and private-sector relationships, and cited existing exchanges in transportation, health, education, culinary rice development, biosecurity, and food innovation. Catherine Stanway of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife supported the Aotearoa measure for predator control, biosecurity, and conservation cooperation. Jerry Chang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office testified in support of the Taiwan resolution, noting 33 years of sister-state ties and ongoing cooperation in education, culture, economy, and disaster management.
One witness raised a concern about language in SCR 57 SD1 related to double taxation, saying that portion did not relate to the sister-state relationship, but the committee chose not to amend the measure to avoid possible delay or conference issues. A committee member also asked about how sister-state relationships work and whether other states have similar country-level arrangements; Ling said Hawaii has an MOU with Israel and mentioned Singapore as another possible partner, while noting that such arrangements often depend on the governor and are not standardized across states.
After testimony, the committee voted to recommend passage of all measures as is. SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1 were all adopted by the committee without amendments. Some members were excused during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Agriculture Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Highlands County. 4-H focuses on four main program areas: citizenship and leadership, agriculture, STEM
- Highlands County. 4-H focuses on four main program areas, citizenship and leadership, agriculture, STEM
- , and Healthy Living. areas, citizenship and leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living.
- We know that it takes STEM, it's taking engineers, we have AI coming into that, and 4-H offers a place
- extend membership to over 65,000 students across the state, but it is also allowing us to expand our STEM-based
Summary:
The Agriculture Committee took up SB 806, the consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill by Senator Trumbull. Trumbull said the measure would expand repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. The committee adopted two amendments: one clarifying the bill does not apply to motor vehicles, and a technical staff amendment. Testimony was mixed: an Everglades Equipment representative opposed the bill, warning it could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, and increase downtime for farmers; the Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state repair laws, private lawsuits, and inconsistent standards. The bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 806 by a roll call vote of 4-0, with Senator Rouson not voting.
The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers Timmy Hawes, Summer Wayne, and Taylor Thigpin. They described 4-H as a youth development organization focused on citizenship and leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living, serving more than 216,000 youth statewide. They highlighted personal stories about how 4-H built confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills, and they outlined goals to grow participation to 300,000 youth and to invest in 4-H camps, especially Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee, as year-round learning sites. Senators praised the program and asked questions about how youth get involved and what drives participation.
Florida FFA state officers Hope Storder and Isabel Jenkins then presented on agricultural education and FFA. They explained FFA’s three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development, and noted that Florida now has more than 65,000 FFA members and that state funding has allowed all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. They emphasized agriculture’s role in feeding a growing population and discussed how technology, innovation, and urban agriculture can help meet future production needs. Senators commended the organization’s work and its role in preparing future leaders and agricultural professionals. At the end of the meeting, Senator Burton requested a group photo with the students, and the committee agreed.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the policy analyst covering education support services, including STEM education and students.
- Senate Bill 107 creates a STEM Innovation Network.
- It's called the NMSU STEM Center of Excellence, but it's actually intended as a way to coordinate STEM
- So right now, we have a lot of STEM resources across the state.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 54 May 7th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
SB1090, SJR49, SB633, HR1059, SB650, SB2063, SB122, SB1614, SB1884, SJR52, SJR53, HJR1101, SJR50, HB3021, HR1058, SB514, SB382, HB3320, SB740, SB833, SB2143, SB1209, SB244
Keywords:
wildlife, conservation, Oklahoma, regulations, permanent rules, Leo's Law, child endangerment, fentanyl testing, drug screening, child welfare, Oklahoma Children's Code, substance abuse, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, AAPI, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Oklahoma House resolution, commemorative resolution, heritage month, cultural recognition
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 13th, 2026 at 09:32 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Finally, I wanted to point out the amount of STEM and other outreach we're doing.
- says that we should be supporting the aerospace industry in New Mexico, and we should also be doing STEM
- A STEM coordinator is needed to do a better job of outreach.
- And is it statutorily the obligation of the Spaceport to do the STEM outreach?
- And then on the back side of that is actually an outdoor auditorium for STEM learning, is what we're
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Arielle Roth, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. Apr 9th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I mentioned stem was really important to me.
- So it was a bill authorizing the NASA administrator to encourage women to study STEM, it's called the
- Could you talk about promoting the STEM workforce and your role, if confirmed, as NASA administrator,
- how you can inspire more people to go into STEM in general?
- can do that, then we're going to get the inspirational side of NASA going, we're going to get the STEM
Summary:
During the committee meeting, various issues surrounding state policy and governance were deliberated. Although the specifics of bills under discussion were not highlighted, comments from several committee members indicated a focus on improving legislative processes and addressing public concerns. The chairman facilitated discussions that included several points of critique as well as suggestions for enhancement of existing laws. The atmosphere remained constructive despite the complexity of the topics at hand.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's obviously the only STEM-based... ...a special place.
- It's obviously the only STEM-based state university in the state system and has been around for a little
- For the past decade, Florida Poly has been an asset to Polk County and to Florida, bringing rigorous STEM
- We appreciate your commitment to Florida Poly, our newest STEM university.
- I am a STEM guy at heart. In fact, I apologize for being tardy at this meeting.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education convened with a quorum and first took up CS for SB 1694 on technology education. The bill would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and would encourage high school computer science courses that include AI to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal settings. The bill sponsor and several supporters emphasized preparing students for an AI-driven workforce while teaching critical evaluation and ethical use; one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the need to preserve real-world skills. Senator Davis supported the measure and suggested introducing similar instruction earlier, possibly in middle school. The committee voted the bill favorably, with Senator Leak later recorded in the affirmative.
The committee then heard a large block of confirmations for higher education boards, including appointees to Tallahassee State College, the University of South Florida, the University of North Florida, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally highlighted backgrounds in education, health care, law, business, technology, and public service, and described priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, affordability, fiscal responsibility, and institutional growth. One nominee to Tallahassee State College was asked about low NCLEX pass rates and said the college had a plan approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Another nominee discussed Florida Poly’s STEM mission, and several members praised the nominees’ community ties and professional experience.
After hearing the appointees, the committee voted to report the block of confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The committee then received a high-level overview of the higher education budget, totaling $11.9 billion, with major emphasis on workforce training and development. Highlights included increases for school district workforce education, the Florida College System, workforce development capitalization, a rural educator recruitment program, funding for the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s literacy and math initiatives, UF’s autism and neurodevelopment center, and a postsecondary guardian program for campus security. Members asked a brief question about a workforce fund transfer, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds added. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- , you're not going to see many other changes that came out in House Bill 2 other than row 100, the STEM
- The STEM network is a new program this year at NMSU whose purpose is to bring together best practices
- in STEM education from throughout the state, and its long-term focus and goal is to establish regional
- our urban communities and our rural communities to start to scale up some of those best practices in STEM
- The LFC recommendation did not fund the STEM network, but the HFC recommendation did fully fund the STEM
Keywords:
higher education, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, appropriation, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Manufacturing is a STEM field now.
- The question I have is: you talked about Florida's investment in STEM education and workforce education
- With the STEM education, workforce education through the colleges and universities and things like that
- area, I every year ask for money for the schools, specifically for welding classes, CTE training, STEM
- One of the challenges that I see, though, is that a lot of times we see a lot of the STEM kids, as if
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee met to hear an overview of its jurisdiction and then focused primarily on Florida manufacturing. Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly described manufacturing as central to a more resilient, diversified economy, citing the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report and noting strong growth in manufacturing businesses, jobs, exports, and workforce programs. He emphasized that most Florida manufacturers are small businesses, that the sector is increasingly STEM- and technology-driven, and that the state’s main challenge is workforce aging and the need to retain trained talent. Members also discussed how to better expose students and parents to manufacturing careers, improve startup access to capital, and strengthen regional manufacturing corridors and transportation links.
Kevin Carr of FloridaMakes said Florida is on track to become a top-five manufacturing state, but warned that productivity, technology adoption, and workforce shortages remain key issues. He said a proposed manufacturing bill would create a chief manufacturing officer and help address workforce, technology, and market-visibility challenges. Bain Beecher of PGT Innovations described the company’s growth and community role, but highlighted obstacles such as affordable housing, insurance costs, permitting delays, supply-chain disruptions, and limited awareness of manufacturing careers among students and parents. Andrew Kosowski of Veterans Metal focused on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, citing labor shortages, the cost of adopting new technology, regulatory burdens, and cybersecurity compliance as major pressures, and urged support for the draft manufacturing bill.
Brian Giuliani of the Port of Tampa Bay outlined the port’s cargo mix, infrastructure investments, and role in moving fuel, construction materials, and manufactured goods, saying the port’s expansion and transloading plans could better connect Florida manufacturers to suppliers and markets. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need to promote manufacturing careers earlier in school, improve public perception of the industry, and reduce barriers to investment. No formal vote was taken during the discussion, but the panelists broadly supported the draft manufacturing legislation and the committee’s focus on manufacturing policy.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Last legislative session you all funded the STEM Network and also math lab classrooms that helped us
- I want to be part of this future where there are New Mexicans in our STEM workforce that understand our
- as co-chair for the New Mexico Partnership for Math and Science Education and part of New Mexico's STEM
- The partnership and the STEM Innovation Network stand up today in support of Senate Bill 29 because it
- Myself, I’m a big proponent of STEM education and also how that plays into computer science education
Keywords:
foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Commerce and Tourism Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- general point of this slide is that is that manufacturing really from middle school and up is now a STEM
- And it is now a middle school and up is now a STEM field.
- the ability to have the modern equipment that matches what the modern employees manufacturing is a stem
- particular area every year ask for money for the schools, specifically for welding classes, CTE, training, stem
- I see, though, is a lot of times we see on the STEM kids as if they're picked out to say, hey, you're
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion
Transcript Highlights:
- Ironically, QCC was recently awarded a TRIO grant for Student Support Services, the STEM flavor, that
- So under Student Support Services, you could have STEM.
- We applied for STEM, one for First Generation.
- Healthcare was the third kind, and we were only awarded STEM. Gotcha.
- So under student support services, you could have STEM. We applied for STEM, one first generation.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains.
Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue.
Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Sep 22nd, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- One stat I wanted to point out for you all is that 64% of the middle school STEM workforce are people
- We had about 30 to 35 different exhibitors, and those are people doing STEM and alike.
- On page 10, here is a list of the STEM and other, and maybe.
- Mainly STEM, but outreach we've done since April.
- I am currently the STEM workforce coordinator, and we handle that work internally.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Sep 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the last item on page 2 is math and STEM. We're requesting 9.8 million for numerals.
- Senator Pope, Representative Goodrell, and myself sponsored the STEM Network for Education.
- I think 3 million went to STEM education. I know that. with math.
- Chair, Representative Garrett, I can tell you that the STEM initiative.
- Their regional structure for supporting STEM.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- study that we did, which was in the field after January 20th, all of a sudden, many of the faculty in STEM
- fields—and STEM faculty are the largest Many of the faculty in STEM fields, and STEM faculty are the
- fields, and STEM faculty are the largest, many of the faculty in STEM fields, and STEM faculty are the
- The other problem here is that what we found are clear differences between faculty in the STEM fields
- The other problem here is that what we found are clear differences between faculty in the STEM fields
Summary:
The meeting opened with approval of the July 9, 2025 minutes and a roll call confirming quorum. DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez gave his first official testimony, affirming the department’s commitment to preventing antisemitism and societal bias in schools, saying DESE supports the commission’s recommendations and will add staff resources to help develop and disseminate guidance and instructional materials. He said DESE’s rubric and guidance for identifying effective curricula and resources should be finalized in late fall, and commissioners welcomed the partnership and asked about the ongoing Section 98A work.
The commission then heard from Professor Eitan Hirsch of Tufts, who presented research on antisemitism and campus climate. He described survey findings showing sharply different Jewish and non-Jewish views on Israel, increasing social pressure on Jewish students, and a growing tendency for Jewish students to hide their identity or feel penalized for participating in Jewish life. He argued that colleges need to do more to teach students how to handle dissent and build cultures of viewpoint diversity, and commissioners asked about best practices, regional differences, and the role of campus climate surveys.
Rabbi Fine of UMass Amherst Hillel and student Sky Landau testified about antisemitism at UMass, especially since October 7. Fine described both a thriving Jewish student community and serious incidents including harassment, vandalism, classroom issues, protests, and students hiding Jewish identity; he said the university is working with Hillel and DEI leadership on goals and strategy for Jewish inclusion, and he urged more training and structured dialogue. Landau described antisemitic incidents she experienced or witnessed, including hostile BDS meetings, exclusion of Zionist students, Holocaust denial, threats, and social ostracism, and said Hillel was the only consistently safe space for her. Commissioners discussed reporting pathways, affinity groups, mental health supports, and ways to distinguish criticism of Israel from antisemitism.
Later, the commission moved to its recommendations and made several edits before voting, including deleting offensive wording in a footnote, adding a citation to recent FBI hate crime data, and restoring language tied to an existing DESE regulation, 603 CMR 26.05, on classroom neutrality and fact-based instruction. Commissioners also reiterated that criticism of Israel’s government is not inherently antisemitic. The meeting included a brief interruption by a protester, after which the commission recessed and then resumed its work on the draft recommendations.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 7, February 17, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate File 48, Stem Cell Freedom Act.
- This is autologous mesenchymal stem cells that have the ability to differentiate and use their innate
- This is autogus mezenymal<01:39:42.560>
stem <01:39:42.719>cells <01:39:43.840>cells - <01:40:43.040>
cell those that are performing stem cell those that are performing stem cell - Senate File 48, Stem Cell Freedom Act, has passed the committee of the whole.