Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:30.000> and that would be true for mathematics and that would be true for mathematics
• mathematics achievement in Kentucky. mathematics achievement in Kentucky.
• systemwide support for mathematics systemwide support for mathematics achievement<00:23:42.559><
• learning, recognizes that mathematics learning, recognizes that mathematics builds<00:25:03.919>
• development session on mathematics development session on mathematics education<00:31:37.519>

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 00:13 Approval of Minutes - 4:07 Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing - 5:18 Math Improvement Committee Report - 21:02 ETS Praxis Exam - 41:47 KDE Performance Review Data - 1:15:04 Adjournment - 1:57:54, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from KDE on the revised Kentucky academic standards for reading and writing. KDE explained the statutory six-year review process, the public comment periods, and the main revisions, including updates tied to the science of reading, decodable text, encoding/decoding, and an updated vision statement. KDE said 308 responses were received on the initial public comment, most respondents favored keeping standards as-is, and about 12% of standards were revised. The department also said the document was streamlined by removing repeated graphics and reducing its size by about 24%, and that a later comment period drew more than 400 responses. No new standards were flagged for review. Members asked about alignment between standards, curriculum, assessments, and NAEP, and KDE said instructional resources should be aligned to standards, KSA assessments are aligned to the standards, and screeners/diagnostics help identify student needs. Representative Truett raised the idea of a textbook-to-standards crosswalk, and KDE said publishers and a future repository partner should provide such crosswalks for local districts. Representative Bojanowski asked why foundational reading skills are not directly assessed on the third-grade KSA; KDE responded that the assessment is designed to measure end-of-grade expectations, while screening and diagnostics are used earlier to identify decoding needs. Representative Gel asked about early childhood supports, and KDE said it is working with early learning and special education offices and promoting LETRS professional learning for both teachers and preschool educators. The committee then received the mathematics improvement committee report. KDE said the mathematics committee unanimously approved a new strategic plan for improving math achievement from pre-K through grade 20 and adult education. The plan centers on six priorities: student empowerment, effective mathematics teaching and learning, continuous educator development and growth, a continuum of learning, community and family partnerships, and teacher recruitment and retention. KDE said the plan is intended as a living document with goals, recommended actions, and evidence bases, and that it aligns with the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act by supporting high-quality instructional resources, professional learning, and family resources. In response to Senator Thomas, KDE explained that the professional learning recommendation means districts should tailor teacher training to classroom needs and instructional materials so math teachers are better equipped to implement standards and support students.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I would wager that larger immigration policy, like border shutdowns, like more difficulty to get
• courses. ...section of the Mathematics and Science Education Act, requiring automatic enrollment of
• certain students in available advanced mathematics courses, providing exceptions to automatic enrollment
• of the Public Education Department on data, including student performance in mathematics and enrollment
• in advanced mathematics courses, and assigning duties to the Bureau and the Department.

Bills: HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM25, HB9, SB2, SB19

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• That makes sense mathematically, but these are hundreds of millions of dollars, and this is a problem
• but these are makes sense mathematically but these are hundreds<00:20:35.880> of<00:20:36.000
• What a surprise: our insurance industry in every segment is having difficulty projecting future claims
• 29:59.399> having industry in every segment is having industry in every segment is having difficulty
• future claims difficulty projecting future claims expenses<00:30:02.799> and<00:30:03.000>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a reinsurance overview from Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer of the Minnesota Department of Commerce on the Minnesota Premium Security Plan. She explained that reinsurance helps stabilize premiums in the individual market by reimbursing insurers for high-cost claims, and said Minnesota’s program has lowered premiums, preserved carrier participation, and helped maintain consumer choice. She warned that without continued funding, the program would be depleted and individual-market premiums could rise by about 25%, with potential losses in coverage and access to care. She also described the program’s structure under a federal 1332 waiver, the role of MCHA in administering the program, and the state’s receipt of more than $650 million in federal pass-through funds to date. Dryer said the current program is funded through the end of 2025, though the federal waiver authority runs through 2027. The governor’s proposal would create a new assessment on insurers, estimated at roughly 2% to 3%, to fund the state share of the program and avoid another full waiver submission. She noted that the proposal assumes MinnesotaCare funding would be held harmless and that the program would be reduced if federal basic health plan funding were negatively affected. She also said projected costs changed because individual-market enrollment has grown and enhanced federal subsidies were removed from the estimate. Members raised concerns about the proposal’s impact on premiums and the history of the fund. Senator Rasmusson argued the new assessment amounts to a large tax increase on health insurance and questioned who would be assessed and whether the surcharge would be capped. Dryer responded that the assessment would be based on annual claims experience and market conditions, with final amounts determined at the end of each year, not monthly. Senator Duckworth and Senator Frentz supported reinsurance as a way to keep premiums lower, while also questioning how the program should be financed. Senator Green asked about the mechanics of the assessment and the role of the department in setting it, and Senator H questioned why the fiscal note assumed 12% annual growth for program costs when general premium growth was lower. No vote or formal action was taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, half of Hawaii families are reporting difficulty maintaining consistent access to healthy and
• families are reporting difficulty families are reporting difficulty maintaining<00:12:06.240>
• Our students need stronger instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking.
• Our students need stronger instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking.
• In reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking.

Bills: HB2117, HB2155, HB1832, HB1601, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2004, HB1810, HB2323, HB1691, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB2214, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB1964, HB2218, HB1535, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1724, HB1733, HB2416, HB2001, HB1603, HB1753, HB2140, HB1962, HB1963, HB2096, HB1959, HB1960, HB2293, HB2288, HB1752, HB1573, HB469, HB2091, HB1851, HB1688, HB1696, HB2417, HB2375, HB2333, HB2152, HB1881, HB2395, HB1721, HB1921, HB1730, HB1697, HB1824, HB2282, HB2078, HB2321, HB2279, HB1522, HB2097, HB2433, HB2106, HB2274, HB2452, HB1764, HB2438, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2216, HB1934, HB2454, HB2427, HB2207, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB2386

Keywords: arts education, data mapping, task force, creative economy, cultural preservation, workforce development, geographic information systems, agriculture, data collection, statistical program, sustainable practices, Hawaii, aquaculture, biosecurity, food security, sustainable seafood, regulatory framework, interagency coordination, environmental stewardship, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an assistant professor of mathematics education research.
• They are mathematical sense-makers and problem-solvers.
• knowledge into mathematics classrooms.
• I close by saying, think mathematical knowledge and practice.
• I think mathematical knowledge and practices, but we also think about mathematical identities, and I

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a long slate of education bills, beginning with SB 685 on nonpublic schools for students with disabilities. Senator Cortese and the California Department of Education described the bill as a response to the Ninth Circuit’s Laughman decision, removing the obsolete “non-sectarian” requirement while preserving secular use of public funds, nondiscrimination protections, background checks, credentialing, and incident reporting. There was no opposition, and the bill later passed 7-0 to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1181, a pilot grant program for violence prevention, student wellness, and school safety in Central Valley and other schools. Supporters framed it as a prevention measure, while opponents from EFF, ACLU Cal Action, and community advocates warned it could increase law enforcement involvement, surveillance, and use of fusion centers; despite those concerns, it ultimately passed 5-0 to Appropriations. Members then considered SB 1067, which would create a statewide framework for annual K-2 math assessments starting in 2028-29 to identify students needing early intervention. The author and supporters argued California faces a serious math achievement crisis and that early assessment would help close gaps, while CTA and several educators and administrators sought additional clarity and amendments to ensure alignment with existing diagnostic practices and limits on high-stakes use. The bill drew broad support from educators, parents, and advocacy groups and passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1107, a school shade-structure bill, would expand eligible shade projects and allow bundling through design-build to reduce costs; it received support from LAUSD, school boards, and climate-focused groups and passed 7-0. SB 1128, on take-home devices and screen time for kindergarteners, was presented as a modest first step to give families more flexibility and reduce early screen exposure, with support from early childhood advocates and no opposition, and it passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1048, creating a voluntary State Seal of Climate Literacy for students who complete climate coursework and hands-on projects. Supporters, including Ten Strands, students, teachers, and county offices, said it would recognize real-world climate learning and green career readiness; it passed 7-0. SB 1140, sponsored by CFT, would require LEA construction contractors to follow campus security provisions during school projects to reduce unauthorized access; it drew support from labor and gun violence prevention groups and passed 7-0. SB 930, requiring end-to-end encryption for proctoring companies handling K-12 exam data, was presented as a student privacy measure in response to cybersecurity risks and passed 6-0. Finally, SB 1083 was introduced by Senator Perez as a follow-up to last year’s Safe Learning Environments Act, with extensive committee amendments to refine the statewide misconduct data system, disclosure rules, contractor fingerprinting, and access requirements; the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full hearing and vote are shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had no disagreements with management, and we did not encounter any difficulties in our audit.
• We had no difficulties with the audit.
• the Attorney General has said, because the 75 percent interim or reserve fund limitation is a mathematical
• or the Attorney General has said because the 75 percent interim or reserve fund limitation is a mathematical
• and the criteria that you've defined in law, when you follow that through, these are not complex mathematical

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Overcoming challenges with play builds confidence and the ability to cope with life's difficulties.
• I understand, you know, someone doesn't... difficulties. Safe expression. It difficulties.
• And so if there's not a certain amount of hours for mathematics or science or literacy, um, then you
• c><01:33:07.600> hours<01:33:08.000> for<01:33:08.960> uh<01:33:09.360> mathematics
• <01:33:10.080> or amount of hours for uh mathematics or amount of hours for uh mathematics

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And yes, there are a lot of variables of why students are having difficulty today. alternative program
• variables of why students<01:37:49.679> are<01:37:49.920> having<01:37:50.239> difficulty
• Students are having difficulty today.
• <01:41:49.840> are<01:41:50.080> no achievement scores in mathematics are no achievement
• scores in mathematics are no better<01:41:50.639> than<01:41:50.800> they<01:41:51.119

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session on a bill concerning school meal access and reimbursement. The bill would address local school districts’ responsibility to provide meals during school hours, reimburse schools for meals served at no cost, and make an appropriation. The committee first moved to retain the bill, with supporters saying it was complex, had uncertain fiscal impacts, and should be considered alongside other related meals bills. Opponents argued the committee already had enough information, that the bill served a small number of students at relatively low cost, and that delaying action would harm children who need food to learn. The committee also heard from Tim Roar, a Keene school business administrator and co-designer of the bill, who explained that the proposal was intended to be an opt-in program for districts, with rulemaking to set participation requirements. He said the bill was meant to target aid to students between 175% and 200% of poverty, reduce bad meal debt, and avoid spending taxpayer money on families who could afford to pay. He estimated the state cost at about $250,000 in year one, with local taxpayer costs around $8,500 for Keene, and said some districts already have systems for online applications while others do not. Committee members questioned him about meal debt, online application software costs, and how districts handle students who reach debt limits. Roar said districts still feed students who are hungry, but use other resources and family outreach when meal debt is capped, and he argued that parents should be responsible for providing lunch when they can afford it. Other members pushed back, saying they had seen students go hungry and that teachers sometimes pay for lunches themselves. One member noted the bill would increase eligibility, make it easier to apply, strengthen personal responsibility, and was not a mandate. The discussion ended without a recorded final vote in the excerpt, though the retain motion remained the central action under debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, only 37 percent of students are meeting grade level standards in mathematics.
• I'm an assistant professor of mathematics education research.
• They are mathematical sense makers and problem solvers.
• ...do better by our students if we don't know what mathematical knowledge they bring with them.
• I close by saying, I think mathematical knowledge and practices, but we also think about mathematical

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mathematically, over the years, I'm a little bit of a statistics nerd.
• Mathematically, this is my personal opinion and just my own at-home math, we could double the wine industry
• Members, voters with visual impairments have reported difficulty reading the instructions that accompany

Bills: HB223

Keywords: municipal budget, county budget, local government finance, spending cap, expenditure limit, inflation plus population growth, taxpayer impact statement, budget transparency, property tax, fees, Legislative Budget Board, voter approval, disaster spending, fiscal restraint, Texas Local Government Code, city budget, county expenditures, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of each test is to collect mathematical... ...solar panels.
• So this makes tutoring supports available in both reading and mathematics.
• , but to date we have only begun to offer professional learning supports to mathematics educators.
• , but to date we have only begun to offer professional learning supports to mathematics educators.
• a tutoring agent that is working with middle school mathematics.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll, I'll express a little bit of difficulty that we have right now with counseling, and that's finding
• too, having heard and, and our family lives in Portales, so we know some of the, the trauma and difficulties
• example, when I was trained at UNM in one of the first residency programs, we had one very poor mathematics
• easily transfers from one university to the other, partly to make sure that we don't have these difficulties

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a process right now for the Kentucky Center for Mathematics that I think it's every five years
• So this would make NKU the location, the home of the Kentucky Center for Mathematics.
• Uh there is also Center for Mathematics.
• It focuses on making mathematics accessible and engaging to all learners from early childhood through
• Doing and to just lift up the importance of mathematics education as a family, as young children, for

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met with a quorum and first heard House Bill 266, which would add audiology and speech-language pathology to the Kentucky Health Care Workforce Investment Fund as eligible credentials. Sponsor Representative Griffy and Dr. Kelly Ellis of Eastern Kentucky University testified that both professions are essential health care services, require advanced education and licensure, and face shortages, especially in rural areas. The bill passed favorably without opposition. The committee then took up House Bill 379, a cleanup and policy bill for postsecondary education. As amended by a primary House substitute, it would exempt mandatory orientation and training for governing board members from open meetings requirements if no action is taken, allow preliminary university president evaluations to occur in closed session while final evaluations remain public, designate Northern Kentucky University as the permanent home of the Kentucky Center for Mathematics, and establish a process for collecting enrollment-related debt through universities and the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet. The substitute also removed provisions related to student body presidents and the Commonwealth Education Continuum. Representative Baker and guests from NKU and the Council on Postsecondary Education said the changes were recommended by universities and CPE, noted that NKU has long hosted the Kentucky Center for Mathematics, and explained that no other institution has sought the role. Members asked about the center’s work, and supporters described it as a statewide organization that improves math education and teacher training. House Bill 379, as amended, passed with favorable expression and was reported to the House floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we also have CS for HB 1113 by Representative Valdes, mathematics education requirements.
• By Representative Valdes, mathematics education requirements.
• We will now move to C.S. for HB 1113 by Representative Valdez: Mathematics Education Requirements.
• CS for HB 1113, Mathematics Instruction.
• instruction and mathematics intervention to elementary school students.

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. First, PCS for HB 879 by Representatives Rizo and Woodson would require state colleges and universities to prioritize housing placement for students who are homeless, were in foster care, or are at risk of homelessness, and to give first priority in housing or work-study priority systems to students eligible for child-welfare-related tuition and fee exemptions. Members heard extensive supportive testimony from Florida Youth Shine participants and other advocates describing housing instability after foster care and the importance of campus housing and vouchers for student success. The bill was reported favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then heard CS for HB 1113 by Representative Valdes, which would standardize minimum math-content requirements for elementary teacher preparation programs and increase math content in competency-based certification programs. The sponsor cited stagnant Florida math outcomes and a state report finding limited math preparation for elementary teacher candidates. The bill drew support from the Foundation for Florida’s Future and the Florida Chamber of Commerce and was reported favorably by a 15-0 vote. Finally, the committee considered HB 827 by Representative Spencer, directing the Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research to conduct a recurring statewide study on the effects of automation and artificial intelligence on Florida’s workforce, including affected industries, at-risk workers, and training needs. Members discussed whether similar data exists in the private sector, the bill’s fiscal impact, and the sponsor’s use of AI tools in preparing remarks. The bill received supportive debate and was reported favorably without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS MAKES TUTORING SUPPORTS AVAILABLE IN READING AND MATHEMATICS SO WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF LAUNCHING
• WE'VE DONE WORK HISTORICALLY IN MATHEMATICS BUT TODAY WE HAVE ONLY BEGUN TO OFFER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
• FAR MORE RELEVANT TO THE REAL WORLD SO STUDENTS UNDERSTAND HOW MATHEMATICS HELPS THEM IN THEIR EVERYDAY
• WE HAVE 1300 MATHEMATICS TEACHERS AND ROLE AND A SIGNIFICANT REQUEST FOR MORE EDUCATORS TO BE ABLE TO
• WITH MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS, A STUDENT WHO HAS MISCONCEPTIONS IN THE MATHEMATICS AND THE STUDENTS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, oh, by the way, I taught school for 13 years in Manchester, middle school mathematics.
• So I know a middle school mathematics.
• identified, which is the the difficulty identified, which is the the difficulty when<04:11:10.160
• We'll open the executive session on House Bill 1183, relative to the mathematics requirement for high
• there is mathematics in the trades.<05:23:33.120> Um,<05:23:33.520> and<05:23:34.080><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• impossibility that Aaron Paul could have won that race and, in fact, creating a mathematical certainty
• impossibility that Aaron Paul could have won that race and, in fact, creating a mathematical certainty
• impossibility that Aaron Paul could have won that race and, in fact, creating a mathematical certainty
• impossibility that Aaron Paul could have won that race and, in fact, creating a mathematical certainty
• Won that race, and in fact creating a mathematical certainty that Brad Tabke won the race.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Democratic House leaders Melissa Hortman and Jamie Long said Republicans were escalating the Minnesota House organization dispute by refusing to accept power-sharing, threatening to proceed as if they had a two-year majority, and planning to disregard the Secretary of State’s role on the first day of session. They argued that Minnesota law requires the Secretary of State to preside until a quorum is present, and that the House should follow the Minnesota Senate’s example of sharing power when the chamber is tied. They said Democrats had offered a compromise allowing Republicans to act as a majority for the first few weeks while they held a one-seat edge, then revert to the negotiated power-sharing agreement once the House returns to a 67-67 tie. Much of the discussion focused on the Brad Tabke election contest and whether Republicans could use a temporary majority to remove him or otherwise reorganize the House. Hortman and Long said the swearing-in of members is a ministerial act and does not affect the election contest, citing past Minnesota examples where members were sworn in while legal challenges were pending. They said if Republicans ignore the Secretary of State and try to organize the House without a quorum, Democrats would go to court to argue the House was not duly organized. They also said Republicans’ claims about the disputed district residency issue were misplaced and that the Tabke case should be decided by the courts. The leaders said Democrats were prepared to use denial of quorum as a backup if no agreement is reached, describing it as a quieter and less disruptive alternative to a long filibuster. They said the confidential swearing-in held the night before was done as an emergency backup because of security concerns and the possibility that quorum might be denied. They also said they were not worried about Republican recall threats, but warned that if Republicans proceeded with what they called a “kangaroo court,” Democrats might consider recall petitions for malfeasance. No formal vote or legislative action was taken in the exchange, and the leaders said they were still hoping to reach a compromise in later talks with Republican Leader Lisa Demuth.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also dispatch officers in instances where callers have difficulty articulating where they're at.
• But this looks to be a very good solution mathematically.
• I have difficulty understanding your question.

Bills: SB39, SB2129, SB2141, SB2246, SB2323, SB2439, SB2722, SB 39

Keywords: commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident

Transcript Highlights:

• trafficking often face significant barriers to recovery and reintegration. into society, including difficulty
• Punishment is mathematically less than two years for a full sentence, even less if they receive pre-trial
• One of the biggest difficulties in holding sex traffickers accountable under Chapter 28 of the Human

Bills: SB251, SB608, SB487, SB535, SB761, SB955, SB957, SB958, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120

Keywords: criminal law, magistrates, Bell County, judicial authority, legal framework, evidence collection, sexual assault kits, reporting, law enforcement, transparency, confidentiality, victim protection, stalking, indecent assault, invasive visual recording, criminal justice, privacy rights, SB 535, Texas criminal procedure, rape shield

Transcript Highlights:

• underrepresented in graduate studies, specifically in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
• STEM, fields, which are all fields... ...specifically in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
• During my time at UMass Lowell, I have heard the personal and financial difficulties faced by other graduate

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing with about 43 witnesses and a 1:00 p.m. hard stop, and the chair repeatedly asked speakers to keep testimony to three minutes. Much of the hearing focused on S. 747/H. 1336, which would extend paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance to graduate student workers. Supporters included legislators, union leaders, graduate workers from MIT, Harvard, BU, WPI, UMass Lowell, and others, and legal advocates. They argued graduate workers perform full-time teaching and research work, pay taxes, and should not be excluded from basic safety-net benefits; several witnesses described personal hardships involving childbirth, serious illness, mental health crises, funding cuts, or fear of losing income. Testifiers also said the change would be revenue-neutral or revenue-generating and would not create major administrative burdens for universities, which already provide similar benefits to other employees. The committee also heard testimony on insurance-related bills. Christopher Stock of the Massachusetts Insurance Federation supported H. 1113 on public adjusters and H. 1345/S. 753 on flood-zone notifications for homebuyers, but opposed H. 4112, which would add a $2 surcharge on home insurance policies to fund fire cistern programs. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council strongly supported H. 1345, saying flood disclosure is needed because Massachusetts lacks statewide flood-notification requirements and flooding risks are increasing. Karen Alvarado supported H. 4352 on travel insurance, and John Fielding supported H. 1186 on pet insurance; both said the bills would create uniform regulatory frameworks and consumer protections. Rep. LeBoeuf testified for H. 4061 on workers’ compensation premium fraud, describing the bill as a transparency measure to combat fraud in construction by creating a public certificate-of-insurance database and QR-code verification system. Joe Bright of the carpenters’ union also supported H. 4061, citing fraud, misclassification, and the harm to injured workers. The hearing also included testimony on H. 4112, a bill to create a statewide fire suppression water resource fund and cistern program. Rep. Hogan and a Stowe fire chief described drought, brush fires, and the need for dedicated cisterns in communities without municipal water systems, saying the tanks provide reliable water for firefighting and are relatively low-tech once installed. Committee members asked questions about tank capacity, siting, maintenance, and funding. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.