Transcript Highlights:

• This represents 44% of your high school population that are in career tech programs currently not in
• Those pieces of education are provided by tuition and provided by incentive programs that were already
• Before I begin, I want to thank you for your ongoing support of higher... Education.
• The National Guard Education Assistance Program offers life-changing opportunities for...
• It is a, and once again, Oklahoma's Promise is kind of like a higher education voucher program.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ahead with your testimony uh take your ahead with your testimony uh take your name<00:39:19.599>
• Expanding our educational programs and subsidizing programming for low-income families will allow children
• <00:41:22.560> programs<00:41:23.119> and<00:41:23.280> subsidizing educational
• programs and subsidizing educational programs and subsidizing programming<00:41:24.599> for<00
• And so what are the variety of crops that you grow from your hay all the way to your greenhouse?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our own area, obviously a lot of higher education right here, right in this Cass County area.
• We're not going to talk about educational programming, although that's a huge part of what Sanford and
• And I look forward to your input, your ideas of how we can really grow this institution forward.
• On the work that's being done for the low completion programs, with your hat...
• So if you have a program that is largely, I think, like a lot of the general education programs are just

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

Transcript Highlights:

• It made such a difference in growing our middle class and growing our education institutions down in
• Let's put out the word that if you want to grow your... ...for the discussion on this bill.
• Let's put out the word that if you want to grow your... for the discussion on this bill.
• program for free pre-kindergarten programs in public schools, to Education K-16.
• Senate Bill 2618 by Creighton, relating to an education savings account program, to Education K-16.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with remarks highlighting UTRGV’s growth, degree production, research expansion, medical school, and role in serving the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. The chamber also recognized the doctor of the day and adopted additional resolutions, including one for Denton County Days at the Capitol and another recognizing Texas HBCU Day. The Senate gave extensive recognition to outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp through Senate Resolution 368. Senators from both parties praised his long public career, leadership of the A&M System, support for regional universities, and bipartisan approach. The resolution was adopted after multiple members added their names. The chamber also heard from advocates with the Texas Streets Coalition, and received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. On legislation, the Senate passed several major bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to address teacher vacancies, bilingual certification testing, paid leave options, classroom removals, and appeal rights, then passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment on parents’ right to direct a child’s education, advanced on a 22-9 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, aimed at preventing foreign influence and intellectual property theft at public institutions of higher education, passed unanimously. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the business entities bill, also passed after debate over corporate governance and shareholder protections. Senate Bill 857, authorizing law enforcement to tow certain vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed despite some concern about towing abuses during disasters. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, but the transcript ends as that bill is being laid out.

Transcript Highlights:

• For nearly 125 years, 4-H has been providing youth ages 5 through 18 with hands-on educational programming
• These funds will provide a robust and self-sustaining on-site program capacity for residential education
• In order to build the future workforce, our organization and educational programs address a very key
• programs and experiences.
• If you aren't connected to a local agricultural program in your district, we would be thrilled to make

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program, which would be housed in the Office of Higher Education, would receive birth data for an
• The program, which would be housed in the Office of Higher Education, would receive birth data for an
• Thank you for your testimony. Representative Caun, welcome to the House Higher Education Committee.
• education committee please proceed<00:03:09.120> with<00:03:09.239> your<00:03:09.360>
• education committee please state your education committee please state your name<00:04:42.560>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• your own for the region.
• Plus program earlier in your remarks.
• And I think what's important to note about UTPB is we are the quintessential grow-your-own university
• Own your water.
• Our enrollment is growing, and on your handout, you can see it: both our credit and non-credit programs

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We deliver these educational programs to Texas youth and adults through 250 offices serving all 254 counties
• We mobilize volunteers and education programs to transform lives, to prepare the next generation for
• So I know that in your grant program for, uh, many of these departments to get equipment and stuff like
• So on your exceptional item number 2, you got 44 million on your rural fire department assistance program
• those programs related to agriculture education.

Bills: HB294

Keywords: energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties, sustainability, real estate

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Education. So, what funding is distributed for this type of program?
• My question is just asking about how we need to grow our own for our young people.
• I appreciate what you shared with us on your summer bridge program, but how do you grow it?
• Therefore, the title Semillas de Salud, Grow Our Own Health Professionals.
• academic programs to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to build the future workforce, our organization and educational programs address a very key
• If you aren't connected to a local agriculture program in your district, we would be thrilled to make
• But I share your concern, Senator Rouson, absolutely share your concern.
• a lot of their own, talked about the challenges of growing plants that were compliant, the attention
• program ever.

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders. The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• SHOULD YOU WAIVE YOUR SPEAKING TIME YOUR POSITION WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE COMMITTEE RECORDS.
• IN ORDER TO BUILD THE FUTURE WORKFORCE OUR ORGANIZATION AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ADDRESS A KEY ISSUE
• PROGRAMS AND EXPERIENCES.
• IF YOU AREN'T CONNECTED TO A LOCAL AGRICULTURE PROGRAM IN YOUR DISTRICT WE WOULD BE THRILLED TO MAKE
• EDUCATION AND FFA IN FLORIDA.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think your area, Madam Chair, is going to continue to grow.
• You're enrolling them under this GROW Program.
• market and on a path that allows them to grow their own business or to grow a.
• If I did that, I would be eliminating key programs that grow our community.
• constant assessment and building of your programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you tell me how much money is in that GROW Program right now?
• It's owned and operated by the Board of Education. And so, Mr.
• for some of these funds and participating in your program?
• Parents, you need to get more involved in your kids' education.
• Without programs and support, people like me are not here. I'm not educated.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll see 52.6 million dollar increase in operating funds for school district workforce education programs
• funding incentives for district workforce education programs.
• employer or your educational institution.
• I want to also grow the cyber security program and put a little plug in for the civil engineering program
• As you know, he says that for your college programs are severely over enrolled and that this problem

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Bills: HR159, HR160, HR161, HR162, HR163, HR164, HCR60, HCR61, HCR62, HCR63, HCR64, HR153, HR154, HR155, HR156, HR157, HR158, HCR57, HCR58, HCR59, SB124, SB399, SB441, SB447, SB460, HCR4, HCR47, HB59, HB74, HB159, HB175, HB330, HB364, HB414, HB458, HB525, HB568, HB628, HB786, HB909, HB1008, HB1033, HB1034, HB1041, HB1052, HB1062, HB1070, HB1079, HB1112, HB1118, HB1139, HB1151, HB1154, HB1176, HB1182, HB1196, HB1214, HB1231, HB1241, SB244, HB1, HB2, HB3, HB312, HB313, HB383, HB314, HCR3, HB983, HB1126, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HB27, HB71, HB214, HB225, HB241, HB244, HB306, HB345, HB366, HB446, HB511, HB514, HB655, HB730, HB743, HB1027, HB1037, HB1043, HB1082, HB1091, HB1096, HB1103, HB1167, HB1174, HB1175, HB1230, HB1237, HB1238, HB55, HB385, HB394, HB396, HB406, HB608, HB622, HB676, HB772, HB897, HB1030, HB1035, HB1038, HB1045, HB1049, HB1056, HB1058, HB1059, HB1092, HB1100, HB1117, HB1160, HB1161, HB1162, HB1177, HB1180, HB1189, HB1216, HB1239, HB1240, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, SB127, HB51, HB58, HB140, HB750, HB911, HB982, HB1010, HB151, HB180, HB192, HB193, HB310, HB635, HB690, HB961, HB1003, HB1146, HB864, HB977, HB181, HB31, HB664, HB615, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB9, HB284, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB996, HB1113, HB1234, HB1236

Keywords: occupational therapy, healthcare, medical professionals, recognition, professional day, property transfer, public records doctrine, bad faith, Louisiana State Law Institute, real estate law, Black Maternal Health Week, maternal health, racial disparities, healthcare access, culturally competent care, Louisiana, community health, motorcycle safety, awareness month, motorcyclists education

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you for your time and your consideration.
• program, and the hospitality program.
• conscientious consideration of all these nominations, including my own, and for your flexibility, as
• conscientious consideration of all these nominations, including my own, and for your flexibility, as
• And also your commitment to sports programs as well.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it. The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes. The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 'grow your own' educator recruitment and preparation programs.
• Chairman, my question—and there will be questions when we talk about Grow Your Own—is: what types of
• So speaking of Grow Your Own, originally the Grow Your Own program was for classified staff... cafeteria
• The Grow Your Own scholarship program falls under the Higher Education Department, and Ed Fellows is
• And then where the Grow Your Own program comes in is to help cover that tuition cost. Thank you.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cedric owns and operates Rowe Organic Farms, where he grows peanuts, watermelons. and hemp.
• and Tier 1 interest rates along with personal and business education programs.
• provide that educational programming to them.
• And of course, you've seen this up close, you know, this is your own story and what it is.
• I just want to compliment you, maybe you could share a little bit about your program.

Keywords: farm bill, rural economy, crop insurance, access to credit, young farmers, USDA funding freeze, agricultural policy, risk management

Summary: The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• our own area, obviously a lot of higher education right here, right in this Cass County area.
• We're not going to talk about educational programming, although that's a huge part of what Sanford and
• And I look forward to your input, your ideas of how we can really grow this institution forward.
• As higher education moves toward more machine reading in each of its programs, it puts more personal
• So if you have a program that is largely, I think, like a lot of the general education programs are just

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For nearly 125 years, 4-H has been providing youth ages 5 through 18 with hands-on educational programming
• These funds will provide a robust and self-sustaining on-site program capacity for residential education
• In order to build the future workforce, our organization and educational programs address a very key
• programs and experiences.
• If you aren't connected to a local agricultural program in your district, we would be thrilled to make

Bills: S0806

Keywords: right to repair, repairability, consumer repair, independent repair provider, authorized repair provider, portable wireless device, smartphone repair, cell phone repair, mobile device, agricultural equipment, farm equipment, tractor, combine, diagnostic information, repair manuals, parts availability, tools, embedded software, firmware, security module

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture took up SB 806, a consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill sponsored by Senator Truenow. The bill was described as expanding repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. Two amendments were adopted: one clarified that portable devices do not include motor vehicles, and another was a technical staff amendment. Testimony included support for the general goal of repair access, but opposition from a John Deere dealership representative, who warned the bill could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, increase downtime, and create emissions-compliance risks. The Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state laws, a private right of action against manufacturers, and inconsistencies with other states’ repair laws. After closing remarks from Senator Truenow, the committee voted to report CS for SB 806 favorably. The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers and alumni, who highlighted 4-H’s role in youth development, leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living. They described statewide participation of more than 216,000 youth, the impact of camps and hands-on programs, and efforts to raise funds for facility improvements, including Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee. Members asked about how youth discover 4-H, what drives participation, and the organization’s growth goals, including reaching 300,000 youth. Next, Florida FFA state officers presented on agricultural education and FFA’s role in preparing students for careers in agriculture and related fields. They emphasized the three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and FFA leadership activities, and noted Florida’s membership growth to more than 65,000 students, supported by state funding that allows all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. Members discussed the need for technology and AI to help meet future food-production demands, and the presenters stressed innovation, urban agriculture, and efficiency as key to feeding a growing population. The meeting concluded with general comments of support and a request for a group photo with the students.