Transcript Highlights:

• It's good to know that that institution will be there for Minnesotans in their hours of need.
• It's good to know that that institution will be there for Minnesotans in their hours of need.
• will be there uh for institution will be there uh for Minnesotans<00:00:53.200><c> in</c><00:00:53.280
• I think that's good for the institution. It gets more members involved in the work.
• </c> that's good for the institution. that's good for the institution.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And second, it requires every institution to distribute education on power-based violence, including
• Yeah, it’s always something that’s issued by a state institution, and so I think that’s why they are
• It will be for colleges and institutions here. I understand that.
• Yeah, it's always something that's issued by a state institution.
• It will be for college and institutions here. I understand that.

Bills: HCR97 , HR168 , SCR33 , SB112 , SB346 , SB347 , SB353 , SB488 , SB504 , SB507 , SB518

Committee: House Education

Keywords: hunting education, firearm safety, outdoor recreation, curriculum, youth education, conservation, collegiate athletics, funding, name image likeness, revenue sharing, NCAA compliance, student-athlete support, financial sustainability, work-based learning, task force, internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, cooperative education, co-op

Transcript Highlights:

• A covered entity means a primary or secondary education institution, a child care provider, or a medical
• A covered entity means a primary or secondary education institution, a child care provider, or a medical
• So it’s a covered entity means primary, secondary, educational institution, a child care provider, a
• And as I read that, I could see both private and public funded institutions within that covered entity
• And as I read that, I could see both private and public funded institutions within that covered entity

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With me to testify in support is Manny Rodriguez, the Senior California Policy Director for the Institute
• So the goal of this safeguard is to discourage institutions from raising prices just because now there's
• Offered by private for-profit institutions eligible for these Workforce Pell programs?
• Offered by private for-profit institutions eligible for these workforce pilgrims?
• The result will not be cost savings, but lost institutional momentum and potential replacement costs

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met for a policy hearing on several higher education bills. AB 1534 (Irwin) would create a California approval process for short-term workforce Pell Grant programs; supporters said it would expand access to job training with consumer protections, while a neutral witness urged more work on implementation. Members raised concerns about the bill’s $4,000 tuition cap, but the measure passed 5-1 with an urgency clause and was sent to Labor and Employment. AB 1831 (Irwin) would cap compensation for certain CSU administrators, bar raises in years when tuition rises, and repeal a 2025 executive pay resolution; the author said she would amend the bill to remove retroactive repeal, narrow the scope, and clarify that it applies to base salary and non-represented managers. CFA, students, and labor groups supported the bill as an accountability measure, while CSU opposed it, arguing the cap would hurt recruitment and retention. The committee approved the bill 4-1-3 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee also advanced AB 1555 (Hadwick), which would allow up to 200 students to qualify for in-state tuition at College of the Siskiyous under a cross-border regional arrangement; it passed unanimously to Appropriations. AB 1552 (Jackson), requiring the community colleges and CSU and requesting UC to report recommendations on civic engagement and democracy education, also passed to Appropriations after some members objected that such programs could be used for partisan activity. AB 1829, which expands CalWORKs student-parent support by allowing more direct aid and waiving a 25% work-study employer match at the colleges’ discretion, passed 8-1 and was re-referred to Human Services. The committee later added on consent items and adjourned after announcing its next hearing date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving forward as a private institution, our future is really based on how strong our strategic plan
• Since the Vietnam War, historically, these types of institutions, we were in the hundreds across the
• that's going to go away and that it's an important institution to have in our state.
• There is no other place or institution like this in Missouri, and very few in the country, where you
• Department of Energy, the National Institute of Agriculture, I'm a researcher for the U.S.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met with 11 members present, established a quorum, and first went into executive session, where House Bill 2796 was voted do pass unanimously, 13-0. The committee then moved to public hearings. House Bill 2307, sponsored by Rep. Hayden, would designate the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico as the official military academy of the state. The sponsor and supporters said the academy is active, nationally recognized, and important to tourism, recruitment, and the local economy. The academy president testified that it brings an estimated $20 million to $22 million in economic impact and employs 122 people, and other supporters, including alumni and staff, described its educational value and statewide visibility. Members asked about the closure of other military academies and whether the bill would bring tourism and help recruitment. House Bill 3264, sponsored by Rep. Johnson, would make Kansas City the barbecue capital of Missouri. The sponsor highlighted Kansas City’s barbecue history, meatpacking roots, signature styles, and major restaurants and events. Members joked about Kansas City versus St. Louis barbecue and discussed possible promotion, but no opposition was offered. House Bill 3074, sponsored by Rep. Fountain Henderson, would designate April 30 as William Lacy Clay Sr. Day. The sponsor and NAACP testimony emphasized Clay’s civil rights leadership, long congressional service, and legacy of public service and education, with support also noting plans for community and school observances. House Bill 1960, sponsored by Rep. Peters, would designate the smooth chanterelle as Missouri’s official state mushroom. The sponsor and a long list of witnesses from the Missouri Mycological Society, educators, and children testified that the mushroom is native, edible, easy to identify, ecologically important, and tied to Missouri’s hardwood forests and outdoor education. Members asked about safety, look-alikes, and whether it was hallucinogenic; witnesses said it is not psychoactive and is generally safe when properly identified. The chair closed by praising the testimony and indicating support for advancing the bill, and the committee adjourned after concluding the hearing on HB 1960.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh folks, uh senators, we have um fellows from the Eagleton Institute, which of course many of you all
• Eagleton Institute was the entity that did the study on the Maryland General Assembly decades ago that
• Eagleton Institute<00:05:09.600><c> was</c><00:05:09.840><c> the</c><00:05:10.000><c> entity</c><00:05
• :10.400><c> that</c><00:05:10.639><c> did</c><00:05:10.800><c> the</c> Institute was the entity that
• did the Institute was the entity that did the study<00:05:11.520><c> on</c><00:05:11.759><c> the</c><

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, February 27, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill allows candidates to access coursework at an educator preparation institute, all satisfying
• This bill allows candidates to access coursework at an educator preparation institute, all satisfying
• or a fifth-year review, removes the requirement that institutions seek accreditation specifically from
• or a fifth-year review, removes the requirement that institutions seek accreditation specifically from
• the performance metrics based on this new metric, it could change the ranking of the different institutions

Bills: S1062 , S1718 , S7038

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Keywords: speech education, debate, high school, Florida Debate Initiative, civics, competitive teams, student participation, educational advancement, educator preparation, certification, professional development, temporary certificate, military service, collaboration, teaching effectiveness, education, Florida College System, tuition waivers, vocational rehabilitation, state universities

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met to consider several education bills and the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 Department of Education budget. The committee first took up CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, which would formalize Florida’s Speech and Debate Week, strengthen the partnership between the Department of Education and the Florida Debate Initiative, require annual public reporting, and support statewide speech and debate programming. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from students, alumni, and advocates who said debate improved civic engagement, literacy, confidence, and school performance, while also noting the need for equitable access and funding for travel and competition. The committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended by a unanimous vote of members present. The committee then heard SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, which expands access to educator preparation coursework, broadens eligibility for temporary certification for some formerly certified professionals, and allows prior subject-area exam results to satisfy requirements. Public testimony largely supported easing barriers for experienced educators while emphasizing that certification changes are only a partial solution to teacher shortages and should be paired with better pay, retention, and professional respect. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 7038 on education, which included a wide range of higher education and workforce-related changes, including a tuition waiver for Florida State Guard members, residency clarifications, oversight changes for blind services and vocational rehabilitation providers, licensure updates for private colleges, dual enrollment and assessment revisions, scholarship and funding changes, and reserve-fund requirements. An amendment restored the Classical Learning Test as a qualifying option for a grandparent tuition waiver, adjusted a Pell Grant performance metric, changed accreditation timing, and made other technical revisions. A dental education stakeholder raised concerns that one provision could disrupt long-standing exemptions for dental assisting programs, and the Florida Dental Association said it was working with the sponsor to avoid unintended impacts. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. The final major item was a high-level review of the proposed pre-K-12 budget, totaling $34.9 billion with local funds. Highlights included $30 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $50 increase in the base student allocation, a 1.64% increase in total funds per FTE, $4.5 billion for family empowerment scholarships as a separate FEFP categorical, $25 million for districts facing future enrollment declines, $65.3 million to help districts with current-year enrollment losses, $432.8 million for VPK, and $30.4 million for regional education consortia. Senators asked about reductions or flat funding in some allocations, teacher pay, declining enrollment support, Schools of Hope funding, and support for non-teaching school staff. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on concerns about charter and voucher funding, especially the $6 million for Schools of Hope, with speakers urging more investment in traditional public schools, teacher compensation, and school infrastructure. The committee concluded the meeting by adjournment after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're looking at HB 2020, educational institutions interference disruption.
• 2020 modifies the definition and classification of an interference or disruption of an educational institution
• Records Surveys Timelines, limits the department's access to personnel records of a nursing care institution
• Madam Chair and members, HB 2040 requires a public educational institution to provide students information
• Madam Chair and members, HB 2575 prohibits public schools, higher education institutions, or employees

Summary: The caucus reviewed a large number of House bills, mostly on third-read consent or for floor strategy, covering education, health, water, land, energy, housing, taxation, and public safety. Topics included ESA administration funding, AI in schools and legal communications, towing and DUI changes, health facility licensing and nursing records, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction, superintendent pay and benefits, adoption disclosures in college health settings, anti-Semitism provisions, school safety firearms authorization, coerced abortion penalties, domestic violence testimony standards, border health and terrorism-related bills, and multiple water, land, and state trust land measures. Several members flagged concerns about unfunded mandates, local control, constitutional issues, and special legislation, while others supported bills as technical fixes, public safety measures, or ways to expand access and funding. A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2575, HB 2906, HB 2040, HB 2136, HB 2665, HB 2904, HB 2957, HB 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2830, HB 2307, HB 2425, HB 2426, HB 2427, HB 2497, HB 2751, HB 2780, HB 2804, HB 2926, HB 4030, and HCR 2052, among others. Some bills were noted as unanimous or split votes, and several were described as party-line or having constitutional problems. The caucus also discussed committee amendments on multiple measures, including changes to water, land, health, and AI bills. The meeting ended with a series of remarks on the late Reverend Jesse Jackson and an “affordability award” presentation to Representatives Lorena Austin and Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're a Kentucky-serving institution.
• That was about 1.7 million for our institution and our hope is that there would be consideration that
• . that was about 1.7 million<00:04:28.479><c> for</c><00:04:28.720><c> our</c><00:04:29.040><c> institution
• and our hope million for our institution and our hope is<00:04:31.199><c> that</c><00:04:31.360><c>
• to to make authorizing our institution to to make some<00:06:24.240><c> needed</c><00:06:24.639><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met to hear from Morehead State University President Jay Morgan, who outlined the university’s budget and capital priorities. He described Morehead as a Kentucky-serving, largely low-income student institution with an aging campus, and said the university’s long-term plan is to renovate existing facilities, decommission older buildings, and replace outdated space with more efficient construction. He thanked the General Assembly for prior support, especially asset preservation funding, fire and tornado insurance premium support, and a prior university inflationary adjustment. On the operating side, Morgan asked that insurance premium support continue, that the earlier inflationary adjustment roll forward, and that the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s request for a minimum distribution in the performance funding formula be supported. He noted Morehead has received little or no performance funding in recent years and said that if no additional formula funds are added, the university would prefer a line-item appropriation. On the capital side, he requested continued asset preservation funding and outlined several construction priorities: a new applied science building, a new agriculture science building, a new space science technology building, and a cost-share replacement for the aging Maze Hall residence hall, with the state covering $10 million of a $20 million project and Morehead matching the rest. Morgan also discussed the Craft Academy, saying the current appropriation supports 200 students and that the university would like to increase the line item to expand enrollment by about 20 students. In response to questions from Chairman Tipton, he said Morehead had previously explored but ultimately rejected a public-private partnership model for housing, preferring to own and control its residence halls to keep housing costs manageable for students. He also explained that the land surveying courses in the applied science proposal are a popular part of related programs and that Morehead’s space science program is a major research-and-contracts-driven operation with about 250 students, federal and private research ties, and graduates working both in Kentucky and elsewhere. The committee then approved the prior meeting minutes and discussed that upcoming postsecondary budget meetings would continue over the next several weeks to gather input on the new budget process.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposal includes $54.3 million to support coverage of residential services, also known as institutions
• ... $188 million, which is a combination of about $128 million from the NCI, the National Cancer Institute
• mechanisms that will allow funds to be distributed in a way that supports both the NCI but also institutes
• Institutes outside of the NCI that provide cancer care in Florida.
• As far as your behavioral health budget, I think that increasing care dollars for institutional services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a presentation on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion. Agency leaders outlined major requests for AHCA, APD, DCF, DOEA, DOH, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including behavioral health redesign, Medicaid rate changes, developmental disability services, child welfare and opioid programs, senior services, cancer research, public health initiatives, and veterans’ facility and technology needs. The committee also received an overview of the overall state budget, which was described as $117.4 billion, up 1.1% from the current year. AHCA’s presentation focused on $71.6 million for a Medicaid behavioral health redesign, including funding for residential treatment, a serious mental illness waiver, and higher inpatient psychiatric rates for youth, plus $7.1 million to raise private duty nursing reimbursement in fee-for-service Medicaid, $2.5 million for the background screening clearinghouse, and $124.4 million for the Health Care Connection System (FX). APD requested funding to continue moving people off the pre-enrollment list and to support developmental disability centers, a new forensic facility, an electronic health record system, and higher operating costs. DCF highlighted $81.9 million for eligibility and system integrity, $187.5 million for opioid prevention and treatment, $35.5 million for community-based care lead agencies, and $72.7 million to expand behavioral health bed capacity, including 474 new beds at state hospitals. DOEA sought additional funding for Alzheimer’s services, home care, and community care for the elderly. DOH emphasized $278 million for cancer research and innovation, $5 million for food and product safety testing, $5 million for the Florida FIRST blood-on-ambulance initiative, and $5.7 million for a public lab feasibility study. Veterans Affairs requested funds for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management equipment. Members asked detailed questions about several items, especially the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which would reduce eligibility and the number of people served. Senators and public witnesses criticized the lack of transparency and urged the department to pause the changes and work with stakeholders; the Surgeon General said the issue was driven by funding constraints and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and that the agency was exploring alternatives. Questions also addressed the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, the Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, the cancer research funding structure, and the timeline and cost of the FX system. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP, with speakers warning that thousands could lose medication access and calling for community involvement and a review of the program’s finances. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions, with no votes taken on the budget items during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposal includes $54.3 million to support coverage of residential services, also known as institutions
• ... $188 million, which is a combination of about $128 million from the NCI, the National Cancer Institute
• Institutes outside of the NCIs that provide cancer care in Florida.
• As far as your behavioral health budget, I think that increasing care dollars for institutional services
• Institute sites. So the total amount of money is comparable.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard presentations on the governor’s proposed FY 26-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion within a $117.4 billion state budget. Agency leaders outlined major spending priorities, including AHCA’s behavioral health redesign, APD waiver enrollment and facility needs, DCF’s integrity and self-sufficiency systems, opioid response, community-based care and mental health bed expansion, DOEA’s Alzheimer’s, home care, and community care programs, DOH’s cancer research, public health, EMS blood-transfusion initiative, and lab feasibility study, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ facility, cybersecurity, and medication-management investments. Members generally praised several proposals, especially increased reimbursement for private duty nursing, behavioral health funding, Alzheimer’s support, and the EMS blood program. Senator Sharief raised concerns about the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), warning that changes could leave many Floridians without coverage for HIV medications and asking whether manufacturers could provide rebates directly to patients. Surgeon General Ladapo said the issue was driven largely by funding and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and said the department had explored alternatives but could not fill the gap with current resources. Senator Rouson asked about the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, and DCF said its budget includes about $7 million for the substance abuse and mental health data dashboard required by prior legislation. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP. Former program leaders and advocates said the proposed changes would reduce enrollment and remove key drugs and insurance-premium support, calling the situation a crisis and criticizing the department for lack of transparency and stakeholder engagement. They urged a pause and collaborative review of the program’s finances. The committee also discussed KidsCare implementation, with AHCA saying federal conditions and litigation have delayed the expansion. The meeting ended after the chair noted the budget would still need to be adjusted for updated Medicaid caseload estimates, and the committee adjourned without taking any formal votes or other action on the budget items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then once you exist for two years, then you apply for accreditation as an institution.
• Now, at the private institutions I represent, it's a higher cost to that student because we don't get
• Now, at the private institutions I represent, it's a higher cost to that student because we don't get
• The public institutions that have a 90% passage rate all do that.
• If you want to solve the problem, make it the same playing field for public and private institutions.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee heard and approved several health care bills. Senate Bill 68, by Senator Harrell, would require all hospital emergency departments to be prepared to treat children by maintaining pediatric equipment, staff training, written policies, a pediatric care coordinator, and completion/public posting of the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senator Harrell said the bill is intended to improve pediatric emergency care in general hospitals, and the bill was supported by the Florida College of Emergency Physicians and the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It passed favorably. The committee also approved Senate Bill 154, which corrects the Mobile Act for dentists and dental hygienists by requiring graduates of out-of-state dental schools seeking licensure by endorsement to have attended a CODA-accredited school. The bill drew support from dental and dental hygienist groups and passed favorably. Senate Bill 40, by Senator Sharif, would require Medicaid managed care networks to ensure at least half of primary care providers offer appointments outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, to improve access and reduce emergency room use; it also passed favorably. A lengthy discussion centered on Senate Bill 254, also by Senator Harrell, which would tighten oversight of nursing education programs, create a temporary provisional license and preceptorship for new graduates awaiting NCLEX results, require remediation for low-performing programs, add standardized admission and exit-exam requirements, and allow the Department of Health to inspect programs unannounced. Supporters said the bill would improve quality and help students gain experience, while opponents warned it could reduce the number of nursing programs and worsen shortages, especially among private schools. After debate and testimony from nursing and school representatives, the bill passed favorably, with Senator Davis voting no. The committee then received an OPPAGA presentation on interstate health care licensure compacts. OPPAGA reviewed how Florida uses licensure by endorsement, telehealth registration, and compacts for nurses, psychologists, and physicians, and explained the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining additional compacts, including portability, data sharing, and emergency staffing versus costs, administrative burdens, and possible conflicts with Florida scope-of-practice laws. No action was taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis requested to be recorded in support of SB 68 and SB 154.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, on this slide, I'm highlighting that institutional collaboration, which is very strong among
• This is a pivotal time for New Mexico's research institutions.
• Also, there was a comment about a list of Hispanic-serving institutions who have lost funding.
• Madam Chair, Representative. and our Cancer Institute, Cancer Center at the University of New Mexico
• What state and institutional commitments there are.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The Quantum New Mexico Institute is really trying to.
• But yeah, so both Nora and then we also have the director of the Quantum New Mexico Institute, Bob Lideau
• Institute, Bob Lideau, he's in the audience here as well.
• And then in working with teachers, some people, the CalRIP Institute has invested in STEM education.
• First, we're very excited to be working with our partners at QNM, at the QNM Institute.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a really important subject: the Nonprofit Select Committee hearing on advancing institutional
• We invite you to leverage our close-knit statewide web of local anchor institutions like place-based
• By bolstering institutional support, California can lead the nation by example, by protecting its nonprofits
• NFF, for short, is a national nonprofit community development financial institution.
• These cuts weaken our very institutions that preserve our history, tell our stories, and connect us as

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly select committee hearing focused on the challenges facing California nonprofits in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance, the impact of federal funding disruptions and tax policy changes, and the need for stronger public-private partnerships, especially in disaster response and recovery. Witnesses from community foundations, food banks, Cal OES, long-term recovery groups, CalNonprofits, and nonprofit finance organizations described funding uncertainty, delayed reimbursements, reduced indirect cost coverage, staffing strain, and the effects of climate disasters and immigration-related fear on service delivery. Testimony highlighted several policy ideas, including advance payments for state grants and contracts, prompt payment standards, sustainable indirect cost rates, contract flexibility in emergencies, streamlined registration and reporting, and a possible new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to serve as a central point of contact and coordination within state government. Speakers also described how nonprofits and VOAD networks support wildfire response and long-term recovery, but noted that recovery groups often lack stable operating funding even when they are recognized as best practice. A food bank leader described federal food aid cuts and disruptions to deliveries, while other witnesses stressed that nonprofits are increasingly forced to use reserves, loans, or service reductions to manage cash flow gaps. Committee members generally expressed support for the sector and asked how the state could better partner with nonprofits during both disasters and budget crises. Several members raised the possibility of incremental steps if full legislative changes are not immediately feasible, and witnesses suggested pilots, better sharing of best practices, and stronger state leadership on payment timelines. Public commenters echoed the need for better contracting practices, support for community-based organizations, and attention to nonprofit worker compensation and protections. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the hearing, which concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you." our office can um institute cases our office can um institute cases against<00:15:28.880>
• Public Health Institute in opposition. Not available on Zoom. Chair Wine Institute in opposition.
• On behalf of Wine Institute, we're in opposition to this measure.
• Chair Wine Institute<00:51:20.400><c> in</c><00:51:20.640><c> opposition.
• On behalf of Wine Institute, um Mihoita.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have it by institution.
• And I have it by institution.
• In both of these institutions, immigrants. And then FAMU, 423 illegal immigrants.
• But our best institutions don't. Our best institutions don't. I was shocked.
• At the end of the day, this doesn't say illegal immigrants can't attend these institutions.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then read an amended joint proclamation expanding the special session call to include financial penalties for government officials, criminal penalties for offenses committed by illegal aliens, and programs and appropriations to support law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. No committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk before the chamber moved to the special order calendar. The main item was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 2B, the immigration bill, along with a late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Gruters. Gruters said the amendment aligned terminology with federal law, increased penalties for crimes by unauthorized aliens, added transnational crime organizations to gang definitions, required stronger participation in the federal 287(g) program, created financial penalties for noncompliance, offered a $1,000 bonus for officers assisting ICE in large operations, directed more information-sharing with federal agencies, and barred DHSMV from issuing licenses or IDs to unauthorized aliens. He framed the bill as supporting President Trump’s immigration agenda and focusing on criminal illegal aliens rather than street-level enforcement. A long question-and-answer period followed, with Senators Polsky, Pizzo, Smith, Jones, Roscoe, Berman, and others pressing the sponsor on scope, legality, costs, and implementation. Questions focused on whether the bill would require participation beyond jails and detention centers, whether schools or churches could be affected, liability and immunity for local agencies, the size and purpose of the proposed appropriations, and the impact on undocumented students receiving in-state tuition waivers. Gruters and Senator Fine said the 287(g) provisions were intended to apply to jails and detention facilities, that green-card holders and lawful residents would not be affected, and that the tuition waiver repeal would end discounted tuition for students in the country illegally while not affecting their ability to attend. Fine also defended the mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses committed by illegal immigrants, acknowledging it would likely be challenged in court but arguing the bill was designed to test and advance the policy. No final vote or other action on the bill is reflected in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is what these institutions have in common.
• </c> these institutions these institutions have<01:30:07.920><c> in</c><01:30:08.159><c> common.
• ,</c><01:31:51.199><c> to</c> organizations, institutions, to organizations, institutions, to religious-based
• </c><01:38:26.080><c> That</c> student and not the institution.
• That student and not the institution.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And were there any other institutions or groups that are asking for a large increase outside of what
• I'm familiar based on the institutions in my district as well.
• And were there any other, are there any other institutions or groups that are asking for a large, other
• institutions or groups that are asking for a large increase outside of what was presented from higher
• I'm familiar based on the institutions in my district as well.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first received a report on the executive protection detail, which was filed without questions. Members were then given a long advance list of House and Senate bills ready for consideration, followed by several amendment requests from agencies. The committee adopted amendments for the Auditor of State to increase special deputy expense allowance, the Administrative Office of the Courts for court interpreters and substitute court reporters, and several other items including local sales tax refunds, county property tax redistribution, and local law enforcement funding. It also held one amendment on House Bill 1034 and moved a Northwest Arkansas Community College cash fund increase tied to tornado-related campus repairs. The committee then considered a series of member amendments and appropriation items, including increases for the Public Defender Commission and deputy prosecuting attorneys to cover higher bar license fees, and a $12 million federal appropriation-only item. A lengthy discussion followed on a proposal from Senator Wallace and Representative Tosh to fund a pilot program for prison cell-phone detection/jamming technology at two correctional facilities. Sponsors and Department of Corrections officials said the system would target illegal contraband phones, would be procured through an RFP, and would be a two-year pilot; members raised questions about legality, cost, scope, data, and whether the department should use existing budget authority. The committee ultimately advanced the item by motion. The committee also took up an amendment from Senator Caldwell for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, seeking a $4 million appropriation increase. Testimony emphasized that the division’s extension offices and research functions are underfunded, that salaries are not competitive, and that the request would help with staffing and flexibility; other members questioned why the division needed more appropriation authority when it already had room under current limits and noted that the request exceeded the higher education board’s recommendation. The amendment was adopted after extended debate. Finally, the committee began acting on governor’s letters, adopting amendments for a $150 million increase to the homestead property tax credit, a $23,000 reallocation for the Insurance Department’s conference costs, $100,000 for property appraisal review work, $1.5 million for career and technical education professional development, $300,000 for DFA regulatory federal spending, $5 million for Inspector General fraud investigations, a consolidation of appraiser/abstractor/home inspector appropriations, deletion of a completed Fort Chaffee readiness center appropriation, and a revised reappropriation for corrections capital projects that would add special language restricting use of the $73.7 million prison-expansion reappropriation. The committee also heard a summary of a supplemental appropriations package involving fund transfers for pregnancy resource centers, senior centers, assistance grants, used tires, and UAMS pregnancy/stroke programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides relative to hazing at public post-secondary education institutions.
• This ensures that institutions are required to replace existing compliant systems while still offering
• This happened at my institution, Southern University.
• First, education: it requires institutions to provide clear, consistent hazing prevention education so
• But telehealth services are dependent upon institutional funding, which our institutions receive no funding

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 25, 2026, with a quorum present and heard a series of education-related bills and one resolution. The committee first took up HB 636 on hazing at public post-secondary institutions. Representative LaFleur presented the bill as a response to Caleb Wilson’s death, and family members, former Rep. Jason Hughes, and other supporters urged stronger prevention, reporting, and penalties. The committee adopted amendments adding implementation details and a lifetime ban on re-chartering an organization if hazing results in death, then reported the bill as amended as the “Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act.” The committee then heard HB 218 on food insecurity screenings in public schools. LaFleur said the bill would formalize a process to identify hungry students and connect families to resources, with amendments tying the screening to existing McKinney-Vento forms and adding food-insecurity questions. Support came from charter school representatives, the Department of Education, and others, while Dr. Will Hall suggested involving caregivers and faith-based groups. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee also approved HB 626, which would require colleges and universities to provide suicide-prevention information, hotline access, and aggregated non-identifiable reporting on suicide risk. Rep. Jordan described it as a response to an uptick in suicides among college-age students, and the Board of Regents said most institutions already use telehealth or 988 resources. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee heard HB 749 on the administration of START, START K-12, and ABLE savings accounts. Rep. Carver said the bill would modernize and secure the program by allowing a third-party manager and online platform, while Treasury and Board of Regents staff explained that oversight would remain in place and that ABLE accounts would not be charged fees. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 352 on behavioral health services for public school students. Rep. Mack and advocates from the Arc and ABA providers said the bill would ensure medically necessary services can be delivered in classrooms or other school settings, while the Louisiana Federation of Teachers asked for clearer pre-conference expectations to avoid classroom disruption. After testimony from parents, providers, and school stakeholders, the bill was reported with amendments. Finally, the committee approved HB 201 creating a state seal of fine arts for high school graduates, and HB 738 revising student disciplinary proceedings at colleges and universities to ensure evidence and fairness in disciplinary actions. Both bills were reported favorably. The committee also began hearing HCR 14, which expresses support for federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, but the transcript cuts off before any final action on the resolution is shown.