Transcript Highlights:

• the Live Healthy Initiative, as a response to the leadership of this committee and the legislature, stems
• the Live Healthy Initiative as a response to the leadership of this committee and the legislature stems
• The Goldwater Scholarship is reserved for undergraduate students in STEM education.
• see the Center for Education Strategy and Innovation, which serves to expand the Stiles-Nicholson STEM
• These activities enhance STEM education and teacher capabilities statewide.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met to receive an update from Florida developmental research lab schools on articulated health care programs created under the Live Healthy initiative and Senate Bill 76. Chair Calatayud opened the meeting, confirmed a quorum, and heard presentations from P.K. Young/University of Florida, Florida State University Schools, FAMU Developmental Research School, and Florida Atlantic University Laboratory School. Each school described efforts to build K-12-to-postsecondary health care pathways, expand dual enrollment and industry certifications, and share replicable curriculum models with other districts. FSU Schools highlighted its HERO program, including CNA and food manager certifications, dual enrollment growth, reserve seating at colleges, and a paid internship with the Department of Health tied to emergency shelter operations. P.K. Young described its Healthy Lives Blueprint, which combines K-8 wellness experiences, a new high school health and human performance pathway, AP and science course expansion, a planned gymnasium redesign, and partnerships with Santa Fe College and UF. FAMU DRS reported growing dual enrollment, partnerships with FAMU, Tallahassee State, and Lively, and a goal of serving at least 100 students and 40 staff through health career exposure, certifications, and AA/AS pathways. FAU Lab School described a more advanced model that integrates elementary through high school research and health science experiences, including biotechnology, bioengineering, and partnerships with health and research institutions. The school reported 87 peer-reviewed student publications, more than $350,000 in student grants, six patents, and pipelines into FAU’s medical and nursing programs, including a Med Direct pathway and a National Merit Scholar pipeline. Committee members asked about student readiness for nursing programs, dual enrollment, articulation with state colleges, and how the lab school models could be disseminated statewide. The meeting concluded with praise for the programs and a motion by Senator Fine to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 48, Stem Cell Freedom Act.
• This is autologous mesenchymal stem cells that have the ability to differentiate and use their innate
• This is autogus mezenymal<01:39:42.560> stem<01:39:42.719> cells<01:39:43.840> cells
• <01:40:43.040> cell those that are performing stem cell those that are performing stem cell
• Senate File 48, Stem Cell Freedom Act, has passed the committee of the whole.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the proud principal at Hall STEM Academy in Minneapolis Public Schools.
• I serve as the proud principal<00:15:52.480> at<00:15:52.600> Hall<00:15:52.840> STEM
• <00:15:53.080> Academy<00:15:53.800> in principal at Hall STEM Academy in principal
• at Hall STEM Academy in Minneapolis<00:15:54.520> Public<00:15:54.880> Schools.
• support for the sports and events reimbursement program, I ask you to think about the students at Hall STEM

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4949, as amended by the adopted H4949A2 and H4949A3 amendments. The bill would create a sports and events reimbursement program intended to give Minnesota a more reliable funding mechanism to compete for major sporting and entertainment events. Representative Lislegard and supporters argued that events such as the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, Final Four, World Juniors Hockey, and Olympic trials generate substantial economic activity, tax revenue, and statewide visibility, and that Minnesota has lost opportunities because it lacks a standing competitive fund. Testifiers from the Minnesota Business Partnership and Minnesota Sports and Events strongly supported the bill, describing it as a performance-based, closed-loop model that reinvests tax revenue generated by events into securing future events. Jess Graba, Cheryl Lindsey, and Dr. William Campbell emphasized community benefits beyond economics, including youth inspiration, school improvements, inclusion, and positive local engagement tied to events like the Olympic trials, the Women’s Final Four, and WWE appearances. Several testifiers cited specific figures, including roughly $71.5 million in economic impact and $4.7 million in tax revenue for World Juniors, about $74.8 million and $5.7 million for the gymnastics trials, and more than $430 million in lost economic impact from events Minnesota did not secure. Members raised concerns about the funding mechanism, especially the use of revenue that would otherwise go to the general fund or other accounts. Representative Huot said he supported bringing events to Minnesota but was uneasy about diverting general fund money and suggested stronger legislative oversight, possibly through a formal sports committee. Representative Youakim asked how the bill’s revenue capture would work and noted concerns about taking money from transportation-related accounts; staff explained that the amended bill affects seven state taxes and a fee, including motor vehicle rental taxes and the retail delivery fee, with some revenue directed to non-general fund accounts. Members also requested more information on the methodology behind the University of Minnesota Extension economic impact studies, and staff said those studies could be shared. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, the next question is where did the STEM Center money go?
• I am concerned that we don't have any voice with the STEM Institute.
• I think we talked about that too, the line 140, the HED STEM Institute construction.
• You have the STEM network on Row 98.
• You're right that there's money for math on row 98, the STEM network.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Right Track Youth Internship Program, $500,000; STEM grants, $3 million; Minnesota Association of
• Paul Right Track Youth Internship Program, $500,000; STEM grants, $3 million; Minnesota Association of
• <00:14:49.040> grants<00:14:49.680> 3 500,000 STEM grants 3 500,000 STEM grants 3 million
• <00:23:49.360> ecosystem<00:23:50.080> that to do for the uh STEM ecosystem that to
• do for the uh STEM ecosystem that still<00:23:50.799> meets<00:23:51.200> their<00:23:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:13:24.880> class students ranging from AP stem class students ranging from AP stem class
• people who can work in a variety of stem people who can work in a variety of stem professions<01
• You know, we need to support more STEM careers, and I’m glad to hear Mr.
• You know, we need to support more STEM careers, and I’m glad to hear Mr.
• You know, we need to support more STEM careers, and I’m glad to hear Mr.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 707, which would create a state income tax deduction for contributions to Hawaii 529 college savings accounts and conform state law to federal changes allowing 529 funds to be used for K-12 expenses. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the bill as written. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure but asked that ABLE accounts be included and that the program title be changed; the Department of Taxation indicated the title issue could be a problem because the bill’s expanded purpose may not fit the current program name. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 617, which would fund a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. UH Community Colleges supported the bill, and Maui nursing staff testified that faculty recruitment is challenging but manageable, clinical placements are available, and the campus already has a statewide RN-to-BSN pathway; they said the new program would create two tracks, including a four-year BSN option. Members also heard support from several organizations, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, nursing groups, and health care associations. No action was taken. Next were several UH-related measures. HB 718 would fund faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine; the dean and other supporters testified in favor. HB 1279 would create a medical education liaison position tied to Project ECHO; the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns about statewide concern and grant standards, while an individual witness supported the concept but suggested the bill should focus on liaison/support functions rather than program administration. HB 1169 would consolidate conference center revolving funds, and HB 1168 would authorize up to $800 million in UH revenue bonds; UH’s CFO said both were procedural/housekeeping measures and supported them. On HB 1168, members questioned debt service, possible uses, and whether deferred maintenance would be included; the CFO estimated annual debt service could be about $33 million to $41 million at current rates, said likely uses could include student housing and research facilities, and said deferred maintenance was not the current strategy. The CFO also explained that revenue bonds require both legislative authorization and a Board of Regents resolution approving the project and amount. Finally, the committee heard HB 548, which would authorize revenue bonds and appropriations to acquire the St. Francis School campus for UH Mānoa. UH supported the bill but noted the property is privately owned and not known to be for sale. A supporter described the site as a unique 11-acre parcel contiguous to the main campus and urged the committee to seize the opportunity for future generations. No vote or final action was taken on the bills in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, some, uh, a proposal from Representative Bakeberg relating to giving young people access to STEM
• young people relating to uh giving um young people access<00:03:59.519> to<00:03:59.840> STEM
• ><00:04:00.400> careers<00:04:00.720> and<00:04:00.959> encouraging access to STEM
• careers and encouraging access to STEM careers and encouraging that<00:04:01.519> that's<00:04

Bills: SF1832, HF2440

Keywords: economic development, small business, workforce training, grants, entrepreneurship, equity, community support, labor market, employment, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate and the governor's programs and the other line items until you get to line 29, the North Alabama STEM
• We now have this North Alabama STEM Center we want to support. So, we added $2 million for that.
• Representative Calvin can probably explain better than I can, but it's basically using video games to do STEM
• We've actually moved money from the STEM council to this because they had some extra funding sitting

Bills: SB113, SB114, SB305, SB111, HB600, SB112, SB150, SB109, SB122

Keywords: education funding, appropriations, local education boards, school safety, workforce development, Alabama, technology, higher education, career technology centers, public institutions, grants, local education agencies, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students

Transcript Highlights:

• However, draw your attention to STEM and health professions.
• The New Mexico STEM Institute—maybe a special appropriation?
• Actually, the New Mexico STEM Institute—we started with the Literacy Institute, $30 million, seeing a
• The Governor wanted to do a New Mexico STEM Institute because we're not seeing high proficiency in math
• Where will the STEM Institute be? We are looking at options right now, Mr. Chair.

Bills: SB37, SB29

Keywords: high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education, dual language program, reading intervention, reading difficulty, reading improvement plan, literacy coach

Transcript Highlights:

• Just Department of Ed STEM hub grants. Just Department of Ed STEM hub grants.
• Oh the uh regional STEM HUD grants. Oh the uh regional STEM HUD grants.
• STEM inservice? No, this is different. STEM inservice? No, this is different.
• STEM council to uh $2 million from the STEM council to another STEM program in the Department another
• STEM program in the Department another STEM program in the Department of Education.

Bills: HB 29, HB 125, HB 145, HB 171, HB 255, HB 50, HB 796, HB 363, HB 116, HB 491, HB 589, HB 1495, HB 368, HB 1285, HB 1905, HB 1360, HB 2002, HB 917, HB 2723, HB 2067, HB 1238, HB 2337, HB 745, HB 1188, HB 1606, HB 2003, HB 2147, HB 2391, HB 2355, HB 2546, HB 2495, HB 2818, HB 2249, HB 1749, HB 3109, HB 3228, HB 3240, HB 1507, HB 658, HB 1748, HB 1851, HB 1922, HB 2001, HB 2798, HB 107, HCR 29, SB 5, SB 262, HB 11, HJR 72, HB 106, HB 18, HB 48, HB 27, HB 37, HB 1481, HB 581, HB 1696, HB 2216, HB 1035, HB 1633, HB 742, HB 754, HB 1689, HB 1690, HB 2669, HB 391, HB 517, HB 1024, HB 1607, HB 252, HB 1716, HB 1562, HB 4116, HB 1866, HB 1741, HB 2103, HB 2637, HB 2884, HB 503, HB 1089, HB 2986, HB 972, HB 502, HB 29, HB 125, HB 145, HB 171, HB 255, HB 50, HB 796, HB 363, HB 116, HB 491, HB 589, HB 1495, HB 368, HB 1285, HB 1905, HB 1360, HB 2002, HB 917, HB 2723, HB 2067, HB 1238, HB 2337, HB 745, HB 1188, HB 1606, HB 2003, HB 2147, HB 2391, HB 2355, HB 2546, HB 2495, HB 2818, HB 2249, HB 1749, HB 3109, HB 3228, HB 3240, HB 1507, HB 658, HB 1748, HB 1851, HB 1922, HB 2001, HB 2798, HB 107, HCR 29

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• As an engineer and former STEM educator, I have seen firsthand what can be done when we provide accessible
• STEM education resources to communities with diverse backgrounds.
• HOW STEM CAN BE USED TO SOLVE THESE ISSUES.
• I'm confident that this support will encourage students to pursue careers in STEM and create innovative
• IN FACT, CALIFORNIA HAS PROMOTED A The expansion of STEM education in my district will help close equity

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• VISION OF THE LIVE HEALTHY INITIATIVE IS A RESPONSE TO THE LEADERSHIP OF THIS COMMUNITY THE LEGISLATURE STEMS
• THE CENTER FOR EDUCATION WHICH SERVES TO EXPAND THE STYLES AND STEM TEACHER ACADEMY PROVIDING THE STATE
• THESE ACTIVITIES ENHANCE THE STEM EDUCATION AND TEACHER CAPABILITIES STATEWIDE.
• THESE ACTIVITIES ENHANCE THE STEM EDUCATION AND TEACHER CAPABILITIES STATEWIDE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, stem cell therapies have been widely shown to be safe, um, I think the main questions around stem
• Uh, stem cell therapies have been widely shown to be safe, um, I think the main questions around stem
• Uh, stem cell therapies have been widely shown to be safe, um, I think the main questions around stem
• >> sure um there's considerations uh stem >> sure um there's considerations uh stem
• <02:10:33.119> Epibbones for nonfetal stem cells. Epibbones for nonfetal stem cells.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I went through stem cell transplant.
• I went through stem cell transplant.
• I went through stem cell transplant.
• I went through stem cell transplant.
• I went through stem cell transplant.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaiʻi’s Bachman Hall and heard testimony on several UH-related bills. HB 542 would expand the Hawaiʻi Promise Program to provide unmet-need scholarships at four-year UH campuses. UH system officials, the UH Student Caucus, and a Honolulu Community College student testified in support, emphasizing college affordability, student retention, and workforce needs. Committee members asked about current program data, eligibility, transfer patterns, and cost; UH said it had data available, noted about 10% of current Hawaiʻi Promise students transfer to four-year campuses, and estimated the full expansion would cost about $12 million. UH also suggested a possible alternative of focusing on transfer opportunities from two-year to four-year campuses. The committee then heard HB 840, which concerns athletics appropriations for UH. UH Mānoa and UH Hilo supported the bill. UH officials said the funding would help cover recurring athletics operating costs, women’s sports travel and recruiting, Austin Awards, and a new nutrition fueling station, while Hilo said the money would help with travel, per diem, and conference-related costs. Members asked about the history of the athletics funding, the difference between Austin Awards and special talent waivers, NIL planning, and whether the appropriation should be restored to the base budget. UH explained that a $4 million athletics appropriation was originally made in 2018 or 2019, later removed from the base, and has been reappropriated annually since then. Finally, the committee heard HB 842, which would fund three additional permanent mental health practitioner positions at UH Mānoa’s Counseling and Student Development Center. UH supported the bill, and Academic Labor United and a high school student testified in favor, citing student stress, overwork, and the need for more counseling access. In questions, members discussed the current counselor-to-student ratio, recruitment challenges in a tight labor market, and strategies for hiring, including looking at candidates on soft-money grants who may be seeking stable employment. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Particularly, I know some have looked at South American residents who speak Spanish and so forth, and STEM
• sciences—multiple high-tech jobs, STEM-type jobs here is a good idea.
• Chair, thank you, Senator, and hopefully we've done enough on our STEM Center of Excellence.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stemming in large part from that When my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
• Stemming in large part from that experience, I sought training in biology and graduate training in public
• think of Alzheimer's and dementia through that lens of public health, we can think about the ways to stem
• And just like I mentioned a moment ago when talking about stemming costs, we also know that earlier diagnosis
• advisor for the past 32 years, with a subspecialty in long-term care and crisis planning that's really stemmed

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Aging and Independence/Elder Affairs Committee heard testimony on several bills, with the main focus on H.769/S.468, an act to improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Legislators and advocates described the bill’s provisions, including expanded dementia training for first responders, a dementia services coordinator/director in state government, improved hospital discharge and caregiver access protections, dementia care coordination benefits for certain MassHealth members, public awareness and data collection requirements, and expanded support for geriatric workforce recruitment. Representative Danielle Gregoire and Senator Gomez framed the measure as a zero-cost, bipartisan continuation of the 2018 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Act, while the Alzheimer’s Association, Boston Public Health Commission, police representatives, clinicians, and family caregivers all testified in support, emphasizing public health needs, early diagnosis, caregiver involvement, and safer emergency and hospital care. The committee also heard testimony on H.796/S.476, which would establish an Office of Older Adult Advocate and a special commission on a statewide long-term services and supports benefit program. Representative Steve Ultrino supported an independent older adult advocate to help navigate fragmented state services and improve constituent services, while committee members asked about funding and the office’s relationship to existing secretariats. On the long-term care commission bill, NAFA Massachusetts and LeadingAge Massachusetts supported creating a stakeholder commission to review actuarial findings and explore public-private financing options for long-term care, stressing that neither public nor private coverage alone is sufficient and that middle-income families need more planning tools and options. The committee also took testimony on H.786/S.466, a bill to protect vulnerable elders by expanding the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ authority to investigate abuse or neglect in non-traditional custodial settings such as prisons, jails, shelters, group homes, and certain treatment facilities. Prisoners Legal Services said the bill would close a jurisdictional gap that leaves some older adults without an investigative agency once they age out of DPPC coverage. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's obviously the only STEM-based state university in the state system and has been around for a little
• It's obviously the only STEM-based state university in the state system and has been around for a little
• It's obviously the only STEM-based state university in the state system and has been around for a little
• For the past decade, Florida Poly has been an asset to Polk County and to Florida, bringing rigorous STEM
• I am a STEM guy at heart. In fact, I apologize for being tardy at this meeting.

Bills: S1694

Keywords: technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.

Transcript Highlights:

• This investment will help add and strengthen. contain existing STEM-related programs and is crucial for
• While past funding allowed us to build our STEM I building and the health science and classroom building
• at Pearland, there is still a critical need to support our rapidly growing STEM programs. areas vital
• And we're especially grateful for the support in the last session of our STEM enhancement initiative.
• which serves all of our students, but especially the 55% of our students. majoring in STEM or health

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• national leader in space exploration, commercial space industry, aerospace innovation, and related STEM
• education. ...commercial space industry, aerospace innovation, and related STEM education and workforce
• national leader in space exploration, commercial space industry, aerospace innovation, and related STEM
• education. commercial space industry, aerospace innovation, and related STEM education and workforce

Bills: SB1020, SB1107, SB1117, SB1160, SB1216, SB1308

Keywords: special plates, Arizona Space Commission, transportation, funding, space exploration, peace officer certification, police certification, law enforcement licensing, Arizona POST, peace officer standards and training, military police, veterans, honorably discharged, veteran hiring, abbreviated academy, law enforcement recruitment, public safety, community policing, background investigation, psychological fitness

Summary: The Public Safety Committee met and approved several bills, beginning with SB 1107, which creates an alternative Arizona peace officer certification pathway for honorably discharged veterans who served as military police. The sponsor and a former military police officer testified that the bill would recognize existing training while still requiring Arizona-specific training, certification testing, background checks, and fitness standards. The committee adopted a clarifying amendment limiting the pathway to military police veterans and then passed the bill 7-0. The committee then passed SB 1308, which creates a Foreign Adversary Fraud Office in the Attorney General’s Office and related funds to pursue consumer fraud claims involving technology from foreign adversaries and to help replace such technology in critical infrastructure. Supporters argued the bill would address both consumer fraud and national security risks tied to foreign-made technology in utilities, communications, and other infrastructure. The bill was approved 7-0. The committee also passed SB 1020, creating an Arizona Space Commission specialty license plate to support the commission’s work; supporters said it would raise voluntary revenue and promote Arizona’s growing space industry. That bill also passed 7-0. SB 1160 was approved after amendment. The bill restricts drones near ticketed entertainment events, and the amendment expanded the restricted area from 400 feet to 5,280 feet. The sponsor, along with representatives from NASCAR and Live Nation, said the measure would close a public safety gap and protect large crowds from unauthorized drones. The committee passed the bill as amended 7-0. SB 1117 was also approved 7-0; it appropriates funds to DPS crime lab services for processing evidence from counties with populations under one million, with the sponsor saying it would help rural counties handle DNA and other evidence backlogs. Finally, the committee passed SB 1216, which removes the sunset on traumatic event counseling for public safety employees and expands eligibility to include crime scene and digital forensic technicians. Testimony from the Arizona Police Association supported making the counseling program permanent and extending it to additional employees exposed to traumatic material. The bill passed 7-0, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state's decision to get rid of our coach, Sterling Carvalio, stemmed from a complaint about conduct
• coach, decision to get rid of our coach, Sterling<00:16:43.040> Carvalio,<00:16:43.759> stem
• 00:16:44.000> from<00:16:44.160> a<00:16:44.399> complaint Sterling Carvalio, stem
• from a complaint Sterling Carvalio, stem from a complaint about<00:16:45.199> conduct<00:16:45.880

Keywords: 912, senate, all