Transcript Highlights:

• My colleague and I recently conducted a study examining barriers to participation in school breakfast
• One of the most consistent barriers that we identified in our study was communication.
• Research often identifies problems.
• Thank you for the opportunity to share our research and for your consideration of this important bill
• I'm also a faculty member at Harvard Medical School where I teach and do research on health policy.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, S. 2927 and H. 5012, titled An Act Relative to Students Accessing Food and Nutritional Information, filed by Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Michelle Badger. The bills would require schools to make clear, centralized online information available about gluten-free and allergen-free meals, including menus, food safety procedures, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs. Committee members and the bill sponsors emphasized that the measure is intended to improve transparency, equity, and access within the Commonwealth’s universal free breakfast and lunch program. Testimony came from students, parents, physicians, and advocates, many of whom described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune condition requiring a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Witnesses said families often struggle to find reliable school meal information, and that lack of communication between school administrators, nurses, and food service staff can lead families to opt out of school meals even when safe options exist. Medical witnesses from Boston Children’s, Mass General, and Beth Israel said the bill addresses a real barrier identified in research and could help prevent health problems, missed school, and long-term complications from gluten exposure. Several witnesses also noted that the bill’s approach could benefit students with food allergies more broadly. Committee members praised the testimony, especially from young student witnesses, and discussed practical issues such as cross-contamination, 504 plans, and whether schools already have the underlying information needed to comply. One member suggested the Department of Public Health might be able to address some of the issue through regulations, similar to a prior restaurant allergy-protocol change. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee closed after hearing from all panels and the bill sponsors, who asked for favorable consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• THESE FINDINGS, BASED ON RESEARCH AND REPORTS, YOU CAN FIND THEM.
• DOESN'T BAN LEGITIMATE CLIMATE RESEARCH? NOT AT ALL.
• SO WHY ARE WE CHANGING IT JUST TO AN OPAGA STUDY?
• SO THAT IS WHY THE OPAGA STUDY IS A BETTER SOURCE.
• WHAT WE'RE DOING IS JUST WANTING OPAGA TO DO A STUDY.

Bills: SJR12, SCR39, SB27, SB29, SB241, SB406, SB414, SB464, SB568, SB578, SB609, SB660, SB689, SB693, SB785, SB857, SB879, SB921, SB922, SB955, SB985, SB993, SB996, SB1008, SB1035, SB1036, SB1059, SB1098, SB1120, SB1122, SB1147, SB1188, SB1197, SB1209, SB1227, SB1245, SB1267, SB1307, SB1321, SB1332, SB1386, SB1396, SB1453, SB1484, SB1494, SB1536, SB1537, SB1596, SB1610, SB1664, SB1741, SB1814, SB1822, SB1841, SB1948, SB2065, SB2155, SB2188, SB2230, SB2406, SB2407, SJR36, SJR12, SJR81, SJR50, SCR22, SCR12, SCR39, SB406, SB689, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB504, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB241, SB304, SB1023, SB204, SB609, SB670, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB447, SB1119, SB1505, SB1215, SB1302, SB583, SB673, SB681, SB1172, SB955, SB957, SB1120, SB541, SB266, SB1415, SB53, SB1352, SB785, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB711, SB746, SB1404, SB1448, SB507, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB667, SB1059, SB1567, SB310, SB311, SB505, SB1209, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB1029, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB1350, SB462, SB827, SB1585, SB1396, SB1484, SB1273, SB1741, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1841, SB2188, SB1147, SB879, SB1008, SB1536, SB2016, SB1453, SB1173, SB1163, SB996, SB27, SB568, SB1370, SB1321, SB1101, SB860, SB993, SB693, SB1610, SB1537, SB1332, SB1307, SB963, SB493, SB922, SB984, SB619, SB1098, SB1122, SB455, SB522, SB1057, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1877, SB464, SB1277, SB32, SB732, SB660, SB731, SB921, SB268, SB1822, SB1188, SB1589, SB397, SB2230, SB1058, SB1036, SB1267, SB2112, SB1930, SB532, SB1035, SB2155, SB508, SB29, SB292, SB291, SB901, SB1333, SB1436, SB1494, SB964, SB779, SB1378, SB2312, SB1719, SB1386, SB287, SB2143, SB1245, SB261, SB1247, SB1948, SB2406, SB2407, SB1882, SB1197, SB1814, SB618, SB38, SB393, SB2065, SB1371, SB1394, SB1365, SB2243, SB2226, SB2039, SB1919, SB1895, SB1598, SB1493, SB1810, SB1791, SB1706, SB1644, SB1238, SB783, SB458, SB22, SB651, SB897, SB1809, SB1080, SB745, SB826, SB989, SB1320, SB1437, SB2320, SB2289, SB1171, SB664, SB1637, SB27, SB29, SB857, SB879, SB922, SB1098, SB1453, SB1536, SB1741, SB2188, SB2230, SB406, SB689, SJR12, SR358, SR361, SR362, SR368, SJR74, SJR76, SB2408, SB2409, SB2461, SB2462, SB2463, SB2464, SB2465, SB2466, SB2467, SB2468, SB2469, SB2470, SB2471, SB2472, SB2473, SB2474, SB2475, SB2476, SB2477, SB2478, SB2479, SB2480, SB2481, SB2482, SB2483, SB2484, SB2485, SB2486, SB2487, SB2488, SB2489, SB2490, SB2491, SB2492, SB2493, SB2494, SB2495, SB2496, SB2497, SB2498, SB2499, SB2500, SB2501, SB2502, SB2503, SB2504, SB2505, SB2506, SB2507, SB2508, SB2509, SB2510, SB2511, SB2512, SB2513, SB2514, SB2515, SB2516, SB2517, SB2518, SB2519, SB2520, SB2521, SB2522, SB2523, SB2524, SB2525, SB2526, SB2527, SB2528, SB2529, SB2530, SB2531, SB2532, SB2533, SB2534, SB2535, SB2536, SB2537, SB2538, SB2539, SB2540, SB2541, SB2542, SB2543, SB2544, SB2545, SB2546, SB2547, SB2548, SB2549, SB2550, SB2551, SB2552, SB2553, SB2554, SB2555, SB2556, SB2557, SB2558, SB2560, SB2561, SB2562, SB2563, SB2565, SB2566, SB2567, SB2568, SB2569, SB2570, SB2571, SB2572, SB2573, SB2574, SB2575, SB2576, SB2577, SB2578, SB2579, SB2580, SB2581, SB2582, SB2583, SB2584, SB2585, SB2586, SB2587, SB2588, SB2589, SB2590, SB2591, SB2592, SB2593, SB2594, SB2595, SB2596, SB2597, SB2598, SB2599, SB2600, SB2601, SB2602, SB2603, SB2604, SB2605, SB2606, SB2607, SB2608, SB2609, SB2610, SB2611, SB2612, SB2613, SB2614, SB2615, SB2616, SB2617, SB2618, SB2619, SB2620, SB2621, SB2622, SB2625, SB2626, SB2627, SB2628, SB2629, SB2630, SB2631, SB2632, SB2633, SB2634, SB2635, SB2636, SB2637, SB2638, SB2639, SB2640, SB2641, SB2642, SB2643, SB2644, SB2645, SB2646, SB2647, SB2648, SB2649, SB2650, SB2651, SB2652, SB2653, SB2654, SB2655, SB2656, SB2657, SB2658, SB2659, SB2660, SB2661, SB2662, SB2663, SB2664, SB2665, SB2666, SB2667, SB2668, SB2669, SB2670, SB2671, SB2672, SB2673, SB2674, SB2675, SB2676, SB2677, SB2678, SB2679, SB2680, SB2681, SB2682, SB2683, SB2684, SB2685, SB2686, SB2687, SB2688, SB2689, SB2690, SB2691, SB2692, SB2693, SB2694, SB2695, SB2696, SB2697, SB2698, SB2699, SB2700, SB2701, SB2702, SB2703, SB2704, SB2705, SB2706, SB2707, SB2708, SB2709, SB2710, SB2711, SB2712, SB2713, SB2714, SB2715, SB2716, SB2717, SB2718, SB2719, SB2720, SB2721, SB2723, SB2724, SB2725, SB2726, SB2727, SB2728, SB2729, SB2730, SB2731, SB2732, SB2733, SB2734, SB2735, SB2736, SB2737, SB2738, SB2739, SB2740, SB2741, SB2742, SB2743, SB2744, SB2745, SB2746, SB2747, SB2748, SB2749, SB2750, SB2751, SB2752, SB2753, SB2754, SB2755, SB2756, SB2757, SB2758, SB2759, SB2760, SB2761, SB2762, SB2763, SB2764, SB2765, SB2766, SB2767, SB2768, SB2769, SB2770, SB2771, SB2772, SB2773, SB2774, SB2775, SB2776, SB2777, SB2778, SB2779, SB2780, SB2781, SB2782, SB2783, SB2784, SB2785, SB2786, SB2787, SB2788, SB2789, SB2790, SB2791, SB2792, SB2793, SB2794, SB2795, SB2796, SB2797, SB2798, SB2799, SB2800, SB2967, SB3034, HJR1, HJR4, HB9, HB 13, HB22, HB135, HB143, HB195, HB908, HB1392, SB861, SB1013, SJR74, SJR76, SB2408, SB2409, SB2461, SB2462, SB2463, SB2464, SB2465, SB2466, SB2467, SB2468, SB2469, SB2470, SB2471, SB2472, SB2473, SB2474, SB2475, SB2476, SB2477, SB2478, SB2479, SB2480, SB2481, SB2482, SB2483, SB2484, SB2485, SB2486, SB2487, SB2488, SB2489, SB2490, SB2491, SB2492, SB2493, SB2494, SB2495, SB2496, SB2497, SB2498, SB2499, SB2500, SB2501, SB2502, SB2503, SB2504, SB2505, SB2506, SB2507, SB2508, SB2509, SB2510, SB2511, SB2512, SB2513, SB2514, SB2515, SB2516, SB2517, SB2518, SB2519, SB2520, SB2521, SB2522, SB2523, SB2524, SB2525, SB2526, SB2527, SB2528, SB2529, SB2530, SB2531, SB2532, SB2533, SB2534, SB2535, SB2536, SB2537, SB2538, SB2539, SB2540, SB2541, SB2542, SB2543, SB2544, SB2545, SB2546, SB2547, SB2548, SB2549, SB2550, SB2551, SB2552, SB2553, SB2554, SB2555, SB2556, SB2557, SB2558, SB2560, SB2561, SB2562, SB2563, SB2565, SB2566, SB2567, SB2568, SB2569, SB2570, SB2571, SB2572, SB2573, SB2574, SB2575, SB2576, SB2577, SB2578, SB2579, SB2580, SB2581, SB2582, SB2583, SB2584, SB2585, SB2586, SB2587, SB2588, SB2589, SB2590, SB2591, SB2592, SB2593, SB2594, SB2595, SB2596, SB2597, SB2598, SB2599, SB2600, SB2601, SB2602, SB2603, SB2604, SB2605, SB2606, SB2607, SB2608, SB2609, SB2610, SB2611, SB2612, SB2613, SB2614, SB2615, SB2616, SB2617, SB2618, SB2619, SB2620, SB2621, SB2622, SB2625, SB2626, SB2627, SB2628, SB2629, SB2630, SB2631, SB2632, SB2633, SB2634, SB2635, SB2636, SB2637, SB2638, SB2639, SB2640, SB2641, SB2642, SB2643, SB2644, SB2645, SB2646, SB2647, SB2648, SB2649, SB2650, SB2651, SB2652, SB2653, SB2654, SB2655, SB2656, SB2657, SB2658, SB2659, SB2660, SB2661, SB2662, SB2663, SB2664, SB2665, SB2666, SB2667, SB2668, SB2669, SB2670, SB2671, SB2672, SB2673, SB2674, SB2675, SB2676, SB2677, SB2678, SB2679, SB2680, SB2681, SB2682, SB2683, SB2684, SB2685, SB2686, SB2687, SB2688, SB2689, SB2690, SB2691, SB2692, SB2693, SB2694, SB2695, SB2696, SB2697, SB2698, SB2699, SB2700, SB2701, SB2702, SB2703, SB2704, SB2705, SB2706, SB2707, SB2708, SB2709, SB2710, SB2711, SB2712, SB2713, SB2714, SB2715, SB2716, SB2717, SB2718, SB2719, SB2720, SB2721, SB2723, SB2724, SB2725, SB2726, SB2727, SB2728, SB2729, SB2730, SB2731, SB2732, SB2733, SB2734, SB2735, SB2736, SB2737, SB2738, SB2739, SB2740, SB2741, SB2742, SB2743, SB2744, SB2745, SB2746, SB2747, SB2748, SB2749, SB2750, SB2751, SB2752, SB2753, SB2754, SB2755, SB2756, SB2757, SB2758, SB2759, SB2760, SB2761, SB2762, SB2763, SB2764, SB2765, SB2766, SB2767, SB2768, SB2769, SB2770, SB2771, SB2772, SB2773, SB2774, SB2775, SB2776, SB2777, SB2778, SB2779, SB2780, SB2781, SB2782, SB2783, SB2784, SB2785, SB2786, SB2787, SB2788, SB2789, SB2790, SB2791, SB2792, SB2793, SB2794, SB2795, SB2796, SB2797, SB2798, SB2799, SB2800, SB2967, SB3034, HJR1, HJR4, HB9, HB 13, HB22, HB135, HB143, HB195, HB908, HB1392, SB861, SB1013

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers

Transcript Highlights:

• BOTH FROM A CLINICAL SITE AND THE RESEARCH SIDE WITH THE SIGNING OF THE BAPTIST AFFILIATION AGREEMENT
• SO OBVIOUSLY OUR GOAL IS TO CREATE THE PREMIER ACADEMIC RESEARCH CENTER AT FLORIDA STATE.
• THE CENTER WILL CONDUCT RESEARCH INTO ALL LINES OF INSURANCE.
• WAS THIS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND RESEARCH CENTER? >> Sen.
• THIS IS JUST A SCHOOL THAT WE ARE RESEARCHING AND STUDYING TO LOOK AT FUTURE MODELS ON INSURANCE. >>

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is a pilot study, not a full-scale audit.
• Can you explain how this would work, this pilot study?
• This is why I'm pitching it as a pilot study. We need to look.
• And how long would the study take? Sure.
• And I'm just providing you the research that I have done.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioner, the study will be completed in a month. So the study that Auburn...
• Yes, there is a study from Auburn, but we also have a study from Auburn that says...
• We know what their study says. They put it out and said, "Here's the study. It recommends this."
• What happened with that study?
• We weren't studying when... and when I say we, the study... it wasn't me personally. ...

Bills: HB1, HB143, HB1, HB92

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program

Transcript Highlights:

• New Mexico's study had that same study repeated... and showed that one physician generates $11.3 million
• And there's good science on this, and this is not a one-off study. Show the next.
• I researched this as a general pediatrician.
• This competition is happening even though study after Study have shown that business location decisions
• Many of these studies are good and accurate within the limits of economic modeling.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Heritage did a study that showed it makes no difference.
• Do they not provide this type of research anymore?
• It's a basic study resolution to look at illegal dumping. I'll take any questions.
• During your research with this, was it a security issue that they mentioned?
• I assume this study will bring out what the definition of excessive rate is.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 319, which would tighten and standardize voter identification rules at polling places. Senator Presley and Secretary of State Nancy Landry said the bill replaces the current “generally recognized” photo ID standard with a specific list of acceptable IDs, removes the affidavit-only option, and allows voters without a photo ID to cast a conditional paper ballot at the registrar of voters office or during early voting if they later provide approved documentation within two days after the election. Supporters argued the bill improves consistency, election integrity, and poll-worker guidance while still preserving access through alternative documents and free state IDs; opponents warned it could create confusion and burden seniors, students, homeless voters, and others without easy access to the required documents. After debate, the committee reported SB 319 favorably by a 7-2 vote. The committee then approved Senate Bill 202, which adds one day of compensated meeting time for parish boards of election supervisors in certain elections, and Senate Bill 25, which revises the compensation schedule for registrars of voters and related staff. SB 25 was amended to remove outdated step references and make conforming technical changes, and supporters said the pay structure has not been updated since 2007 despite increased duties and workload. The committee also adopted and reported favorably Senate Concurrent Resolution 29, creating a legislative study committee on water quality in the Chafalalaya Basin, and House Concurrent Resolution 85, creating a task force on illegal dumping, both with technical amendments. In addition, the committee advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 63, which asks the legislative auditor to review how fiscal notes are prepared during session, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 33, which creates a work-based learning coordination task force to improve alignment among education, workforce, and employer partners. SCR 33 was amended to change the appointing authority for two members. The committee also approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, establishing the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, and House Resolution 196, which creates a study committee on the impact of fallen trees on residential property and insurance issues. Several of these measures were supported by agency representatives or outside groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments where needed before reporting the bills and resolutions favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is one of those bills where, instead of doing a study, New York likes to study everything, but not
• Senator, there is no evidence and no study of...
• Senator, there is no evidence and no study of PFAS having leached from solar panels.
• But you're saying there's no study that shows that PFAS is in solar. You made your point.
• I'm saying there's no study that shows that PFAS is in solar. You made your point.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Environmental Conservation Committee met with a quorum and a very full agenda, moving quickly through a series of environmental and natural resources bills. Early action included approving S.1343B, the clean fuel standard bill, which was referred to Finance with one nay. The committee then took up S.1464A, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, where supporters said it had been heavily amended to address industry concerns and protect public health by reducing packaging waste and toxic chemicals. Opponents, including Senators Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Stec, raised concerns about costs, unintended consequences for business, agriculture, dairy, food safety, and consumer prices. Supporters argued the bill would reduce waste, protect people from toxins, and that many farms and dairy operations were exempted. The bill was advanced to Finance with two nays and one without recommendation. The committee also considered several bills tied to climate and energy policy. S.2712, sponsored by Senator Stec, would delay CLCPA implementation for 10 years and require a cost-benefit analysis; Stec argued New York has not adequately studied the law’s costs and cited rising utility bills, while Chair Harckham and others defended the state’s clean energy direction and said the bill would not move forward. S.3652, which would prohibit certain restrictions on motor vehicle sales, and S.5611, which would create a Climate Action Cost Council and limit annual climate-related rulemaking, were both voted down and not referred onward. By contrast, S.797A, the Mohawk River Basin Management Act, advanced to Finance with support from its sponsor, Senator Fahy. The committee then took up S.8933, Senator Helming’s bill to prohibit PFAS in photovoltaic modules. Helming said the bill was a common-sense measure to keep forever chemicals out of solar panels and protect water and soil; Harckham responded that the bill’s timeline would effectively halt the solar industry and said there was no evidence of PFAS leaching from solar panels. The bill was not advanced. The committee also advanced S.9206 on brush-fire area reed removal for Staten Island, S.9280 on open water data, S.9462 on deer management permits, S.963 on Atlantic bonito and false albacore management, and S.9479A on tidal wetlands definitions. In the final portion of the meeting, the committee rapidly approved a long slate of routine end-of-session fisheries and marine resource extender bills, including measures on sharks, lingcod, black sea bass, blueback herring, fluke, scup, commercial food fish licenses, special management areas, American eel, Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, squid, and winter flounder.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think there is value to studying these areas.
• I think you could make that argument for studying music or studying poetry or studying history.
• And I know plenty of people who've studied such degrees as sociology, religious studies, biology, et
• And I know that folks will say, well, we're not eliminating the study.
• I didn't do any research. I know who they are. I shouldn't say I didn't do any research.

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, there's an interesting, uh, study I read once.
• It's important to focus on the biogenic life cycle and on studies conducted here in Minnesota, and not
• conducted here in Minnesota on studies conducted here in Minnesota as<00:04:43.440> and<00:04
• this topic in for instance studying this topic in Washington<00:04:49.320> or<00:04:49.520>
• here in Minnesota say that researchers here in Minnesota say that Minnesota<00:05:07.120> forests

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 249 was moved toward the General Register after Representative Igo offered and the committee adopted an author’s amendment that removed a 50% line and clarified the bill’s language. Igo described the bill as a change to Minnesota’s carbon-free definition to include woody biomass from timber harvesting residues and discarded wood products, arguing it would support an all-of-the-above energy strategy, reduce landfill use, and create markets for forest byproducts while avoiding clear-cutting or use of good cordwood for energy. Several industry witnesses testified in support. Ray Higgins of the Minnesota Timber Producers Association said the bill would help utilities convert coal plants to use forest residues and dead or dying timber, and argued Minnesota forests are significant carbon sinks with annual growth exceeding mortality. Tom McCabe, a logger and trucker from Duluth, said biomass markets are critical to his business, help reduce fire danger, and support rural economies, while Rod Enberg described past waste of low-value timber and said biomass markets have helped businesses and local economies, including a successful chip-burning system at American Peat Technology. Rick Horton of Minnesota Forest Industries said woody biomass can provide reliable baseload power, help manage dead and dying forests affected by spruce budworm, emerald ash borer, and eastern larch beetle, and keep industrial energy costs competitive. Opposition came from Sarah Meridian of CURE, who argued the bill conflicts with Minnesota’s 100% carbon-free law because burning biomass emits carbon dioxide and other pollutants, and said the bill’s broad reference to discarded wood products could allow combustion of treated or contaminated wood. In committee discussion, Representative Craft questioned whether biomass can truly be called carbon neutral on the time scales discussed, noting that decay and regrowth can take decades and warning against overstating the climate benefits. The bill was advanced despite those concerns, with supporters emphasizing forest management, rural jobs, and energy reliability.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:36:33.160> and parents to adequately research and parents to adequately research and determine
• endometriosis not for children studies endometriosis not for children studies show<03:29:59.000>
• surgeries a total of 27 studies surgeries a total of 27 studies conducted<05:31:17.680> by
• <05:34:28.558> for options for surgeons I researched for options for surgeons I researched
• the summer after that it was a research the summer after that it was a research assistantship<05

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, the bill stipulates that each eligible institution will receive at least one research scholarship
• It is necessary to study as a student of international law.
• I'm concerned about the broad language of this bill making it impossible to properly study the law in
• The substitute would allow the Coordinating Board to conduct a study to determine equivalency scores.
• Having the Higher Education Coordinating Board conduct this study, I was not in favor of the original

Summary: The Senate Education Committee K-16 resumed public testimony on Senate Bill 735, a Holocaust education bill. Alice Min spoke in support, saying learning about difficult parts of history is important for understanding American history and the experiences of minority communities. Sheila Hemphill also supported the bill but urged broader language to include multiple genocides and more instructional material. After a brief exchange, public testimony on SB 735 closed and the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 800, which would strengthen higher-education orientation materials on sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking policies, and Senate Bill 2310, which would require public institutions to post clearer online degree and transfer requirements. Both bills were explained by their authors, committee substitutes were adopted, no public testimony was offered, and each bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2055, a cleanup bill for the Texas Leadership Scholars Program, was also heard and left pending after no testimony. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 1069, which would require investigations and mandatory termination for faculty found to have discriminated against students based on religion, with a department placed under conservatorship after a termination. The author said the bill was meant to address religious discrimination and protect students; several witnesses, including Muslim and Jewish law students and other advocates, argued it was too vague, lacked a definition of religious discrimination, threatened academic freedom, and could chill speech. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2972, which would set new limits on expressive activity on public university campuses, including restrictions on encampments, masks, sound amplification, and protests during finals; opponents said it would restrict free speech and protest rights, while the bill was adopted as a committee substitute and left pending. Senate Bill 2815, allowing students to choose the diploma name after a university merger or renaming, was briefly heard and left pending. Later, the committee took up pending business and voted out several bills. SB 2920, SB 2398, SB 2927, SB 2929, SB 1241, SB 1395, SB 401, SB 1972, and SB 2540 were reported favorably, with some committee substitutes adopted and several placed on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1241’s substitute would have the Higher Education Coordinating Board study standardized test equivalency scores for admissions. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• is they're graduating at research is they're graduating at college<00:14:46.200> readiness<00
• , there are at least seven other research, there are at least seven other um<00:16:07.880> states<
• So, math, English, social studies, science, the same studies requirements are required of you as a homeschooler
• ,<00:21:28.520> the<00:21:28.640> same social studies, um science, the same social
• studies, um science, the same studies<00:21:29.520> uh<00:21:29.600> the<00:21:29.680><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met for its fifth meeting and first took up House Bill 236, which would remove dual licensure requirements for certain Kentucky EMS education and training programs licensed by the Kentucky Board of EMS. The sponsor and witnesses said the change would reduce red tape and costs for small EMS training providers, help address workforce shortages, and preserve existing training standards. The committee adopted a committee substitute, then passed the bill with favorable expression and adopted a title amendment. Members noted support from the Council for Proprietary Education and the Council for Postsecondary Education. The committee then heard House Bill 298 for discussion only, with no vote taken. The bill would extend KEES scholarship eligibility to students from non-certified schools, including homeschool, parochial, church, and other private schools, using dual-credit coursework, AP exams, and ACT scores to determine merit. The sponsor and a homeschooling witness argued the measure would create fairness for high-achieving students who are currently limited to the ACT supplement, and said homeschool students often take advanced coursework and dual-credit classes. Members asked about instructional hours, certification, eligibility criteria, and the fiscal impact; the sponsor said the bill had a fiscal note of about $290,000 in the first year and about $3.9 million at full implementation, and that the policy would apply to lottery-funded KEES dollars. Several members expressed support for both bills, while also seeking clarification on how homeschool and non-certified school programs operate and why some do not seek certification. The discussion emphasized that homeschoolers are treated as private schools under Kentucky law, that certification can be costly and time-consuming, and that the bill would not change existing academic standards for KEES eligibility. The meeting ended after the discussion of HB 298, with no committee vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• recognition as a high research recognition as a high research institution,<00:35:22.000> and<
• :00:51.360> these studies have confirmed what these studies have confirmed what these veterans
• Liver Flu Cancer Study Act as amended. Liver Flu Cancer Study Act as amended.
• <05:05:03.440> and federally funded research and federally funded research and development
• research. Thank you, and I yield back. research. Thank you, and I yield back.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A Brown University study reviewed Medicare claims, which documented increased referrals to higher-priced
• Chair Backer, I actually would like to clarify that with House Research. And House Research is Ms.
• This is part of a study that the department has been conducting.
• A groundbreaking 2014 study led by Dr.
• This is just one research example that illustrates a typical dynamic.

Bills: HF2779, HF1645, HF1885, HF1289, HF1534, HF2707, HF1675, HF3046

Keywords: health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• One is that we have a state law which defines what evidence-based research is.
• It requires programs to have a number of different rigorous studies.
• studies.
• We do accept secondary studies. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Mr.
• But in terms of being actually in the study itself, there is that eligibility criteria.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will certainly have the time to research it and read it.
• The study that was cited from the [questionable: Heartlet?]
• Look at Arizona, and that's the one state that's cited in this Bartlett study.
• <01:32:35.159> assumes or $50 million but that study assumes or $50 million but that study
• <01:40:30.280> curriculum<01:40:31.280> programs research-based curriculum programs research-based

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have agricultural extension research stations, and our faculty research projects take place in many
• This unpredictability is disrupting current research and threatens the research ecosystem that has made
• This unpredictability is disrupting current research and threatens the research ecosystem that has made
• Just a quick question also on research cuts.
• , and to learn from postdoc researchers, from research on the campus, is critical.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, chaired by Assemblymember Alvarez, held a hearing focused on University of California budget issues. The committee reviewed UC core operations funding, enrollment trends, federal funding threats, Title IX implementation, and basic needs support. Major themes included the end of the Governor’s multi-year UC compact, the state’s fiscal outlook, UC’s enrollment growth, and the potential impacts of federal policy changes on research, health care, and student aid. On core funding, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to continue compact-related support, defer some payments, and authorize a cash-flow loan. The LAO recommended a smaller or no base increase, earmarking some funds for capital renewal, retiring deferrals when possible, avoiding new compact commitments, and funding UC annually rather than through compacts. UC argued that the compact has supported enrollment growth, student services, and operating costs, but said campuses face rising expenses, structural deficits, and limited reserves. Members questioned the effects of deferrals on students and discussed the need to prioritize less harmful reductions if cuts become necessary. The enrollment panel focused on UC’s growth in California resident enrollment and the nonresident replacement plan at Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. The LAO recommended maintaining the current enrollment target, funding enrollment separately from base increases, pausing the nonresident replacement plan, and holding enrollment flat in 2027-28. UC said it has already met compact enrollment goals, grown California undergraduate enrollment by about 18,800 students, and that further growth depends on ongoing state support. The committee also discussed the cost of enrollment growth, possible differential nonresident tuition, and a reporting request for UC to analyze the nonresident replacement approach; the motion to adopt supplemental reporting language passed. The hearing also covered federal funding risks, with the LAO and UC warning that federal changes could affect research grants, medical center reimbursement, and student financial aid. UC said research cancellations and suspensions are disrupting labs and graduate student support, while federal health policy changes could increase uncompensated care at UC hospitals. In the Title IX update, UC described its systemwide civil rights structure, annual student training, and campus support offices, and members praised the work while asking about ongoing concerns and intersegmental collaboration. The final basic-needs item began with Finance stating the Governor’s budget does not change ongoing support, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would a county have the ability to conduct an independent study outside of OPPAGA that would be able
• and the independent study that they engage in?
• Just a study. Chair: I am seeing no other questions for the sponsor.
• To say that we cannot study something means that we cannot learn. We cannot grow.
• Indeed, since the bill passed, research has been conducted as recently as 2025 by researchers at Texas

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an NIH-funded researcher who's conducted over half a dozen federally funded studies on drug use epidemiology
• But I know from studying the research on crime prevention, drug policy, and criminal justice that increasing
• Study after study has made it clear that bills like AB 352 will not increase public safety.
• I do support the study. But if it gets narrowed down, I'm not against the study.
• That's based on the study.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assemblymember Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and peace officer groups, said it would address a growing and dangerous drug trend, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can worsen health harms. The bill was approved on a due-pass-as-amended vote and sent to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assemblymember Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; judicial and law enforcement groups supported it as a response to rising threats, while ACLU and criminal justice advocates said existing law already covers threats and the bill is unnecessary. It also passed to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 938 by Assemblymember Bonta, which expands vacatur and affirmative-defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses. Survivors and advocates testified that the bill would allow people coerced into crimes to tell their full stories and seek relief, while district attorneys and sheriffs warned it could sweep too broadly and affect public safety. The chair and several members strongly supported the measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assemblymember Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and is tied to a broader effort to remove involuntary servitude language from the state constitution; supporters framed it as a rehabilitation and dignity issue, while one member objected to the premise and cited the defeat of a related ballot measure. The bill was voted out to Appropriations but left on call pending additional votes. Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 704, which would allow people convicted of low-level offenses before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records after a waiting period. Supporters said the bill addresses the limits of expungement in the digital age and recognizes young adult brain development; prosecutors and police groups raised Brady/disclosure concerns and objected to treating 18- to 25-year-olds like children. The committee debated those issues at length before sending the bill to Appropriations. Lowenthal also presented AB 812, which would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters who serve on conservation fire crews; supporters emphasized rehabilitation, wildfire response, and reduced recidivism, and the hearing continued with support testimony and the start of opposition testimony as the transcript ended.