Video & Transcript : 'nursing program' :
Page 95 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- NURSING EDUCATION.
- NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAM SEEKING APPROVAL FROM THE BOARD OF NURSING, INCLUDING THE ADOPTION OF STANDARDIZED
- ADVERSE ACTIONS TAKEN AGAINST APPROVED NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN THE U.S.
- ADDITIONALLY, THE BOARD REMOVES THE DEADLINE TO ACCREDITATION FOR PROFESSIONAL NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
- REVOKED THEIR LICENSE FOR A NURSING PROGRAM. THEY CAN INVESTIGATE THE NATURE OF ADVERSE ACTIONS.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (02/05/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- program.
- in an MSP program.
- program. program says is you're going to be program says is you're going to be eligible<00:54:46.079
- Hospitals also need nurses. Hospitals in Manchester also need nurses.
- One is regarding the nurse aide program. New Hampshire needs caregivers. It's a proven program.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment establishes new requirements for nursing education programs seeking approval from the Board
- education program.
- education programs.
- program.
- the nursing home.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into a series of special-order bills and House messages. Early floor action included passage of a claim bill for Mandy Penny Lemon (HB 6503) and bills on sewer collection systems (HB 1123) and farm products (HB 211), all passing unanimously. The chamber also took up an ad valorem tax exemption resolution for agricultural tangible personal property (CS/HJR 1215), which passed 37-0. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the Senate recessed and later returned to House messages and additional special orders.
The Senate then addressed multiple House amendments and conference-style motions. It concurred in amended versions of SB 994 on driver safety, SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, and HB 1609 on waste incineration/auxiliary containers after extended debate over hurricane recovery rules, local government restrictions, and plastic container preemption. The chamber also concurred in CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiative petitions, increasing the number of petitions a volunteer may carry from 2 to 25, and in CS/HB 733 on Brownfields. Other House amendments were rejected or sent back, including SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, SB 116 on veterans policy, SB 168 on mental health, and HB 1101 on out-of-network provider referrals.
Later, the Senate approved CS/HB 1255 on education and CS/HB 875 on educator preparation, with discussion focused on school readiness, teacher training, and changes to certification and testing requirements. It also concurred in CS/HB 1427, a broad health care bill, after the House added a major nursing education amendment that tightened Board of Nursing oversight, required standardized evaluation and remediation, and imposed accountability measures tied to NCLEX pass rates and program performance. Several members raised concerns or praised negotiated compromises throughout the day, but the recorded actions were mainly concurrence motions, refusals to concur, and final passage votes on the bills considered.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- to cover up to three years of public sector nursing work.
- When the program first started, it was a Chapter 70 program, which explains the problem for me purchasing
- I think it needs to be addressed because many of the programs, if there's going to be any new programs
- School nurses make up less than 0.17% of the school population.
- ; 8.3% said two years, 11 nurses; 6% said one year, 8 nurses.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on a wide range of credible service and retirement-related bills, with testimony largely focused on allowing public employees to buy back prior service time or receive more appropriate retirement classifications. Bills discussed included retirement buyback for Joint Base Cape Cod firefighters (H. 4317), clarification of call firefighter buyback rights (H. 2883/S. 1915), veterans’ buyback (H. 2957), a Bridgewater State University police death-benefit/heart-law issue (filed by Rep. Gallagher), unpaid parental leave buyback for municipal employees (H. 2946), school nurse creditable service (H. 2887/S. 1787), former private/parochial school teacher buyback (S. 1900/H. 2873), Massport police retirement classification (S. 1888), contract employee buyback (H. 2795), Retirement Plus late entry (H. 2792), CVTE/teacher-related buyback issues (H. 2762), Peace Corps/AmeriCorps creditable service (H. 2927), and institutional school teacher retirement fairness (H. 2757). Several speakers also referenced related bills for teachers and nurses that had been heard previously or were filed in parallel in the other branch.
Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of the bills. Speakers argued that the measures would correct inequities, recognize prior public service, and help recruit and retain workers in hard-to-fill public jobs. Firefighters described the unique federal-to-state transition at Joint Base Cape Cod and said some members were left out of earlier buyback opportunities. Veterans, teachers, school nurses, correctional educators, and Massport police all described service requirements, administrative gaps, or outdated statutory language that they said unfairly limited retirement credit or placed them in the wrong retirement group. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposals were fiscally responsible because employees would pay the cost of the buybacks, and some noted that similar bills had been filed repeatedly in prior sessions.
Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, mostly about why certain employees had been excluded under current law or how the retirement provisions would work. No opposition testimony was presented. The hearing concluded after all scheduled witnesses testified, with the chairs thanking participants for their service and the committee voting to adjourn.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- the same nursing program, but over the past year, I did learn a lot about it.
- exam and program.
- There's no funding, no program right now. There are very few sane nurses.
- I'm a guy you can sit down with, no matter nurses, hospitals, LSU SANE program, I would sit there with
- assault nurse examiner.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Summary:
The committee first adopted the minutes from several prior 2025 meetings, then took up HB 574 by Rep. Spell, which updates the names of two organizations on the Mental Health Advocacy Service Board of Trustees. Rep. Spell explained it as a technical cleanup bill to correct the names of the Louisiana Mental Health Association and the Louisiana State Medical Society so the board’s membership records match current organization names. With no objections, HB 574 was reported favorably.
The committee then heard HB 486, also by Rep. Spell, to join the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PsyPact) and allow Louisiana psychologists to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across state lines. Rep. Spell and PsyPact representatives said the compact would expand access to mental health care, especially in rural areas, while maintaining standards and disciplinary oversight. The committee adopted amendments on fees and the effective date, and HB 486 was reported favorably with amendments.
HB 198 by Rep. Eccles proposed a Medicaid reimbursement methodology for ambulatory surgical centers, using a Medicare-based rate to improve access for Medicaid patients needing specialty procedures. Amendments were adopted to add ophthalmology-related services and to cap reimbursement at the lesser of the outpatient hospital rate or 100% of the Medicaid rate, along with a technical amendment to address the fiscal note. Supporters from GI and ASC groups said the bill would improve access and lower long-term costs, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments.
The committee spent the most time on HB 182 by Rep. Travis Johnson, which would require hospitals to ensure access to sexual assault forensic exams and related training. Johnson, law enforcement witnesses, and the Attorney General’s office emphasized the need for timely evidence collection, especially in rural areas, and said the current system leaves victims traveling long distances or losing evidence. Hospital and coroner witnesses supported the goal but opposed the bill as written, arguing it could impose duties on hospitals without enough trained personnel, funding, or a workable statewide training and coordination system; they urged a statewide coordinator, mobile SANE units, and clearer implementation. The bill was not finally disposed of in the portion of the meeting provided, and members discussed continuing to work on amendments and timing before floor consideration.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Health Policy Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But we have no requirement in our education programs of nurses.
- We need to start at the beginning and make this part of the core training of our nursing programs.
- And some concerns were brought up about the core program and the nursing... Thank you very much.
- And some concerns were brought up about the core program and the nursing programs themselves and the
- nursing programs.
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills, most of them focused on drowning prevention and public safety. SB 428, by Senator Yarborough, would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA representatives emphasized Florida’s high drowning rates, especially among very young children, and argued that swim lessons can significantly reduce risk. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit the funding allocation as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also heard SB 606, by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing practices to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer requires home birth providers to maintain proof of compliance. A parent who lost a child to drowning and Senator Berman spoke in strong support, stressing that the bill would educate new parents at a critical time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute.
SB 162, by Senator Davis, would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively low-cost and already used in many facilities, while several witnesses supported the bill as a worker-safety measure. Other senators raised concerns about the lack of data, possible rural hospital impacts, and whether the mandate could add costs without clear evidence of harm. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 340, by Senator Harrell, requiring nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, after amending the bill to shift the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves. Testimony from a trafficking survivor and nursing advocates supported the measure, and it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; chiropractic industry representatives supported the change, and the bill was reported favorably.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Feb 20th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health & Long-Term Care
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist
- ARNPs may use the titles of advanced registered nurse practitioner, nurse practitioner, and nurse anesthetist
- programs.
- Some are nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.
- Some are nurse anethesis, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.
Committee:
Senate Health & Long-Term Care
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, May 15, 2026 - AM
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- . program. program.
- And so our community colleges and our university, they have nursing programs, but it takes a while.
- /c><00:53:41.880><c> 200</c><00:53:43.160><c> um</c> nursing program with 120 to 200 um nursing program
- Do you know what the most common reason people don't get accepted into, like, the nursing program and
- It's a It's an amazing program. program. program.
Committee:
Joint Labor, Health & Social Services
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:01.200><c> industry</c> in nursing in the nursing home industry in nursing in the nursing
- practical nurses.
- An RN received this education in a two-year associate or four-year baccalaureate degree nursing program
- </c> degree nursing program. degree nursing program.
- </c> nursing assessments by registered nurses nursing assessments by registered nurses in<01:52:16.639
Committee:
Senate Human Services
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Mar 23rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Celiac Disease Screening Pilot Program.
- I also lead a team of 40 women, including nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and support staff.
- of Nursing at Regis College.
- I have partnered with the Regis School of Nursing in this program, which is unique in its ability to
- an aesthetic nurse practitioner program, because when many of these nurses then decide to become NPs,
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening around ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating the operation of medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the hearing focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. Committee chairs outlined three-minute testimony limits and noted members present in person and online.
Supporters of the celiac screening bills, including Rep. Badger, Sen. Lovely, patients, clinicians, and researchers, described long delays in diagnosis, the lack of a cure beyond a gluten-free diet, and the potential for early screening to prevent years of damage, missed school and work, and long-term complications. Testifiers said celiac disease is common but frequently undiagnosed, that a simple blood test can identify many cases, and that a pilot would help assess feasibility, cost, accuracy, and family acceptance. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposal includes education and support for families after diagnosis, and some cited international screening efforts, especially in Italy, as evidence that population screening can work.
Testimony on H. 5087 was largely opposed by medical spa owners, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and a plastic surgeon. Witnesses argued the bill is outdated, duplicative of existing Massachusetts licensing and public health rules, and inconsistent with current scopes of practice and team-based care. They said the proposal could restrict access, burden small and women-owned practices, and fail to address the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Some said they support regulation in principle but want the bill revised to reflect current law and modern practice. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, including about celiac testing methods and the relationship between the medical spa bill and current state law, but no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Private Equity Presentation 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> in investments in hospitals and nursing in investments in hospitals and nursing homes.<00:03:27.440
- </c><00:10:24.399><c> home</c> equity investment has on nursing home equity investment has on nursing
- </c> residents, their families and nursing residents, their families and nursing home<00:10:27.200><c
- </c><00:11:48.880><c> home</c> associated with worse nursing home associated with worse nursing home
- Staffing in nursing homes, especially among certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- But we have no requirement in our education programs for nurses.
- We need to start at the beginning and make this part of the core training of our nursing programs.
- And some concerns were brought up about the core program and the nursing Thank you very much.
- And some concerns were brought up about the core program and the nursing programs themselves and the
- nursing programs.
Committee:
Senate Health Policy
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee heard and advanced several health-related bills focused largely on drowning prevention, surgical smoke, human trafficking training, and chiropractic patient funds. SB 428 would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7; the sponsor and supporters from Nemours and the YMCA emphasized Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be more widely accessible. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit funding levels as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also considered SB 606, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and home birth providers. A mother who lost her daughter to drowning testified in support, describing the bill as an early opportunity to educate parents. An amendment removed home birth providers from the compliance-proof requirement, and the bill was adopted as amended and reported favorably as a committee substitute.
SB 162 would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already used in many facilities, while several senators raised concerns about the lack of supporting data, possible burdens on rural and smaller facilities, and whether the mandate should be narrower. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with the sponsor saying more data would be provided later. The committee also approved SB 340, requiring a two-hour human trafficking course for nursing students before licensure, after amending it to make the requirement apply to students rather than nursing programs. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull for Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation reviewing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system and comparing board oversight, rulemaking, funding, appointments, and term-limit models in other states.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- In conclusion, we support a pilot program for the nursing facilities.
- In conclusion, we support a pilot program for nursing facilities to care for behaviorally complex individuals
- Please, please fund programs for therapies, for nursing, for attendants. These children matter.
- Please, fund programs for therapies, for nursing, for attendants. These children matter.
- Please fund programs for therapies for nursing and for attendance. These children matter.
Committee:
Senate Finance
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 18th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Examples of this are our nursing program.
- Examples of this are our nursing program.
- Lastly, I want to see expansion of the nursing program.
- We have the highest score on NCLEX for nursing programs in the state.
- We have the highest score on NCLEX for nursing programs in the state.
Summary:
The committee first heard CS/SB 270, which would extend Bright Futures eligibility by 12 months for certain students whose parent was serving overseas in public service and then retired, giving military and diplomatic families more time to return to Florida without losing scholarship eligibility. Senator Burgess also explained a late-filed amendment to set the bill’s effective implementation for the 2025-26 school year, and the committee adopted the amendment without objection. The bill received supportive testimony, including from Senator Smith, and was reported favorably by a roll call vote.
The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmation hearings for appointees to state college boards of trustees, with the chair emphasizing a new process of hearing from each nominee individually rather than taking a blanket vote. Nominees from Tallahassee State College, St. Johns River State College, South Florida State College, Broward College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and Valencia College described their backgrounds and priorities, which largely centered on workforce development, nursing and health sciences, dual enrollment, fiscal responsibility, student retention, and partnerships with local employers and communities. Several nominees highlighted their own educational or professional ties to the colleges, and some noted the importance of serving rural or military-connected communities.
One nominee, John Aloko for Pasco-Hernando State College, was not present because he was attending a conference in Hawaii and was deferred to a later hearing. After hearing all other nominees, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of the remaining appointees in a block vote, covering Tabs 2 through 22 except Tab 8, and the motion passed. Two members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on earlier items.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 25th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- licenses out of nursing programs in Florida.
- We also regulate the 290. number of pre-licensure nursing education programs in Texas.
- The fourth exceptional item is an increase in funding for the tech this peer assistance program for nurses
- This is a program that our agency contracts with. to provide support and case management for nurses who
- Last session, it was Senate Bill 25 that streamlined a lot of. of nursing education funding programs,
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Feb 12th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators, CS for Senate Bill 36 on professional nursing titles.
- Aaron Ballas, Board of Nurse Association, waiving in support.
- And so I decided Properly educating our nurses about use of the title.
- to all eligible adults when they enroll in a waiver program.
- I'm a nursing student. So the health care arena for me is just the same.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Celiac Disease Screening Pilot Program.
- I also lead a team of 40 women, including nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and support staff.
- school of nursing at Regis College.
- I have partnered with the Regis School of Nursing in this program, which is unique in its ability to
- an aesthetic nurse practitioner program, because when many of these nurses then decide to become NPs,
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening at ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the transcript focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. For the celiac proposal, Rep. Badger and Sen. Lovely described long diagnostic delays, the lack of a cure, and the potential for a simple blood test to identify children earlier and reduce long-term harm. Multiple patients, clinicians, and researchers supported the pilot, saying celiac is frequently missed because symptoms vary widely or are absent, and that early detection could prevent malnutrition, growth problems, osteoporosis, and other complications. Testifiers also emphasized that the bill would study feasibility, accuracy, cost, and acceptability, and would include family education and support resources if diagnoses are made through the program.
Several experts and advocates backed the celiac screening pilot, including a pediatric gastroenterologist from Italy who described successful national screening efforts there, a Celiac Disease Foundation representative, pediatric gastroenterologists from Massachusetts and Colorado, a pediatric dietitian, and a parent whose child was diagnosed after severe malnutrition. They argued that routine screening alongside existing pediatric bloodwork could identify many undiagnosed children and improve health equity, since celiac disease is often overlooked in people of color and lower-income patients. Committee members asked about how the screening would work, and witnesses explained it could begin with a blood test, followed by confirmatory endoscopy if needed. No vote was taken in the hearing.
On H. 5087, witnesses from the medical aesthetics industry largely opposed the bill as written, saying it was outdated, redundant with existing Massachusetts licensing and board oversight, and too restrictive for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other licensed providers. Testifiers, including a retired lobbyist, a nurse practitioner, a PA, a plastic surgeon, and a clinic owner, said the bill could reduce access, raise costs, and push care into less regulated settings, while not addressing the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Committee members pressed for more specific feedback on what provisions were unnecessary or duplicative, and witnesses said they had submitted position papers and written testimony identifying conflicts with current law. The hearing ended with the chair noting that all oral and written testimony would be reviewed before any decisions are made.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- academic employer partnership programs... ...student loan repayment programs and academic employer partnership
- programs, fellowships, apprenticeship programs, and then rates and payment model reform, thinking about
- facilities and skilled nursing.
- So I know you have some questions about nurses.
- The national median annual turnover rate for certified nursing assistants in nursing homes was 99%.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities subcommittee on workforce supports met with Chair Andrew Lerault presiding. Members completed roll call, approved the August 2025 minutes, and then heard a presentation from Amy Doyle, director of the Behavioral Health Workforce Center at the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission. Doyle described the center’s launch in September 2024 and its legislative mandate to study behavioral health payment rates, workforce needs, and licensure/certification barriers, with an emphasis on recruitment, retention, capacity building, diversity/equity, and sustainability. She also shared data on unmet behavioral health needs, ED boarding, workforce shortages, aging and turnover in nursing and direct care, and the need to improve data collection on non-licensed workers and populations such as people with developmental disabilities and autism.
Committee members asked questions about what provider types were included in the workforce data and whether DDS-related residential and direct support roles were captured. Doyle said the center is still working to define and measure the full behavioral health workforce, including non-licensed roles, and welcomed follow-up on missing data sources. Members suggested additional sources such as CHIA and the Association of Developmental Disability Providers’ workforce survey. Doyle noted that the center is working with CHIA and that new licensure renewal surveys for behavioral health and allied mental health professionals will begin in 2025, which should improve future workforce data.
The discussion also touched on the Health Policy Commission’s broader workforce findings, including nurse attrition, burnout, low wages, and the importance of career ladders and advanced training. Doyle said the center’s first policy recommendations will come from its rate study, expected in the next one to two months, and will likely focus on capacity building and sustainability. After the presentation, members thanked Doyle and discussed subcommittee leadership. Chair Lerault announced he was stepping down, and Chris White volunteered to serve as co-chair; the committee agreed to move forward with that arrangement and to revisit FY26 goals once new leadership is in place. The meeting then adjourned by motion and second.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we have a great program with a nursing program.
- Our nursing program, I appreciate your comment on the” Our CDL program, we just had a wonderful presentation
- Our nursing program, I appreciate your comment on the Our nursing program—I appreciate your comment on
- Thank you very much for the wonderful job you're doing in the nursing program.
- But we were obviously very, very proud of our nursing program.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed education budget, which totals $32.5 billion overall and includes no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents. Officials highlighted major funding for financial aid and scholarships, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, veteran-related scholarships, EASE, Open Door, law enforcement/first responder programs, and workforce initiatives. They also emphasized increases for workforce education, Florida College System operations, nursing pipeline and line funds, and university operations, performance funding, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed post-secondary Guardian program, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, the Guardian program would offer flexible campus safety options, and the university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives.
The committee then heard from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Testimony consistently focused on affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and allied health programs, dual enrollment, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several trustees highlighted strong nursing NCLEX pass rates, expansion of campuses or programs, and efforts to tailor education to regional workforce demands such as health care, construction, law enforcement, aviation, and hospitality. One appointee from Miami-Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by easing credit transfer and admissions barriers.
After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the full slate of confirmations as a block. A motion was made and the roll was called; the confirmations were approved favorably, with members voting yes and no opposition recorded. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we have a great program with a nursing program.
- Our nursing program, I appreciate your comment on the...
- Our nursing program, I appreciate your comment on the NCLEX pass rates.
- Thank you very much for the wonderful job you're doing in the nursing program.
- But we were obviously very, very proud of our nursing program.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed higher education budget, which emphasized no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents, continued affordability, and increased funding across workforce, colleges, and universities. The presentation highlighted major investments in Bright Futures, other scholarships, workforce development, the Florida College System, and the State University System, including funding for performance, student success, campus safety, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed Guardian program on campuses, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, Guardian options could vary by campus, and university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives.
The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities. Witnesses from Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Miami Dade College, Northwest Florida State College, and St. Johns River State College described their backgrounds and stressed workforce development, affordability, dual enrollment, nursing, cybersecurity, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several highlighted strong nursing outcomes and job placement, and some discussed campus expansion, business incubators, and programs tailored to regional industries. One appointee from Miami Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by better using prior credits.
After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the confirmation package as a block. A motion was made and seconded, the roll was called, and the confirmations were reported favorably by the committee. The meeting then adjourned.