Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to see over the years over $100 million cut from our public universities.
• our state funds, U of A, the University of Arizona, and NAU, Northern Arizona University, have managed
• And we hear complaints that we're cutting money from these universities.
• I wanted to speak to the university cuts because we've heard a lot about them.
• Lewis held a Ph.D. in economics from Duke University.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and interns from both parties, along with former lawmakers and a newly seated member, Representative Sylvia Allen. The chamber then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2065 honoring the late Alfredo Gutierrez. Members from both parties gave extended remarks about his life as a civil rights advocate, student activist, legislator, and mentor, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Senate. Family members of Gutierrez were recognized in the gallery during the memorial tribute. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole on the first budget-related measures. On House Bill 4138, the “feed bill”/budget operations measure, Democrats argued the budget favored corporations and data centers over seniors, health care, housing, universities, and vulnerable families, while Republicans defended it as a continuation of prior policy and said it preserved tax conformity and modest agency cuts. After debate and questions, the committee recommended the bill do pass and the House adopted that report, sending HB 4138 to engrossing. The chamber next considered House Bill 4139, the amusement/gaming-related budget bill. Members debated whether it was essentially unchanged from last year’s budget language, with Republicans saying it was a continuation bill and that gaming-related provisions would support rural economies and tourism, while Democrats questioned the broader budget context and its effects on working families. The committee recommended HB 4139 do pass, and the House adopted that recommendation. The House then began debate on House Bill 4140, the state budget implementation bill, focusing on the budget stabilization fund and a proposed government efficiency initiative; discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item: A presentation from the university system regarding the cost of delivering dual credit.
• I'm the Director of Finance with the North Dakota University System Office.
• It's a goal of the board in this university system. Thank you.
• And this is a presentation I actually asked for from the university system.
• Brenda Zastopol with the North Dakota University System, bringing up the rear here today.

Summary: The committee met at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Flanagan and campus leaders on the college’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce programs, facilities needs, and industry partnerships. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, the college’s strategic plan, and new or expanding programs such as aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also described the need for a new dorm and a remodel of the library into academic and allied health space, including a simulation center, to address capacity limits and support growth. Several committee members asked about program demand, faculty recruitment, pay competitiveness, and how the college shifts resources from lower-demand programs to high-demand ones. Industry partner Jim Albright of Comdell testified that the college has been essential to the local manufacturing workforce and that many employees and interns come from NDSCS. A major topic was dual credit. Flanagan said dual credit is important but financially challenging, noting that only a small share of dual credit students ultimately matriculate to NDSCS and that the college’s dual credit model is close to break-even. He explained that many dual credit credits are general education rather than CTE, and that the college pays instructors, supports high schools, and absorbs indirect costs. Williston State College President Bernal Herning added that his institution loses money on the front end but has shifted toward helping students complete associate degrees before high school graduation because many go directly to work after high school. Committee members questioned how dual credit is delivered, how instructors are qualified, and whether students are truly doing college-level work. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit statewide. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs and said the analysis shows dual credit is not profitable at several institutions once tuition, instructor payments, and overhead are included. Members asked how much of the cost is borne by students, families, and the state, and whether K-12 funding should also be considered. Discussion also covered the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, payments to high school teachers or schools, and the possibility of waiving tuition in the future. No votes were taken, and the committee mainly gathered information for the ongoing dual credit cost study.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to see the university have a little bit more skin in the game.
• for Rural Health was mentioned, or even the EERC, where they have industry partners, they have university
• it's at the university or from private or nonprofit sources, is a fair ask.
• The university has so much money, and if they really felt like this was something that they needed to
• , the university system gave them a dollar amount of around a half million dollars.

Bills: SB2399

Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first reconsidered House Bill 1612, the aerospace medical and mental health support center bill. Senator Cleary offered an amendment to reduce the general fund appropriation from $500,000 to $250,000 and require the university or project sponsors to find the remaining funding from other sources. The amendment passed, and the bill was then recommended do pass as amended, with members citing concerns about university funding, but others supporting the project as a one-time seed investment. The committee also discussed a possible future FMAP increase beginning October 1, 2026, which could reduce general fund costs by roughly $9 million, though members noted the figures were still preliminary and could be addressed later if needed. The committee then returned to Human Services budget items, including early childhood and child care funding, a community cultural center grant, and several other adjustments. Members discussed reducing the “best in class” amount, changes to child care grants and quality/infrastructure funding, and clarifying that prior child care assistance appropriations were in fact being spent. They also agreed to reduce the 1915(i) Medicaid waiver line by $2 million, with the understanding that the entitlement would still be funded as needed. The committee also considered taking guardianship funding out of House Bill 1012 because a separate bill, Senate Bill 2029, would move that funding elsewhere; members agreed that removing it from the budget could help the overall bill and could be restored if the separate bill failed. Several study amendments were discussed. Senator Cleary proposed adding a maternal health study related to prenatal services, doulas, midwives, and Medicaid, and members expressed support. The committee also discussed a software/case-management study proposal, but the department said it had not requested it and would not support it as presented, so members leaned against advancing it unless the department first evaluated it. Another amendment would authorize the department to work with the city of Grafton on a long-term plan for the LSTC campus and require a report back to the legislature; members supported that as legislative intent. The committee also agreed to remove a truancy study section for later conference discussion, and it reviewed other possible study ideas, including assistive technology, before adjourning to await updated long sheets and bill text.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her pursuit of excellence led her to Sacramento State University, graduating with honors in criminal
• Cynthia Teniente-Madsen became San Jose State University President in 2023.
• Returning to the California State University system after leading Texas A&M University, With over 30
• , and San Diego State University for a Bachelor of Arts. for her MA in Curriculum and Instruction.
• Rebecca Raquel Penner has a medical degree and PhD in biophysics from Stanford University.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WHAT I CAN PROVIDE IS WHAT I AM SAYING IS THROUGH UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA SHIMMERING CENTER FOR HOUSING
• THROUGH UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA SHIMMERING CENTER FOR HOUSING STUDIES AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO FOLLOW UP,
• BASED ON HOW THEY TEACH STATISTICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA.
• DATA FROM HARVARD UNIVERSITY CTR.
• HAVE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, SHANDS AND ALL THAT IN HERE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Vice President for University Services at the University of Minnesota, and we appreciate the opportunity
• It's our most efficient tool for protecting the public's investment in the university.
• public's investment in the university. public's investment in the university.
• So, we recognize that neither the state nor the university can do this alone.
• Pretty much there's like a 2-hour window where our university food places are open.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it added the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville and the Center of American Civics at
• the University of Kentucky to develop materials and curricula for degree programs in civics.
• it it added the McConnell Center at And it it added the McConnell Center at the<00:03:49.480> University
• <00:03:49.880> of<00:03:49.960> Louisville the University of Louisville the University
• of Kentucky to develop University of Kentucky to develop materials<00:03:55.480> and<00:03:55.600

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a group of engaged students from Hawaii Pacific University.
• 33.880> Pacific engaged students from Hawaii Pacific engaged students from Hawaii Pacific University
• these undergraduates are here University these undergraduates are here today<00:14:37.560> to
• <00:16:41.560> anyone<00:16:42.279> focused<00:16:42.720> on universities anyone
• focused on universities anyone focused on agriculture<00:16:43.959> will<00:16:44.120> be<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 46 members present and five excused, then deferred reading of the journal. The chamber received Governor’s Message No. 4, which transmitted proposed changes to the fiscal biennium 2025-2027 executive budget, and the message was received and filed. The House also received a Senate communication transmitting a Senate bill that had passed third reading in the Senate; on motion by Representative Morikawa, seconded by Representative Garcia, the bill was given first reading by title on a voice vote. During introductions, Representative Morikawa recognized staff members Judy Hernandez and Robbie Allen, Representative Lamosao welcomed Kab Bukowski of IBEW 1260, and Representative Iwamoto introduced a Hawaii Pacific University student group visiting to learn about the legislative process and environmental policy. The House then considered Standing Committee Report No. 797; Representative Todd moved to adopt the report and advance the accompanying House bill as amended to second reading and third reading calendar, the motion was seconded by Representative Morikawa, and it passed by voice vote. No resolutions were up for action, and none were referred to print. Announcements highlighted an upcoming Capitol agriculture event featuring more than 70 vendors and a separate notice about House member jacket samples and ordering for 2025. The House adjourned on motion by Representative Moryker, seconded by Representative Garcia, until 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 27th.

Transcript Highlights:

• The University of Arizona So I just wanted to mention that some of us have the universities in our district
• The University of Arizona is in my district.
• We only fund our state universities at 12% of their budget.
• Our state universities are already severely underfunded.
• The University of Arizona is one of three state universities, yet it was targeted for more than 60% of

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > at<00:59:41.920> the<00:59:42.040> University a graduate student at the University
• I love the University of Hawaii.
• I love the University of Hawaii.
• I love the University of Hawaii.
• I love the University of Hawaii.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill does not require universities to divest from oil and gas.
• Yes or no, there are no universities in Texas that are divested from oil and gas?
• There are no public universities currently divested from oil and gas interests.
• revenues to those funds for our flagship and regional universities and others.
• Senate Bill 2138 relating to prohibiting the investment of the Permanent University Fund, the Texas University

Bills: HJR98, HB142, HB912, HB2525, SCR19, SB66, SB128, SB209, SB250, SB317, SB383, SB393, SB397, SB517, SB571, SB612, SB614, SB715, SB731, SB801, SB865, SB867, SB872, SB905, SB913, SB945, SB946, SB986, SB1013, SB1015, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1113, SB1117, SB1181, SB1212, SB1241, SB1250, SB1263, SB1278, SB1285, SB1444, SB1483, SB1525, SB1528, SB1553, SB1556, SB1588, SB1660, SB1708, SB1802, SB1833, SB1844, SB1854, SB1957, SB1965, SB1999, SB2056, SB2082, SB2119, SB2133, SB2138, SB2203, SB2221, SB2337, SB2340, SB2373, SB2419, SB2422, SB2452, SB2477, SB2487, SB2501, SB2533, SB2586, SB2587, SB2615, SB2622, SB2633, SB2675, SB2681, SB2690, SB2713, SB2717, SB2753, SB2781, SB2782, SB2835, SB2841, SB2857, SB2891, SB2929, SB2933, SB2994, SB3016, SJR3, SB5, SB29, SB72, SB326, SB494, SB509, SB530, SB616, SB769, SB783, SB963, SB985, SB1143, SB1172, SB1238, SB1267, SB1271, SB1273, SB1506, SB1759, SB1786, SB1967, SB2312, SB2361, SB1, SB260, SB1506, SB1637, HJR98, HJR99, HJR2, HJR1, HB1109, HB1392, HB22, HB2525, HB3093, HB517, HB912, HB1130, HB142, HB1689, HB2018, HB136, HB2884, HB1393, HB2730, HB1399, HB1244, HB467, HB331, HB2559, HB29, HB26, HB166, HB353, HB2000, HB2756, HB3248, HB3513, HB3204, HB3135, HB3012, HB2763, HB2523, HB2457, HB2415, HB2198, HB2143, HB1708, HB1672, HB767, HB1327, HB2723, HB451, HB140, HB109, HB3096, HCR6, HCR12, HCR29, HCR50, HCR55, HCR56, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR74, HCR78, HCR80, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SB2023, SB1844, SB2533, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB2681, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1013, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB2929, SB715, SB1640, SB2538, SB1449, SB986, SB1181, SB1359, SB410, SB1234, SB2926, SB2138, SB2615, SB2972, SB2841, SB3016, SB1856, SB1528, SB1373, SB672, SB2891, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB1285, SB1454, SB2520, SB1237, SB1586, SB2819, SB629, SB2342, SB2903, SB2477, SB3029, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2965, SB2521, SB865, SB2165, SB2501, SB2675, SB2452, SB2835, SB872, SB1212, SB1278, SB1588, SB1602, SB1704, SB1723, SB1833, SB1858, SB1946, SB2009, SB2177, SB2460, SB2785, SB2373, SB1660, SB614, SB867, SB1608, SB1525, SB905, SB640, SB2487, SB1698, SB383, SB705, SB748, SB1113, SB1117, SB1802, SB2340, SB2586, SB2680, SB2690, SB2994, SB2747, SB1950, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB3059, SB2782, SB2781, SB2637, SB2633, SB2337, SB2334, SB1861, SB2043, SB1367, SB946, SB945, SB2857, SB128, SB571, SB1263, SB3058, SB612, SB2221, SB2587, SB2044, SB2363, SB2713, SB2311, SB1986, SB2565, SB2943, SB1888, SB2417, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SB3036, SB3057, SB3056, SB3043, SB3037, SB3050, SB3063, SB3047, SB3035, SB2446, SB466, SB2611, SB2794, SB2105, SB2017, SB1790, SB1778, SB1730, SB2995, SB2847, SB205, SB2619, SB1903, SB203, SB3061, SB1581, SB2600, SB2799, SB2790, SB2688, SB2515, SB1230, SB876, SB2522, SB2639, SB2137, SB2519, SB2403, SB2459, SB3051, SB2655, SB2251, SB2764, SB2878, SB1884, SB111, SB582, SB2617, SB1835, SB2751, SB2959, SB250, SB614, SB865, SB872, SB905, SB986, SB1113, SB1212, SB1278, SB1525, SB1588, SB1660, SB1802, SB1833, SB2487, SB2586, SB2675, SB2690, SB2929, HB912, HB2525, SB1844, SB2533, SB1957, SB1999, SB2138, SB2615, SB3016, SR469, SB29, SB326, SB494, SB530, SB769, SB783, SB1238, SB1967, SB2312, SB1506, HJR34, HB42, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB632, HB668, HB677, HB766, HB1105, HB1160, HB1169, HB1592, HB1778, HB1781, HB1868, HB2017, HB2038, HB2128, HB2240, HB2316, HB2510, HB2516, HB2563, HB2582, HB2663, HB2712, HB2715, HB2760, HB2788, HB3010, HB3069, HB3112, HB3120, HB3146, HB3157, HB3305, HB3348, HB3464, HB3474, HB3505, HB3512, HB3560, HB3597, HB3686, HB3783, HB3860, HB4063, HB4081, HB4214, HB4215, HB4224, HB4273, HB4325, HB4361, HB4386, HB4395, HB4665, HB4783, HB5032, HB5180, HJR34, HB42, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB632, HB668, HB677, HB766, HB1105, HB1160, HB1169, HB1592, HB1778, HB1781, HB1868, HB2017, HB2038, HB2128, HB2240, HB2316, HB2510, HB2516, HB2563, HB2582, HB2663, HB2712, HB2715, HB2760, HB2788, HB3010, HB3069, HB3112, HB3120, HB3146, HB3157, HB3305, HB3348, HB3464, HB3474, HB3505, HB3512, HB3560, HB3597, HB3686, HB3783, HB3860, HB4063, HB4081, HB4214, HB4215, HB4224, HB4273, HB4325, HB4361, HB4386, HB4395, HB4665, HB4783, HB5032, HB5180

Keywords: Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, HB 142, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC, Office of Inspector General, OIG, Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, recovery audit contractor, RAC, overpayment recovery, underpayment, fraud, waste, abuse, provider enrollment

Transcript Highlights:

• So can we just do it for the state and leave the university system alone?
• I'm the CIO for the North Dakota University System and Core Technology Services.
• My information is strictly the North Dakota University System content.
• My information is strictly the North Dakota University System content.
• Or do you... ...fund OMB without doing the university system?

Summary: The committee received several informational reports from NDIT and DPI. Justin Data reviewed the quarterly major IT project portfolio, noting the portfolio was slightly under budget and behind schedule overall, with three red schedule items: Bed Management System and Vital Records were essentially complete and being closed out, and the Roadway Capital Planning Project was delayed by vendor bug fixes after testing. He also summarized recent project startups and closeouts, including the Victim Notification System, Medicaid data exchange, Highway Patrol’s motor carrier permit system, and several completed HHS and RIMS projects. Members asked for follow-up on ADA compliance work, the public-facing RIO website, and the state’s mainframe retirement timeline, and staff agreed to provide updates later. Craig Falkley reported on coordination of services with political subdivisions and higher education, including StageNet, cybersecurity, radio/911 services, and PeopleSoft coordination. He also explained distributed ledger technology as a tool for transparency and fraud prevention, but said it is not widely used in state government and suggested the report be modernized to focus more broadly on emerging technologies such as AI and cybersecurity. The committee generally agreed that the topic should be updated. Chris Gurgan presented the mandatory cybersecurity incident reporting program created by HB 1314, explaining how agencies and political subdivisions report incidents through NDIT’s website or service desk. He said 77 incidents had been reported since 2021, 47 met the statutory definition, and most were phishing-related; most reported incidents were resolved, with one recent ransomware matter still open. He also reviewed notable incidents since the last report, including the PowerSchool compromise, a SimpleHelp intrusion at a school district, a court intrusion, a WSUS vulnerability, a business email compromise, and a recent ransomware incident involving a non-state critical infrastructure entity. Members asked about recovery of stolen funds, early warning signs, smishing, training, MFA, conditional access, and cybersecurity maturity assessments; Gurgan said the state uses MFA and conditional access, provides awareness training to state employees, and would return with more information on maturity assessments. Tony Ambrose then updated the committee on the K-12 student information system bridge project. He said district implementation of Infinite Campus had begun statewide, but the data migration vendor originally selected was terminated for poor performance and replaced by Aurora Educational Technology, which had experience with similar statewide migrations. He also said DPI is migrating special education data from Tynet into Infinite Campus, and that some SLDS-based tools such as e-transcripts and Choice Ready may not function exactly as they do now at July 1, requiring interim or alternative solutions. Members raised concerns about summer school disruptions, the timing of the cutover, and whether the new system would support existing reporting and transcript functions; DPI said it was working on identity, authentication, data-sharing agreements, and post-go-live integrations, and would continue to refine the plan beyond June 30.

Transcript Highlights:

• donated the painting to the University donated the painting to the University of<00:03:55.360>
• pre-K, is anything but universal in this state.
• My fear is that this will be hopes and prayers policy, not universal access to pre-kindergarten.
• This district does not offer universal This district does not offer universal access<00:27:08.680
• policy, not universal access to pre-kindergarten. pre-kindergarten. pre-kindergarten.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with routine proceedings, including a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, then referred three bills to money committees under House Rule 35A: S.197 to Ways and Means, and S.193 and S.278 to Appropriations. The chamber also read and celebrated HCR 304, honoring the display of Julian Scott’s Civil War painting, The Fourth Vermont Forming Under Fire, in the State House and recognizing the people who helped locate and acquire it for Vermont. HCR 303 was also read, extending best wishes for a speedy recovery to Rep. Ann Donahue; members then offered warm remarks welcoming her back to the chamber. Several members introduced guests in the gallery, and caucus announcements were made before the body moved to the calendar. On transportation, the House took up H.944, the fiscal year 2027 transportation program. The House Transportation Committee reported major differences with the Senate version and, by straw poll, recommended a committee of conference. The House refused to concur in the Senate amendment, appointed conferees, and suspended rules to message its action to the Senate forthwith. The House then considered S.214, which would allow the NEK Choice School District to pay tuition for pre-K students to nearby New Hampshire public-school programs, with administration by Essex North Supervisory Union and possible waivers from state agencies. Education, Ways and Means, and Appropriations all recommended concurrence, citing limited fiscal impact and improved access for children in Essex County; the bill was read a third time and ordered to third reading after debate that included support for rural access and concerns about relying on out-of-state capacity. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to H.171, adding “the role of victim advocates” to officer-involved shooting investigation protocols, and to H.577, the Vermont prescription drug discount card program, which added annual reporting requirements and a terminology fix. The House likewise concurred in Senate amendments to H.588, the annual Office of Professional Regulation bill, including changes on rescission authority, substance-use treatment alternatives, CPA language, pharmacy technician authority, fee placement, and background checks. It then concurred in Senate amendments to H.611, a DVHA housekeeping bill, including 340B protections, a one-year delay for the community-based doula certification program, and codification of current HIV-prevention coverage practice. H.921 was postponed for two legislative days. Finally, the House took up S.227 on immigration protocols in Vermont schools, with the member from Williston describing it as a school safety measure that limits collection and sharing of immigration-status information, provides trusted resources to families, and requires a judicial warrant before law enforcement enters non-public school areas for immigration matters.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill requires state universities...
• I was looking at the preeminence language as far as the state universities is concerned.
• There's over 300 of them, and that includes FDOT, universities, and others like that.
• So this is a big universe that's being permitted right now. The MS4 is really just...
• So this is a big universe that's being permitted right now.

Summary: The committee first heard CS for CS for SB 344, which would modernize the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 based on Public Service Commission recommendations. The bill drew no opposition and was reported favorably. Members then took up several Senator Burton measures: CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, which was amended to create a Department of Health website access point for a voluntary form allowing patients to notify providers they do not want opioid medications; CS for SB 738 on child care and early learning providers, which streamlines and updates child care regulation and was supported by industry and business groups; CS for SB 756 on health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, which removes the age-8 diagnosis limit and age cap for mandated autism-related coverage; and CS for CS for SB 1356, creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot, later amended to add FIU and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to the board and remove specific appropriations. All of these bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1624 on higher education, a broad bill affecting tuition policies, workforce programs, institutional governance, and naming changes. The bill generated extended discussion over replacing references to “minority” with “underrepresented,” with the sponsor explaining the intent was to focus on low-income access and student support, while members raised concerns about impacts on majority-minority institutions and preeminence pathways. An amendment added guardrails for private religious postsecondary institutions by requiring public review of affidavits of compliance and giving the Commission for Independent Education enforcement authority. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then passed CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, which addresses military-family investigations, emergency shelter certification, children’s services council appointments, criminal-background exemptions, group-home rates, licensing extensions, small residential group homes, missing-children procedures, and psychotropic medication refills; it was amended to adjust council board composition and then reported favorably. Additional bills approved included SB 178, directing Florida A&M University to conduct an agronomic study on emerging crops for land taken out of production; SB 1162, expanding boating improvement funding for trailer parking and offering lease incentives for clean marine manufacturers; CS for CS for SB 958, creating a type 1 diabetes early detection information program for parents and schools; CS for CS for CS for SB 1070, requiring ECGs for student athletes with phased implementation and exemptions, after extensive testimony from parents and advocates about sudden cardiac arrest; CS for SB 774, requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders to sheriffs within six hours; SB 1516, creating an International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida; SB 994, revising driver education requirements and prompting a commitment to add distracted-driving instruction; and CS for CS for SB 1402, expanding eligibility for dropout retrieval programs. The committee also took up SB 810 on stormwater management systems, amending it to focus annual inspections on vulnerable MS4 infrastructure. That bill drew significant opposition from the Florida League of Cities, counties, and stormwater groups, who argued the mandate would duplicate existing permit requirements and impose major costs, but supporters said it was a basic flood-prevention measure. The transcript ends during debate on SB 810, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have two centers at two of the University of California campuses: Center X, which is a well-known
• I also want to give a shout-out to the University of San Diego.
• University-based, community-based alternatives cannot exist in silos.
• There was an event in January about Sonoma State University, which has received a grant.
• Mary's University, and University of the Pacific.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At Indiana University, and that UMass Boston would pay up to five years of creditable service.
• Indiana University over a period of 10 years.
• The university could not buy five years of pay for five years of...
• university.
• At 77 years old, the university... An insecure picture of my retirement.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a range of retirement-related bills, with several witnesses and advocates focusing on pension equity, veteran benefits, and recognition for public safety workers. Representative Dennis Gallagher and Mass Retirees supported legislation to increase the long-standing veterans’ bonus from $15 to $50 per year of service, up to $1,000 annually, and described it as a modest, overdue adjustment with minimal fiscal impact. Mass Retirees also backed bills to raise the minimum survivor allowance for public retirees and to address inequities in Option B and Option C survivor benefits for retirees whose pensions were calculated under older mortality tables. The committee also heard a personal bill from Representative Jim Arceiro and Nathan McKinnon seeking creditable service for McKinnon’s years in the Nevada higher education system, which he said should count toward his Massachusetts retirement. Another individual bill was presented by Roberta Wollins, supported by Senator Keenan, to remedy what she described as misleading retirement advice from UMass Boston that affected her ability to buy back prior service and made her retirement planning inaccurate. Senator Keenan and others framed both cases as unique fairness issues rather than broad policy changes. A large panel from police, fire, corrections, EMS, and related organizations testified in favor of a COVID-19 retirement credit proposal and a study bill, arguing that essential workers who reported in person throughout the pandemic should receive recognition and a time-based retirement credit. Witnesses described exposure risks, illness, deaths, staffing strain, and long-term effects from COVID-19, and several committee members voiced support and appreciation for their service. The hearing concluded with no votes taken on the bills and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll talk about a facility that we at the University of Arizona run.
• So workforce development is a big part of the University of Arizona's mission.
• And they also didn't have, you know, great universities and students. UA. That's a good question.
• like the University of Arizona.
• Just want to say thank you to the University of Arizona for putting this presentation together.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Rural Economic Development met to hear two presentations. Representative Volk gave a presentation on invasive plant species in southern Arizona, focusing on buffalo grass and stinknet as wildfire fuels that also harm native ecosystems and can worsen respiratory issues. He described current removal efforts, including hand-pulling and coordinated treatment by groups such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and discussed the potential for drones and targeted herbicide application to improve mapping and treatment of infestations. Members asked about grazing uses, costs, herbicide selectivity, and the spread of stinknet, and Volk noted that mapping and treatment efforts are being expanded with grants and local testing of drone-based spraying. The committee then heard from Dr. Vishnu Reddy of the University of Arizona on space defense as an economic enabler for Districts 7 and 17. He described Biosphere 2, the Landscape Evolution Observatory, agrovoltaics, and freight-farm systems as research and economic development assets tied to water scarcity, food production, and renewable energy. He also explained the University’s planetary defense work, including asteroid tracking, international warning exercises, and the DART-style concept of nudging hazardous objects off course, while noting the Chelyabinsk event as an example of an unexpected airburst. Dr. Reddy emphasized the role of the University of Arizona, small businesses, and student workforce development in supporting space situational awareness and related research. He also shared meteorite, moon, and Mars samples with members and staff. No formal votes or committee actions were taken beyond the presentations and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• a medical oncologist at Capioani Medical Center for Women and Children and a researcher at the University
• a medical oncologist at Capioani Medical Center for Women and Children and a researcher at the University
• a medical oncologist at Capioani Medical Center for Women and Children and a researcher at the University
• a medical oncologist at Capioani Medical Center for Women and Children and a researcher at the University
• at the University of Hawaii Cancer<00:05:23.919> Center.

Bills: HB2240, SB896, SB2060, SB2152, SB2315, SB2544, SB2577, SB2580, SB99, SB2110, SB2115, SB2259, SB2382, SB2442, SB2485, SB895, SB2112, SB3019

Keywords: appropriations, legislative expenses, auditor, legislative reference bureau, state ethics commission, ombudsman, government transparency, education, capital improvement, reporting, transparency, technical expertise, rental housing revolving fund, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, mixed-income housing, mixed-income rental project, affordable housing, low-income housing, housing finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for all our school districts and our colleges and universities that have a mission of educating
• As far as Catherine, it sounds like you have been one of the steady forces there for the university when
• Any idea about how underpaid they are, as far as compared to other universities?
• Very rough, because I'm not that familiar with what the universities pay.
• And we may fall slightly under the university as well. Thank you, ma'am. Mr.

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then moved to review of education audit reports. The first report concerned Northwest Arkansas Community College, which had three findings, including repeat internal control deficiencies that caused financial statement misstatements and a tuition revenue loss tied to a new student information system. College officials said the issues were largely misclassification and process problems, not missing money, and described corrective steps such as monthly closing checklists, approval controls for journal entries, cross-training, and efforts to address staffing turnover and fill finance vacancies. Members asked about the tuition issue, whether students were notified or billed, and whether the software problem affected other institutions; audit staff said they were not aware of the same scenario elsewhere. The committee then filed the report as reviewed. The next report was Cedarville School District, which had one finding involving $794 in improper credit card charges by a resigned elementary teacher. The district was reimbursed, a police report was filed, and the matter was referred to the Professional Licensure Standards Board; members asked whether any further action or license-related consequences were known, but staff said they were not aware of additional action. The report was filed as reviewed. The final finding was for West Memphis School District, where auditors reported repeat capital asset issues, including failure to capitalize about $851,000 in construction costs for a baseball-softball complex and problems with inventory and asset inspection. The superintendent said the district had recently begun using Legislative Audit after prior private audits, and described new controls such as multi-level purchase approvals, separation of duties, tagging of equipment, and a cleanup of old inventory records. Members also discussed the relationship between private audits and Legislative Audit reviews, with staff explaining that private audit reports for public school districts still come before the committee and that the executive committee determines when Legislative Audit performs an audit. The committee filed the West Memphis report as reviewed and noted that 28 school districts had no findings before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• FCLA wants to attend the University of Missouri to study journalism. There we go.
• Wants to attend [university] to study criminology and prelaw.
• She wants to attend the University of Arkansas to study poultry science.
• University to study polysci. Let's give Callie a big round of applause, please.
• He wants to attend Sacred Heart University to study public policy and Catholic studies.

Bills: HB2975, HB3405, HB3406, HB3728, HB3902, HB3977, SB397, HB1161, HB2938, HB2939, HB3306, HB3722, HB4113, HB4123, HB2293, HB3176, HB3545, HB3546

Keywords: poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation