Transcript Highlights:

• I also served on the search committee for our current athletic director, who was also turning out an

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it. The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes. The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

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• at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, where he oversees imaging care for professional athletes

Keywords: 1182, all

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• box: rigorous academics, high GPAs, high standardized test scores, extracurricular activities and athletics

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 1503, which would require general education courses that use technology to provide students opportunities to build digital literacy, including instruction on applications of artificial intelligence and related topics such as software engineering, computer networks, database systems, and cybersecurity as applicable to the course. It would also require high school computer science courses offered by school districts to include instruction on AI. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then considered PCS for HB 1279, an education bill that the sponsor said was intended to improve consistency, oversight, and transparency while putting Florida students first. The bill drew extensive questioning and opposition over provisions affecting university admissions and funding, including a 95% Florida-resident first-time-in-college enrollment target tied to preeminent funding, a cap on nonresident students from any one country, standardized GPA weighting, limits on institution-wide graduation requirements, and changes related to accreditation references and other education programs. The sponsor argued these changes would open more seats for Florida students, preserve academic rigor, and align statutes with existing regulations and court action, while opponents said the bill would harm university competitiveness, research, revenue, faculty recruitment, and access for international and nontraditional students. Public testimony on HB 1279 was largely opposed. Speakers included a student advocate, a dental hygiene representative concerned about dual regulation of expanded-function dental programs, and faculty representatives from FSU and FAMU who warned the bill would politicize admissions and curriculum, reduce competitiveness, and create negative fiscal impacts. During debate, supporters emphasized taxpayer investment in Florida students and the need to prioritize in-state applicants, while opponents argued the bill would weaken the state university system and undermine its national standing. The committee reported PCS for HB 1279 favorably by a 12-5 vote.

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• His areas of interest are athletics, media, graphic design, and marketing.

Keywords: 996, all

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• More towards Needs-based scholarships, academic programs, athletic programs and the Miami Northwestern

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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• It could be out on an athletic practice field. It could be anywhere.

Bills: HB205 , HB226 , HB234

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, exemption, tax conformity, tangible personal property, Alabama Department of Revenue, retail tax, consumer use tax, nonresident, religious publications, church magazines, Bible class materials, Sunday school materials, tax administration, indirect tax, state revenue, HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax

Transcript Highlights:

• He excelled from a young age at athletics, particularly basketball, which brought him to Canada, where
• from a<02:10:25.360><c> young</c><02:10:25.440><c> age</c><02:10:25.679><c> at</c><02:10:25.840><c> athletics
• ,</c><02:10:26.400><c> particularly</c> a young age at athletics, particularly a young age at athletics

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, July 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

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• my beloved hometown, is the home to the Duluth Curling Club and Team USA's silver medal-winning athletes
• Club and Team USA's silver medal Curling Club and Team USA's silver medal winning<01:03:30.040><c> athletes
• Cory</c><01:03:30.920><c> Thiesse</c><01:03:31.480><c> and</c><01:03:31.680><c> Cory</c> winning athletes
• , Cory Thiesse and Cory winning athletes, Cory Thiesse and Cory Dropkin,<01:03:32.600><c> who</c><01:

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's always incredible to see what these young athletes and young men and women can accomplish on a statewide
• 01:35:31.120><c> what</c><01:35:31.320><c> these</c><01:35:31.960><c> young</c><01:35:32.480><c> athletes
• </c><01:35:33.080><c> and</c><01:35:33.760><c> and</c> see what these young athletes and and see what
• these young athletes and and young<01:35:34.800><c> men</c><01:35:35.000><c> and</c><01:35:35.120><c

Bills: SB141 , SB124 , SB56 , SJR116 , SB94 , SB37 , SB127 , SB197 , SB66 , SB70 , SB133 , SB160 , SB214 , SB312 , SB52 , SJR62 , SJR75

Keywords: legal advertisements, tax rates, public hearings, transparency, local government, sick leave, education, teacher retirement, benefits, employee compensation, Medicaid, nonopioid analgesics, pain management, health care regulation, utilization controls, physician shortage, health care access, medically underserved areas, medical education, workforce development

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• one of the best facilities in the country, hosting Vikings football, collegiate and high school athletics
• Vikings football, collegiate and high Vikings football, collegiate and high school<00:02:37.519><c> athletics
• ,</c><00:02:38.560><c> concerts</c><00:02:39.120><c> featuring</c> school athletics, concerts featuring
• school athletics, concerts featuring national<00:02:40.160><c> international</c><00:02:40.879><c> stars

Bills: HF4912 , HF4664

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: electronic pull-tabs, pull-tabs, tipboards, gambling tax, Minnesota Racing Commission, Thoroughbred, horse racing, Minnesota-bred horses, breeders, owners, racing purses, industry subsidy, gambling revenue dedication, problem gambling, compulsive gambling treatment, general fund appropriation, state affiliate National Council on Problem Gambling, racing incentives, equine industry, public officers

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• House Bill 837, Education, Student Athletic Activities, Physical Examinations, and Cardiovascular Pre-Screening
• Um, as much be considered the reading of the amendments." bill 837, education, student athletic bill
• 837, education, student athletic activities,<01:30:09.600><c> physical</c><01:30:10.000><c> examinations
• The amendment requires consultation with the Maryland Athletic Trainers Association, in addition to others

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, March 21, 2026, 957, house, all

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• Senate Bill 60 by Senators Pelton and Doherty, concerning information about youth athlete mental health
• Doherty concerning information about Doherty concerning information about youth<00:55:13.040><c> athlete
• mental</c><00:55:13.560><c> health</c><00:55:13.760><c> training</c><00:55:14.080><c> and</c> youth athlete
• mental health training and youth athlete mental health training and in<00:55:14.240><c> connection</

Keywords: 981, all

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• provides a curriculum with honors and STEAM programs, including aviation and robotics, alongside athletics
• ><01:43:41.440><c> alongside</c> aviation and robotics alongside aviation and robotics alongside athletics
• </c><01:43:44.639><c> It</c><01:43:44.880><c> offers</c> athletics and junior ROC.
• It offers athletics and junior ROC.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

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• Senate File 53 sponsored by Senator Crum, keeping amateurism in high school athletics, an act relating
• <00:51:26.640><c> school</c> keeping amateurism in high school keeping amateurism in high school athletics
• </c> athletics an act relating to education. athletics an act relating to education.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 53, Keeping Amateurism and High School Athletics, sponsored by Senator Crago.
• gt;&gt; Senate file 53, Keeping Amateurism and High<00:13:15.120><c> School</c><00:13:15.440><c> Athletics
• ,</c><00:13:16.320><c> sponsored</c><00:13:16.800><c> by</c> High School Athletics, sponsored by High
• School Athletics, sponsored by Senator<00:13:17.600><c> Crumb.

Keywords: 916, all

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• The only athlete that's ever competed in the world in canoe and kayaking trained right here in the Ala
• The only athlete that's ever competed in the world in canoe and kayaking trained right here in the Ala
• The only athlete that's ever competed in the world in canoe and kayaking trained right here in the Ala
• The only athlete that's ever competed in the world in canoe and kayaking trained right here in the Ala

Bills: SB2982 , SB2367 , SB2818 , SB2944 , SB2022 , SB2240 , SB2986 , SB2547 , SB2401 , SB3031 , SB3035 , SB3032

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Ala Wai Harbor, DLNR, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, state boating facility, small boat harbor, public-private partnership, PPP, marina management, harbor lease, fast lands, submerged lands

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken. The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed. For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties. Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are similar apportionment and allocation provisions for professional athletes, as well as highly
• compensated student athletes.
• You mentioned an exemption on student athletes. Can you clarify that piece? You said it early on?
• that would be the apportionment and allocation formula that's used for highly compensated student athletes

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on February 6, 2026, and first voted to suspend the five-day notice rule for all bills on the agenda. Senators Braun and Gildon objected, arguing the bill needed more public review and that the fiscal note had only just been released, but a roll call vote passed 15-9 and the committee proceeded to Senate Bill 6346. Staff briefed SB 6346 as a proposal to create a 9.9% income tax on Washington taxable income above a $1 million per-household standard deduction, with a $50,000 charitable deduction, apportionment rules for nonresidents and certain professions, quarterly estimated payments, and credits for capital gains tax and certain business taxes. Staff said the tax would begin in 2029 and eventually raise about $3.5 billion annually from roughly 30,000 taxpayers. The bill also would expand the Working Families Tax Credit, create a sales tax exemption for grooming and hygiene products, increase the small business B&O tax credit and filing threshold, and end the B&O surcharge on high-grossing businesses one year early. Members questioned the bill’s constitutionality, its exemption from referendum, treatment of student athletes, natural-resource industries, and whether real estate gains would be captured. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including labor groups, educators, health care advocates, counties, child care workers, and some business owners and high-income individuals, said the bill would make the tax code more progressive and provide stable funding for health care, education, child care, public defense, and other services, while expanding the Working Families Tax Credit. Opponents, including many small business, construction, housing, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as a tax on pass-through businesses and retained earnings, harm housing production and investment, encourage wealthy residents and businesses to leave the state, and violate the state constitution or the will of voters. No final action on SB 6346 was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, all their K through 2 buildings, non-athletic facilities.
• 04.239><c> K</c><01:42:04.480><c> through2</c><01:42:05.000><c> buildings,</c><01:42:06.000><c> non-athletic
• </c> their K through2 buildings, non-athletic their K through2 buildings, non-athletic facilities.<01

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:05 Approval of Minutes 00:01:48 Welcome New Members 00:02:03 Information Items 00:02:35 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:03:33 A. Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:04:00 B. Kentucky Department of Education 00:17:03 C. Education and Labor Cabinet 00:29:33 D. Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:42:38 E. Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:53:30 F. Justice and Public Safety Cabinet 01:13:28 G. Personnel Cabinet 01:31:04 H. School Facilities Construction Commission 01:41:39, 958, all

Summary: The meeting was the first of the year for the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Members were called, a quorum was confirmed, new co-chairs and members were welcomed, and the board approved the prior year’s meeting minutes. The chair also reviewed the capital planning timeline, packet organization, and the list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, protecting existing infrastructure, preventive maintenance, and improving service delivery. Its major requests included a $21 million maintenance pool for 14 campuses and 175 buildings, phase 2 construction funding for a new public health laboratory, an 18-bed psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents with severe mental health needs, and several projects at Western State Hospital, Western State Nursing Facility, Hazlewood, and Oakwood. Members asked about the youth facility’s relationship to a separate DJJ project, vacant buildings, the high per-bed cost of the children’s hospital, and how the cabinet determined the need for the youth facility. CHFS said the youth project would be a separate facility serving high-acuity youth, the cost reflected the specialized nature of the unit and an 18-bed cap, and the broader youth plan also includes prevention, in-home services, and coordination across agencies. The Kentucky Department of Education then described projects for its three state-operated facilities: the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. It requested additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building after bids came in higher than expected, plus funding for a new education finance application system to support SEEK budgeting. Other priorities included a maintenance pool, FFA pool renovation, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, lighting improvements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size of the FFA pool, and construction cost assumptions; the department said it tracks students through the schools and short-course programs, the pool size figure may have been a typo, and current construction estimates are being adjusted upward because of inflation and supply-chain pressures. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system to connect job seekers and employers, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would help match workers with employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility has safety and code concerns. The adult education system was described as outdated and lacking adequate case-management and tracking capabilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• A major local contribution to the project was a $2.4 million relocation of the community's major athletic
• million relocation of the community's million relocation of the community's major<00:48:40.640><c> athletic
• </c><00:48:41.119><c> facilities</c><00:48:41.520><c> which</c><00:48:41.680><c> have</c> major athletic
• facilities which have major athletic facilities which have been<00:48:41.920><c> in</c><00:48:42.079

Bills: HF1569 , HF460 , HF850 , HF707 , HF798 , HF852 , HF366 , HF365 , HF836 , HF866 , HF885 , HF959 , HF1196 , HF1788 , HF1349 , HF2272 , HF2652 , HF1251 , HF607

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: transportation, bond issuance, capital investment, infrastructure, road improvements, HF460, Sibley County, Highway 21, County State-Aid Highway, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, transportation grant, infrastructure improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, stormwater, public works, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• and wastewater infrastructure, airports, libraries, flood control, parks and trails to regional athletic
• control, parks and trails<01:18:16.159><c> to</c><01:18:16.400><c> regional</c><01:18:16.719><c> athletic
• </c><01:18:17.199><c> facilities,</c> trails to regional athletic facilities, trails to regional athletic

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house