Transcript Highlights:

• students.
• and not student debt.
• outcomes are students of color, LGBTQIA students, low-income students, first-gen students, and yes,
• male students.
• of color, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, and other students historically underrepresented

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains. Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue. Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

•   34 SO CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, STUDENTS.
• It makes clear these rights extend to students who attend publicly funded charter schools, requires students
• This does not apply to missed services if the student is absent.
• For any ESE students, that help starts at school.
• Tendrich: Additional funding that students get, sometimes as much as five times for the regular student

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and began by welcoming students and coaches participating in the inaugural Sunshine State Debate. Members then heard and voted on a series of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The first bill, HB 1081, created a Cybersecurity Internship Clearance Readiness Program in the Department of Commerce for NCACE-designated universities and Florida College System institutions; a friendly amendment expanded access to private schools, and the bill passed 19-0. HB 1201 updated Florida’s epilepsy/seizure plan law to clarify protections for charter school students, require acceptance of physician-submitted plans, extend training validity to five years, and expand training to regular bus drivers; epilepsy advocates supported it, and it passed 19-0. HB 851 required annual autism-specific professional learning opportunities for teachers and school-based administrators, and it also passed 19-0. HB 615, dealing with IEPs, required quicker parent notice when services are missed, faster access to service logs, individualized parent orientation, and standardized district service logs; parents and advocates testified strongly in support, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 1503 added technology-related competencies to education courses and directed the Department of Education to develop computer science certification coverage; it passed 19-0. HB 371 required public schools to display portraits of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in common areas and passed 19-0 after testimony both for and against. HB 731 revised extracurricular eligibility rules and allowed local policies for compensating coaches and activity sponsors; an amendment broadened manual requirements and clarified fee actions, and the bill passed 18-0. The committee also took up HB 173, a parental rights bill that drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. The bill would require parental consent for many medical decisions for minors, give parents access to medical records, and expand parental review/opt-in rights for certain school surveys and biofeedback devices. Supporters argued it restores parental authority, improves safety, and prevents children from being cut out of important medical decisions; opponents warned it would remove confidential access to STI treatment, crisis mental health care, and other services for minors in unsafe or abusive homes. Members raised questions about abuse exceptions, emergency care, and how the bill would affect routine treatment and time-sensitive care. The bill was not voted on in the portion provided, and debate continued through multiple rounds of sponsor responses and member comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're basically subjecting students to unjustifiable death sentences, relying on students being lucky
• So if a student were to overdose at Morehead, they would be reliant first on emergency services being
• <00:14:18.680> are<00:14:18.959> more simply means college students are more simply
• 15:03.199> on<00:15:03.600> students<00:15:04.079> being sentences relying on students
• In addition to being places for students to learn, schools are also many people's workplaces.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The DE 11 codifies each year to provide students with equal access without discrimination.
• This amendment will clearly protect student-athletes.
• When we legislate exclusion, we are sending message to some of our most vulnerable students, that they
• Nothing in this bill changes anything about the way student data is treated now. Nothing.
• Allowing biological males to compete in... creates an uneven playing field and recognition for female

Transcript Highlights:

• students paying their student loans within 10 years, and median earnings of graduates as a percent of
• , student loan debt, repayment rates, and graduation earnings.
• In the bill, it mentions the metrics are student retention, graduation rates, employment outcomes, student
• loan The metrics are student retention, graduation rates, employment outcomes, student loan debt, repayment
• So, since many students across the state already take the PSAT to qualify for the National Merit recognition

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 heard several bills and took no final votes, leaving each measure pending. The first major item, SB 1322 by Senator Hagenbuch, would create a Texas Higher Education Accrediting Commission to evaluate and approve accrediting agencies for public colleges and universities using outcome-based metrics such as retention, graduation, employment, debt, and repayment. Supporters, including Kate Byerley of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, argued the bill would add competition and align accreditation with Texas workforce needs; Senator Menendez questioned the need for a new bureaucracy and noted the $3.6 million fiscal note, suggesting existing reporting and oversight structures could serve the same purpose. The committee then heard SB 1998, which would establish a pediatric subspecialty preceptorship program to encourage medical students to enter pediatric subspecialties. Dr. Lauren Gamble testified in strong support, saying the program would help address shortages and improve access for children, especially in rural and underserved areas. SB 2788, authored by Senator Menendez, would add the PSAT as an accepted assessment for dual credit and Texas Success Initiative purposes; Priscilla Camacho of Alamo Colleges supported the bill, citing strong student outcomes and widespread use of the PSAT as a readiness indicator. Senator Creighton laid out SB 2076, which would remove or modify certain Capitol view corridor restrictions affecting the UT Austin Academic Medical Center project, including the planned specialty hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center expansion. He said the existing corridors are outdated and limit development. The committee also heard SB 1418, a cleanup bill replacing outdated references to ACT Plan with Pre-ACT and removing obsolete SAT subject test language. After brief testimony and no opposition on the later bills, the committee closed public testimony and left SB 1322, SB 1998, SB 2788, SB 2076, and SB 1418 pending before recessing for the floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So students could bring their gym.
• language arts projects where students language arts projects where students read<00:28:14.320>
• Um, it also student is important.
• keeping students successful in school. keeping students successful in school.
• And those rights of and students.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeking benefits such as funding, facility use, or official recognition.
• Student groups that are there to influence students, to spread ideas, and in many cases to persecute.
• So, it's about higher education in that setting for our students.
• So this is not about a group of students gathering, whether they are German students or Chinese students
• or differentiate between a non-immigrant visa and a student.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It displaces students.
• students.
• Riley is a CFANS student and she is the president of our undergraduate student government.
• Paul students. Thank you. St. Paul students. Thank you.
• students and citizens we serve together. students and citizens we serve together.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, students enrolled in a Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC) program, or who are members
• This bill clarifies and standardizes. state law to ensure that these students, who are actively preparing
• This bill supports readiness, honors service-oriented students, and strengthens the leadership foundations
• since World War II about the higher education benefits. as a way to thank them for their deserved recognition

Bills: HB101, HB290

Keywords: voter approval, local tax, disaster declaration, tax rate increases, community funding, PFAS, agriculture, criminal offense, pollution, Johnson County, environmental regulation, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what happened to a student? Was that student expelled? No. The student wasn't expelled.
• So what happened to a student? Was that student expelled? No. The student wasn't expelled. No.
• And do you consider those students then, can they be high-cost students?
• a Level C student.
• Like a Level 4 student may or may not be a high-cost student.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to discuss special education funding and retention, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then hearing a presentation from North Dakota United on a statewide special education survey and retention rubric. Presenters described how the rubric and survey were developed from special educator input around four domains: paperwork and due process support, workload, student and staff safety, and paraprofessional management. They reported high levels of stress and burnout, including increased workload, difficulty taking prep and lunch time, concerns about mental health, and widespread difficulty filling special education positions. Committee members questioned the survey’s lack of a general-education comparison group, the interpretation of terms like “rarely” and “sometimes,” and whether results could be broken down further by district size, unit, or disability area. The survey results showed the weakest area was workload, with respondents reporting caseloads increasing without corresponding adjustments, little additional support or compensation when workloads rise, and few negotiated-agreement protections. Paperwork and due process also scored poorly, with many teachers saying they rarely receive dedicated time during the duty day, often work outside contract hours without compensation, and take work home on evenings and weekends. Student and staff safety scored somewhat better but still showed gaps in crisis follow-up, notification about violent behavior, protective gear, and leave options after incidents. Paraprofessional management also drew concern, especially low pay, insufficient staffing, limited administrative support, and the burden placed on teachers to supervise and train paras. Several teachers then testified directly about the practical impact of these issues. One special education teacher described the job as combining instruction, legal compliance, and paraprofessional supervision, often requiring work beyond contracted hours and contributing to burnout and turnover. Another testified that special education case managers are effectively doing three full-time jobs and that the paperwork and caseload demands are a major reason people avoid or leave the field. Committee members discussed whether the problems are primarily local or state-level, whether more funding would solve them, and whether changes to the funding formula or weighting for high-cost students might be needed. No formal vote or action was taken beyond a recess and return to order for the next presentation, which continued the discussion of possible special education study objectives and potential policy directions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a third-year medical student here at UNM School of Medicine.
• I'm a third-year medical student here at UNM School of Medicine.
• ability to go across borders into another compact state without having to go through licensure, recognition
• noted that the EMS compact is different from the other compacts because it is more like automatic recognition
• If practitioners come into the state and receive recognition under the compact, they would practice at

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT IS BASED ON THE STUDENT AND WHAT THE STUDENT DOES WITH THAT.
• BUT THE PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS PASSING REQUIRE AND/OR INCENTIVIZE THE STUDENTS TO TAKE THE TEST THE
• RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY, THE STUDENT THAT SPOKE EARLIER ADDRESSED THAT.
• NURSING PROGRAMS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE STUDENTS.
• WHEN YOU TAKE A STUDENT CAN ACCEPT A STUDENT INTO YOUR PROGRAM YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EDUCATING THEM

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Where we say we are the number I have seen touted is that we spend $12,000 per student in Oklahoma to
• Where we say we are the number I have seen touted is that we spend $12,000 per student in Oklahoma to
• It's in excess of 14, almost $15,000 per student.
• I say I hear you say that you are limiting one type of recognition of a union.
• I hear you say that you are limiting one type of recognition of a union.

Bills: SB65, SB248, SB330, SB378, SB844, SB1330, SB1410, SB1475, SB1476, SB1565, SB1618, SB1623, SJR39, SJR47, SB2084, SB1655, SB1679, SB2174, SB1775, SB1873, SB1204, SB1884, SB1916, SB1937, SB1447, SB1500, SB2007, SB2074, SB1944, SB2018, SB1984, SB2026, SB2045, SB2049, SB2062, SB2112, SB2118, SB2127, SB2134, SB2135, SB2139, SB2154, SB1195

Keywords: SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• shooting at my school one of the student shooting at my school one of the student shot<00:07:10.199
• professions while we hold our students professions while we hold our students to<00:36:15.680>
• international student assessment which assess<01:14:06.239> student<01:14:06.639> outcomes
• We have Secondary Student Conference Student Achievement Committee providing testimony and support.
• support we have secondary student support we have secondary student conference<01:21:35.120>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 627, which concerns Department of Education school safety funding and staffing. DOE said the bill would restore two positions and related funding that had been removed from the governor’s budget: a targeted violence prevention and threat assessment program manager and a security technology manager. DOE described ongoing work on school vulnerability assessments, fire suppression measures, security camera research, panic buttons, and active shooter prevention training. Testifiers from DOE, the Department of Law Enforcement, fire services, HSTA, and an individual witness all supported the bill, with the individual citing a past school shooting experience as a reason to increase school resource officers and safety measures. Members asked about the positions’ duties, how the request differed from existing security funding, and the status of active shooter training; DOE said it would provide more information on training statistics. The committee then took up HB 249, relating to Executive Office on Early Learning family child interaction learning programs. The Early Learning Board, EOEL, Commit to Kids, Early Childhood Action Strategies, Partners in Development Foundation, and others testified in support. EOEL said it currently spends about $800,000 annually on FCI program contracts and supports expanding state funding for FCIL programs, including infant and early childhood mental health, if the appropriation covers the broader scope. Testifiers emphasized that FCIL programs are trauma-informed, evidence-based, and help families and children, with one provider sharing a long-term example of a parent and child benefiting from the program. Members asked how many programs are supported, whether FCIL exists on all islands, and whether the request was in the governor’s budget; EOEL said the expansion was requested by the office but not included in the governor’s budget. HB 429, concerning pre-K expansion, drew broad support from the Lieutenant Governor, EOEL, HSTA, and community groups. Supporters said the Ready Keiki initiative has already opened more than 50 classrooms and would add another 50 over the next two years, including Hawaiian immersion classrooms. EOEL said it currently administers 72 public pre-K classrooms across 74 campuses and that the bill’s funding was included in the governor’s budget request. Testimony stressed kindergarten readiness, affordability for working families, equity across islands, and inclusion classrooms. Members asked about national quality benchmarks, with EOEL stating Hawaii meets 10 of 10 benchmarks and that only five states had done so at the time referenced. The Lieutenant Governor also described construction and delivery efforts, including refurbishing existing classrooms, modular options, possible use of state buildings, and even collaboration with libraries to expand child care access. Finally, the committee heard HB 439 on J-1 teacher licensure. DOE supported the bill, while the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposed it, arguing licensure standards are not place-based and should remain rigorous and uniform for all educators. The Attorney General’s office offered technical comments, including replacing “educators” with “teacher” and clarifying the bill’s language on issuance and renewal conditions. Several organizations and individuals testified in support, including school, cultural, business, and educator groups. One witness, a teacher from the Philippines, said J-1 educators are highly qualified and described the rigor of teacher preparation in the Philippines. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas education for all students.
• So overall this resolution is students.
• She became a student of performing arts.
• concerning the recognition of caregiving youth<00:39:27.359> day.
• I rise today in recognition of Caregiving Youth Day in the state of Colorado.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was student body president there.
• She was student 541 body president there.
• this proposal rose to name a portion of the road leading into NAS Pensacola as Warriors Way in recognition
• 589 This proposal is to name a portion of the road leading into NAS Pensacola as Warriors Way in recognition

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met to consider several bills, beginning with HB 335 by Representative Kendall, which sought to recognize space as a fifth mode of transportation, give voting rights to ex officio Space Florida board members, and reduce what the sponsor described as unnecessary state oversight of spaceport operations. The bill was presented as a response to feedback from NASA, Space Force, and other federal partners about clarifying the state’s role at federally owned facilities like Kennedy Space Center. Members raised questions about terminology, authority over federal property, and the role of Space Florida; the sponsor said an amendment would remove the voting-rights provision and instead require spaceports to provide an annual list of shovel-ready projects. The amendment was adopted, and HB 335 passed favorably. The committee then unanimously passed HB 885, which designates a road in Baker County near the courthouse in honor of former Representative and Judge John Cruz, and HB 403, which names a portion of the road leading into NAS Pensacola as Warriors Way to honor the sailors killed in the 2019 Pensacola attack and the broader naval community there. Both bills drew brief supportive remarks and no opposition. The committee also considered HB 25, a bridge designation for Coach Wilks, a longtime local basketball coach, and adopted a Senate amendment adding the Dickey Betts Memorial Highway designation on U.S. 41 in Sarasota County. HB 25, as amended, passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with adjournment after all measures on the agenda were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• without taking on student debt.
• Select Committee on Serving Students with Disabilities that I chair.
• . students across the United States and we cannot let this happen.
• Students are being taught to hate my children.
• Students should have access to social services that supports their unique needs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're next week we anticipate a thing called a recognition survey from the US Department of Veterans
• We will be moving from 1248 bed capacity, and once the recognition for Salia is complete, will be up
• We have increased the number of nursing students at the College of Nursing by 500 over the last five
• You know, what I do know is that this was about student loans.
• You know, what I do know is that this was about student loans.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we have a few students.
• . students. students.
• how do we reach students better? how do we reach students better?
• Our<01:41:32.760> students Our students Our students we<01:41:35.200> are<01:41:36.040>
• Um, not all students take it?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a recognition that we recognize it as true and as a blessing.
• As African Americans, we must achieve twice as much to receive the same recognition as others.
• I rise proudly to recognize and welcome students from my district in Contra Costa County with us in the
• Her passion for helping others extended to her leadership of the Cords to Cure Club, a student-centered
• Peyton was a gifted and creative student.

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum call at the start, then proceeded with Black History Month observances, including a libation ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance, and remarks emphasizing remembrance, ancestry, and the importance of honoring Black history. The chamber also handled routine procedural matters, including dispensing with the journal, re-referring certain Senate budget items to the Budget Committee, and allowing guest introductions and other unanimous-consent requests. The main floor action was on Assembly Concurrent Resolution 134, recognizing Black History Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the historical contributions of Black Americans, the ongoing effects of slavery and segregation, the need to protect voting rights and education, and the importance of solidarity across communities. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 74 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 132, declaring February 28 as Rare Disease Day. Members shared personal stories about ALS and other rare diseases, described barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage, and called for more research and support. The resolution received broad bipartisan support, with 71 co-authors added before adoption by voice vote. The chamber then recognized a series of Black History Month Unsung Heroes honorees, including community leaders, health professionals, advocates, and public servants, and later heard additional guest introductions. The meeting concluded with adjournments in memory of Peyton Trilling and John Jackson, followed by announcements and adjournment until February 26 at 9 a.m.