Transcript Highlights:

• :14:06.160> single<00:14:06.519> household<00:14:07.079> to<00:14:07.199> be<
• have<00:14:10.360> this<00:14:10.519> needs<00:14:10.680> to<00:14:10.800>
• <00:14:14.399> back<00:14:14.560> to<00:14:14.680> some<00:14:14.839> of<
• chapters<00:14:37.800> and<00:14:38.000> that's<00:14:38.199> why<00:14:38.320>
• we<00:14:38.480> did<00:14:38.639> this chapters and that's why we did this chapters

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Municipal and County Government subcommittee met on February 19, 2025 to gather additional information on House Bill 432, which concerns recovery houses. The first witness, State Fire Marshal Sean Tumi, said his office had worked with stakeholders for more than a year on the bill’s definition changes and supported the revised definition. He explained that the bill removes vague language such as “safe, healthy, family” and instead relies on fire-code requirements and certification standards, including a primarily non-transient dwelling unit and living as a single household. He distinguished recovery houses from boarding or rooming houses and from other congregate settings such as group homes or transitional housing, saying those other uses do not currently have the same exemptions. Members questioned Tumi about fire safety, inspections, smoke alarms, egress, and whether sprinklers should be required. He said recovery houses are inspected by the fire marshal’s office and local fire departments, with annual inspections under state fire code provisions, and that operators must work with a certifying body. He described the inspection process as checking alarms, extinguishers, heating systems, cooking equipment, street numbers, and no-smoking rules, and said new houses are generally given time to obtain certification. He also said he would prefer sprinklers everywhere but believed mandating them for these existing structures would likely shut down many recovery houses and significantly harm the recovery community. Bill McKenny of the New Hampshire Building Officials Association then testified in support of HB 432. He said recovery housing is an important step after treatment and that the 2024 code changes and the bill help align state law with federal disability law. He emphasized that certification through a recognized organization gives code officials confidence that standards are being monitored, and warned that if a recovery home loses certification it would lose the waiver from sprinkler requirements and could be treated more like a boarding or rooming house. No vote or final action was taken at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to a UCLA health report, an average of 22 adolescents aged 14 through 18 died every week from
• Because of the mortality statistics, in the 10 to 14 age group in Minnesota, the total death rate is
• And finally, Article 4, Section 14, beginning on line 39.32, strikes A repealer to strike the existing
• Article 7, Section 14 elaborates on that stricken section.
• Section 14 requires that MDE, within five days of action taken against a program participant, has to

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:14:03.360> let's<00:14:03.600> take<00:14:03.680> this<00:14:03.839> from
• We are the<00:14:07.279> flour<00:14:07.519> in<00:14:07.680> your<00:14:07.839>
• 00:14:09.440> the<00:14:09.600> salt<00:14:09.839> on<00:14:10.000> your<
• We are<00:14:10.880> the<00:14:10.959> corn<00:14:11.199> in<00:14:11.360> your
• We are<00:14:19.839> the<00:14:19.920> cotton<00:14:20.320> in<00:14:20.480>

Bills: HF3718

Keywords: veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal care, licensing, client consent, continuing education, emergency services, teletriage, 1183, house

Summary: The Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee met with quorum present, approved the March 2 minutes, and then heard a presentation on economic consolidation in agriculture from Austin Ferk, who said he was not taking additional public testimony. Ferk argued that consolidation in meat, dairy, and grain markets has squeezed farmers on both input and output prices, raised consumer prices, and reduced product quality. He used charts and examples to claim that concentrated markets lead to price gouging, that farmers now receive a historically low share of each food dollar, and that industrial production has contributed to environmental problems, especially in Iowa. Ferk focused on several large agribusiness firms, especially JBS and Cargill. He described JBS as a dominant meatpacker with a history of bribery allegations and market power across beef, pork, poultry, and leather, and said its ownership of brands can obscure who is actually selling the product. He also criticized Cargill as an opaque, privately held company with enormous influence over grain and food markets, and said the farm bill and crop insurance system have been shaped to favor overproduction of corn and soy rather than diversified farming. He argued that these policies, along with ethanol demand and export-oriented livestock production, have harmed rural communities, increased manure and nitrate pollution, and contributed to health problems. In the latter part of the presentation, Ferk discussed antitrust and policy responses, including concentration studies, a proposed packer ban that would prevent meatpackers from owning the animals they slaughter, and restrictions on slotting fees and other pay-to-play practices in grocery retail. He also referenced the failed Kroger-Albertsons merger as an example of consolidation harming local communities. No committee vote or formal action was taken on the presentation beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• on<00:14:27.680> certain<00:14:28.240> public<00:14:28.680> expect<00:14:29.320
• ><00:14:31.160> not<00:14:32.160> right<00:14:33.079> now<00:14:33.360> as
• > we<00:14:35.399> all<00:14:35.680> have<00:14:35.880> a<00:14:36.120>
• very<00:14:44.040> good<00:14:44.199> at<00:14:44.399> driving<00:14:45.360>
• :14:52.880> we<00:14:53.120> do<00:14:53.320> have<00:14:53.440> a<00:14:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on House Bill 271, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). The chair and several members expressed reservations about repealing a requirement that was only created in 2021, arguing that licensure should include some measurable demonstration of competency and that it is too early to judge whether the current standard is working. Members also raised concerns about the social work compact and the lack of uniformity across states, saying that changing the requirement now could undermine the standards New Hampshire agreed to at the outset. Testimony in support of the bill argued that the LSWA exam is a barrier for applicants because the level is intended for people without formal social work education, and the exam is the same national exam used for licensed social workers. The witness said there is only one LSWA in New Hampshire, so there is little pass/fail data, but noted that the Association of Social Worker Boards reported 78% of its membership favored retaining the exam. Supporters also emphasized that LSWA holders complete 30 hours of training and extensive supervised hours, and that they are not intended to work independently. Opponents or skeptics questioned whether the exam is the right measure for this role and asked for data showing actual failures or barriers. The discussion turned to possible alternatives, including a different exam, a practical skills assessment, or broader rulemaking authority for the board to set LSWA criteria. One suggestion was to amend the law to give the board authority to develop appropriate standards in rulemaking, rather than naming a specific exam in statute. Members also discussed whether the board could create a more suitable assessment and noted that the current law requires a national proctored examination approved by the board, but there is no national exam specifically for LSWA. No final vote or action was taken in the excerpt, and the subcommittee indicated it would gather more information, including the existing rule language, before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14:07.199> we<00:14:07.320> get<00:14:07.440> into<00:14:07.720> this<00:
• the<00:14:18.160> chair's<00:14:19.160> um<00:14:19.320> intent<00:14:19.920
• <00:14:24.920> Bill<00:14:25.160> 71<00:14:25.720> and<00:14:25.839> use
• <00:14:28.759> of<00:14:28.920> the<00:14:29.160> funding<00:14:29.399> from<
• comments comments comments<00:14:48.920> naop<00:14:49.320> Hawaii<00:14:49.680> chapter

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of housing measures focused on streamlining approvals, reshaping financing programs, and expanding affordability requirements. SB 27 would exempt state-financed housing developments from County Council approval; SB 38 would bar county legislative bodies from changing housing proposals in ways that increase project costs; SB 25 would let counties reduce housing capacity in one area only if they offset it elsewhere with no net loss; and SB 379 would require perpetual affordability covenants for HHFDC projects and prohibit affordable housing in special flood hazard areas. SB 378 would create an HHFDC working group to identify mixed-use Maui properties for possible acquisition, SB 414 would authorize condemnation proceedings for a new Lānaʻi access road tied to disaster recovery, and SB 13 would eliminate the state income tax mortgage interest deduction for second homes. Testimony was mixed across the bills, with state agencies and housing advocates generally supporting faster permitting and more production, while county planners, NAIOP, Catholic Charities, and others raised concerns about local control, marketability, financing feasibility, and long-term affordability enforcement. A major portion of the hearing centered on the rental housing revolving fund. SB 70 would limit eligible applicants to government agencies or organizations that reinvest all surplus into additional housing; HHFDC said most developers would not object in principle but questioned how the surplus requirement would be enforced, while NAIOP and Catholic Charities opposed it as too restrictive and difficult to monitor. SB 71 would amend the fund’s preference criteria and eligibility rules, and SB 163 would require HHFDC to prioritize projects with the shortest repayment terms and highest unit production per dollar per year. HHFDC and some advocates supported the goal of faster recycling of funds, but NAIOP and Catholic Charities warned that shorter loan terms and narrowed preferences could burden developers and disincentivize projects, especially for lower-income tenants. The chair indicated SB 163 would be deferred and its concerns folded into amendments to SB 71. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 27, SB 38, SB 70, and SB 71 with amendments, and SB 25 unamended. The chair said SB 27 would be amended to include projects with a state financing commitment and a report note that such projects still undergo 21-38 review; SB 38 would receive technical changes and language preventing county bodies from imposing cost-increasing conditions; SB 70 would add language addressing enforcement of the surplus requirement and a preamble citing the need to recycle taxpayer-financed housing value; and SB 71 would be amended to incorporate concerns raised in SB 163, including a broader preamble and revised priority criteria. SB 163 was deferred, while the other measures on the agenda were heard but no final action was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section six, which is on page 14, adds a subdivision to a chapter 27C provision that governs all Department
• > chapter<00:14:52.320> 144E incorrectly references a chapter 144E incorrectly references
• a chapter 144E definition<00:14:53.680> of<00:14:53.920> volunteer.
• this by referencing the correct chapter<00:14:58.320> 144E<00:14:59.040> definition<00
• :14:59.920> which<00:15:00.160> is<00:15:00.240> the chapter 144E definition which

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:08.279> 3:00<00:14:08.880> is<00:14:09.000> going<00:14:09.079> to
• c> um<00:14:11.360> for<00:14:11.639> right<00:14:11.800> now<00:14:12.079><
• <00:14:39.279> are<00:14:39.440> you<00:14:39.720> ready<00:14:40.199> ASL
• > interpreter<00:14:47.480> okay<00:14:47.920> because<00:14:48.279> this<00:14:
• <00:14:53.880> this<00:14:54.480> um<00:14:55.040> for<00:14:55.440> this

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Housing and Health and Human Services hearing began with Senate Bill 878, which would extend the sunset date for the state rent supplement program for kupuna to June 30, 2028. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and others. Catholic Charities described a waitlist of seniors at imminent risk of homelessness and said the program helps seniors retain housing or secure units with landlord support. Members asked whether the bill would expand the number of households served; staff said the contract allows up to 127 households and that additional pending households could be funded, but applicants must still go through the program process. Both committees voted to pass SB 878 unamended. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1610 on Ohana Zones. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions supported the measure so long as it did not supplant existing funding, and described the funding as supporting homelessness services and wraparound supports. The Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments, with DHS suggesting a definition of “kali” be added for clarity. The committee chair said the bill would receive technical amendments for clarity and consistency and accepted proposed amendments related to including “tales” in the program; the measure was advanced with amendments, with members voting in favor in both committees. In the joint Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology hearing, Senate Bill 1496 on civil rights and website accessibility drew support from disability advocates and organizations, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, the Deaf and Blind Task Force, and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Testimony emphasized the need for stronger state protections amid concerns about federal enforcement, while one testifier raised concerns about jurisdiction, minimum contacts, the use of WCAG 2.1 standards, and the bill’s immediate effective date. The committees decided to pass SB 1496 with technical amendments, including adding a defective date to allow further work before conference, and the recommendation was adopted in both committees. Later, the joint Health, Human Services, and Commerce and Consumer Protection hearing took up Senate Bill 404 on service animals. The Attorney General’s office raised a possible constitutional issue and the lack of an enforcement mechanism, while DHS deferred to other agencies. DCAB supported the bill but recommended amendments to identify an enforcement agency and require notices from professionals and sellers of service-animal or emotional-support-animal paraphernalia. Several advocacy and real estate-related groups testified in support. After discussion, the chair recommended deferring SB 404 for further work because of the Attorney General’s concerns, and the hearing adjourned without a vote on the measure. The final joint Transportation, Culture and the Arts, and Health and Human Services agenda heard SB 1526 on a drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory and SB 1492 on mobility management; both measures were advanced with amendments or as-is, with SB 1526 sent forward with technical amendments and SB 1492 moved ahead after members noted blank dollar amounts and requested the Department of Transportation provide figures.

Transcript Highlights:

• > insert<00:14:21.120> the<00:14:21.440> words<00:14:22.639> a<00:14:22.880
• :07.199> or<01:14:07.440> so<01:14:07.679> the<01:14:08.320> number<01:14
• /c><01:14:09.840> go<01:14:10.000> and<01:14:10.320> redo<01:14:10.800> those
• > at<01:14:11.920> the<01:14:12.080> USDA<01:14:12.719> has<01:14:12.960>
• who uh previously<01:14:20.719> were<01:14:20.960> able<01:14:21.120> to<01:14:

Bills: HF4253, HF4257, HF3236, HF4264, HF4149, HF4019

Keywords: boat storage structures, public waters, natural resources, rule amendments, watercraft canopy, PFAS, environmental regulation, manufacturers, public health, product safety, groundwater, water appropriation, water-use permit, water permit, aquifer test, aquifer, well construction, groundwater permit, Department of Natural Resources, DNR

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.120> we<00:14:00.279> want<00:14:00.440> them<00:14:00.600> to<00:14:
• 14:04.839> help<00:14:05.279> that<00:14:06.040> I<00:14:06.160> think<00
• <00:14:06.720> bring<00:14:07.120> the<00:14:07.360> parents<00:14:08.040> uh
• at<00:14:09.880> their<00:14:10.079> phone<00:14:10.800> to<00:14:10.959
• > the<00:14:21.279> door<00:14:21.720> to<00:14:21.959> help<00:14:22.199

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 669, sponsored by Representative Smith, which was presented as a response to a September shooting incident in his district that led to school closures and missed instructional days. Smith said the bill was intended to help school districts recover lost days caused by extraordinary emergencies and not to set a broad precedent. Members asked whether districts had adjusted calendars to make up time, and Smith said many had already extended days or moved calendars into June. The committee then voted to pass House Bill 669, with all members present voting yes. The committee next heard House Bill 621, as amended by a committee substitute that removed a homeschooling-related section and left only the school-threat provisions. The bill would allow courts to impose a fine on parents when a child is adjudicated for terroristic threatening if law enforcement incurred excessive costs, and it would require a mental health assessment for the child. Representative Duvall and Officer Steve Chappelle supported the measure, arguing that online school threats spread fear, disrupt attendance, pull law-enforcement resources from other schools, and should create more parental accountability. Representative Riley also supported the accountability goal, citing lost instructional time and a recent student suicide tied to online issues. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s scope and due process. Representative Josh Callaway questioned why this offense should be the starting point for parental fines and warned about a slippery slope in holding parents liable for children’s crimes. Representative Willner said the bill seemed more like a judiciary issue, questioned whether punishment can make parents better parents, and asked about diversion programs and the meaning of the detention language. Representative Tipton pointed to existing statutes on mental health assessments and terroristic threatening penalties, and said the committee substitute would alleviate many concerns. Scott West, speaking for Kentucky Policy and the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the mandatory detention language would remove judicial discretion and that the parental fine provision could conflict with existing due process protections requiring notice, a hearing, and a finding that lack of supervision was a substantial factor in the child’s delinquency. The transcript does not show a final vote on House Bill 621 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:24.320> It's<01:14:24.560> a<01:14:24.719> true<01:14:24.960> fact
• <01:14:27.840> a<01:14:28.000> big<01:14:28.239> tax<01:14:28.560> break.
• Pursuant<02:14:08.239> to<02:14:08.400> clause<02:14:08.880> 12A<02:14:09.360>
• 14:11.280> the<02:14:11.520> House<02:14:11.679> in<02:14:11.920> recess
• <02:14:12.880> the<02:14:13.040> call<02:14:13.199> of<02:14:13.280> the<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:00.480> Any<00:14:00.720> tenant<00:14:01.120> default<00:14:01.519><
• Any tenant default under this chapter<00:14:02.320> shall<00:14:02.639> preclude<00:14:
• 03.680> any<00:14:04.079> discretionary chapter shall preclude any discretionary chapter
• So um discovery<00:14:29.040> it<00:14:29.279> says<00:14:29.839> provided<00:14
• 00:14:40.800> making<00:14:41.120> sure<00:14:41.279> that<00:14:41.519> if

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:04.360> the<00:14:04.560> most<00:14:05.320> uh<00:14:06.000> use
• of data<00:14:06.759> centers<00:14:07.600> and<00:14:07.800> that<00:14:08.000
• 14:10.320> problem<00:14:10.759> yet<00:14:11.600> yes<00:14:11.880> you<
• 00:14:19.079> it<00:14:19.279> because<00:14:19.399> we<00:14:19.519> aren't<
• continue<00:14:21.800> to<00:14:22.079> work<00:14:22.600> to<00:14:22.759>

Bills: HF1277, HF1006

Keywords: data centers, tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, economic development, employment growth, property tax, abatement, land bank, redevelopment, political subdivision, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll also delete the phrase sums not exceeding from lines 14 and 15 and we're going to still keep the
• four and adopt the amendments to chapter four and adopt the amendments to chapter 92F<00:23:03.520
• <00:23:06.679> 92F<00:23:07.320> definitions an amend to chapter 92F definitions an
• amend to chapter 92F definitions consistent<00:23:08.440> with<00:23:08.559> the<00:23
• Add a new subsection to section 92F-11, so we're consistent with page three, lines 11 through 14, to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met for joint decision-making on several measures related to elections, telework, procurement, hiring, public records, and public meetings. On Senate Bill 444, testimony was largely opposed or in comment, and the chairs said the bill raised real issues that needed more time; they deferred it for the year. Senate Bill 1091 on telework and space allocation drew support and discussion about DAGS’ role versus the Department of Human Resources; the committee agreed to amend it in a Senate Draft 1 to remove reference to OE, add a DAGS management analyst position, change “positions” to “allocations,” limit the assessment to executive branch departments in DAGS-managed or DAGS-leased facilities, and add a defective date, then passed it with amendments. Senate Bill 1057 on apprenticeship-related bid incentives received mixed testimony, including support from labor and opposition from some contractor groups, and was passed as a Senate Draft 1 with technical amendments and a defective date. Senate Bill 1065 on skills-based hiring, which would bar bachelor’s degree requirements for most state jobs with exemptions, had support from the Comptroller and outside groups and was passed with technical amendments and a defective date. The committee also took up several procurement and accountability measures. Senate Bill 92 on emergency medical response/defibrillators was deferred indefinitely because a pilot project is already underway in the Capitol building and the committee wants to use that information before expanding. Senate Bill 1175 on a past-performance procurement database was amended to add general fund appropriations and committee-report language about funding needs, then passed. Senate Bill 1587 on retainage was heavily amended to define total project budget, revise retainage language, leave key percentage and day limits blank for further review, limit application to contracts executed after January 1, 2026, and add a defective date; it passed as amended. Senate Bill 1543 on government accountability was amended to incorporate procurement officer changes and add language ensuring inherent government functions are not delegated to contractors, then passed. Senate Bill 1255 on government records was amended to clarify that records used in performing a government function are public records subject to UIPA, add contractor recordkeeping/access requirements, protect certain confidential contract information, and add a defective date; it passed. Additional measures were either deferred or advanced with amendments. Senate Bill 1513 on appropriations was deferred to a time certain on February 11. Senate Bill 1616 on care centers was converted into a feasibility study and passed with a defective date. Senate Bill 74 on state construction projects was deferred indefinitely due to concerns it could slow projects and duplicate another measure. Senate Bill 125 on state organizations and administrations was amended to codify Administrative Directive 19-02, with a note about a possible title issue, and passed. Senate Bill 786 on government records was deferred to February 11 for further amendment work. Senate Bill 1611 on government positions was amended by removing section two and passed. Senate Bill 1637 was deferred for the year after testimony indicated the action could already be done. Senate Bill 1651 on public meetings was amended to require board packets by the third business day before a meeting, remove the word “full,” and adjust notice language, then passed. Senate Bill 1617 on public meetings was deferred because the Office of Information Practices reported no complaints. Senate Bill 1253 on boards and commissions was deferred indefinitely due to no testimony. Senate Bill 1031 on advisory referendums was deferred to February 11 for possible amendments. Senate Bill 1306 on a procurement automation special fund was amended to align procurement statutes and add the School Facilities Authority executive director as a chief procurement officer, then passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:02.800> time<00:14:03.040> to<00:14:04.240> go<00:14:04.480> through<
• Just<00:14:11.920> about<00:14:12.320> everything<00:14:12.639> you<00:14:12.959
• <00:14:14.959> Um,<00:14:15.440> and<00:14:16.160> I<00:14:16.480> knew
• <00:14:18.240> dean<00:14:18.480> at<00:14:18.639> UNH<00:14:19.519> and<
• /c><00:14:56.079> uh<00:14:56.160> in<00:14:56.399> our<00:14:56.639> state.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee’s higher education subcommittee met to discuss HB 443, HB 510, and related issues. The chair explained the subcommittee membership and noted that Representative Luno was absent and replaced by Representative Bricky, with other full committee members allowed to participate in discussion but not final votes. No votes were taken during this meeting, and the chair said final subcommittee recommendations would likely come in the first week of November. On HB 443, which concerns terms of appointment to the Higher Education Commission, the chair described the bill as intended to let the governor replace members who are not attending or no longer representing the appointing organization. He said the prior governor supported the idea, but the current governor’s office believes the bill is unnecessary because nonattendance or loss of representation would already amount to resignation or removal. Members raised questions about legal authority and whether the same principle should apply to other boards. The chair said he was leaning toward finding the bill not needed, but would continue discussion later. The committee then spent most of the meeting on HB 510, which would establish due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty at public higher education institutions and address collective bargaining issues. Supporters, including Representatives Papovich and Brown, argued the bill would provide clear, minimum protections, especially because campus rules are lengthy and vary by institution; Brown also suggested adding an independent ombudsman or representation for students. Opponents, including Representatives Burton and Bricky, said existing campus regulations already provide due process and that the bill could interfere with campus governance and collective bargaining. The chair and others discussed whether the bill’s definitions should be aligned with existing law to avoid confusion, and several members suggested using existing statutory definitions or cross-references. The chair also said the bill would apply only when disciplinary action is involved, not as a general challenge to DEI policies, though members referenced recent national examples involving DEI-related disputes as context.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is KRS Chapter 202C, and the other is KRS Chapter 202A.
• One is KRS Chapter 202C, and the other is KRS Chapter 202A.
• By 14, she was publishing poetry.
• By 14, she was and Greek classics. By 14, she was publishing<00:46:16.960> poetry.
• <00:47:21.120> has imperfect chapter, this country has imperfect chapter, this country has

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:49 Calendar/2nd Readings 06:27 Report of Committees 08:12 Orders of the Day/HB 485 09:40 HB 43 23:13 HB 139 25:09 HB 414 31:49 HB 297 36:16 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 41:08 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 51:25 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:41 ConC/Rules Report 56:40 Floor Amendments 57:54 Adjournment 58:17, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation, quorum call, and routine motions to excuse absent members, suspend rules for co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and approve the journal. The Senate clerk then announced Senate Bills 47, 85, and 159 had passed the Senate and requested House concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports on a number of bills, including measures on on-farm animal health, type 1 diabetes, employment, addictive online platforms, real property appraisers, educators, crimes and punishments, artificial intelligence, stalking, insurance, school food/funds, protective orders, public adjusters, and insurance regulation. Several committees reported bills favorably, including HB 534 on elections, HB 510 on organ donation safety, HB 220 on pension spiking, HB 467 on real property, HB 516 on retirement benefits for probationary employment, HB 589 on retired emergency personnel, and HB 168 on boating under the influence, which was sent to the Rules Committee after its second reading. The House then passed HB 485, a major mental health/civil commitment bill, after adopting House Committee Substitute 1 and two floor amendments. Supporters said the bill modernizes Kentucky’s 202A and 202C mental health commitment processes by adding intermediate treatment options, guardrails for outpatient/community-based care, clearer definitions, longer review intervals in some cases, and data/reporting requirements; they emphasized collaboration with mental health advocates, courts, and stakeholders. The bill passed unanimously, 95-0. HB 43, allowing a 180-day grace period for deputy coroners to complete required training, also passed unanimously, 96-0. HB 139, an elections “continuous improvement” bill, passed 92-1 after adoption of a committee substitute and a floor amendment that bars disclosure/reporting of votes cast for candidates who withdraw, die, or are disqualified and requires notices at precincts; the sponsor described the bill as the product of ongoing consultation with election officials and clerks. HB 414, on booking procedures in local jails, passed 73-18 after supporters explained it would allow DNA collection upon felony arrest, with destruction provisions if the person is not convicted or the charge is reduced or dismissed. HB 297, concerning Kentucky State Fair Board peace officers, passed unanimously, 96-0, to explicitly make those officers eligible for law enforcement fund benefits and related certification/training provisions. After the bills were completed, the House moved into motions, petitions, communications, and announcements. House Resolution 69 was brought from committee to the floor, and members were invited to a Kentucky State Police breakfast and a Louisville night event at the Foundry. The chamber also adopted Citation 32 honoring Dr. Hannah Huffman, who was recognized for her optometry career and leadership in the Kentucky Optometric Association, and Citation 31 honoring Valerie Greenhill, the new president of the Southern Regional Education Board. The House then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> this<01:14:12.480> is<01:14:12.880> just<01:14:13.440> u<01:14:13.679>
• :18.159> I<01:14:18.280> think<01:14:18.560> that<01:14:18.760> all<01:14
• :14:20.840> continue<01:14:21.239> to<01:14:21.360> be<01:14:21.560> mindful<
• that we<01:14:22.360> need<01:14:22.520> to<01:14:22.760> support<01:14:23.320>
• :40.400> who<01:14:40.800> who<01:14:41.040> live<01:14:41.239> in<01:14:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 114, which would create a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election. The Office of Elections said the bill would cost about $4.1 million. Supporters, including the Hawaii Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters, favored moving the process to a state-run primary, while several opponents, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women and multiple individual testifiers, argued it would be too expensive, would shift control away from the parties, and would replace volunteer-run caucuses with a mail-in system. Committee members questioned the chief election officer about election timing, certification, and how a primary might be scheduled with other elections. Testimony was recorded as 11 in support, 41 opposed, and 3 comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 725, which would require judges to make findings about a defendant’s ability to afford bail. Judiciary and Attorney General witnesses asked that the bill be deferred or amended, saying the Judicial Council is already reviewing pretrial bail reform and that the bill’s language could create practical problems for police, sheriffs, and courts. Supporters, including the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the public defender, the Community Alliance on Prisons, the ACLU of Hawaii, and disability rights advocates, said cash bail disproportionately harms low-income defendants, increases pretrial detention costs, and should require clearer findings and records. Opponents included the Hawaii County prosecuting attorney. Members questioned how bail is initially set, what records exist, and whether the bill would change current practice; Judiciary witnesses said initial bail decisions are often made by police or judges and later reviewed on the record, while supporters argued the bill would strengthen front-end due process. The ACLU said it supported the bill with amendments, including clearer standards for ability to pay and written findings. The committee also began hearing SB 733, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a continuous legislative session. Early testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates arguing that the current 60-day session limits public participation, makes it hard for working people to testify, and prevents lawmakers from collaborating effectively. Supporters said a year-round model could improve transparency, reduce duplicate bills, and better accommodate neighbor island legislators. The excerpt ends during the opening testimony on SB 733, before any committee action or vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The definition within Chapter 32 of who qualifies for that bonus is really stuck in the dark ages.
• And what it does is it provides in the new section of Chapter 32 that any condition or impairment of
• On the other hand, they also have not gone along with Chapter 32.
• That has not changed in 14 years.
• However, because of the years I spent part-time, I currently have only 14 years of service.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a range of public retirement and municipal health insurance bills. Mass Retirees and the American Federation of Teachers supported House 2890/Senate 1848 on transparency in municipal health insurance, arguing that broker and consultant roles should be clearly defined, commissions disclosed, and dual roles prohibited to reduce conflicts of interest and costs. They also supported House 2799/Senate 1848 on protecting municipal retirees from future premium contribution increases, House 2854 on voting rights for surviving spouses in retirement board elections, and Senate 1917 on updating the definition of veteran for retirement purposes. Committee members discussed whether the veteran definition should simply conform to the federal definition going forward. Educators testified in support of House 2769/Senate 1921, which would allow teachers with at least 20 years of service to buy back creditable service for periods when they worked part-time while raising children. Multiple teachers described the financial and retirement penalties they experienced after stepping down to part-time work for child care, calling the current system inequitable and a “mom tax.” Sponsors and supporters said the bill is intended to correct that disparity and help retain teachers, while one committee member noted it appeared neutral on an actuarial basis. The committee also heard strong support for Senate 1908, which would raise the cap on outside income for public pension recipients, from retired State Police troopers who said the current limit is outdated and unfair to those forced into disability retirement after line-of-duty injuries. Another State Police representative supported House 2910 on state police pensions, citing recruitment and retention problems under current pension rules. In contrast, Hampden County Regional Retirement System officials and the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems opposed House 2745, a bill to restructure the Hampden County system’s governance, arguing it would weaken PERAC oversight and create an unworkable local system. They instead supported House 2813, which would extend the time to fill a vacant fifth member seat on retirement boards. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted to adjourn the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Uh<00:14:02.320> let's<00:14:02.560> go<00:14:02.639> ahead<00:14:02.800
• First up<00:14:04.560> on<00:14:04.800> the<00:14:05.040> agenda,<00:14:05.519><
• > land<00:14:16.720> use<00:14:16.959> on<00:14:17.120> Mount<00:14:17.360
• Um CDUPs normally<00:14:47.680> run<00:14:47.839> with<00:14:48.000> their<00:14
• They're kind<00:14:48.880> of<00:14:48.959> like<00:14:49.040> a<00:14:49.279>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay.<00:14:03.680> Well,<00:14:03.920> whether<00:14:04.160> it's<00:14:04.720>
• <00:14:11.199> Minimum<00:14:11.519> to<00:14:11.680> zero<00:14:12.000>
• <00:14:14.639> the<00:14:14.800> door<00:14:14.959> to<00:14:15.040> some
• But<00:14:17.199> it<00:14:17.440> also<00:14:17.600> would<00:14:17.839> be<
• <00:14:23.440> in<00:14:23.519> a<00:14:23.680> way<00:14:23.760> that

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now you<00:14:05.199> say,<00:14:05.440> why<00:14:05.680> are<00:14:05.839>
• you<00:14:11.600> remember<00:14:11.920> Lot<00:14:12.240> in<00:14:12.399>
• What<00:14:14.079> did<00:14:14.240> Lot<00:14:14.560> wife<00:14:14.959> do?
• She looked back and<00:14:17.199> turn<00:14:17.360> into<00:14:17.600> a<00:14:
• <00:14:26.720> I<00:14:26.880> have<00:14:27.040> not<00:14:27.199> even<

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Senators then adopted the prior day’s journal and excused absent members. A lengthy point of personal privilege followed, in which Senator Smith criticized the prior day’s handling of the special order calendar and argued that minority-party senators were denied the chance to speak, while Senator Coleman said Senate Bill 318 had been removed from the calendar and tied that to Child Abuse Prevention Month; she also noted Senate Bill 43, which would provide civil recourse for child sex assault survivors, had not advanced. The presiding officer also recognized guests in the gallery, including staff from the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Senate then received multiple committee reports, largely on a unanimous or near-unanimous basis. Finance and Taxation Education reported favorably on House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, 517, and 98, and Senate Bill 380, with some substitutes or amendments; Finance and Taxation General Fund reported Senate Bill 378 favorably; County and Municipal Government reported House Bills 568, 499, and 433; Education Policy reported House Bills 8 and 380; Banking and Insurance reported House Bill 545; Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development reported House Bill 586 with two nays; Healthcare reported House Bills 533 and 605; Tourism and Marketing reported House Bills 513 and 626 and Senate Bill 357; and local legislation committees reported several Mobile County and Madison County bills, including Senate Bill 379 relating to Madison County and various House bills, all advancing to the next legislative day. In motions and resolutions, the Senate agreed to allow committee reports to be received at any time during the day. Several resolutions were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee, including Senate Joint Resolution 100 honoring Presley Skelton, SJR 101 commending Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, SJR 102 establishing the Alabama Forest Products Retention and Pulp and Paper Mill Stability Study Commission, SJR 103 mourning Norman Wendell Arnold, and SJR 104 designating Alabama as the river state. The chamber also suspended the rules to take up Senate Joint Resolution 105, commending Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth for his service; the resolution included a lengthy recitation of his background and accomplishments and was read for immediate consideration with all senators added as sponsors.