Transcript Highlights:

• some of y'all have been at Sheppard Air Force Base in my district, which has had to close several training
• And we don't want to We see our drivers put in a position overnight of understanding and knowing all
• The drivers picking up different trailers all the time may not know exactly what the decibel level of
• For the driver, for our constituents, for just the public in general, is it safer to deliver at night
• Once they park, you will shut down in this case because you've got the driver outside of the vehicle.

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• :46:57.520> for Initially, that extraction training for Initially, that extraction training for
• sure that these uh dentists are trained sure that these uh dentists are trained who<00:47:10.000
• So, we'll be training care location.
• /c><00:54:53.680> or<00:54:54.000> certification training uh or certification training
• But the new lead is trains midwives.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20 CRISP Shared Services 00:01:39 Rural Health Transformation Plan 00:30:55, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services opened its first meeting of the 2026 interim session, took roll, and moved directly into presentations. The main presentation was from Ryan Bramble of Crisp Shared Services, who described the organization’s health information exchange and health data utility model in Kentucky and other states. He emphasized that Crisp is a nonprofit, that data ownership remains with providers, and that governance is local. He also outlined the technical infrastructure, including a master patient index, cloud-based data lake, support for modern standards like FHIR and USCDI as well as older formats, and data quality tools used to normalize and standardize information. Bramble said the model is intended to reduce duplication, lower costs, and support rural providers and future use cases such as reporting, analytics, and AI-enabled decision support. Members asked how the state can ensure the data is actually used and who should drive priorities for health care improvement. Bramble said Crisp can provide tools, expertise, and examples from other states, but local teams such as KHI and state stakeholders must tailor and lead utilization efforts. In response to questions about ownership and coordination, he stressed that successful HIE governance requires a multistakeholder body that includes hospitals, health plans, government, and other interests, with a unified approach rather than multiple competing directives. He also said the Commonwealth has an opportunity to convene those stakeholders and set clear priorities. A senator raised concerns that responsibility for Medicaid and broader health policy has become fragmented and suggested a stronger central role for the state, possibly through the Department of Public Health, to coordinate health priorities. Bramble agreed that a single convening authority and multistakeholder governance are important, and noted that local governance should determine what data is shared and how it is used. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting. After Bramble’s presentation and questions, the committee was told that Secretary Stack from the cabinet would testify next on the rural health transformation plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• So because of the bus driver shortage for school bus, we pay for only routes that are active and are
• >> Correct. >> Because of more bus routes got cut. >> Um, so because we don't have enough drivers to
• drivers to fill all of our schools. drivers to fill all of our schools.
• <00:47:08.319> to because we don't have enough drivers to because we don't have enough drivers
• I don't know what's worse, autonomous vehicles or some of our HA drivers.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• California state and counties have invested vast monies and trained countless caring workers to create
• Most of us do not have crisis response systems with a trained clinician who is certified to do the 5150
• I’d like to introduce here to testify with me Jose Laguna, a driver from Santa Clara, and Matt Broad,
• Once service finally resumes, drivers are back to double the work, double the hazard.
• And I do think that ultimately we want fair working conditions for our drivers and our operators, and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A vehicle driven by a drunk driver crossed the highway... 281 collided head-on with Lauren and her family
• Three months later, Lauren learned the driver of the other vehicle had a booking...
• I think we've been having this discussion for a minute now about drunk drivers, so I'm really grateful
• The majority of VA police are not trained in these risk protections, which were revealed in a congressional
• Therefore, local police departments are also... carrying out poor training on behalf of VA police.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vocational training and chapel services.
• oftentimes we were stripped in these big areas where male staff could walk by or see sometimes the bus driver
• , even though it's not supposed to be a male bus driver on the medical transport bus, yes, it happens
• cavity searches during access programming such as education, substance abuse treatment, or vocational training
• detailed individual level reporting is precisely what experts and policymakers need to understand the drivers

Transcript Highlights:

• The overall funding change is due to the major cost drivers such as Everglades restoration and protection
• going to manage our best management practices, to keep the lens of we are not only the second leading driver
• of the economy in the state, more than 2 million people... ...only the second leading driver of the
• So in terms of cleanup activities, we're focusing on those firefighting training areas as our first effort
• And we also can bring some training and expertise to local law enforcement on what we're seeing around

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met to organize for the session, confirm a quorum, and hear introductory remarks from members about their districts and interests. Chair Esposito outlined the committee’s jurisdiction and budget overview, noting a total budget of about $7.2 billion, with major funding tied to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Citrus. She also described major cost drivers such as Everglades restoration, water quality, resiliency, land acquisition, and rural family lands, and asked members to review agency requests in small groups later in the process. Agency leaders then presented budget and program updates. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized department efficiency efforts, including IT modernization, staff reorganization, rural and family lands conservation, best management practices, Fresh From Florida marketing, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, and completion of the Connor Complex headquarters. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert highlighted record investments in Everglades restoration, water quality projects, resilience grants, land acquisition, state parks, and enforcement. FWC Executive Director Roger Young discussed conservation research, fisheries and wildlife management, law enforcement, disaster response, and pressures from growth, boating, invasive species, and derelict vessels. Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shep reviewed the industry’s decline due to hurricanes and citrus greening, current research and marketing efforts, and e-commerce campaigns to support Florida citrus sales. Members asked questions about citrus production declines, future replanting and therapies, rural family lands, PFOS cleanup, mangrove restoration, flooding and pump infrastructure, agricultural theft, and derelict vessel removal. Officials generally responded with updates, emphasized science-based management and enforcement, and in several cases said they would follow up with more detailed information later. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair directing members to provide feedback on agencies for further budget review and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ecology also provides training and technical assistance for interpreting the SEPA rules.
• Local governments are now in the process of training their staff and also their permit counter staff,
• I know one of the big drivers, if you're talking about a two-year process, I think some of the things
• One is I agree with you about the staff training, although what we're hearing from our cities is that
• So I'm not sure that the staff is there to train because they are, you know, keeping the most essential

Summary: The Local Government Committee met in work session and heard a series of presentations on SEPA, permitting reforms, and building code implementation. Department of Ecology staff gave an overview of the State Environmental Policy Act, explaining its role in state and local decision-making, common exemptions, planned actions, and recent housing-related statutory changes such as transit-oriented development exemptions and SEPA appeals protections for certain local ordinances. Committee members asked about repeated SEPA reviews, cultural and historic resource review, and how SEPA relates to NEPA; Ecology responded that repeated reviews usually occur when proposals change and that programmatic EISs can help front-load analysis. Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections described how recent SEPA exemptions reduced residential review volume and supported more housing permits, and said the city is considering raising thresholds further. The State Building Code Council provided an update on code adoption timelines and legislative tasks tied to the 2024 codes, including single-stair housing, multiplex housing, dwelling unit size, and temporary emergency shelter standards. Council staff said the content of the codes is largely set, but administrative timelines have been delayed, prompting a motion to postpone final adoption while pursuing ways to preserve the planned implementation schedule. Members asked about the timing of code changes and the impact on housing costs, and staff said the legislative topics remain on track for inclusion in the 2024 code package. Committee staff then reviewed recent permitting legislation, including SB 5290’s permit decision deadlines and fee-refund provisions, later bills limiting pre-application meetings and clarifying that building permits are excluded from those timelines, and project-specific changes affecting middle housing, ADUs, lot splits, passive house projects, self-certification, transit-oriented development, and parking requirements. Commerce’s Dave Anderson reported on SB 5290 implementation, including guidance on permit fees, studies on staffing and statewide permitting systems, grants to local governments, and the first annual performance report, which showed mixed results and highlighted the importance of digital tools, clear checklists, staff training, and coordination across departments. Local officials from Issaquah and Kitsap County described their own process improvements, including code updates, optional pre-application meetings, new staffing, reporting systems, and a phased “Two by Six” review model in Kitsap, while also noting challenges from staffing shortages, agency coordination, and the burden of implementing multiple new mandates.

Transcript Highlights:

• MMB provides training and technical assistance to political subdivisions and state agencies to submit
• MMB provides training<00:03:49.920> and<00:03:50.239> technical<00:03:50.640> assistance
• <00:03:51.040> to training and technical assistance to training and technical assistance to
• The expanded space will also be used for training BCA and local law enforcement officers.
• the uh driver and vehicle services<00:33:42.000> location<00:33:42.320> in<00:33:42.559

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our industry partners with OSHA and other regulatory bodies to ensure the safety and training of our
• The driver of the vehicle is never known with this program. This portal for The ACLU.
• If he calls, there's a help desk that runs constantly with very well-trained staff that are very friendly
• So, calling out the fuel efficiency is calling out just One of the drivers.
• So, it's just one of the drivers that's shown. Okay, that's important.

Transcript Highlights:

• As shown in Gage's case, fentanyl has become a major driver of overdose deaths in our state, and it's
• As shown in Gage's case, fentanyl has become a major driver of overdose deaths in our state, and it's
• DCF has to spend on background screening down to three days, requires DCF to offer online teacher training
• additional child care professionals to come into the marketplace, whether it be through the free training
• But at the same time, you're making sure that they're getting the free training and testing.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and passed several bills. HB 293 would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Executive Office of the Governor, create a liaison and advisory council, and was supported by faith-based and nonprofit groups; some members questioned possible duplication with existing services and the source of any future funding, but the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 547 would create an exception to the 30-day notice requirement before hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers sell medical debt when the debt buyer agrees not to use interest, fees, or extraordinary collection actions and must return charity-care-eligible debt; it passed unanimously after brief support testimony. CS/HB 1553 would require reporting of uterine fibroid data to the Department of Health to create a de-identified public database and reauthorize funding for implementation; it also passed 24-0, with members noting the earlier database mandate had not been carried out. The committee then took up CS/HB 1195, “Gage’s Law,” which would require hospitals and hospital-based emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine drug screens for suspected overdose or poisoning cases. The bill was presented as a response to overdose deaths and the need to better detect fentanyl, and emotional testimony from a parent described a son’s death after a hospital did not test for fentanyl. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing stigma, the need for better treatment and data, and the potential to save lives; the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 47 on child care and early learning providers would streamline inspections, speed background screening, offer free online training/testing, update definitions, protect certain family child care homes from insurance issues, and create a license-exempt category for employer-provided child care; after questions about parent notice, database listing, background checks, and insurance, an amendment was adopted and the bill passed 24-0 as amended. Finally, CS/HB 647 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to sign death certificates in hospice settings, addressing delays that can leave families waiting to complete burial arrangements. Support testimony came from advocacy and hospice groups, and members cited the bill’s importance for families and religious burial timelines. The bill passed 23-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:56:05.440> on management, and operation of train on management, and operation of train
• The next one is the mobile driver The next one is the mobile driver license<02:02:41.520> program
• trained asphalt and um stone matrix<02:20:57.359> asphalt.
• I know it's been a big revenue driver for airports.
• <02:33:58.080> for it's been a big revenue uh driver for it's been a big revenue uh driver

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Department of Health presented its supplemental budget requests and described several sources of uncertainty affecting federal funding, including policy changes, shutdown-related disruptions, and shifting appropriations proposals in Congress. Officials said some federal grants had been terminated and then restored, but the department still faces added administrative burden to access funds. They also said trust in public health institutions has declined, and outlined efforts to respond through community engagement, website cleanup, social media, and transparency dashboards. The department highlighted staffing and operations issues, noting a 29.7% vacancy rate and the success of its hiring pilot under Act 291, which has hired 38 candidates with an average 95-day hiring timeline. On the budget side, officials said the supplemental request includes increases in general, special, and revolving funds, and they walked through the first major general fund item for emergency medical services. After discussion, they said the EMS request was reduced from $8 million to $4.5 million to cover collective bargaining increases and keep contracts whole through August 2027. Behavioral health items included the payment crisis center in Ewa, which has connected more than 2,000 people to services, though roughly one-third remain unconnected or return frequently. Members questioned the quality of follow-up data and whether the program is reducing repeat use. The department also discussed state hospital decompression efforts, including use of the behavioral health crisis center, transfers to community hospitals, neighbor-island placements, and direct discharge to long-term care facilities; officials said the hospital is licensed for 292 beds and has seen census pressures rise again. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on Kalaupapa/Kalawao jurisdiction and preservation after patient care ends. Members pressed the department on the lack of a clear statewide plan, the roles of DOH, DNR, and DHHL, and what happens to land, buildings, and the cemetery after the last patient leaves. DOH said the current law is unclear on an end date, that the proposed bill would change the law, and that the landowners’ agreements with the National Park Service and each other will shape the transition. Officials said they would provide more information at a later hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:22:51.280> but helpful to do the training, but helpful to do the training, but um<00:
• You're going to get less training done if we... You're going to get less training done if we...
• Less employees or future employees from being trained in the skilled work we want them to be trained
• Less employees or future employees from being trained in the skilled work we want them to be trained
• Less employees or future employees from being trained in the skilled work we want them to be trained

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 30.080> for<00:09:30.320> forensic<00:09:30.920> interview<00:09:31.400> training
• funding for forensic interview training funding for forensic interview training scholarships.<00
• this allows interviewers to be trained this allows interviewers to be trained in<00:09:55.480>
• and uh next step is uh prior drivers and uh next step is uh prior authorization<00:18:46.400> so<
• <00:54:46.880> particularly<00:54:47.480> for standards and training particularly for

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A well-trained and harsh sentence.
• training them. training them.
• They are trained in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• And if we're going to do this, why not include assaults on guests or UPS drivers, Amazon delivery drivers
• ,<01:26:23.840> for would include delivery drivers, for would include delivery drivers, for

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Training Center in Hardensburg. Training Center in Hardensburg.
• The second item is a lease modification for PR 5906 for the Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver
• The second item is a lease modification for PR 5906 for the Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver
• The second item is a lease modification for PR 5906 for the Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver
• The second item is a lease modification for PR 5906 for the Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call. The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items. Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• training process.
• Staffed with someone who was trained, a trained medical person that's certified to draw blood.
• Ultimately, it's problematic until you get the training, but once you're trained, you're now an expert
• It's not expert training, but it is training to recognize intoxication from something other than alcohol
• I got on the train, looked at all the exhibits, and it was no warmer on the train.

Keywords: 977, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All Texas-licensed dentists receive extensive training in injection techniques and safety protocols as
• new campuses, and the education and general space support formula is not congruent with technical training
• Texas law mandates that drivers stop and yield to pedestrians and other sidewalk users when they are
• SB 1013 seeks to close that gap with the common sense of clarifying and codifying the duty of a driver
• Instead, the amendment will clarify that a driver must yield to a sidewalk user when entering or exiting

Summary: The Senate took up and passed Senate Bill 945, which concerns political shareholder proposals by insurers and insurance holding companies. Senator Hughes argued the bill would protect Texas-based insurers from activist shareholder pressure, especially proposals aimed at limiting insurance coverage for oil and gas companies for ESG or political reasons. The motion to suspend the regular order was adopted over objection, and SB 945 passed to engrossment on a 20-10 vote with one present not voting. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1117, allowing any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin in oral or maxillofacial regions for aesthetic purposes, and House Joint Resolution 98, renewing Texas’s application for an Article 5 Convention of States to propose amendments on fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits. Both measures advanced after debate and roll-call votes; SB 1117 passed unanimously after suspension of the three-day rule, and H.J.R. 98 was adopted on a 17-14 vote. Members then approved several other measures, including the committee substitute for House Bill 142 on HHSC’s Office of Inspector General and Medicaid overpayment recovery, Senate Bill 2373 on AI-enabled financial fraud and deepfake/phishing schemes, Senate Bill 2221 on fraudulent UCC financing statements, and Senate Bill 2681 on the basis for third-party voter-registration challenges. The Senate also adopted a resolution authorizing a Texas Life Monument replica at the Capitol complex, and passed S.J.R. 59 creating funds for Texas State Technical College capital needs. The body debated and passed Senate Bill 946, which would bar credit discrimination against organizations based on social, political, religious, or similar value-based considerations and require credit decisions to rest on creditworthiness. Senators raised concerns that the bill could create a special protected class for non-human entities or conflict with existing state policies, but the bill advanced to engrossment on a 20-11 vote. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2477 to ease office-to-residential conversions in large cities after adopting an amendment negotiated with municipal stakeholders, and began consideration of Senate Bill 715 on ERCOT reliability requirements for generators, including existing generation, with extensive debate over impacts on renewables, power purchase agreements, and grid reliability.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're making infrastructure improvements at The same time, the level of distraction that our drivers
• You guys are all experienced and heard in the news about commercial motor vehicle drivers And CDL licenses
• And then we would have an increase in the operational funds necessary to run that train all the way to
• It, you're not gonna put enough people on a train to make a difference in a highway that carries 150,000
• what they're doing is bringing containerized freight into the Oklahoma City metropolitan area via train

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The cumulative effect of these provisions is clear: higher insurance premiums for Minnesota drivers,
• The cumulative effect of these provisions is clear: higher insurance premiums for Minnesota drivers,
• The cumulative effect of these provisions is clear: higher insurance premiums for Minnesota drivers,
• The cumulative effect of these provisions is clear: higher insurance premiums for Minnesota drivers,
• um they are something that a a trained um they are something that a a trained professional<01:14

Keywords: 1187, senate, all