Transcript Highlights:

• that the Office of State Lands can't lease our property mineral rights for us, and we do not have explicit

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened with quorum and housekeeping, then began setting interim topics for discussion. The first major topic was trapping, including prior legislation on mandatory trapper education and trapping setbacks. The Game and Fish director said the department had already gone through a trapping reform process in 2018-2019 and was prepared to testify on those issues again, noting that the commission had previously wanted legislative authority for them. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on a proposed non-motorized trail user fee. Supporters argued it could help fund trail systems and match state trail grants, citing demand for professionally built trails and examples from other states. Testimony estimated potential revenue at roughly $150,000 to $250,000 annually, depending on the model, while noting enforcement would likely rely on an honor system. Committee members discussed possible alternatives and related ideas, including using good neighbor authority with federal land managers and looking at motorized trail funding models. The director said the concept was not yet ready for immediate passage but was worth continued discussion. The committee also briefly discussed fishing outfitter issues, with the co-chair noting a prior bill had passed and that the current board still exists, but more data would be needed later in the interim. Another topic addressed ticket scalping and fake tickets at Jackson’s rodeo, which the sponsor said was affecting visitors and could warrant broader state discussion. The State Archives topic proposed expanding the digital archive and requiring agencies to use it, with added resources for local governments; staff said it would improve security, access, and storage efficiency. The committee then discussed problematic gaming and program funding, but noted a pending bill to create a separate statutory select committee on gaming, so the topic may be better handled there if formed. The final major discussion was the Game and Fish budget. The director said employee compensation increases had raised salary costs from about 40% to 60% of the budget, while overall revenue had not kept pace, forcing cuts to habitat and research work. She warned the department could reach a critical budget point by 2030. Committee members and the Wyoming Wildlife Federation supported a deeper interim review of the department’s finances and possible new revenue sources, with the director suggesting a three-meeting structure: first to lay out the budget outlook, then to discuss additional revenue options, and finally to consider what future generations may have to pay.

Transcript Highlights:

• give the principal or, if the school is large enough, maybe they'll have an activities director, explicit

Summary: The joint Senate and House Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education convened for its first public hearing, adopted its proposed rules without objection, and framed the hearing as an organizational, invited-testimony-only session. Members repeatedly condemned political violence and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying the committee was created in response to concerns about civil discourse, intimidation, and hostility on college campuses. Several members emphasized that the goal was not to suppress speech but to protect open expression while maintaining order, due process, and institutional accountability. The first witness, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Wyn Rosser, outlined implementation of Senate Bill 37. He described the General Education Advisory Committee, which is reviewing broad core-curriculum knowledge and skills and may recommend reducing the current 42-hour core, while leaving review of specific courses to individual institutions. He also explained the new Office of the Ombudsman, the board’s role in supporting it, and existing training and certification requirements for governing board members. Members asked about enforcement tools, transparency, and whether the ombudsman would investigate complaints involving censorship, retaliation, or political bias; Rosser said some enforcement exists in certain laws, but he deferred on the exact scope of the ombudsman’s investigatory authority and on issues outside the agency’s role. University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis testified that UT Austin supports free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse, and he described three areas of focus: speech on campus grounds, classroom discourse, and how people treat one another. He said the university enforces time, place, and manner rules, expects professors to present alternative views on controversial topics, and has created internal reporting and appeal processes for students and faculty. Members questioned him about heckler’s veto incidents, protests, off-campus participants, complaints about professors, hate speech, and whether the university would protect speakers and students from disruption or unfair targeting. Davis said the university would not tolerate disruptions, would use due process and factual review, and is working to align campus practices with the new law and regents’ expectations. Ricky Adam Jr. of Turning Point USA’s Club America described the group’s campus and high-school organizing, praised Charlie Kirk’s approach to open debate, and said the organization is expanding in Texas. He raised concerns about school administrators and a counselor at an Early College High School in Killeen allegedly interfering with a student club and withholding footage, and committee members said they would seek information and, if necessary, use legislative process to investigate. Members from both chambers reiterated support for free speech, criticized political violence and campus suppression of viewpoints, and stressed that future hearings would continue examining implementation and enforcement issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Apparently they can't do that right now without explicit law approval.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 63, a bill described by Senator Tim Lang and other supporters as a technical correction to the rooms and meals tax distribution formula. Lang said the bill would clarify that the Division of Travel and Tourism’s 3.15% promotional allocation is taken from gross rooms-and-meals revenue before the 30% municipal reimbursement fund is calculated, which he argued restores the intended 2009/2021 structure and avoids an unintended loss to tourism marketing. Committee members raised questions about whether the bill actually changes section one or instead addresses DRA’s interpretation, and whether the measure could be affected by the budget process or HB 2. Jessica Keeler of Ski New Hampshire testified in strong support, saying the bill would preserve the promotional budget formula that had been in place since 2009 and that the 2019 revision effectively reduced the promotional allocation by placing the municipal share first. She said tourism promotion has helped increase visitation, revenues, and jobs, and warned that without a fix, the joint promotional program and other tourism efforts could be cut in future budgets. She also said the bill would not change the current year’s tourism budget but would matter for future cycles. Mike Summers of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association also supported SB 63, calling it a correction to the 2021 changes and arguing that state tourism marketing is essential because small businesses cannot reach distant markets on their own. He said the industry has benefited from state promotion, especially after COVID, but is now facing softer occupancy rates, lower Canadian visitation, and financial strain from debt and operating costs. Summers said the industry cannot make up for major tourism budget cuts on its own and urged maintaining or increasing travel and tourism funding. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes public school instructional material and library material in collections adopted on or after
• It includes public school instructional material and library material in collections adopted on or after
• Are there even any instructional materials that refer to the West Sure.
• be no cost for them to actually have to change any of their current material.
• Are there even any instructional materials that refer to the West Sure.

Bills: S0212, S0218, S0442, S0460, S0532, S0554, S0644, S0686, S0692, S1054, S1106, S1128, S1134, S1138, S1338, S1434, S1506, S1620, S1748

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee first considered SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility criteria, including environmental and adjacency requirements, density and intensity limits, and exclusions for certain lands and military areas. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill then passed favorably on an 8-0 vote, with testimony both for and against from advocacy groups. Members then heard several bills related to criminal justice, land use, and local government operations. SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators was amended to add public swimming pools and related restricted-location provisions; the committee heard extensive opposition testimony arguing the bill lacked empirical support and could worsen homelessness and burden families, while supporters said it would reduce temptation and improve safety. The amended bill passed 8-1. SB 686 on agricultural enclaves also received a strike-all amendment clarifying development allowances near interstates and protected-area non-preemption; after opposition from a county Republican committee and support from housing and business groups, it passed 10-0. SB 554 updating nonprofit corporation law, SB 1338 on charitable giving and endowment restrictions, SB 532 on court fee retention by clerks, and SB 218 on land use regulations after hurricanes all passed favorably, each with little or no opposition. The committee also approved SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability after debate over whether the bill created enough compliance incentives and whether its liability presumption should apply retroactively; supporters said it would encourage adoption of cybersecurity frameworks, while opponents warned it could weaken local standards and create litigation issues. The bill passed 9-2. SB 1138 on qualified contractors was amended to preserve local government authority while allowing licensed professionals to conduct limited pre-application reviews, and it passed 11-0. Finally, SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools passed 8-3 after extensive public testimony and debate, with supporters saying it would enshrine existing protections in the Constitution and opponents warning it would favor majority religions and increase bullying and litigation. The committee then took up SB 1106 on requiring state agencies and instructional materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” with the sponsor arguing it reflected historical truth and opponents saying it erased Palestinian identity and inserted the state into an international naming dispute; the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill before any vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of what concerns we have around the visuals, around some of the marketing and social media materials
• You know, I'm sure that marketing promotional materials are printed already or are already created.
• Materials are printed already or are already created. Well, again, you know, it's two weeks.
• And I think while that was going on and while there was a gap, quite a lot of materials get made.
• So because they already have the marketing and the materials designed around that, this is something

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The DEIA subcommittee of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met with a quorum and discussed planning for the upcoming Patriots Day period, grant opportunities, and ways to make 250th programming more inclusive. Dr. Trent reported on a Virginia 250 conference and shared examples such as the Made by Us youth engagement toolkit and a Smithsonian-related traveling exhibition. Brian also updated the group on Mass Humanities’ grant programs, including Museum on Main Street, Reading Project Douglas Together, and the Promises of Revolution grants, noting that the latter has $600,000 available and is expected to fund roughly 30 to 40 projects through letters of intent due in June. The committee also noted that state tourism 250th grants are open with an April 11 deadline. A major discussion focused on ensuring respect for Indigenous sovereignty and improving representation in marketing. Members raised concerns that Indigenous leaders were not being treated with sufficient respect in state-level engagement, and they discussed whether the full commission should hear from tribal leaders and whether the subcommittee should recommend a broader conversation at the next commission meeting. On marketing, members criticized recent promotional materials as too formulaic and insufficiently reflective of Massachusetts’ diversity, especially in their limited inclusion of Indigenous people, Black patriots, women, and other communities. The group agreed that the commission should push for more inclusive visuals and narratives, and that there is still time to influence digital and future materials. The subcommittee also discussed possibly inviting the marketing and education committees, or commission staff and the outside marketing agency, to explain the rollout and scope of possible changes. The committee then considered a Utah 250 idea for a July 5, 2026 “America’s potluck” style community event and agreed it could be adapted for Massachusetts as a foodways-focused, culturally diverse statewide activity. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to recommend that the full commission and MOTT promote the potluck concept. The meeting ended with agreement to continue developing recommendations on representation, Indigenous engagement, and public outreach, and then adjourned by unanimous vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before that, he served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Material Readiness.
• And before that, he served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Material.
• of challenges, including integration of software and information technology, but it is clear that material
• demand signal for industrial capacity. and capabilities such as specialty chemicals and critical materials
• sourcing because it shifts liability from industry to government if something goes wrong with that material

Transcript Highlights:

• > on<00:05:27.039> building I have a bill that would exempt the sales tax on building materials
• Now, if, let's just say, in a scenario there's $100,000 of building materials that go into the construction
• permits that go into new construction, anything that contributes to the cost, whether it be the materials
• contributes to the cost whether it be contributes to the cost whether it be the<00:08:07.599> materials
• whether it be the permits the materials whether it be the permits whether<00:08:10.319> it<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senator Eric Lucero testified about Minnesota’s housing affordability challenges, arguing that rising interest rates, insurance costs, property taxes, and construction expenses are being passed on to renters and homeowners. He said the core problem is supply and demand: demand has risen while supply has not kept pace, in part because fewer homeowners are selling or downsizing. Lucero said the legislature should look for ways to reduce costs without creating major new state expenses, especially in a budget year with a projected deficit. Lucero highlighted several policy ideas and bills. He said he has introduced a bill to exempt sales tax on building materials, which he argued would lower the final cost of new homes. He also said he is interested in reducing permit costs and examining other factors that affect construction costs, including materials and labor. On insurance and property taxes, he suggested lawmakers should consider reforms or relief measures, while noting that interest rates are largely beyond state control. The discussion also focused on homeowners associations and common interest communities. Lucero said he has been part of a bipartisan work group for about six months that reviewed public testimony and expert input, and that the group has now issued recommendations. He said he and other legislators plan to turn those recommendations into one or more bipartisan bills aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and reducing costs for homeowners. He closed by saying housing affordability affects everyone and that he believes there is momentum this year for reforms that support homeownership and generational wealth.

Transcript Highlights:

• Discovery Education is essentially high-quality instructional materials.
• Discovery Education is essentially high-quality instructional materials.
• Discovery Education is essentially high-quality instructional materials.
• At page six of the material, you'll see a couple of tables.
• At page six of the material, you'll see a couple of tables.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• left in this material, a water and air contamination, because we're concerned about how this material
• Again, we're concerned with what happens with this material afterwards.
• of material.
• You're dealing with several yards of material, which, you know, if you've ever gotten landscaping materials
• delivered like a dump truck, that's yards of material.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 5, beginning on line 6, after B, strike all material through internal references accordingly.
• The Secretary will read: On page 5, line 6, after B, strike all material through internal references
• The Secretary will read: On page 5, line 6, after B, strike all material through internal references
• On page 3, beginning on line 15, strike all material.
• On page 3, beginning on line 15, strike all material.

Summary: The Senate opened with a moment of silence for Senator Chris Gildon and his family after the death of his wife, Autumn. It then took up several bills on final passage, beginning with Substitute House Bill 2020, which establishes a 3.1% B&O tax rate for payment card processing activities and allows a deduction for certain related fees. Supporters said it resolves a long-running dispute with the Department of Revenue; it passed 47-0. The chamber also passed House Bill 2039, delaying the child support pass-through expansion from 2026 to 2029, and House Bill 2040, delaying the elimination of recoveries from the Aged, Blind, and Disabled Assistance Program from October 2025 to October 2028. Supporters framed both as timing changes, while opponents argued they would postpone benefits for families and vulnerable people. Both bills passed 25-22. Substitute House Bill 2051, dealing with payment to acute care hospitals for difficult-to-discharge patients, passed 27-20 after several proposed amendments were withdrawn. Supporters said the bill helps hospitals care for patients who have nowhere else to go, while opponents argued the state should not delay payment support for these patients. The Senate also passed In Gross Substitute House Bill 2061, imposing a 10% concession fee on duty-free sales to fund tourism promotion and sustainable aviation fuel, over objections that it was a tax increase passed on to consumers. Finally, Substitute House Bill 2077, which taxes certain business activities related to zero-emission vehicle credits, passed 28-19 after an amendment to remove or narrow parts of the tax was rejected. Supporters said the measure would encourage spending of credits and support clean transportation goals, while opponents called it a targeted tax on Tesla and warned it could raise EV prices. The Senate then concurred in amended Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1293, a litter and plastic bag measure that increases litter penalties and keeps the planned bag-thickness increase from taking effect, and passed it 27-20. The Senate adjourned until April 27, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is dangerous material.
• This is dangerous material.
• And I'm wondering if, particularly if there is no hazardous material, if you will have something... .
• ..particularly if there is no hazardous material, if you will have something in there that you can waive
• Again, HAZWOPER training is utilized when there is a major disaster and toxic material.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 1312 by Senator Richardson on abandoned endowed-care cemeteries. Richardson described vandalism, theft, and neglect at abandoned cemeteries and said the bill would define abandonment, create a process for local governments to declare a cemetery abandoned, and allow the Bureau to act as conservator of endowment funds. Support came from Marin County, while county and special district groups opposed or had concerns, arguing the bill could shift burdens to local governments or public cemetery districts without enough safeguards. Members expressed general support but noted the need for further work; the bill was discussed but no final vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 758 by Senator Umberg, which would restrict retail sales of nitrous oxide to curb misuse. Supporters, including the League of California Cities, narcotic officers, counties, pediatricians, and other local governments and health groups, said easy access at smoke shops and convenience stores has fueled recreational abuse and health harms. There was no opposition testimony, and members voiced strong support for a statewide approach over city-by-city bans. The bill was well received, with the author closing in support. Dr. Weber-Pierson presented SB 1094, a health care affordability bill on biosimilars and biologic substitution. The bill would allow pharmacists to substitute biosimilars under certain conditions, require advance notice to providers and patients, and add reporting on savings; the author said amendments would strengthen provider notice and preserve the ability to mark prescriptions “do not substitute.” Supporters from health plans, insurers, pharmacies, labor, business, and some provider groups argued the bill would lower costs and expand access. Opponents, including dermatology and rheumatology groups and biotech interests, warned about non-medical switching, prior authorization delays, and patient harm. After extensive discussion, the committee voted 13-0 to pass SB 1094 to the Committee on Health. The committee also passed SB 849 by Dr. Weber-Pierson, which would bar reinstatement of physicians who surrendered their licenses while a sexual misconduct accusation was pending. The Medical Board and California Medical Association were generally supportive or neutral, and members praised the bill’s patient-protection focus. SB 993 by Senator Ochoa Bogh, which limits routine disclosure of identifying information for mental health professionals in correctional and psychiatric settings while preserving complaint processes, also passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 1002 by Senator Niello, extending the David Hall Act to allow certain patients in remission to continue telehealth care with out-of-state specialists, drew strong patient support but opposition from the Medical Board and CMA over licensure and oversight concerns; the committee voted it out on a split roll with some members not voting. Finally, SB 1263 by Senator McGuire, aimed at protecting wildfire survivors and workers by requiring licensed, trained contractors for post-disaster residential debris removal, received support from labor and the Contractors State License Board, with contractors raising a narrower amendment concern about scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• We couldn't stockpile the materials in anticipation of something like this.
• It makes more sense for them to stockpile these types of materials.
• We couldn't stockpile the materials materials materials in<00:14:57.279> anticipation<00:14:57.839
• <00:15:14.880> Um<00:15:16.079> but<00:15:16.639> their these types of materials
• Um but their these types of materials.

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• a reserve is for these sorts of situations, but I would not imagine this would have any sort of material
• I would not imagine this would have any sort of material impact, perhaps no impact.
• And my understanding is that those types of costs go into an actual replacement cost on the material.
• And my understanding is that those type of costs go into an actual replacement costs on the material.
• Well, I would imagine that the value of some materials from one year to a next, especially if there's

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Radioactive Hazardous Materials Interim Committee. of the Legislature.
• They consist of ash and flue gas desulfurization material.
• Boron was the highest in the fill wells, which are the mine material that was backfilled into the pits
• Cover material is measured, which the mine actively does as they place topsoil or top dressing material
• on top of the backfill material, and then ensuring that we can...

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's all about the source materials, the raw materials that are acquired, and many of these companies
• already test their source materials to make sure that they have low levels of these toxic elements.
• So I think what we've seen instead is that companies are being more intentional about their raw materials
• The motion is due pass as amended to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee.
• The motion is due pass as amended to the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee.

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, with extensive testimony on maternal health, prenatal safety, privacy, valley fever, Medi-Cal contracting, anti-discrimination protections, and health data sharing. SB 32 would require time-and-distance standards for labor and delivery units in health plan networks; the author and supporters said it would address maternity care deserts and improve access, while health plans opposed. SB 646 would require testing and public disclosure for toxic elements in prenatal vitamins; supporters emphasized fetal and maternal safety and transparency, while industry opponents warned it could confuse consumers or lead to reduced nutrient content. Both bills drew broad support from medical and public health groups, and both were advanced on party-line or near-unanimous votes after committee discussion. The committee also approved SB 313, which moves a parent’s birthplace on birth certificates into the confidential section to protect privacy, and SB 297, which directs CDPH to identify high-incidence valley fever regions and publish them for screening and awareness; valley fever experts and supporters stressed rising cases and the need for earlier diagnosis, while local health jurisdictions raised concerns about mandates. SB 324, dealing with Medi-Cal enhanced care management and community supports, would prioritize local community-based organizations and clarify contracting and data practices; it received strong support from nonprofits and community health advocates, with children’s hospitals and health plans seeking amendments, and it was sent forward after amendments were discussed. The committee then considered SB 418, which would codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and allow up to a 12-month prescription supply for hormone therapy when medically necessary. Supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care for transgender patients and others using hormone therapy, including IVF and menopause patients, while opponents argued it would conflict with federal policy and promote harmful treatments. The bill passed to the next committee. Finally, SB 660 would strengthen the California Health and Human Services data exchange framework by creating governance and accountability for data sharing across health and social service entities; supporters said it would reduce duplication and improve care coordination, while some providers and hospital groups raised concerns. It was approved and sent to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The consent calendar and the other measures were also voted out, with the committee recording the required roll-call votes and sending the bills onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reframing and promoting such books as diverse materials. They're about inclusion and fairness.
• <03:22:43.680> They're<03:22:44.000> about diverse materials.
• They're about diverse materials.
• Materials should not be prescribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Materials should not be issues.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The cost of land, the cost of labor, the cost of materials, inflation.
• , of labor, the cost of materials, of labor, the cost of materials, inflation.<00:23:15.919> So
• preempting high local building material preempting high local building material mandates<00:45:34.319
• You know the material they $190 a foot.
• don't sell me the material for a bigger don't sell me the material for a bigger house<01:09:31.679

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:15 Roll Call 00:00:45 Discussion of Pro-Growth Housing Policies 00:02:33 Adjournment 01:17:15, 958, all

Summary: The Housing Task Force 2.0 reconvened with several new members and heard a presentation from Kentucky Housing Corporation Executive Director Winston Miller and Deputy Executive Director Wendy Smith. They framed the task force’s work as a practical effort to address Kentucky’s housing shortage, update members on the current housing landscape, summarize existing state and federal resources, and suggest areas for the task force to focus on over the coming year. KHC said its 2024 housing supply gap analysis found Kentucky is short about 206,000 housing units, split roughly evenly between rental and homeownership, and projected the gap could grow to 287,000 units by 2029 if current trends continue. They emphasized that every county in Kentucky needs more housing, that the 2008 housing crisis and loss of construction capacity remain major causes of the shortage, and that current pressures include high interest rates, rising insurance and tax costs, construction cost inflation, and housing prices and rents growing faster than incomes. KHC also said homelessness has risen in Kentucky, with point-in-time counts showing double-digit increases in recent years. The presenters reviewed existing resources, including federal programs, the Kentucky Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the rural housing trust fund, KHC mortgage and down payment assistance programs, and the state mortgage interest deduction. They said these resources are important but insufficient to close the gap, and noted that a proposed federal FY2026 budget would cut HUD programs by 44%, potentially removing about $286 million from Kentucky housing resources, though no action has been taken yet. They urged the task force to consider stronger, more flexible tools such as a revolving loan fund, a state affordable housing tax credit, and economic development and employer-assisted housing incentives, and pointed to Indiana’s housing infrastructure and regional development funds as examples. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill misses an opportunity to explore safe and sustainable ways to recycle these materials, which
• <00:24:32.120> into continuing to put materials into continuing to put materials into landfills
• <00:25:11.320> um healthfully recycle the materials um healthfully recycle the materials um
• They will end up going into roads or other construction materials if allowed to be so-called recycled
• construction materials if allowed to<00:30:35.480> be<00:30:35.640> soall<00:30:36.279

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard several measures focused on water quality, waste management, aquifer protection, wastewater, and climate-related funding. SB 984 on water pollution drew opposition from DLNR and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, with the latter arguing the bill could unfairly blame landowners for runoff caused by terrain and storm events; the chair noted there were also supporters and commenters submitted in writing. SB 639 on underground storage tanks received support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and the Sierra Club, with testimony emphasizing environmental restoration standards after jet fuel releases; no opposition was noted in the live testimony. SB 946 on wastewater management was presented as clarifying that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters applies to treatment plants, and it drew support from the County of Maui, DOH, and Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, with no questions or opposition raised in the hearing. The committee also heard SB 438 on waste disposal facilities near significant aquifers. DOH and the Water Commission offered comments, while the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services opposed the bill because of a provision affecting ash recycling; the Board of Water Supply and Sierra Club supported the measure, and the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board and Energy Justice Network raised concerns about fly ash and bottom ash recycling, landfill capacity, and potential contamination of aquifers. Testimony reflected a split between environmental protection concerns and arguments that the bill could block beneficial reuse of ash. The committee then took up HB 1395 on state funds, which would direct interest from the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund to the general fund when the reserve exceeds the state’s target. The Governor’s office, emergency management, the State Energy Office, the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority, the Nature Conservancy, and several other groups supported the bill’s climate-resilience intent, while the Tax Foundation and committee discussion raised concerns that the measure functioned mainly as a revenue transfer without a dedicated spending mechanism. Members discussed whether a special fund or legislative appropriation process would better ensure the money was used for climate mitigation and related projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can't a few examples of just how we use painted materials to extend service life where we put a traffic
• The other thing we have in Florida as we have room, state materials office, we have our own research
• And that the materials testing lab. Are you are you all testing materials?
• We test steel trust test all materials.
• We continue to evaluate the type of material we use the type of material we couldn't with the heights

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you want to mess with CDPHE, remove more than 32 square feet of building material that likely has
• remove more than 32 square feet of remove more than 32 square feet of building<03:49:21.600> material
• that<03:49:22.399> likely<03:49:22.720> has<03:49:22.960> some building material
• that likely has some building material that likely has some form<03:49:23.439> of<03:49:23.600
• So that's materials, installation, plumbing adjustments, a total of $3,000.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a color guard presentation by Colorado Military Academy cadets and the pledge led by Olivia and Owen Curry. After roll call established a quorum, members approved the journal of Friday, March 6, 2026, as corrected. Several committees then announced upcoming hearings, including Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources; State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; and Finance. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1020, designating March 8, 2026, as International Women’s Day in Colorado. The resolution praised women’s contributions across history and society, highlighted Colorado’s early adoption of women’s suffrage, and recognized trailblazing women in the General Assembly. Sponsors and supporters spoke at length about women’s leadership, economic and civic contributions, and the need to continue advancing equality. The resolution also drew recognition of women and advocacy organizations present in the chamber. Representative Bradley and other Republican members criticized the resolution as partisan and said Republican women were not included in drafting or sponsoring it. They argued the measure should have been more inclusive and should have better reflected women’s roles in the home and the broader bipartisan history of women’s history observances. Bradley announced she would vote no. In response, Representative Ricks said an amendment would be accepted from the minority caucus to address concerns about traditional roles of women, and he moved Amendment L002 for consideration.