Transcript Highlights:

• 04.640> this breadth of the elements of these of this breadth of the elements of these of this test
• 05.440> been<00:21:05.560> mentioned<00:21:06.600> and<00:21:06.720> the test
• that have been mentioned and the test that have been mentioned and the definitions<00:21:07.520>
• And if that witness does not pass the test, it's over. Junk science doesn't come into evidence now.
• , if that witness does not pass the test, if that witness does not pass the test, it's<00:35:06.920

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 02:38 SB 178 Discussion 03:36 SB 178 Roll Call Vote 43:10 SCR 66 Discussion 47:55 SCR 66 Roll Call Vote 53:48, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up Senate Bill 178 by Senator Greg Elkins. Supporters, including representatives of the U.S. Chamber, Kentucky Chamber, Kentucky Chemistry Council, and Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, said the bill would require state environmental regulations to rely on the best available science, align with federal standards when applicable, and use technologically achievable requirements. They argued it would improve predictability for businesses, promote national uniformity, and increase public confidence in regulatory decisions. Senator Elkins and supporters also said the bill is aimed at several environmental and public health areas, including emergency response, solid waste, water quality, radiation/NORM, environmental permitting, and coal-related regulation. Committee members asked questions about what “best available science” means and whether the bill duplicates existing law. Supporters responded that it means reliable, unbiased, peer-reviewed, scientifically sound studies and that the bill is intended to reduce political influence in regulatory decisions. They also said similar measures had passed in Tennessee and Alabama. Some senators expressed concern that science is already political and asked for clarification on the bill’s scope. Opponents, including Audrey Ernsberger of the Kentucky Resources Council, research scientist Erin Haynes, and attorney Katherine Harcourt Rice, argued that SB 178 would sharply limit Kentucky’s ability to protect public health and the environment. They said the bill would prevent agencies from adopting stronger protections than federal minimums, create ambiguity and regulatory paralysis, and impose an overly restrictive scientific standard. They also objected to language requiring a direct causal link and manifest bodily harm, saying it would force agencies to wait until people are already sick before acting. Harcourt Rice argued the bill is duplicative of existing law and evidentiary rules. No final vote or other action on SB 178 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• On me to test.
• We remove an outdated tuberculosis testing mandate.
• Also you've had discussion about the tuberculosis testing that was often just very difficult for new
• We're waiting for tests to come in, and yet that letter goes out, they're already on the RTB list, and
• Thank you, we'll go ahead to the witness test. Thank you members.

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• we're going to get through the<00:10:37.720> list<00:10:37.880> of<00:10:38.000> test
• , you know, the air quality test, when we have fires and it comes down through Minnesota, is it noted
• when<00:36:24.200> you<00:36:24.440> take<00:36:24.640> your<00:36:24.960> tests
• you know the when you take your tests you know the air<00:36:26.960> quality<00:36:27.359>
• test air quality test air quality test when<00:36:29.160> we<00:36:29.319> have<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Any opposition or reservation to the recommendation to test this measure with amendments? No.
• Any opposition or reservation to the recommendation to test this measure with amendments? No.
• reservation any opposition or reservation recommendation<00:54:42.520> to<00:54:42.760> test
• 00:54:43.000> this<00:54:43.160> measure<00:54:43.480> with recommendation to test
• this measure with recommendation to test this measure with amendments<00:54:44.040> no<00:54:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: On the deferred agenda, the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs took up SB 1364, which makes emergency appropriations for law enforcement personnel costs, and SB 1452, which relates to the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. The chair recommended both measures pass with amendments, including technical corrections and a committee-report effective date of July 1, 2077. For SB 1364, the amendments included specified general fund and transfer fund amounts for DAGS, the Judiciary, and the Department of Law. For SB 1452, the chair said the bill was being corrected to fix a drug-name error that had been replicated from a federal mistake. Both recommendations were adopted by vote, with Senator Dort excused. The committee then discussed SB 1612, a joint measure on fitness to proceed that would require and appropriate funds for a five-year pilot program involving the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Health, with interim and final reports to the Legislature. Testimony was mixed: the Judiciary and Department of Health were supportive, while the Office of the Public Defender and the Disability Rights Center opposed it, arguing it conflicted with best practices and the Clark consent order, and that people found not fit to proceed must be sent to the state hospital. DCR said its main concern was that the bill would still require patients to be housed in its facilities, which it said are not rehabilitative and are already strained by staffing shortages and limited access. The bill’s author argued the proposal was meant to create joint custody and reduce the high cost of state-hospital placement, but the committee did not take final action in the portion provided. In the joint hearing with Health and Human Services, the committees heard SB 1322, a broad rewrite of the state mental health code. The Attorney General supported the measure as a comprehensive cleanup and modernization effort, but many testifiers raised concerns. Queen’s Health System and Hawaii Health Systems Corporation supported the concept but warned about emergency-room impacts and asked for amendments; IHS supported the bill with a caveat about assisted community treatment procedures; and the Public Defender, Disability Rights Center, and others opposed parts of it, citing due process, privacy, HIPAA, counsel rights, liability immunity, and the reduction of an involuntary-treatment panel from three clinicians to one psychiatrist. The hearing also covered SB 951 on child protection, where the Department of Defense supported the bill and proposed technical amendments and MOUs with military components to clarify reporting and coordination procedures; DHS and the Attorney General said they were still working through possible changes. Finally, SB 228 on excited delirium was heard, with the Public Defender and Disability Rights Center supporting the bill and arguing the term has been misused and that better police de-escalation training is the real solution.

Transcript Highlights:

• looking at the map itself, one of the things I believe they always look at, they give it the eyeball test
• predominantly Republican in nature... of the things I believe they always look at, they give it the eyeball test
• And I think that this really is a test of our...
• The intensity of this moment, and I think that this really is a test of our political character in the

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12, 2026, and focused primarily on Senate Bill 407, a congressional redistricting proposal, with Senate Bill 121 also scheduled for later. The chair explained the committee would first take up SB 407, consider amendments, then hear public testimony, and would not take up SB 116 or SB 130. Two amendment sets were adopted on SB 407: one technical set adjusting dates to align with the upcoming election cycle, and another updating the map in the bill. Committee members and the bill sponsor described the proposal as a 4-2 congressional map intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s CalA ruling, preserve traditional redistricting criteria, and avoid using race as the basis for district lines. Supporters of SB 407 argued the map was compact, contiguous, kept parishes and cities together, and created two opportunity districts without racial predominance. Several senators said the map better reflected Louisiana’s political and demographic realities and could withstand legal challenge under the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment. Testimony in support also emphasized fairness, representation, and the idea that the state should not move to a 5-1 map. Some speakers, including former legislators and community advocates, said the state should maintain or preserve two districts where Black voters and Democratic voters could elect candidates of choice. Opponents of the broader redistricting effort criticized the process as rushed and confusing, especially because early voting had already begun and the Secretary of State was not present to answer questions. Some speakers said the legislature had not been properly involved in the election suspension process and raised concerns about whether votes already cast would count if maps changed. Others argued the proposed changes were an attempt to dilute political power and disenfranchise voters, particularly Black, poor, and queer communities. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative, with this saying that this has to happen after each test, or each assessment that they're
• Multiple, multiple school administrators that did not know that the Lemon test was abandoned?
• want to say two, but for sure one I've talked with, that they're getting requests from parents to test
• for certain, do certain tests on the students.

Bills: HB4491, HB3240, HB4146, HB4158, HB4159, HB3718

Keywords: extracurricular activities, charter schools, student eligibility, virtual education, Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, prayer, religious freedom, public schools, consent, First Amendment, school policy, paid maternity leave, school employees, public health, childcare, work-life balance, education, family leave, tuition, grant

Transcript Highlights:

• Test check 12 mic test check 12. Bike test check 12, icke test check 12. Good from here too, yeah.

Bills: SB2108, SB2121, SB2171, SB2061, SB2112, SB2138

Keywords: feral swine, nuisance control, wildlife management, hunting permits, agriculture, cultivated meat, food safety, public health, misbranding, advertising, food labeling, food distribution, state regulations, hunting licenses, fishing licenses, veterans, controlled hunts, deer population, wildlife conservation, food policy

Transcript Highlights:

• That seems like what y'all are here for, um, is to test these things and to look at the pros and cons
• c> um<00:16:43.440> is<00:16:43.600> to<00:16:43.759> to<00:16:44.079> test
• <00:16:44.320> these<00:16:44.560> things here for. um is to to test these things here
• for. um is to to test these things and<00:16:44.959> to<00:16:45.199> look<00:16:45.360

Keywords: Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 3:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first organized by electing Senator McClendon as secretary and adopting the chairman’s rules, with reconsideration motions allowed to be disposed of the same day they are entered. A quorum was confirmed present. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2418, which would prohibit geoengineering in the state by defining it as the intentional injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals or other substances into the atmosphere to affect temperature or sunlight. The bill sponsor said it was intended to safeguard public health and noted he had received constituent concerns and photographs of alleged chemtrails. Senators raised questions and proposed amendments, including one to exempt research by IHL centers and another to clarify that ordinary agricultural pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide use would not be affected. The committee adopted the research amendment and rejected the agriculture amendment, then reported the bill out as amended. The committee next considered several Department of Environmental Quality bills. Senate Bill 2414 made cleanup changes to an advisory council by replacing a reference to the Mississippi Manufacturers Association with the Mississippi Business Alliance and adjusting the number of industry representatives; it was passed and reported. Senate Bill 2415 revised DEQ public hearing procedures to allow hearings in Hinds County, in the county or municipality where a permit is sought, or online, and removed a $10 water well permit fee; the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported the bill. Senate Bill 2760 removed a specific office reference in DEQ law to give the agency more flexibility in assigning staff and programs, and it was reported without opposition. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2761, described by DEQ as a modernization of the state’s lead-based paint program to align it with current and future federal law, similar to changes made last year for the asbestos program. That bill was reported out. The last measure, Senate Bill 2252, would authorize DEQ to consider permitting a commercial hazardous waste injection facility; the sponsor said the bill would only allow DEQ to evaluate and potentially permit such a facility, not require one, and that the agency remained neutral. After adopting a committee substitute, the committee voted to report the bill, and the meeting ended with a motion to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• so that the very limited dollars that we have in SHISGAP funding can then be used to identify and test
• They’ve been tested several years across the state. They’ve been deployed across the state.
• so that the very limited dollars that we have in SHISGAP funding can then be used to identify and test
• That tested several years across the state. They've been deployed across the state.

Summary: The committee heard presentations on domestic security and public safety priorities from Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison and Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Rebel. Sheriff Harrison outlined Florida Sheriffs Association priorities, including reclassifying xylazine as a Schedule I controlled substance with a veterinary-use exemption, expanding enforcement of pretrial release violations beyond domestic violence cases, providing tuition-waiver benefits for sheriff’s office personnel, advancing the Jason Rainer Act to increase penalties for violent offenses against law enforcement, extending sex-offender residency restrictions, improving access to mental-health-related databases, and continuing support for fusion centers and Florida model jail standards. Members asked questions about xylazine’s veterinary use, canine detection, and public records burdens on small agencies; no votes were taken on these items. Chief Rebel focused on the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s role in disaster response, officer training, and wellness. He described the association’s coordination through the state EOC and regional deployments during hurricanes, then emphasized officer suicide and the need for statewide wellness resources, peer support, and accessible behavioral health care for first responders. He also referenced prior PTSD benefits legislation and urged continued support for the PCIS program and other wellness initiatives. Committee members discussed related resources such as dispatcher support, the Restore program at UCF, hyperbaric chamber treatment for PTSD, and canine support organizations. On domestic security funding, Rebel said FPCA does not have a specific bill package but wants to preserve the Domestic Security Oversight Council and regional task forces, protect limited SHISGAP funding for new projects, and shift ongoing successful programs to state funding. He also supported fixing the long-gun carry loophole, continuing the Jason Rainer Act effort, allowing ethical law-enforcement use of AI with human review, addressing monetization of public records and body-camera footage, and maintaining the ability to investigate anonymous complaints. The committee adjourned after discussion; no formal action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• These tests detect over 60 genetic, metabolic, and congenital conditions that, if left untreated, could
• These tests detect over 60 genetic, metabolic, and congenital conditions that, if left untreated, could
• Within 18 months of a new test being added to our requirements, the department must be able to incorporate
• This means not only additional tests but also supplies, equipment, and contracted services necessary

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present to hear the constitutionally required Long-Range Financial Outlook and consider a series of budget amendments. Amy Baker of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research presented the outlook, describing Florida’s continued population growth, strong wage growth, an aging population, housing-market softening, and low consumer sentiment. She said the general revenue forecast was largely unchanged from March, but the state’s funds available had improved because of legislative actions in 2025 that increased the balance forward. She also noted strong reserves, a projected current-year Medicaid deficit of about $125 million, and a three-year outlook that remains positive in the first year but turns negative in years two and three. She highlighted the risk of co-occurring catastrophic events, using a normalized Great Miami Hurricane scenario to illustrate potential state losses. The outlook was adopted after brief comments from House and Senate members emphasizing fiscal restraint and efficiency. The commission then approved multiple budget amendments, mostly without objection. The Agency for Health Care Administration received amendments to realign funding for Florida KidCare based on estimating conference results, to provide $85 million in budget authority for disproportionate share hospital payments, and to adjust Medicaid and long-term care appropriations, including placing surplus funds into reserve. The Department of Health received $6.3 million in additional authority for newborn screening. The Department of Corrections and the Department of Management Services each received $2.2 million in Private Inmate Welfare Trust Fund authority for repair invoices and pending projects. The Department of State was authorized to release $2.5 million in nonrecurring general revenue for cultural and museum grants and America 250 commemorative grants. The Department of Transportation received approval for a project roll-forward and for work program changes, including advancing I-95 widening in Duval County and the I-4 corridor in Polk and Osceola counties. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• The products are tested for safety and health so that people don't get poisoned.
• It's not being tested the way, say, cannabis is. So you really don't even know what you're getting.
• There are requirements in AB 45, enacted four years ago, that require testing of hemp products.
• If it needs to be strengthened, let's talk about that, but not say that there's no testing happening.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several measures, including SB 402 by Senator Valadares, which would move existing qualification requirements for qualified autism service providers and related professionals from the Health and Safety Code and Insurance Code into the Business and Professions Code without changing the standards. Supporters said it was a technical cleanup that would improve consistency and legislative oversight, while an opponent argued the bill was unnecessary and could create access issues; another witness urged inclusion of the QABA credentialing board. The committee approved SB 402 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health. The committee also heard SB 378 by Senator Wiener, aimed at online platforms that facilitate sales of illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp products. Supporters, including labor, local government, and cannabis industry representatives, said the bill would help protect consumers, minors, legal businesses, and tax revenue by creating accountability for online marketplaces. Opponents from the hemp industry and TechNet argued the bill was overly broad, could sweep in legitimate platforms and payment services, and should better distinguish bad actors from compliant hemp businesses; members discussed implementation, enforcement through a private right of action, and coordination with AB 8. The committee passed SB 378 to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. Senator Arreguín presented SB 779, which would establish minimum enforcement fines for Contractors State License Board citations where minimums are currently very low or absent, and would raise the board’s reserve cap from six months to 12 months. The sponsor said the changes would better match penalties to violations and help support consumer protection and board operations during economic downturns. There was no opposition, and the committee approved SB 779 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, which included SB 344 and AB 652, both sent to Appropriations. SB 508 was not heard because it had been pulled by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also did something to make sure that we have more testing capacity, which will be important as the
• The bill got marginally better, and it brings us one step closer to having a safe, tested, and legal
• And tested market thanks to this bill, so I'd urge support.
• This bill moves us closer to a legal, safe, and tested market.

Transcript Highlights:

• of ocular anatomy, a year of pathology, systemic and ocular pharmacology, clinical medicine, lab testing
• 52.639> lab pharmarmacology, clinical medicine, lab pharmarmacology, clinical medicine, lab testing
• > and<00:12:53.519> extensive<00:12:54.000> training<00:12:54.240> in testing
• , and extensive training in testing, and extensive training in athamoscopy,<00:12:55.600> slitlamp

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I live right next to the shooting range and, you know, unfortunately, multiple tests from Surf Rider
• know, unfortunately uh you<00:02:32.560> know,<00:02:32.720> multiple<00:02:33.200> tests
• <00:02:33.599> from<00:02:33.920> Surf<00:02:34.239> Rider you know, multiple tests
• from Surf Rider you know, multiple tests from Surf Rider to<00:02:35.120> the<00:02:35.280>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, Agriculture, and Environment hearing first took up HTR 28, which would reconvene the working group created under House Resolution 18 to continue addressing water and air contamination and remediation issues tied to the Pua Range Training Facility. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers describing long-standing community concern and alleged lead contamination near the shooting range and nearby beach areas. One testifier urged passage as a critical mechanism for protecting the community. The committees then voted to recommend passage of HTR 28 as is, and the motion was adopted. The committees next considered HCR 25 HD1, asking the Department of Agriculture to add a statement on desecration laws to the plant and animal declaration form, and HCR 200, concerning the Maui axis deer control and venison initiative. The Department of Agriculture and DLNR offered comments on HCR 25 HD1, and HCR 200 drew support from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and others, who said axis deer pose economic and environmental threats. Both measures were advanced with technical amendments, and both recommendations were adopted. The hearing then moved to HCR 27, which asks Hawaii’s congressional delegation to petition USDA to address disparities affecting Hawaii’s agricultural exports, and HCR 42 HD1, encouraging each county to develop its own biosecurity plan. The Department of Agriculture supported HCR 27, and testimony on HCR 42 HD1 emphasized county-level invasive species prevention, the need for local biosecurity planning, and gaps in state and county authority over noxious weeds and invasive plants. After a brief recess to regain quorum, both committees voted to pass HCR 27 with technical amendments and HCR 42 HD1 as is; all motions were adopted and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are other changes to the Medi-Cal program, such as the asset limit test—we removed that—and so
• disabilities were subject to a lower-income eligibility threshold and were the only ones subject to an asset test
• disabilities were subject to a lower-income eligibility threshold and were the only one subject to an asset test
• . to a lower income eligibility threshold and we're the only one subject to an asset test.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on SB 100/AB 100, the early action budget bills, with a focus on Medi-Cal funding, wildfire recovery, and several smaller budget adjustments. The Department of Finance explained that the bill would add $2.8 billion General Fund and $8.3 billion federal funds for Medi-Cal, along with other items including wildfire-related local assistance for Los Angeles County, property tax backfills for fire-damaged local agencies, Cal OES wildfire monitoring authority, nonprofit security grants, the Property Tax Postponement Fund, FARMER and Clean Cars for All funding, foster family home insurance claims, Proposition 98 technical assistance for LA wildfire-impacted schools, teacher credentialing authority, and Proposition 4 climate bond appropriations for wildfire and forest resilience projects. Much of the member discussion centered on rising Medi-Cal costs, the recent $3.4 billion cash-flow loan, and whether the new appropriation would cover payments through June. Finance said the new funds were for program costs and cash flow, not repayment of the loan, and that no additional loan authority remained. Members also debated the causes of higher Medi-Cal spending, including expanded eligibility, higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, and federal policy changes. The LAO noted that forecasting errors are not unusual but that current revisions are somewhat higher than typical, though not unprecedented. Several members emphasized that Medi-Cal supports access to care and hospital stability, while others raised concerns about sustainability and future federal cuts. Public commenters largely supported the bill, especially the Medi-Cal funding and wildfire-related provisions. Health and labor advocates argued that the program is functioning as intended by covering more low-income Californians and preventing uncompensated care. Representatives of special districts and the Altadena Library District supported the property tax backfill provisions tied to the Eaton fire. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting that the committee would adjourn for floor session and that the Assembly would vote on one of the early action bills later that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I had to have some additional tests.
• But I had to have some additional tests. But I had to have some additional tests.
• results, including genetic marker testing.
• Cancer test results and genetic marker testing are held up to 72 hours.
• 15.119> marker<02:11:15.520> testing test results and genetic marker testing test results

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and received a series of committee and conference committee reports. Committee reports advanced several bills, including House Bill 106 from Education; House Bills 1312 and 1322 from Judiciary; Senate Bill 172 from Transportation and Energy; and a large group of bills from Appropriations, many of which were sent to the Committee of the Whole, some placed on the consent calendar. The chamber also received a conference committee report on House Bill 1410, the state budget bill, which was later taken up for repassage. A special order consent calendar was then considered and adopted, advancing Senate Bills 154, 156, and 157. Those bills were described as dealing with Colorado Channel Authority Board appointments, State Workforce Development Council practices, and abandonment of a town with critical water infrastructure. The Committee of the Whole report on those bills was adopted, and they were ordered engrossed and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The Senate also adopted the first conference committee report on House Bill 1411, which concerns health insurance benefits for certain low-income individuals who are ineligible for medical assistance due to immigration status and adjusts appropriations. The report was adopted 34-0, and the bill was repassed 32-2. House Bill 1410, the long bill, was then adopted from conference committee and repassed after extended debate on funding for the ID community and related developmental disability and transition funding; the final repassage vote was 23-11. During debate, senators discussed the difficulty of the budget decisions and the need to revisit the issue with better information in the interim. Later, the Senate considered Senate Bills 17, 45, and 91 in Committee of the Whole. SB 17, concerning out-of-network health care dispute resolution, received committee amendments and was adopted. SB 45, concerning workforce development opportunities in Colorado’s nuclear sector, was amended to include a one-year sunset if funding is not raised for the School of Mines program, then adopted. SB 91, concerning exclusion of certain printed news deliverers from employee definitions in labor and employment law, drew debate: supporters said it would help preserve local newspapers and independent contractor delivery models, while opponents argued it would weaken worker protections and favor large newspaper owners. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on SB 91.

Transcript Highlights:

• our and uh just to kind of stress test our findings<00:21:24.159> and<00:21:24.480> look
• procure as much solar and really test procure as much solar and really test the<01:44:26.239>
• Um, I don't think it's ever been tested. >> You know, one thing that we were just discussing the other
• ,<01:51:08.800> sensitivity<01:51:09.360> testing different testing, sensitivity testing
• different testing, sensitivity testing around<01:51:09.920> what<01:51:10.159> that<01

Bills: SCR48, SCR28, SCR74, SCR62, SCR60, SCR89, SCR147, SCR179, SCR182, SCR59, SCR54, SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Transcript Highlights:

• In '93, I had to take a state test to be a paid firefighter for the city.
• They didn't take a state test.
• Are blocks of data that can be used to be able to test the model.
• I will remind people it's a multiple choice, multi-tested, multi-faceted.
• There is no such requirement for a test.

Keywords: flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some programs it's ad hoc, but the test for that audit is available in June or July of every year.
• Some programs it's ad hoc, but the test Some programs it's ad hoc, but the test for<00:51:29.599
• So those findings where we're talking about doing those testings in advance aren't represented here.
• doing those testings in advance aren't<00:54:43.760> represented<00:54:44.400> here.
• Now, we don't had tested high for lead.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with DHS Chief Financial Officer Nathan White to receive an update on the department’s budget lapse and vacancy rates. White explained the difference between the “back-of-the-budget” reduction and lapse assumptions, saying DHS is facing a current biennium reduction of about $23 million and estimating roughly a $60 million general fund lapse in state fiscal year 2025, compared with about $13.5 million the prior year. He said DHS’s lapse is driven largely by program utilization, labor market conditions, contract spending, and statutory carry-forwards in areas such as Medicaid and developmental disabilities, which tend to produce a smaller lapse in the first year of the biennium and a larger one in the second year. He also noted that the House and Senate budgets differ on some operating items, including Medicaid rates, with the Senate having struck a House proposal to reduce rates by 3%. Members questioned White about whether DHS ever spends down lapse money on last-minute purchases. He said the department does not engage in that practice, though it does retain some flexibility in its facilities budget for emergencies. He also described the process for transferring funds within and between class lines, including the need for fiscal committee approval above statutory thresholds, and gave examples such as moving funds to cover overtime in the SYSC budget and to ensure Medicaid payments for nursing facilities. White said such transfers are public and transparent and are reviewed by the governor and Executive Council. The committee then discussed DHS staffing. White said the department has a little over 3,200 authorized positions, with a vacancy rate around 14.5%, and that a hiring freeze had been imposed a few months earlier while exempting direct care positions. He said DHS is planning for about a $30 million general fund reduction to personnel, equivalent to just under 400 positions, and is managing postings centrally to stay within budget by July 1. In response to questions about the loss of about $80 million in federal funds, White and Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly said DHS avoided layoffs by shifting staff into vacant positions, but that the cuts affected community contracts, public health workers, laboratory work, and some IT/data projects. Tilly said roughly 20 positions were affected, most were reassigned, a few staff left voluntarily, and the department has less flexibility going forward if more federal funding ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they felt that when GFCI manufacturers have sufficiently tested and stopped nuisance tripping, the
• And they felt that when GFCI manufacturers have sufficiently tested and stopped nuisance tripping, the
• It's not really a rule thing, but how deep do your test testing ...rule thing, but how deep do your test
• testing go into the ground?

Summary: The Administrative Rules Committee met on June 11 and first approved the March 12, 2026 minutes by voice vote. It then granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rules tied to recent legislation, including North Dakota’s participation in the physician assistant licensure compact and a new physician nutrition continuing education requirement. The Board said it was waiting on compact rules and fee information before finalizing its own changes. The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the Office of Management and Budget on broad personnel rule revisions, including salary administration, recruitment, leave, sick leave, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR language and implement recent legislation such as enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions and new hire leave. Members questioned the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but OMB and counsel said those standards come from statute, not the rules. The committee also heard and accepted rule packages from the Lottery, the Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, the State Electrical Board, the Industrial Commission, PERS, and Health and Human Services, with each agency describing mostly technical, clarifying, or statutory-conforming changes and noting the public notice and comment process. The most significant action came during the Gaming Commission rules presentation. After questioning whether the commission had authority to raise the poker tournament buy-in limit from $300 to $1,500, members moved to void Section 99-01.3-09-01 on the ground that the agency lacked statutory authority for that change. The motion passed on a roll call vote. The committee also discussed several gaming-related issues, including online raffles, kiosk use, advertising restrictions, and the broader policy question of whether charities should be allowed to own bars, but took no further formal action on those topics.