Transcript Highlights:

• Four years ago, and just two quick points here: District 33 borders, in fact, are substantially different
• they get their back pay from the Army or they change their address, or need to get their social security
• You can't have any empathy for a senior who's losing their Medicare or Social Security because of the
• If you've dealt with a Social Security case, sometimes they go on for years, the appeals.
• It's up in the northern part of the district, bordering Oklahoma.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, uh, I feel strongly that in this country we need more power generation and for national security
• reasons as well as for national security reasons as well as other<00:11:14.120> reasons.
• Our plan involves purchasing or building dispatchable generation within the borders of Kentucky.
• c><00:14:44.560> the dispatchable generation within the dispatchable generation within the borders
• borders of Kentucky. borders of Kentucky.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:28 Introduction of Guests 00:02:08 American Electric Power and Kentucky Power Presentation 00:03:31 SB 89 Discussion 00:53:55 SB 89 Roll Call Vote 01:07:46, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for an initial natural resources hearing with a quorum present and introductory housekeeping, including prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests. Chair Smith outlined ground rules for questions and then invited Kentucky Power and American Electric Power representatives to the table to discuss a proposed plan involving the Mitchell Power Plant and future generation needs in Eastern Kentucky. Witnesses Cindy Wiseman, Alex Vaughn, and AEP CEO Bill Fehrman said the company’s goals are to stabilize and lower rates, reduce rate volatility, and expand generation in the Commonwealth. They explained that Kentucky Power seeks legislative authority to securitize its 50% interest in the Mitchell coal plant, describing securitization as a refinancing mechanism that would lower annual plant costs by about $34 million and help offset roughly one-third of the expected cost of adding new generation in Kentucky. They emphasized that the proposal is not intended to close Mitchell, and said Kentucky Power currently has no plan to divest its interest; the company still needs the plant to serve customers while it pursues additional dispatchable generation in Kentucky. Members pressed the witnesses on the plant’s book value versus fair market value, whether the Mitchell interest had ever been assigned a nominal value, how any divestiture proceeds would be handled, whether Kentucky Power owns Wheeling Power, and how long Mitchell can continue operating. The company said it values Mitchell at net book value for accounting purposes, not fair market value, and explained that Wheeling Power is a separate AEP affiliate and that West Virginia affiliates have already proposed securitization of their share. Witnesses said Kentucky Power’s interest cannot technically operate past 2028 without additional environmental control investment, while the West Virginia side is depreciating through 2040. They also described the financing timeline, saying securitization would require enactment of legislation, a PSC financing order, bond issuance, and then parallel work to acquire or build new generation, with any reinvestment terms to be addressed through the regulatory process.

Transcript Highlights:

• make our schools safe and secure. make our schools safe and secure.
• The data itself is stored within a secure warehouse.
• They're really stored within one particular secure location.
• one particular secure location. one particular secure location.
• <04:42:25.440> alone ERP or cyber security alone ERP or cyber security alone transportation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sergeant-at-Arms, will please secure the chamber doors. Members, please take your seats.
• potential community benefits associated with the project in the immediate surrounding neighborhoods that border
• potential community benefits associated with the project in the immediate surrounding neighborhoods that border
• <00:19:18.560> the<00:19:18.960> state neighborhoods that border the state neighborhoods
• that border the state center<00:19:19.640> and<00:19:20.400> facilitate<00:19:20.960><

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on Monday, March 16th, with an invocation focused on safety during storms, support for first responders, and recognition of Women’s History Month. A quorum was present, and the President noted the chamber was preparing for a very busy week, with possible double sessions and a Saturday session if needed. The House message on House Bill 297, concerning adult education and high school diploma pathways, was received and referred to the appropriate standing committees. The chamber then took up several committee reports, mostly adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the bills advanced to third reading were SB 85 on use of Information Technology Investment Fund revenues, SB 520 on public safety spending flexibility in charter counties, SB 558 creating a Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program, SB 641 on procurement exceptions for historic preservation services, SB 647 establishing a catastrophic disability benefit tier for certain law enforcement retirement members, SB 654 raising the State Police mandatory retirement age to 62 and adjusting DROP rules, and SB 668 on Children’s Cabinet funding for local management boards. SB 756, a Baltimore City PILOT/tax exemption bill for a Downtown Rise District project, was also advanced. Several bills were special ordered to allow time for amendments or further discussion. SB 334 on machine gun convertible pistols was special ordered to the next day after members said amendments were not ready. SB 309, concerning a statewide sales and use tax exemption for precious metal bullion or coins, was also special ordered for the next day so members could add co-sponsors. SB 818 on State Center development contract requirements and an advisory group was special ordered to the appropriate time the next day after discussion of its community input and federal-law compliance provisions. The Budget and Taxation Committee then reported on the fiscal 2027 operating budget, SB 282, and the budget reconciliation and financing act, SB 284. The committee chair said the budget left a $250 million cash surplus and $2.2 billion in the rainy day fund, kept general fund spending below the current year, imposed no tax or fee increases, and funded priorities including behavioral health in schools, child care scholarships, local government disparity grants, nursing homes, developmental disabilities services, public schools, Medicaid, energy assistance, and economic development. Both SB 282 and SB 284, along with their committee amendments, were laid over until the next day for second reading debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Out of those conversations, we have now secured a memorandum of understanding, an agreement between New
• Out of those conversations, we have now secured a memorandum of understanding an agreement between New
• The Border Authority is a similar one.
• The Border Authority helps build and invest in capital projects, supporting border communities and international
• way to go to ensure that every New Mexican is able to take advantage of these pathways to economic security

Summary: The committee first recognized Mark Roper of the Economic Development Department for his long service and retirement, with members and the secretary praising his work on economic development across the state. Secretary Rob Black then presented EDD’s budget and special appropriation requests, describing strong recent job and income growth and outlining the department’s strategy around science and technology, site readiness, workforce development, foreign direct investment, and rural/community programs. He highlighted wins in advanced energy, quantum, space and defense, and biosciences, and asked for funding for quantum/DARPA matching funds, additional site readiness work, LIDA closing funds, JTIP training support, New Mexico Partnership, and healthy foods and other community programs. Members asked detailed questions about the quantum proposal, site readiness, the new mapping tool for industrial sites, workforce participation, trade missions, foreign investment, tariffs, water and produced water, tribal site evaluation, and public engagement on major projects. Black said the quantum request was intended to match federal dollars and build a workforce pipeline, that the site-readiness software would be a set enterprise license, and that the department was working with tribes and local partners on future site evaluations. He also said tariffs have created uncertainty but New Mexico’s infrastructure and foreign trade zones could help attract manufacturing, and he acknowledged concerns about transparency and community input while noting that some projects, such as Pacific Fusion, had gone through extensive public processes. The committee also discussed specific projects and funding balances, including Mantis Space’s move to Albuquerque, the status of Virgin Galactic’s spaceport lease, and the current LIDA fund balance and encumbrances. Black and Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero said the department was trying to use State Investment Council-backed venture funds to attract companies and that the new investments were already producing deals and jobs. Members generally supported the department’s direction but pressed for more targeted expertise, faster deployment, and stronger community involvement in future economic development decisions. Later, Secretary de Blassie of the Department of Health presented the department’s budget request and progress report. He said DOH had improved revenue cycle management, reduced old Medicaid-pending cases, increased census at facilities, improved budget and contract timeliness, and responded effectively to the measles outbreak. The department requested additional base funding for epidemiology and response, the DOH helpline, the Vital Records Virtual Vault, state labs, and the veterans home, along with special requests for respiratory vaccinations and marketing and lab equipment replacement. He also noted progress on MOUD and the medical psilocybin program, and said the department was not seeking to launch new programs given the limited time left in the administration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, better for smoke and, uh, and implement new practices when it comes to securing their lines.
• We have aircraft in France that are operated by the French Security civilization.
• drop, and then they go, go, go, and then they're, then they're back to Canadian or or Dumas or or border
• Uh, in the middle of the pink, there's a little dark spot on the border. Are you with me? I am.
• It's just the borders around the project area units and so in some cases they're so close.

Transcript Highlights:

• the utility companies to better look for smoke and and implement new practices when it comes to securing
• We have aircraft in France that are operated by the French Security Civil Order. organization.
• The French Fly for the French Security Seville in Saskatchewan just purchased two of those multi-roofs
• In the middle of the pink, there's a little dark spot on the border, are you with me? me? I am.
• It's just the borders around the project area units.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And of course our border state tuition initiatives, and again this is a program that we've done where
• we apply scholarships to bring students from our border states into the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
• we've used and of course our border we've used and of course our border state<00:09:01.200> tuition
• state uh into the from our border state uh into the Commonwealth<00:09:08.720> of<00:09:08.880
• program in the on the cyber security program in the state. state. state.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a full quorum and approved the prior minutes. Members offered introductions of guests and family members, then heard a presentation from University of Louisville President Thomas Jared Bradley, who was sworn in before testifying. He described his background and outlined U of L’s strategic priorities: student success, access and affordability, workforce development, community engagement, and research. Bradley highlighted enrollment growth, increases in first-generation and Pell-eligible students, strong transfer pathways with KCTCS, and support programs such as the Cardinal Commitment Grant, 15-to-Finish, Comeback Cards, tutoring, mentoring, and mental health services. Bradley also emphasized U of L’s statewide and regional impact through UofL Health, rural outreach, the Bullitt County rural cancer education and research center, nursing expansion, and the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. He noted major institutional distinctions, including R1 status, a new Carnegie Opportunity College and University designation, and community-engaged classification. He said the university is one of only 10 public universities nationwide with all three designations and reported record enrollment, improved retention, and strong research expenditures. He also thanked lawmakers for significant capital and operating support, including funding for the simulation center, health science center, asset preservation, and the MEP program. During questions, members praised the university’s public service role and asked about first-generation enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes. Bradley said the university is working to improve completion by expanding academic support, early alerts, incentives for tutoring, and faculty/advisor mentoring, especially for first-generation and high-need students. He acknowledged that post-graduation employment data is difficult to collect but said the new Carnegie classification reflects positive outcomes. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and no formal actions were taken on legislation in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• while prioritizing the safety of Texas families and visitors who trust these facilities to provide secure
• the reason for the, the decision we made to draft the bill the way we did was strictly national security
• On national security issues, that was, that was the whole point I went down this road.
• We had the Border Patrol with their Bar attack and their search and rescue on their federal radio systems
• ensure that we have the needed transparency, but when you're talking about a matter of national security

Bills: HB1, HB 2, HB18, HB19, HB20

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Transcript Highlights:

• and the only self-service Hennepin County Library branch used daily by residents well beyond our borders
• and the only self-service Hennepin County Library branch used daily by residents well beyond our borders
• size, our impact does Shane Mickelson: Square mile in size, our impact does extend far beyond our borders
• that we really Northfield's border that we really service<01:58:57.280> the<01:58:57.599>
• 02:17:01.760> and Maplewood borders nine communities and Maplewood borders nine communities and

Transcript Highlights:

• I just find it interesting that this state spends billions of dollars in border security, trying to mitigate
• , or our maximum security unit wait list.
• And I know El Paso, we're getting some maximum security. Okay.
• And I know El Paso, we're getting some maximum security.
• We've been trying to keep those drugs from coming across the border.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to make sure that third parties do not get access to sensitive data, information such as social security
• This bill helps protect the sensitive data that our county governments are processing, like social security
• If one county can then go next door and provide those security services outside of a county, then you've
• County jails often rely on mandatory overtime to maintain the security of their facilities.
• The third function that we're responsible for is the safety and security of the courthouse complexes.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other agencies have considered allowing alternate forms of performance securities such as a parent company
• , have considered allowing alternate forms of performance security, such as a parent company guarantee
• geo-fenced areas associated with ports and terminals, and geofencing really just means drawing a border
• to border.
• planning partnership between WSDOT and ODOT, working with the Federal Railroad Administration to secure

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm still at HPU in diplomacy and global security now for my graduate degree.
• now<00:19:12.000> my<00:19:12.240> graduate<00:19:13.039> degree global security
• now my graduate degree global security now my graduate degree but<00:19:14.320> uh<00:19:14.559
• > region<00:49:11.400> um<00:49:12.400> and<00:49:12.559> one minutes of border
• region um and one minutes of border region um and one thing<00:49:12.800> that<00:49:13.040><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 96, which encourages the University of Hawaiʻi to evaluate and expand student mental health services. University of Hawaiʻi Associate Vice President Farah Marie Gomes testified in support and noted the system’s mental health and basic-needs efforts across all 10 campuses. Members discussed staffing and funding constraints, including that the system had 27 adult mental health positions, 21 filled and six vacant, with one vacancy open for about four years. The resolution was adopted unanimously, unamended. The committee then took up several gubernatorial appointments. GM 785 nominated Wendo Hensel to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), and GM 784 nominated Terry George to the same body. Both nominees testified about the value of Hawaiʻi’s participation in WICHE; Hensel emphasized the importance of sharing policy ideas and best practices, while George highlighted Hawaiʻi’s unique higher education needs and the benefits of learning from other western states. Both nominations were supported and moved forward. The committee also considered multiple appointments to the Hawaiʻi Commission for National and Community Service. Kylie Alakard described wanting to serve as a youth voice and role model, and Ray Galas spoke about his prior volunteer board experience and desire to help people connect through service. Sandra Larson said volunteerism and community service were important to her and that she wanted to give back. The committee then heard GM 771 and GM 772 for Ken Kawahara to the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi; Kawahara said he would bring business and government experience to help with internal operations, education, and strategic goals, though he acknowledged he was still learning the organization’s details. Members also began hearing GM 624 for Joshua Famuina to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, with student caucus testimony in strong support emphasizing his attendance, communication, and engagement with students.

Transcript Highlights:

• commemorates the Battle of Puebla, where the Mexican Army, against overwhelming odds, stood firmly and secured
• a victory that echoes Overwhelming odds, stood firmly and secured a victory that echoed far beyond the
• million Afro-Mexicans whose heritage continues to influence and strengthen communities across the border
• million Afro-Mexicans whose heritage continues to influence and strengthen communities across the border

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor recognitions. Members welcomed the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and honored its leadership and civic service, including wildfire recovery work and local chapter anniversaries. The body also recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, with remarks tied to Cinco de Mayo and Latino resilience, followed by a series of resolutions and guest introductions. Several resolutions were adopted, including SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week, SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 recognizing California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 designating Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and remarks emphasized cultural heritage, shared struggles for justice, veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement sacrifice, and persistent racial health disparities. Most resolutions passed by unanimous roll call votes. The Senate also confirmed multiple Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, including Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson. Senators Grove and others voiced protest over CDCR appointments, arguing for consideration of Frank Silva, but the confirmations still passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber then approved several bills, including SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public meetings, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 expanding tied-house advertising rules for winery instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader and UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong and recognition of his family and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• immigrants, which has been such a discussion and has polarized our country, and people crossing a border
• We don't have borders or walls on our cities.
• evolution of a proven program by including additional provisions about how we promote and measure and secure
• homelessness, habitability, and other really serious causes that are affecting folks' ability to secure

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills and moved most of them forward. SB 655 (Stern) would establish a state policy that residential units should be able to maintain a safe maximum indoor temperature, with supporters citing extreme heat deaths and the need for statewide guidance. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific temperature standard and possible impacts on the electric grid, but the bill passed the committee 8-0 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 634 (Perez), which would bar state and local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances that punish people or organizations for providing basic survival services to unhoused people. Supporters, including people with lived experience and homelessness advocates, argued that criminalizing food, water, blankets, and outreach prolongs homelessness and harms vulnerable residents; opponents from some cities and counties warned about limits on local control. The bill passed 8-2. SB 772 (Cabaldon) would continue and expand the Infill Infrastructure Grant Program by better supporting walkability, transit, and climate-resilient infrastructure for infill housing; it passed 8-0. The committee also considered SB 838 (Dutraslo/DeRazzo), which would keep the Housing Accountability Act focused on housing by excluding transient lodging from housing streamlining protections. Supporters said some developers have used housing laws to fast-track hotel projects instead of homes, while opponents worried the bill could be too broad and limit mixed-use financing. After discussion about possible clarifying amendments, the bill passed 8-2 to Local Government. Several consent items—SB 484, SB 489, SB 686, and SB 724—also passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• earning industry certifications, uh, being compliant in district accountability, A through F ratings, securing
• like you've got a number of states that are contemplating similar legislation, which again means our borders
• I don't know, uh, specifically what those products are or what the changes are across those borders,
• It's mentioned in the Social Security Act.

Bills: HB25, HB38

Keywords: ivermectin, pharmacist authority, prescription-free, healthcare regulation, patient access, interest rate, ad valorem taxes, homesteads, property tax, tax deferral

Transcript Highlights:

• Our primary mission is to provide investment returns to support the retirement security of over 850,000
• , areas of capital markets, securities, funds,<00:23:55.520> trusts,<00:23:56.080> foundations
• Bloomshine, I know you had mentioned the 50/50 mix between securities and the S&P 500 and then bonds,
• <01:15:00.640> So, properties on within their borders.
• So, properties on within their borders.

Bills: HF3900

Keywords: permanent school fund, school endowment fund, Minnesota constitutional amendment, school aid, public school funding, State Board of Investment, investment income, distributable amount, school districts, property taxes, income taxes, voter approval, ballot question, constitutional amendment 2026, education finance, fund perpetuity, purchasing power, trust lands, swamp lands, internal improvement land fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we working in right now, we're very much focused in the area of national security.
• And also, we're trying to secure a SCIF. We have a history of... Dr.
• So 40% from West Texas, 30% from border counties.
• Nowhere is this urgent need for modern, secure, and technologically advanced facilities more pressing
• Impacting campus security, cyber security in very significant ways.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the red border indicates where we're currently at in time with the three-month window that we anticipate
• So the red border indicates where we're currently at in time with the three-month window that we anticipate
• the other four projects for Estancia Albuquerque and Hatch, again also highlighted within that red border
• You'll see a significant shift in Albuquerque and Hatch, again also highlighted within that red border
• One is Mount Naird, which hasn't yet secured about in a moment in more detail.