Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:10:31.040> as<01:10:31.199> clear<01:10:31.360> and<01:10:31.600> explicit
• <01:10:32.000> as the law was not as clear and explicit as the law was not as clear and explicit

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [No audible transcript content.] [No audible transcript content.] [No audible transcript content.]
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• [No audible transcript content.] Good morning. We are a bit late because of technical difficulties.
• <05:26:48.440> and to the breadth of the content and to the breadth of the content and information

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up HB 297 with a non-germane amendment proposed by the Insurance Department to create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Commissioner DJ Beton explained that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce rising insurance premiums and avoid surplus lines coverage by funding proactive home and property improvements such as roof fortification, exterior and foundation work, flood protection, and tree removal. He said the proposal was developed after leadership asked for more statutory detail and for the idea to be vetted through policy committees rather than handled only in the budget process. Beton said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. He described the program as modeled on similar efforts in other states, with means testing tied to the Department of Energy’s weatherization/home heating assistance criteria. He also said the department would administer the program using one existing staff position, with coordination through Treasury, and that unspent funds would roll over for several years before reverting to the general fund. Members asked about the unusual use of a non-germane amendment and how the bill would be handled procedurally, since the underlying bill and the new insurance proposal were unrelated. The chair explained that the amendment was being used as a vehicle to move the department’s proposal through the committee process and that the committee could later accept one part, both parts, or neither. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting shown; the discussion ended with questions about administration, staffing, and the relationship between the underlying bill and the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• estimation technology, are designed to understand what a user wants to see and to push additional related content
• I'm the vice president of government affairs at NetChoice, and we respectfully oppose amending the contents
• We respectfully oppose amending the contents of SF 4696 into SF 4997.
• I just wanted to, in response to some of the testifiers, emphasize this is content neutral.
• So it is content neutral, and I think that does distinguish it from other things that people might be

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state of Colorado, which is one of the only states that has true disclosure laws for the chemical contents
• people say it's transparency, but how can we say that when even the industry does not disclose the contents
• It has to have these contents in it, and something that is scientific evidence that would deem it safe
• While we have adopted an amendment for this bill, the content and the comments I have, I think, remain
• And fundamentally, I wasn't opposed to what was presented as the content for the new petition.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• specific thing, uh, since you're talking about how to roll this uniform standards out, since web content
• 15.920> and<00:54:16.079> 2016 You might, your group might consider applying that to the content
• applying<00:54:53.200> that<00:54:53.680> to<00:54:53.920> the<00:54:54.079> content
• consider applying that to the content consider applying that to the content for<00:54:54.640>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Budget Caucus Public Commission met with a quorum present, approved the September 3, 2025 minutes, and then heard a presentation from Legislative Budget Office Director Christian Larson on proposed updates to the fiscal note uniform standards and procedures. The main changes clarified that agencies must still complete a fiscal note when a bill or section cannot be implemented because of federal law, with the note explaining the implementation issue and costing only the portions that can be implemented. A second change said technical comments about possible future litigation may be included in the narrative but not in the cost tables. Members discussed how these rules would apply when only part of a bill is unimplementable versus when an entire bill is, and whether requiring a note in those cases is the best use of agency time. The commission also approved a new procedure on funding-source assumptions for expanded programs, including assuming the current funding source unless the bill says otherwise and defaulting to the general fund if no source is identified. The updated standards and procedures were adopted by a 7-0 roll call vote, with Senator Wickland excused. The commission then received a second presentation from Director Larson on a possible analysis of the accuracy of fiscal estimates and budget items after enactment. He described this as a variance analysis comparing fiscal note estimates to actual fiscal impacts, intended to improve future estimates, inform the legislature, and increase accountability. He summarized practices in other states, noting that most variance reviews are ad hoc, while Utah and Tennessee have more formalized legislative reports; he also referenced an LBO pilot review done in 2022 based largely on Tennessee’s model. The presentation outlined possible report formats, including a single annual report, standalone briefs, or topic-specific reviews, and raised implementation questions such as who would select items for review, whether the analysis should be limited to fiscal notes, what statutory authority or data access would be needed, and what resources would be required from both agencies and the LBO. Members did not take action on the second presentation. Representative Anderson and Vice Chair Pratt commented that the proposal is complicated but potentially useful for improving future fiscal notes and transparency, and the chair indicated the discussion was for future consideration rather than an immediate decision.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature doesn't dictate the contents of that exam; that is up to the board.
• exam the legislature doesn't<00:18:25.280> dictate<00:18:25.600> the<00:18:25.720> contents
• <00:18:26.080> of<00:18:26.280> that doesn't dictate the contents of that doesn't dictate
• the contents of that exam<00:18:27.400> that<00:18:27.600> that<00:18:27.720> is
• Because we don't dictate the contents of the exam. That's not what we do here.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard House Bill 2712, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). Members expressed concern that the exam requirement was only added in 2021 and has not been in place long enough to evaluate, but they also questioned whether licensure should be granted without a meaningful measure of competency. Testimony was split: supporters argued the exam is a barrier for applicants without formal social work education, while opponents said licensure should still require some standard of competency, especially because the title carries public expectations and insurance reimbursement implications. Karina Bonia, speaking for NASW New Hampshire, said there is very limited data because only one person in New Hampshire currently holds an LSWA. She explained that LSWA applicants may have degrees outside social work, unlike licensed social workers, and that the current exam is the same national social work exam used for higher levels of licensure. She argued that this creates a significant barrier for LSWA applicants and noted that LSWA holders are already required to complete 30 hours of training and substantial supervised hours. Members asked for data on pass/fail rates and whether a different exam or practical skills test would be more appropriate. Committee members and OPLC representatives discussed whether the current statute and board rules already provide enough authority for the board to set other criteria, and whether the exam requirement is tied to the social work compact. OPLC indicated that the current rule requires passage of a national proctored exam approved by the board, but that no national exam exists specifically for this level, and that the board may need legislative authority to develop different criteria. The discussion ended with interest in obtaining the existing rule language and possibly revisiting the issue through amendment or future legislation rather than immediately removing the exam requirement.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:50.560> quick this building quick this building quick recess oper e [No audible content
• [No audible content.] [No audible content.] [No audible content.] [No audible content.]

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education met on January 30 and heard testimony on several bills, beginning with an announcement asking testifiers and members to keep remarks brief because of weather. The vice chair also explained that HB 440, relating to immigration issues in schools and state hospitals, was removed from the agenda because the proposal would not create meaningful legal protections and immigration policy is governed by federal law. The committee then moved through a series of education-related measures, with testimony largely from the Department of Education, the School Facilities Authority, the Attorney General’s office, unions, advocacy groups, and individual testifiers. On HB 330, concerning school impact fees, the School Facilities Authority supported the bill as aligning policy with implementation, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the fee accounts have accumulated large balances, including more than $20 million in impact fee funds and nearly $9 million from predecessor fair-share contributions, and urged that collected money be used rather than left idle. DOE said it would follow up on the balance and why it was not being used. On HB 1188, dealing with workforce housing, DOE and the Charter School Commission offered comments or support, the Attorney General suggested clarifying the phrase “within commuting distance” by using a mileage standard and adding repayment language, and HSTA, HGEA, and others supported the bill, with HSTA saying teachers need housing to be able to live and work in Hawaii. On HB 624 and HB 625, both related to school psychologists, DOE said it would participate in a work group on the pathway bill and supported the incentive program bill; school psychologists and related groups supported the measures, while one testifier said DOE should not lead the work group alone because school psychologists may work in many education settings beyond DOE schools. The committee also heard HB 1314 on youth mental health in schools. DOE described its student support process, universal screening tools, and behavioral health services, saying schools already identify and respond to concerns and that staff are trained to report issues, while the Attorney General warned the bill could expose schools to liability and recommended a broad liability waiver. Testimony was mixed, with several supporters and one opponent. On HB 616, concerning school safety and harassment protections for educational workers, the Attorney General sought clarifying amendments on harassment definitions, temporary restraining order costs, and paid leave, while HSTA, HGEA, and individual teachers strongly supported the bill, describing harassment incidents and arguing for a standardized statewide response. DOE said it already has reporting pathways, visitor codes of conduct, trespass notices, and an ethics hotline, but acknowledged implementation varies by school and that staff can escalate concerns if needed. The committee also began hearing HB 88 on a three-year pilot program for athletic travel, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s testimony is completed or any votes are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:32.720> the<00:05:32.960> actual It goes through and assesses the actual content
• What is the grade-level content? What should a student know in content?
• So again, it doesn't assess content or academic standards. It is our student aptitude.
• So again, it doesn't assess content or academic standards. It is our student aptitude.
• So again, it doesn't assess content or academic standards. It is our student aptitude.

Keywords: 0:00:03 - Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:43 - Approval of October 14, 2025 and November 4, 2025 Minutes 0:01:15 - Acceptance of Office of Education Accountability Report: Analysis Of Student Discipline Data in Kentucky Schools 0:02:10 - Implementation Update on 26 RS HB 257 0:49:38 - Career and Technical Education in the Assessment and Accountability System 1:13:50 - Office of Education Accountability Annual Report 1:47:27 – Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Education Assessment & Accountability Review Subcommittee approved the minutes from its October 14 and November 4 meetings and also approved the Office of Education Accountability report analyzing student discipline data in Kentucky schools. The main presentation came from KDE Commissioner Dr. Robby Fletcher on implementation of House Bill 257, which he said has two major parts: selection of a statewide college entrance exam through a new procurement process, and development of locally designed indicators of quality for accountability. On the college exam, Fletcher explained that the state had to reopen procurement after Senate Bill 197, with the RFP released May 21, vendor questions handled through the Finance and Administration Cabinet, proposals due June 22, and scoring and review expected in July and August, with a vendor decision not likely until October. He emphasized that the exam is a norm-referenced college-readiness measure, not a test of Kentucky academic standards, which are assessed by the KSA. Members asked about the science requirement in statute, the possibility of multiple vendors or district choice, and whether the CLT could participate; Fletcher said vendors must address science in the RFP, multiple vendors could be possible, and any vendor could submit a proposal if it meets the rubric. He also noted that ACT and SAT differ in structure, that either can meet college-readiness benchmarks, and that there were no major complaints about the SAT during its first year of use. The second major topic was the locally developed indicators of quality under House Bill 257. Fletcher said these are intended to let districts measure themselves against their own goals rather than compare districts statewide, while still aligning with Kentucky standards. He described examples such as achievement, growth, student well-being, safety, fiscal responsibility, civics, internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, and defenses of learning. He said districts may use local assessments such as MAP, STAR, and I-Ready alongside state data, and that local models should be developed with families, community members, and workforce partners. He added that KDE is providing technical assistance, has applied for a federal CGSA grant, and will use a one-time $15,000 cost offset for districts implementing local accountability models, with a superintendent webcast planned for August.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I understand its content is going to be considered in ag on Friday.
• is going to be uh considered in content is going to be uh considered in ag<00:34:26.040> on<00
• The volume and content of the communication was alarming.
• The<01:15:40.520> volume<01:15:41.000> and<01:15:41.200> content<01:15:41.760>
• > of<01:15:41.840> the The volume and content of the The volume and content of the communication

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• example of a packets you have uh an example of a table<00:07:46.880> of<00:07:47.120> contents
• <00:07:47.520> that<00:07:47.759> would<00:07:47.919> be table of contents that
• would be table of contents that would be consistent<00:07:48.560> with<00:07:49.199> um
• <00:08:28.080> Um Um turning to the table of contents.
• Um Um turning to the table of contents.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies. Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment. Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• is super boring, like, I love Representative Hill, but boy, his content is really boring, the kid is
• teacher but the kid is like you know a teacher but the kid is like you know his<00:27:37.600> content
• 38.760> boring<00:27:39.320> like<00:27:39.559> I<00:27:39.840> I his content
• is super boring like I I his content is super boring like I I love<00:27:40.320> representative
• <00:27:43.279> is<00:27:43.480> really content is really content is really boring<00:27

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we have some content programs, data content programs.
• We have some content programs, data content programs.
• programs, we are able to give those communities that choose to participate upwards of $45 worth of content
• This content is customizable, allowing libraries to pick and choose what they want.
• And this is content that they can choose to use. They can pick and choose what they want.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the right column includes the disciplinary clarification statement that includes ideas and content
• And the right column includes the disciplinary clarification statement that includes ideas and content
• And the right column includes the disciplinary clarification statement that includes ideas and content
• And the right column includes the disciplinary clarification statement that includes ideas and content
• And the right column includes the disciplinary clarification statement that includes ideas and content

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call – 0:00:00 Workforce Pell Grant Update – 0:03:30 Extension Office Update – 0:33:25 Kentucky Academic Standards for Social Studies – 1:07:08 Early Literacy Outcomes – 1:32:20 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 1:58:30 Adjournment 2:13:13, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• going forward as to the questions that were brought up in the memorandum regarding making it more explicit
• 04.080> more the memorandum regarding making it more the memorandum regarding making it more explicit
• know,<00:22:05.360> that<00:22:05.520> that<00:22:05.919> producers explicit
• , you know, that that producers explicit, you know, that that producers can<00:22:06.720> perform<

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• leaving the boundaries of New Hampshire, or just in general that this language you view as requiring explicit
• 03:50:22.319> view<03:50:22.800> as<03:50:23.680> requiring<03:50:24.319> explicit
• language you view as requiring explicit language you view as requiring explicit approval<03:50:25.199

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we do add an explicit reference to RSA 3-E:2 that was added in 2011.
• we<03:11:27.600> do<03:11:28.560> add<03:11:28.800> a<03:11:29.120> explicit
• Um we do add a explicit other flags.
• Um we do add a explicit reference<03:11:29.920> to<03:11:30.080> RSA<03:11:31.279> 3E

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the prior comment about it looks like a bicycle but has a motor attached to it is literally the explicit
• attached to it is literally<03:52:47.760> the<03:52:48.000> explic<03:52:48.479> explicit
• <03:52:48.960> definition literally the explic explicit definition literally the explic explicit

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• little frustrating because there are words that are defined in federal law, and the reference is very explicit
• reference defined in federal law and the reference is<04:07:22.600> very<04:07:23.000> explicit
• c> to<04:07:23.680> the<04:07:23.800> federal<04:07:24.199> law is very explicit
• to the federal law is very explicit to the federal law right<04:07:25.119> so right so right

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I again want to talk about situations where there is not an explicit command, but merely someone claims
• So I again want to talk about situations where there is not an explicit command, but merely someone claims
• about situations where there is<03:40:26.920> not<03:40:27.120> an<03:40:27.279> explicit
• but<03:40:28.600> merely So I again want to talk about situations where there is not an explicit

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• company can just snap its fingers and suddenly we lose our features, or even the ability to access content
• there's a lot of uncertainty under the law today about what happens when a company bricks devices or content
• FTC has sent warnings to Major League Baseball and Microsoft saying that people who bought digital content
• But there is still some core content opportunity there for you to be able to enjoy.

Keywords: 987, senate, all