Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:07.360><c> for</c><00:10:07.839><c> 11:35</c> scheduled for 11:35 scheduled for 11:35 um<00:10
• </c><00:37:09.200><c> today,</c> So, in order to stay on schedule today, So, in order to stay on schedule
• This is often the only 9to-5 schedule.
• Thank you. the schedule of the daycare is the schedule of the daycare is consistent<02:47:19.359><c>
• </c><03:40:08.239><c> and</c> our schedule and our schedule and that<03:40:10.880><c> that</c><03:40:

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, as I mentioned, we take elected officials out of order due to scheduling. So Rep.
• This type of daily tracking is a trigger with PTSD and is a constant reminder when trying to schedule
• This type of daily tracking is a trigger with PTSD and is a constant reminder when trying to schedule
• If this position remained vacant for her scheduled day each week, there would be no nurse at the elementary
• If this position remained vacant for her scheduled day each week, there would be no nurse at the elementary

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on May 7, chaired by Senators Mike Brady and Dan Ryan, and heard testimony on a wide range of retirement and benefits bills for public employees and their families. Several bills focused on line-of-duty death or disability benefits for police and firefighters, including Senate Bill 1831 for Joanne Sanji, widow of Rutland Detective John Sanji, whose COVID-19 death was described by family, counsel, and the police chief as a line-of-duty death already recognized by local, state, and federal memorials. Similar support was offered for bills involving the surviving spouse of a State Police officer injured in the line of duty, a Springfield officer injured by a hammer attack during a mental health call, and a bill for a former police officer seeking an increased disability retirement due to PTSD after a traumatic incident. Testimony repeatedly emphasized that these cases had been recognized locally or had already moved through prior sessions, but legislative action was still needed to secure benefits. The committee also heard multiple firefighter-related retirement bills. Representatives and union advocates supported a bill for retired Attleboro Fire Captain Walter Gerton, arguing that an audit and recalculation improperly reduced his pension after retirement and that the correction was requested by the local retirement board. Another bill sought disability retirement for former Westfield firefighter Greg Heath, who testified that Parkinson’s disease has made daily life and family care increasingly difficult; supporters cited studies linking firefighting exposures to Parkinson’s and said the city, retirement board, and local officials backed the measure. The committee also heard testimony for retired Quincy Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Bithrow, who described a Parkinson’s diagnosis following years of exposure at major toxic fires, including the Home Depot and MWRA incidents, and for a related Quincy bill that would treat his retirement as line-of-duty for survivor protection. Additional bills included a proposal to provide flags to next of kin of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, a bill to resolve employer contribution obligations for the Neshoba Associated Boards of Health in the state retirement system, and several individual retirement or service-credit measures. These included a bill for former State Police gang unit officer David Patterson, a school nurse seeking additional credible service credit for a temporary staffing emergency, and a former Suffolk County sheriff’s deputy seeking an increased disability retirement after a violent inmate assault left him with lasting injuries. Testimony generally came from the affected individuals, family members, municipal officials, retirement boards, and public safety unions, with most speakers urging favorable action and noting that many of the bills had already passed one chamber or had been filed in prior sessions. At the end of the hearing, the committee took no recorded votes on the bills and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also includes $500 million to improve bridges and pavement on an accelerated schedule, as you
• projects in a way that makes sure that they're going to get bid out in a way that's timely and as scheduled
• that when you're looking at time value of money and moving those projects up and compressing those schedules
• Those projects up and compressing those schedules, you can do more before the inflation catches up with
• It allows us to plan responsibly, schedule project bidding to take advantage of best pricing, combine

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the administration’s transportation bond bill centered on Chapter 90 roadway funding and related capital programs. Administration officials described the bill as a roughly $5.5 billion package that would continue $300 million per year for Chapter 90 over four years, with part of the funding distributed by the traditional formula and an additional $100 million based solely on road miles to better support rural and smaller communities. They also highlighted authorizations for municipal pavement work, Shared Streets and Spaces grants, accelerated bridge and pavement repairs, MBTA rail modernization and reliability, housing-related transportation improvements, and a new DCR-focused PRISM program for parkways and related infrastructure. Officials emphasized that the bill is financed through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues, and said it would help municipalities plan more predictably, speed project delivery, and support housing, safety, and climate goals. Committee members and witnesses discussed the bill’s broader scope beyond traditional Chapter 90, especially the $200 million for transportation projects that support housing development and the $200 million for MBTA modernization and rail reliability. Members asked about the rationale for a four-year authorization amid fiscal uncertainty, federal funding volatility, and the status of commuter rail electrification. Administration officials responded that the capital authorization is backed by dedicated transportation revenues rather than the operating budget, and said multi-year certainty helps cities and towns make better long-term repair decisions. They also said the MBTA’s rail modernization funds would support locomotive procurements, including battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives, as part of a longer-term regional rail and electrification strategy. Municipal officials and regional advocates strongly supported the bill. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, along with town and city officials from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth, said the increased Chapter 90 funding and road-mile-based distribution are especially important for small and rural communities with limited local revenue capacity, and that multi-year funding would let them bundle projects, bid at better prices, and address backlogs more proactively. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to treat it like a traditional bond bill by adding policy provisions and considering new transportation revenue tools, such as TNC fee changes, road pricing, parking taxes, and other mechanisms. The committee took no vote during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• or course instructor application recommended for approval by the committee at the next regularly scheduled
• designate certain personnel to approve or deny a recommended application if the Commission is not scheduled
• If the Commission is not scheduled to meet within 30 days of receipt of a recommended application, the
• Our income is not tied to a schedule or hourly wage, but to the success that we create over time.
• Because I operate independently, I was able to meet them on their schedule, often outside traditional

Committee: Senate Senate Budget and Appropriations

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not worried about the agenda, but is the schedule set in stone? &gt;&gt; Yes.
• I'm not worried about the agenda, but is the schedule set in stone? It's...
• [Laughter] I think we did discuss that. about the agenda, but is the schedule about the agenda, but is
• the schedule set<00:32:42.200><c> in</c><00:32:42.280><c> stone?
• talked, I did speak, and we've got a number of task forces that have made it very difficult for scheduling

Keywords: The live stream ended prematurely due to a network issue. A full recording will be uploaded as soon as possible, 958, all

Summary: The committee first discussed and approved a new airport-related project involving two 60-by-80 corporate hangars. Members asked about how the project would generate revenue, and staff explained that hangar rent and fuel sales would help repay the costs, with more than half of the funding coming from the FAA. The project was approved by roll call vote. The committee then approved two large capital pool projects: a $1,715,120 roof replacement and skylight project for the Libraries and Archives building in Frankfort, and a $2,105,400 exterior renovation project for several state buildings, including Health and Family Services, the Kentucky History Center, and the State Office Building. After that, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented one loan increase and five grant reallocations. The loan increase was for Springfield’s wastewater treatment plant project, rising by $262,300 to just over $2.88 million because bids came in higher than estimated. Members asked about the delay between approval and bidding, and staff explained the design, environmental review, and state approval process can take one to two years. The committee approved the six action items, and then received informational updates on additional water projects that required no action. The Cabinet for Economic Development next presented one forgivable loan and 11 KPDI/KPDI EDF grant projects. The loan was a $1 million forgivable loan for the Perry County Economic Development Board to acquire the Coalfields Industrial Building, with repayment forgivable if a project creates at least 75 jobs. The grant projects included site-readiness and industrial development work in Pendleton, Elizabethtown/Hardin, McCreary, Floyd, Marion, Fleming, Graves, Eddyville/Lyon, Caldwell, Mercer, and Johnson counties. Members asked how local match percentages are set and were told they are based on county population and updated every two years; staff also explained that beneficiaries usually provide the match and are reimbursed after submitting costs. The committee approved the action items. Finally, the Office of Financial Management presented two new debt issues and three SFCC debt issues. The new debt items were a Kentucky Housing Corporation bond authorization of up to $600 million for single-family mortgage revenue bonds, including a $100 million initial transaction, and a $5.5 million multifamily conduit bond for 98 apartments in Lexington. Informational items covered University of Kentucky refunding bonds and Turnpike Authority refunding bonds, both of which produced savings. The three SFCC debt issues for Campbell, Edmonson, and Perry counties were then approved by roll call vote. The meeting ended with brief discussion of the upcoming calendar and scheduling before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so what this legislation does is it addresses situations where a parent loses scheduled parenting
• So... ...in custody arrangements, the courts establish parenting schedules so that children are able
• This bill reinforces the principle that court-ordered parenting schedules... ...should be followed, and
• So the purpose of this section of restoration plans means a written plan or schedule that sets forth
• rules, a parenting coordinator in cases where the court has appointed a parenting coordinator can schedule

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you could wrap it up, we do have several people scheduled to testify.
• My test is finally scheduled for March 27th.
• Put it on Dana's schedule.'
• Committee, we are scheduled to be on the floor. We probably don't start on time. But anyhow...
• Committee, we are scheduled to be on the floor.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee first heard House Bill 495, which would consolidate the Board of Denturity under the Board of Dentistry, add a board seat for someone experienced in denturistry/prosthetics, define denturists’ scope of practice, and address the denturist board’s financial deficit. The sponsor and Department of Occupational and Professional Licenses argued the change would improve efficiency and reduce costs while preserving the profession. Denturists, interns, and association representatives opposed the bill, saying it could create conflicts of interest, leave their profession without a guaranteed denturist on the board, increase barriers to entry, and allow dentists to influence fees and rules. The Idaho State Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would maintain public safety, preserve licensure, and reduce government size. After testimony and committee discussion, the original motion to send the bill to the floor was withdrawn and the committee voted to send HB 495 to amending order for clarification, including possible language about a denturist board member. The committee then took up RS 33-468, a proposal to repeal Medicaid expansion effective January 1, 2028. The sponsor said the measure was intended to refocus Medicaid on the most vulnerable, address budget pressures, and respond to concerns that expansion can discourage work. Several members opposed the idea, arguing that it would remove coverage from many Idahoans, harm providers, and likely cost the state money by losing federal funds and related tax revenue. Others supported it as a needed step to control spending and prioritize traditional Medicaid populations. After debate, a motion to return the RS to the sponsor failed on roll call, and the committee voted 10-6 to introduce RS 33-468. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also includes $500 million to improve bridges and pavement on an accelerated schedule, as you
• projects in a way that makes sure that they're going to get bid out in a way that's timely and as scheduled
• that when you're looking at time value of money and moving those projects up and compressing those schedules
• Those projects up and compressing those schedules, you can do more before the inflation catches up with
• It allows us to plan responsibly, schedule project bidding to take advantage of best pricing, combine

Bills: H4987 , S2905

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: transportation bond bill, municipal roads, municipal bridges, Chapter 90, road aid, highway funding, bridge repair, pavement, MassDOT, MBTA, rail reliability, commuter rail locomotives, Fair Share surtax, Commonwealth Transportation Fund, infrastructure financing, bond authorization, deferred maintenance, climate resilience, parkways, DCR

Transcript Highlights:

• be in the audience right now, you may have noticed that there were several bills that were on our schedule
• We moved very quickly to make sure that they were scheduled immediately.
• Let them integrate populations of kids that might have varying ages because nobody's schedule is the
• Let them integrate populations of kids that might have varying ages because nobody's schedule is the
• actually proactive supports and skill building for him and staff, and consistent supports in a regular schedule

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be in the audience right now, you may have noticed that there were several bills that were on our schedule
• And we moved very quickly to make sure that they were scheduled immediately.
• assume this will let them integrate populations of kids that might have varying ages because nobody's schedule
• Let them integrate populations of kids that might have varying ages because nobody's schedule is the
• actually proactive supports and skill building for him and staff and consistent supports in a regular schedule

Summary: The committee opened by explaining that several bills had been removed from the agenda because the Senate must physically possess a bill before holding a public hearing. The chair said the missing bills would be rescheduled for Tuesday. The committee then waived the five-day notice rule for considering substitute House Bills 1705 and 32010, and proceeded to hear substitute House Bill 2219 and substitute House Bill 1795. House Bill 2219, on child care operational efficiency, would allow longer mixed-age ratio periods in child care centers, waive repeat DCYF orientation requirements in certain cases when staff have recently completed the same training, and require licensing standards to include a zero-tolerance policy for imminent physical harm involving high-potency synthetic opioids and related drug residue or paraphernalia. The prime sponsor and supporters said the bill would help child care providers manage staffing shortages, take breaks, and reduce duplicative licensing burdens. Testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates and providers describing the bill as a low-cost way to improve retention and flexibility. Questions focused on how the fentanyl language would apply to prescribed medications. House Bill 1795 would narrow and update state law on restraint and isolation in public schools and other public educational programs. The bill prohibits mechanical and chemical restraints and restraints that restrict breathing or blood flow, bars planned isolation in IEPs and 504 plans, limits planned restraint to cases with parent request and medical necessity, and prohibits new construction or remodeling of spaces intended primarily for student isolation. Supporters, including disability advocates, educators, school psychologists, principals, and state education groups, said the bill is a needed step toward reducing trauma and disproportionality and cited demonstration sites showing reductions in restraint and isolation. Some educators and paraeducators raised concerns about staffing, training, and what tools remain available in crisis situations, while others asked for future work on professional development and resources. No vote was taken on either bill during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I want to know how do we protect the ratepayers when there's a lack of scheduled discipline?
• safeguards to the ratepayers when we have situations where they have overruns or they just get beyond the scheduled
• Is there a way to strengthen the language to protect ratepayers even greater with the scheduling disciplines
• If the PSC determines that they're not on schedule, that the costs are excessive, or if, in fact, it
• So, but for my kids and my grandkids, I don't want them to carry burdens beyond those scheduled timeframes

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from Luma, our best estimate looks like right around a $2 million cost to move from the 160-hour schedule
• to the 80-hour schedule.
• from Luma, our best estimate looks like right around a $2 million cost to move from the 80-hour schedule
• to the, from the 160 to the 80-hour schedule.
• The agency request is that the contract with the medical services provider is scheduled to expire in

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee reviewed the Idaho Department of Correction budget, beginning with an agency-wide overview and then moving through management services, state prisons, county and out-of-state placement, community corrections, community-based substance use disorder treatment, and medical services. Analysts and the director explained that the department’s budget is heavily driven by personnel, contracts, medical costs, and population pressures, with dedicated funds such as inmate labor and probation/parole receipts declining in cash balance. Members asked about vacancies, overtime, holdback impacts, software licensing, hepatitis C funding, and the department’s use of contracts and technology. The committee also heard that some planned reductions tied to the governor’s holdback remain in place despite the agency being exempted, including cuts to Recidivis, GEO-related services, and some technology purchases, while body-worn cameras were kept in place because of safety and accountability benefits. A major portion of the discussion focused on rising incarceration and housing costs. The director said the department is near capacity, with more people coming in than leaving, and that county jail and out-of-state placements are increasing because state facilities are full. Analysts described the county jail and out-of-state placement budget as highly volatile and based on updated population forecasts, with supplemental and ongoing requests increasing significantly. Members also asked about mandatory minimums, criminal aliens in custody, and the cost of housing inmates in state versus out-of-state facilities. The director said Idaho’s per-day direct prison cost is about $85, or about $95 with administrative costs, while the Arizona contract rate is about $85 per day. The committee also discussed rehabilitation and recidivism-reduction programs, including education, work programs, community reentry centers, and the Bridge 8 tablet system. The director said the tablets are funded through inmate phone-related charges and are used for educational and rehabilitative purposes, not because the state is required to provide them. She said community reentry centers have shown an 11% lower recidivism rate for participants, and that the department has previously eliminated ineffective programs after evaluation. Members asked for more information on inmate labor contracts, hepatitis C treatment funding, and the cost and effectiveness of various programs. The meeting ended before all questions were resolved, and the committee adjourned to continue work groups the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're going to prepare the RFP, we're going to schedule it for five city council meetings to be heard
• We're going to schedule it for five city council meetings to be heard over and over and over again, then
• have to enter into a contract with this company so you're going to prepare the RFP we're going to schedule
• have to enter into a contract with this company so you're going to prepare the RFP we're going to schedule
• city council meetings to be heard over and over and over again then we have to enter We're going to schedule

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard six bills. SB 828 by Senator Cabaldon would require fireworks license applicants to disclose storage locations and prove they have local permits, with the state notifying local agencies when licenses are denied or revoked. The bill was presented as a response to deadly fireworks explosions and illegal storage gaps; fire officials and fireworks industry representatives supported it, while county groups raised liability concerns. The committee approved SB 828 unanimously and sent it to Appropriations. SB 799 by Senator Allen would revise the South Bay Regional Housing Trust’s governing rules, including more flexibility on appointing board leadership, alternate participation, and board selection under the joint powers agreement. Supporters said the changes would help the new housing trust operate effectively and allow knowledgeable alternates; questions focused on accountability for non-elected alternates handling public funds. The bill passed on a 6-0 vote as amended to the Senate floor. SB 762 by Senator Arreguín would authorize the city of Hercules to place a local ballot measure for up to a 1% sales tax increase to fund city services and infrastructure. Supporters said Hercules has limited revenue options and high service needs; some senators cautioned about how such measures are presented to voters. The bill passed 5-2 to the Senate floor. SB 722 by Senator Wahab would add protections for mobile home residents from displacement tied to transit-oriented development and redevelopment, described as a cleanup to preserve affordable housing stock. Mobile home residents, housing advocates, cities, and the League of California Cities supported the bill, and no opposition was heard. It passed 7-0 as amended to Appropriations. SB 222 by Senator Wiener would streamline permitting for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems through automated permitting, consolidated permits, and limits on local fee and siting barriers; supporters framed it as a climate and affordability measure, while local government and HOA groups objected to statewide preemption, fee caps, and liability concerns. The committee approved it 4-1 to Appropriations. SB 677, also by Senator Wiener, made technical clarifications to SB 79’s transit-oriented housing rules, but local governments and regional agencies warned the changes could expand the law’s scope and disrupt mapping work; the bill passed 5-2 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• provide a privacy policy that includes specified information, including data protocols and retention schedules
• provide a privacy policy that includes specified information including data protocols and retention schedules
• finds that the investment project is no longer eligible, taxes are immediately due based on the schedule
• Taxes are immediately due based on the schedule that’s identified in the bill, and the Department of
• An important voice in that work is Bishop Keith Marshall, who was scheduled to speak but was pulled away

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee heard public testimony on several bills. SB 5885 would expand affordable housing on property owned by religious organizations by lowering the density-bonus affordability threshold from 100% to 50% and adding a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying projects. The sponsor and supporters from Redmond, Tacoma, Spokane, faith organizations, and housing nonprofits said the current standard is too restrictive and that churches and other faith groups have underused land that could help meet the state’s housing shortage. A county planning representative raised concern about an unfunded mandate to update local development regulations, and one testifier said the bill should be paired with funding for county planning work. The committee also heard SB 5884, which would expand a sales and use tax deferral program for redevelopment of underutilized property. The bill would broaden eligible land beyond surface parking lots to include vacant, partially used, or underutilized parcels, and would allow cities to approve projects with at least 50% affordable units, or 20% in designated residential targeted areas. Supporters from Spokane, Vancouver, Kent, Bellingham, and the Washington State Association of Counties said the current program is too narrow and should be available in more places, including counties and more cities. Construction industry groups supported redevelopment but objected to a provision tying eligibility to apprenticeship utilization, saying it could disadvantage nonunion contractors and create compliance burdens. For SB 5937, the committee heard testimony on smart access systems in rental housing. The bill would require landlords, upon request, to offer a non-biometric, non-app-based alternative key and to provide privacy policies and limits on data collection for smart access systems. Tenant advocates supported the bill as a privacy and access protection, citing concerns about app-based locks, data tracking, lockouts, and retaliation. Landlord and multifamily housing groups said they were open to the concept but argued the bill was too broad and could impose burdens on small housing providers or simple keypad systems, and they asked for narrower definitions and clearer implementation language. Finally, the committee took testimony on SB 5938, which would make technical changes to the foreclosure prevention fee created last year, including exempting certain reverse mortgages and chattel loans, preventing duplicate charges on some state-backed transactions, and directing Commerce to study a possible state homeowner assistance fund. Homeownership counselors, legal aid, HOA advocates, and equity organizations supported the bill, saying it would clarify fee collection, protect low- and moderate-income buyers from unnecessary costs, and help sustain foreclosure prevention services. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript, and the meeting ended after public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, there's an automatic payment schedule that's set up at the time of the transaction, so those payments
• Additionally, with these loans coming in on different schedules, if you buy something on Tuesday with
• a BNPL loan and then you buy something on Wednesday, the loans are on different schedules, and it can
• For longer term, they could be three to 24 months with fixed monthly payments, and there's a clear schedule
• They're given the payment schedules at the point of checkout.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a work session on buy now, pay later (BNPL) transactions, focusing on how the products work, how they are used in Washington, and whether existing state law adequately protects consumers. Department of Financial Institutions staff described BNPL as short-term, usually no-interest installment financing offered at checkout, often with automatic payments, late fees, and varying credit-reporting practices. Members asked how BNPL compares with payday lending and earned wage access, whether it is effectively a loan or credit product, and whether Washington law already covers it. DFI explained that some BNPL structures may fall into a legal gray area under the Retail Installment Sales of Goods and Services Act because pay-in-four products may not meet the statute’s “more than four installments” language, while other structures may be covered; they also noted the Attorney General can enforce the act. DFI and committee members discussed consumer risks such as overextension, automatic debits, and lack of standardized disclosures, and DFI said it would follow up with additional data on defaults and related issues. Molly Gallagher of the Poverty Action Network and Nadine Chabrier of the Center for Responsible Lending argued that BNPL can help consumers but also poses significant risks, especially for lower-income consumers and consumers of color who already carry debt or use other alternative financial products. They said BNPL use has grown rapidly, often involves multiple simultaneous loans across providers, and can lead to overdrafts, late fees, and difficulty tracking obligations because payments are spread across different schedules. They emphasized concerns about weak disclosures, limited dispute protections, automatic payment structures, credit reporting inconsistencies, consumer overextension, and data privacy/dark-pattern marketing. They also described federal retrenchment, including the CFPB’s withdrawal of an interpretive rule that would have treated BNPL like a digital credit card, and pointed to state responses in places like New York, California, and Maryland. Committee members signaled interest in possible Washington legislation and stronger state oversight. Retail and business witnesses offered a more favorable view of BNPL as a cash-flow and sales tool. A Washington Retail Association representative described BNPL as an evolution of layaway and credit-card-style installment purchasing, noting that merchants receive payment up front minus fees while consumers get goods or services immediately and repay over time. A representative from a business using deferred-payment financing said the tool helps customers obtain equipment and helps the business manage inventory and cash flow, while NFIB said small businesses also use BNPL to bridge expenses and avoid higher-interest credit card debt. Members asked about merchant fees, consumer education, and whether BNPL is being used for impulse purchases or essential expenses like rent, car repairs, medical care, and travel. The chair concluded by saying the committee intends to pursue regulatory language and continue working with stakeholders, while also hearing from retailers to avoid eliminating legitimate financing tools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the Franklin County Circuit Court has requested a termination schedule outlining how all
• So, uh, meeting in January to be determined after the session committee schedule actually comes out.
• session</c> determined um after the session determined um after the session committee<00:23:02.880><c> schedule
• </c> committee schedule actually comes out. committee schedule actually comes out.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Zayo Group 00:00:50 Committee Report to LRC 00:18:12, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Michael McCurley, president of Zo Education and a senior vice president with Zo Group, about the company’s role in providing broadband and managed network services to Kentucky schools. He said Zo Education serves all Kentucky K-12 public school districts in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, offering more bandwidth at lower cost than the prior provider and also providing cybersecurity and network protection. He emphasized that reliable connectivity is essential for instruction, testing, remote coursework, and school administration. McCurley also addressed the ongoing contract dispute involving the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Open Fiber Silicom, saying Zo Education is not a party to the litigation but is concerned about possible disruption to schools and students. In response to committee questions, he said the company incurred unexpected costs when it had to reroute connections and build alternate network paths, including one school move that cost more than $50,000 to serve a site generating under $2,000 per month. He said outages and incidents are more frequent when Kentucky Wired access is unavailable, and that Zo could not have bid at its current price without access to Kentucky Wired. Committee members discussed the broader implications of the dispute and the state’s broadband structure. Senator Williams said the committee’s priority is avoiding disruption to students and noted concerns about infrastructure purchases and upgrades tied to the network, saying he had not seen clear contractual support for some of the expenditures. He also referenced a future audit and said the committee should preserve options and taxpayer funds. The committee then reviewed its report to LRC, including changes related to infrastructure purchases and water asset management technology, and agreed to submit the report without a committee vote. The chair announced the next meeting would be in January, with no December meeting scheduled, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, HB 1385, makes it so that if a parent fails to comply with the court-ordered timesharing schedule
• get into a court to have a hearing in order to address issues such as not abiding by a timesharing schedule
• And because, in this case, if it were to be applied in a timesharing schedule, withholding them, and
• provided in order to address whether or not a child has been wrongfully withheld from a timesharing schedule
• . ...to address whether or not a child has been wrongfully withheld from a timesharing schedule or if

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee heard and voted on four bills. HB 587 on self-storage spaces would let rental agreements include an alternate contact person and allow default notices to be published online instead of only in newspapers, while keeping existing notice timelines and servicemember protections. Newspaper and press witnesses opposed the online-notice change, arguing it could reduce public reach and transparency, especially in rural areas; the sponsor said newspapers could still be used and the bill was only adding another option. The committee adopted an amendment changing the effective date to October 1, 2025, and then reported the bill favorably 12-2. HB 6033 would repeal the Florida Labor Pool Act. The sponsor argued the act duplicates other state and federal protections, while opponents said it contains unique safeguards for day laborers, including limits on fees, transportation charges, and deductions, and a private right of action. Testimony from labor advocates and workers warned repeal would reduce protections for vulnerable workers; the sponsor and supporters said other laws already cover the issues. The committee reported the bill favorably 11-3. HB 897, dealing with timeshare plan management, was presented as a clarification of conflicts created by recent condominium legislation and would require faster records responses, more disclosure of contracts, and clearer remedies for mismanagement. Support came from industry groups, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0. The final measure, PCS for HB 1385, created a civil remedy for parental abduction or unlawful withholding of a child in violation of a timesharing order. Family law attorneys opposed it over concerns about added litigation, child involvement, and overlap with existing remedies, while the sponsors and supporters said it would provide needed deterrence and compensation in serious cases. The committee adopted the PCS and reported it favorably 13-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no update to the project schedule.
• this funding gap likely needs to be secured by June 2026, which is right around the corner, or risk schedule
• mentioned, we are diligently working on getting that additional information with respect to scope, schedule
• information, but I know that I can get you what this project is going to ultimately cost, the scope, the schedule
• He wasn't scheduled to be here on the panel, but just so you're aware of it, if these gentlemen are approached

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on transportation agency budget proposals and did not take any votes. The first major discussion focused on the Motor Vehicle Account shortfall and a proposed one-time $166 million transfer from the Air Pollution Control Fund and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to offset California Air Resources Board mobile source costs. Department of Finance and the LAO described the account’s long-running structural deficit, driven largely by employee compensation growth and REAL ID-related workload, while members criticized the use of Proposition 4, GGRF, and other one-time or redirected funds as backfills and urged a longer-term solution that addresses both revenues and expenditures. The committee then heard Caltrans’ request for $25 million in General Fund support to create a Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant Program. Caltrans said the program would build on the prior Clean California effort by funding local litter and graffiti cleanup, community engagement, and workforce pathways for vulnerable populations. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing that local litter abatement is not a core state responsibility and that one-time funding is unlikely to solve persistent local cleanup needs. Several members echoed those concerns, while public commenters split between support for the cleanup/employment model and calls to instead restore funding to the Active Transportation Program and transit operations. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency requested that California administratively recognize Tahoe’s federally designated population figure for state formula-based transportation funding, which would raise the population count used in formulas from 40,000 to 145,000. The agency said the change would not request new money but would better align state formulas with federal law and support a shared regional funding framework; members appeared generally supportive, though they noted the need to phase in the change to reduce impacts on other regions. The final presentation was on High-Speed Rail. The LAO reviewed the authority’s project update report, noting that it did not fully meet statutory requirements and that key details are still pending in a supplemental report expected later in the summer. The LAO said the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment still shows an estimated roughly $7 billion funding gap, with no specific plan to close it, and highlighted risks from federal review, inflation, and uncertain GGRF revenues. High-Speed Rail Authority staff said they are conducting a bottom-up review of scope, schedule, ridership, and costs, expect to provide updated information by late summer, and are exploring public-private partnerships and other financing strategies. Members stressed that no further funding commitments should be made until the updated analysis is available.

Transcript Highlights:

• trying to digest it and what that means practically if you're trying to develop a utility relocation schedule
• So what bothers us on deadlines and timelines is I'm fine if it says DOT can set up a utility schedule
• with all the parties that has a reasonable schedule, takes into account potential changes that occur
• with some good, thoughtful conversation about the next stops of the bills, but we're also ahead of schedule
• with some good thoughtful conversation about the next stops of the bills, but we're also ahead of schedule

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections. The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders. HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we do have also a lot of, uh, witnesses scheduled to testify today, so we will get going here.
• And we are eliminating remarks from, uh, anyone, scheduled to provide input to 2 minutes.
• We also have current deployments that are scheduled, whether That's going to Kuwait or other uh deployments
• committee chair that the subcommittee has completed its deliberations and recommends that HB 241 be scheduled
• committee chair that the subcommittee has completed its deliberations and recommends that HB 381 be scheduled

Bills: HB39 , HB227

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

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