Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Right Track Youth Internship<00:20:04.880> Program Internship Program Internship Program
• There's an increase of $750,000 each biennium for the small business assistance partnership program.
• . program. program.
• Page program.
• term small business growth acceleration program<00:42:21.520> to<00:42:22.240> made<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So even though the state has a lot of programming, a lot of money for programs like public education,
• The Cuesta Public Library has a business bridge program which provides free classes and trainings to
• small business owners.
• entrepreneurship program where youth are invited to learn how to start up a business.
• Only specialty programs like Business Professionals of America (BPA) and FFA, which are essentially clubs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is additional funding for the farm business management program of $250,000 in the 2026-27 biennium
• <00:21:35.840> from<00:21:36.000> 10<00:21:36.240> to program from 10 to program
• farmer tax credit program.
• beginning farmer tax credit program. beginning farmer tax credit program.
• <01:05:58.319> program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are increasing our volume by the high school programs and the trade school programs.
• We've implemented a program called Ask Kevin, and we bought an AI program off the shelf.
• Programs right now, but we have quite a few that come out of the Department of Labor programs.
• and, uh, have an inspections program and then again, the aforementioned law enforcement program.
• Is there any other business to come before the committee with no other business?

Transcript Highlights:

• That program is a more labor-intensive program to administer.
• Champions program and that grant program Champions program and that grant program is<00:33:51.399
• taxes the business form of the business taxes the business profits<01:08:44.839> tax<01:08:45.480
• recruitment business support business recruitment business support Workforce<02:17:03.840> Development
• One of our other programs is a special use permit program that is a permit program that happens anytime

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority officials, led by Executive Director Rob Dapice, briefed legislators on the agency’s structure and funding. They explained that the authority is created by state law but is not a state agency, its debt is not state debt, and it is governed by a board appointed by the governor and approved by the Executive Council. The discussion focused on the Affordable Housing Fund and the lead paint hazard remediation fund, including how state appropriations and federal resources are combined to finance affordable rental housing and lead abatement work. Dapice said the Affordable Housing Fund is used as gap financing for multifamily affordable housing projects, typically alongside federal tax credits and tax-exempt bonds, and that state dollars leverage roughly 2:1 to 10:1 in additional federal and private investment, averaging about 4:1. He said the fund has received historic appropriations in recent budgets, including $30 million over the last two biennial budgets and an annual $5 million set-aside from the real estate transfer tax. He also said the fund is usually structured as 0% interest, deferred loans rather than grants, with repayments returning to the fund if projects generate cash flow. Members asked about rents, oversight, staffing, revenues, and whether the programs had added positions. Dapice said affordability restrictions generally last 30 to 99 years, rents are tied to income limits and capped so tenants pay no more than 30% of income, and compliance staff inspect properties regularly to verify income eligibility and rent limits. He said the organization has about 130 to 135 employees, down from about 145, with no new positions added because of the appropriations. He estimated total revenues at roughly $300 million, with administrative budget around $22 million, much of it pass-through grant money. On lead paint remediation, he said the state first appropriated $6 million in 2019, plus $1 million in ARPA funds, and that the program has cleared more than 500 units. He said the federal grant program is not annual or predictable, with a recent award of about $7.75 million, and that the maximum federal grant per unit is $177,000, typically paired with up to $100,000 in state loan support. He also noted that the program can address homes before a child is poisoned if lead hazards are identified, but that cases involving an already exposed child are a higher priority. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have, as some other HCD programs, right, they need to be Hawaii-based businesses.
• We have, as some other HCD programs, right, they need to be Hawaii-based businesses.
• It addresses the Hawaii startup business loan program and establishes the Hawaii startup business loan
• <01:42:01.560> the business loan program and establish the business loan program and establish
• :02.679> program white startup business loan program white startup business loan program special

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt. HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.

Transcript Highlights:

• And quite honestly, we keep seeing business after business after business leave New Jersey.
• And this is bad business.
• If anyone does business with a private prison, their business also gets slammed with the high... ...business
• Businesses like certainty; they like to plan. That's how businesses run.
• the program.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• reliability requirements to business and commerce.
• Is to provide information to users about the collection of personal data to business and commerce.
• Senate. 748 by Zafarini relating to the regulation of laser hair removal to business and commerce.
• to reimburse certain supplemental nutrition assistance program.
• Senate Bill 824 by Middleton relating to the Public Information law to business and commerce.

Transcript Highlights:

• Importantly, additional funding for the meat inspection program will ensure that those businesses that
• Importantly, additional funding for the meat inspection program will ensure that those businesses that
• Importantly, additional funding for the meat inspection program will ensure that those businesses that
• Importantly, additional funding for the meat inspection program will ensure that those businesses that
• Uh, importantly, additional funding for the meat inspection program will ensure that those businesses

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a robust program with the Boston Public Schools, including our dual enrollment program, which
• The business school offers free programs to high school students.
• The business school offers free programs to high school students in the summer interested in entrepreneurship
• Business school and the law school.
• is not a business friendly state that's the facts that is the reality and you're losing business and

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on the economic impact of Massachusetts higher education institutions, with opening remarks noting the significance of September 11 and the role colleges and universities play in the state’s economy, workforce, and research ecosystem. UMass leaders testified first, describing UMass as a major employer and economic driver that educates large numbers of Massachusetts residents, supports thousands of jobs, and generates billions in annual economic activity. They emphasized the importance of research funding, warned that federal grant cancellations, suspensions, and slowdowns were harming research operations and talent retention, and voiced strong support for Governor Healey’s proposed DRIVE initiative as bridge funding to protect research capacity and jobs. Committee members focused heavily on workforce preparation in emerging fields such as AI, cyber, quantum computing, and engineering. UMass leaders said AI is being embedded across curricula and research, but also warned that financial constraints forced reductions in PhD admissions, especially in computer science and engineering, which could weaken the future workforce pipeline. They also described the practical effects of grant uncertainty, including reduced graduate admissions and concerns about losing researchers to institutions abroad. Members asked for more detailed data on grant timing, funding gaps, and where students and researchers were going. A second panel from private colleges and universities, including AICUM, Suffolk, Smith, and Clark, highlighted the broad economic and civic contributions of private higher education. Testimony cited large annual economic impacts, job creation, tax revenue, community service, legal clinics, dual enrollment, entrepreneurship support, sustainability investments, and access programs. Speakers also discussed enrollment pressures, COVID-related social and mental health challenges, student visa and federal policy concerns, and the need to preserve liberal arts alongside career-focused training. The committee then heard from MIT, where testimony focused on research commercialization, biotech spinouts, and the role of federal, philanthropic, and industry funding in sustaining innovation; members pressed for more data on funding sources and asked what state policy could do to keep talent and businesses in Massachusetts. The hearing continued with additional public higher education testimony, including Bridgewater State, Bristol Community College, and Northeastern, which emphasized workforce-aligned programs, social mobility, apprenticeships, co-op education, and the need for better coordination between higher education, employers, and state workforce systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Veterans business taxes and fees.
• <00:37:10.320> or enrollment in a particular program or enrollment in a particular program
• <00:37:16.800> House department, program, or major. House department, program, or major.
• , Seeing none, next order of business, Seeing none, next order of business, introduction,<00:52:46.480
• information To small business and information To small business and information technology,<00:57

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:26 Report of Committees 05:13 Orders of the Day/ HB 6 06:22 HB 480 14:13 HB 562 17:55 HB 136 25:53 HB 257 29:47 HB 490 35:54 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:30 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 52:44 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:49 ConC/Rules Report 57:12 Floor Amendments 58:49 Adjournment 58:59, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from February 13, 2026. The Senate also transmitted Senate Bills 72 and 110 for concurrence. Committee reports advanced several bills, including measures on deputy coroner training, local jail booking procedures, local business tax collection, peace officers, Kentucky National Guard benefits, and first responder mental health. The chamber then considered House Bill 6 on child care. The sponsor described it as the product of extensive stakeholder collaboration aimed at improving affordability, quality, access, and data in child care, including changes to the low-income subsidy program, employee child care assistance, Kentucky All-Stars, micro-centers, and a military child care pilot program in House Committee Substitute 1. The substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 84-11 with one abstention after supportive remarks from members emphasizing workforce needs, family support, and military families. House Bill 480, relating to state contracts, was explained as requiring clearer contract terms for appropriated funds, partial payment protections, a 1% penalty for late payment, and semiannual reporting on whether cabinets are paying bills on time. A member noted a planned amendment to limit the bill to state-funded appropriations, but the bill passed 96-0. House Bill 562, relating to alternative high school diplomas, would create a Kentucky alternative diploma for certain students with disabilities and require the Education and Labor Cabinet to maintain employer information for graduates; members spoke in strong support of the bill’s workforce and dignity goals, and it passed 96-0. House Bill 136, relating to campaign finance, was amended to remove a $15,000 cap and allow campaign funds to pay for reasonable security costs for candidates; the sponsor cited rising threats to elected officials, and the bill passed 97-0. The transcript ends as the House moved on to House Bill 257.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we took care of the state grant program.
• But they are also the basis of the state grant program and the North Star Promise program.
• A 7% cut across the board in academic programs.
• Businesses are worried, they're scared.
• We couldn't prioritize small businesses and B.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is the Greater Minnesota Business Development public infrastructure grant program.
• Minnesota Business Development public infrastructure<01:00:17.680> grant<01:00:18.039> program
• is the uh greater the first program is the uh greater Minnesota<01:01:00.119> Business<01:01:
• Business Development public infrastructure<01:01:01.960> program<01:01:02.359> that<01
• Innovative Business Development Public Infrastructure Program, which is a statewide program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• admit Minister the reinsurance program admit Minister the reinsurance program but<00:08:30.879><
• homes program and we talked Minnesota homes program and we talked about<00:09:28.000> that<00
• > uh<00:19:57.480> the action on this um program then uh the action on this um program
• of this July was the hemp aboid program of this July was the hemp aboid program and<01:10:56.640
• different business models.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this requires that training programs will articulate to credit and/or be stackable towards other programs
• This is taxpayer dollars, and we need to make sure that these programs are resulting in programs that
• There was one program that qualified, and it was a CDL program that ended up being eight weeks, because
• And this program is designed for U.S.... Okay, and this program is designed for youth K through 12?
• Sometimes the business likes to be the business and they like to outsource it to somebody else.

Summary: The committee first approved the November 3 minutes, then received an extensive update from Arkansas Division of Higher Education and Division of Career and Technical Education officials on LEARNS and ACCESS implementation. Witnesses said the state’s goal is for students to graduate employed, enrolled, or enlisted, and described expanded career pathways, student success plans, merit and distinction diplomas, and school accountability measures tied to pathway completion and tangible credentials. They reported increases in K-12 CTE enrollment and concurrent enrollment, and explained that some secondary career center programs were reduced or eliminated because they no longer aligned with state workforce demand. Members asked detailed questions about how merit/distinction affects school letter grades, how AP, concurrent credit, CTE completers, apprenticeships, and work-based learning fit into the system, and whether homeschool and private school students can access the same opportunities. Officials said multiple pathways can satisfy the requirements, including AP Scholar, concurrent credit, technical certificates, and apprenticeships, and that counselors are being trained to advise students. They also discussed scholarship changes: ACCESS broadened eligibility for the Arkansas Academic Challenge and Governor’s Scholar awards, with diploma of merit or distinction now qualifying students for additional aid, while the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship itself remained unchanged. Questions were raised about whether homeschool and private school students can meet the new diploma-of-distinction criteria; officials said the intent is to make them eligible if they meet the same standards, and that guidance is being finalized. The discussion also covered workforce scholarships and grants. Officials said the Workforce Challenge was expanded to include vocational-technical schools and increased funding, and that the Division is reworking policy around “professional skills training” to support shorter-term, stackable programs. They reviewed the new federal Workforce Pell Grant, noting its narrow hour and duration limits and the need for programs to meet completion, placement, and earnings thresholds. Members also asked about the state lottery scholarship fund balance and whether more aid should be directed to students; officials said the fund remains healthy and that ACCESS has already increased awards and expanded eligibility, with more implementation data still to come. The final presentation came from the Director of Workforce Connections on a $35.8 million U.S. Department of Labor cooperative agreement for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund. Arkansas will administer the national fund, which is aimed at expanding advanced manufacturing registered apprenticeships across the country through a pay-for-performance model. Officials said the program will support occupations in aerospace, automotive, biotech, maritime, nuclear, semiconductors, supply chain, and automation, and that applications will open soon. Members asked who can apply and how the money will be distributed; the answer was that registered apprenticeship sponsors—sometimes companies, sometimes colleges, sometimes intermediaries—will apply, with Arkansas setting eligibility criteria, vendor requirements, and outreach efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• program. Mahalui. program. Mahalui. >> Thank<00:02:40.080> you.
• Our business has operated in Lahaina Harbor for 54 years.
• and had been out of business for almost 3 years now.
• and had been out of business for almost 3 years now. >> Thanks.
• <00:09:54.480> and who again uh aren't even in business and who again uh aren't even in business

Bills: SB2596, SB3002, SB3067

Keywords: government leases, state entities, real property, affordable leasing, budget impact, green infrastructure, urban development, sustainability, environment, climate change, public health, Hawaii State Planning Act, land records, registration, surveys, subdivision, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water and Culture and the Arts and on Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 3173, which would create a cultural training pilot program in the Department of Land and Natural Resources, administered by DOBOR, for commercial permit holders operating in Lahaina Harbor. Testimony was largely supportive from Lahaina Strong, which said the bill responds to community concerns and would help commercial operators return with greater cultural understanding and respect. Supporters framed the measure as a way to rebuild Lahaina intentionally and strengthen relationships between industry and community. Opposition came from Trilogy Excursions and the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii. They said they already provide or encourage cultural education, but argued the bill as written is too broad, potentially mandatory, and could create hiring and operational problems for businesses trying to restart after the fire. They asked that any program be voluntary, collaborative, and practical, with clearer details on who must take the training, how often it would be offered, and how it would be coordinated. In response to questions, a witness said most operators would likely participate if the training were accessible and well-marketed, but that the harbor’s limited current operations and staggered rebuilding make timing important. After testimony and questions, the chairs said they appreciated the comments but wanted to move the bill forward without amendments because of a filing deadline, noting that timing and other issues could be worked out in later committees with DLNR, OHA, and stakeholders. Both committees then voted to pass SB 3173 unamended, with one member excused in each committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• all of our health and safety net programs.
• further reductions to the Medi-Cal program.
• This bill is largely going to apply to business-to-business transactions, and none of those businesses
• That's always been a state-funded program.
• We ask that AB 122 be amended to include real small business protections, a small business exemption,

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If a business is allowed to a business?
• And it's a new spending program that does definitely not benefit the businesses that are being taxed.
• in businesses, create business growth in businesses, create business growth in Colorado.
• This is a new tax program and programs.
• businesses and taxes have or businesses businesses and taxes have or businesses have<04:29:09.760

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from April 30, 2026, and then moved through a series of announcements and introductions, including recognition of guests from Aurora Public Schools, remarks about International Workers Day and Law Day, and several social announcements about food events and a Cinco de Mayo potluck. The chamber also heard a brief recess and then proceeded to third reading business. The first major action was House Joint Resolution 10:30, sponsored by Representatives Gonzalez and Joseph, which designates a portion of Colorado Highway 14 in Weld County as Mono and Matt Road in memory of Eduardo Mono Hernandez and Matthew Garcia, two Greeley Central High School student-athletes killed in a 2014 crash. Sponsors and supporters described the resolution as a permanent tribute to the young men and to the Greeley community. The resolution passed overwhelmingly, 62-0, with three excused. The House then considered Senate Bill 143, updating the name of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee, and Senate Bill 124, concerning information related to the automated protection order notification system. Both measures passed on third reading, each by a vote of 43-19 with three excused. The chamber also laid over Senate Bill 43 until Monday. Finally, the House took up House Bill 1421, which would prohibit certain compensation arrangements in the legal profession and create the Colorado Legal Practice Integrity and Fee Sharing Prohibition Act. Supporters argued it would prevent private equity from influencing law firms and protect client-focused legal judgment, while opponents raised concerns about separation of powers, the judiciary’s role in regulating lawyers, and possible effects on rural legal services and consolidation. One member requested and received an excusal from the vote due to a potential conflict. The debate continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown for the bill in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• > businesses Small businesses and micro businesses Small businesses and micro businesses also<
• . business. business.
• . program. program.
• . programs. programs.
• . businesses. businesses.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:16.399> are were about how those businesses are were about how those businesses are
• A lot of those businesses went out of business.
• Well, so all of the businesses that are licensed in Kentucky are Kentucky registered businesses.
• hemp business licensed in good standing. hemp business licensed in good standing.
• hemp business that was in good standing. hemp business that was in good standing.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20 Approval of June 4, 2026 Minutes 00:03:09 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Medical Cannabis 00:03:38 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Bourbon 01:41:03, 958, all