Transcript Highlights:

• So you're going to absorb the position with a position that is set aside for class size reduction?
• Some of that reporting is class size reduction, which several bills are working to reduce the burden
• of COLA that were funded and supported last session, this is necessary. ...levels of COLA that were
• We think it's gotten to a level that might catch somebody's attention.
• You know, there's just this part, like you're in class, but you're not having to do any work.

Bills: AB49, AB93, AB108, AB169, AB188, AB212, AB221, AB224, AB251, AB282, AB284, AB296, AB304, AB331, AB356, AB366, AB375, AB409, AB467, AB475, AB476, AB479, AB494, AB514, AB515, AB533, AB542, AB550, AB558, AB567, AB568, AB571, AB581, AB583, AB584, AB585, AB595, AB596, AB597, SB170, SB427, SB460, SB508

Keywords: educational personnel, teacher licensing, reciprocal licensure, provisional teaching, school counselors, school nurses, school social workers, state education standards, public employees, police officers, benefits, appropriation, law enforcement, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, health insurance, speech-language pathology

Transcript Highlights:

• Not on the base class, I missed a meeting. No, this is on the both.
• as a base-level offense for the actual groping conduct.
• It was done in class C world and that information isn't collected.
• state level.
• And my concern was if he was sexually abused by another class.

Bills: HB47, HB1552, HB1686, HB1953, HB2151, HB2355, HB2582, HB2697, HB2895, HB3073, HB3418, HB47

Keywords: sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, digital services, reporting requirements, children's protection, sex offender registration, indecent assault, educator-student relationship, criminal justice, legislation, crime victims, compensation fund, information disclosure

Transcript Highlights:

• take on more financial burdens, the burden will fall on citizens through higher taxes or reduced levels
• financial burdens, it's going to place the burden on our citizens either through higher taxes or reduce levels
• We have to open our PE classes. We have to offer sports. We have to offer all of these things.
• We have a fight in a PE class. I mentioned last year.
• There was an example of claims that sound pretty frivolous and, you know, the dodgeball in a PE class

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee considered HB 145, by Rep. McFarland, which would raise Florida’s sovereign immunity caps from $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident to $500,000 and $1 million, with a future inflation-based increase, extend the time to bring claims, and allow local governments to settle claims above the cap without a claims bill. McFarland argued the bill modernizes an outdated system and helps injured people obtain compensation more fairly and efficiently, while preserving sovereign immunity. Several members spoke in support during debate, saying the bill better balances government accountability and victims’ rights and that current caps have not kept pace with inflation and damages. Public testimony was largely in opposition. Local governments, counties, cities, insurance groups, and school-related organizations warned the bill would significantly increase liability exposure, insurance premiums, and taxpayer costs, especially for small and rural governments and school districts. Opponents also objected to the provision allowing settlements above the cap without legislative action, saying it would weaken the cap and increase litigation and costs. Supporters countered that injured people often wait years for claims bills and that governments should be able to resolve meritorious claims directly. After debate, the committee voted 16-1 to report HB 145 favorably, with Rep. Lopez voting no. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, explore all these what we've seen pertaining staff levels and the relationship with agency funding
• to to staff up to more of a base level to to staff up to more of a base level um<00:21:17.120>
• Some of that we spoke specifically at operations and maintenance with the increased base-level funding
• <00:25:14.440> funding increased to to the base level funding increased to to the base level
• So, this here on the screen is the cost estimates for class two and three railroads.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• count based on the the uh uh state level count based on the the uh uh state level matching<00:15
• Will our students have the low class sizes and other services they need and deserve?
• will inevitably lead to larger class will inevitably lead to larger class sizes,<00:25:18.320>
• How do we make sure that every kid in Minnesota is, you know, at grade level and, you know, ready to
• How do we make sure that every kid in Minnesota is, you know, at grade level and, you know, ready to

Bills: HF1048, HF1049, HF745, HF2210

Keywords: charter schools, education funding, revenue calculation, general education revenue, special education, school library aid, education finance, school districts, funding eligibility, compensatory revenue, task force, free meals, school funding, education equity, HF2210, school unemployment aid, Minnesota Department of Education, general fund appropriation, unemployment insurance, unemployment claims

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:43.839> of unemployment and concerning level of unemployment and concerning level of
• <00:20:15.200> of we also see that the higher levels of we also see that the higher levels
• So we're able to at the state level.
• unpredictable at the federal level. unpredictable at the federal level.
• State level coordination is the done. State level coordination is the next<01:06:23.039> step.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires, with Chair Dela Alani framing the discussion around emergency preparedness, recovery, and lessons for future disasters. The main presentation came from researchers involved in the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study, who described the project as a grassroots academic-community partnership that has enrolled more than 2,000 adults and children for health screenings, social assessments, and biomonitoring. They said the study has documented elevated mental and physical health conditions, housing instability, unemployment, barriers to care, and exposure to heavy metals and other toxicants, while also noting some modest improvement in adult mental health and self-rated health compared with the prior year. The presenters emphasized that wildfire impacts remain severe two years later. They reported that about half of adult participants had worsening health since the fires, roughly 40% had direct or frequent fire exposure, and many adults showed chronic disease burdens such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory impairment. They also said about half of adult survivors reported depressive symptoms, about a quarter had moderate to severe anxiety, more than 4% had considered suicide in the prior month, and nearly one in four had PTSD. A clinician from the Lahaina Certified Community Behavioral Health Center described the clinic’s no-turn-away model, with case management, therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management for anyone who needs it, and urged lawmakers to fund and expand that approach. The researchers also highlighted environmental findings, saying urine testing of more than 1,200 adults found heavy metal signatures that differed between burn-zone residents and those on the perimeter, with higher levels associated with displacement and ash re-exposure. They said about 20% of participants had higher-than-expected heavy metal levels 6 to 12 months after the fires, and cited a negative association between nickel levels and lung function. They argued for long-term monitoring, better cleanup methods, and a centralized health surveillance system tied to community outreach. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the briefing; the chair said the presentation materials and related reports would be posted for public access, and members were invited to ask questions after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:18.160> uh<00:06:18.440> cadc<00:06:18.880> class class uh cadc class class
• So that class will start in August, Cadet Class 106. Cadet Class 106.
• So that class will start in August, Cadet Class 106.
• So that class will start in August, Cadet Class 106. Cadet Class 106.
• 18:36.000> last uh for this this class and the last uh for this this class and the last class<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Justice, Public Safety, and Judiciary met to approve the February 18 minutes and then heard first from Kentucky State Police Commissioner Philip Burnett Jr. on recruitment, Trooper Academy classes, and the Kentucky Emergency Warning System (KQES) lease program. Burnett said KSP had submitted the House Bill 6 recruitment and retention reports, and he reviewed Cadet Classes 104 and 105, including application numbers, age ranges, and the mix of applicants by education, military, and law enforcement background. He said attrition is driven largely by physical fitness failures and homesickness from the resident academy model, but noted KSP has expanded recruiting and mentoring efforts, including college-credit partnerships and targeted recruiting in western Kentucky. Members asked about academy credit, the physical test, dropout reasons, whether applicants can reapply, and where recruits are coming from; Burnett said some do return successfully and that most candidates come from central and eastern Kentucky, while staffing remains hardest at posts in Mayfield, Madisonville, Henderson, Campbellsburg, and Dry Ridge. Burnett also updated the committee on KQES and the broader radio replacement effort. He described KQES as a 153-tower microwave backbone supporting state and local public safety communications, including DEMA, KET, and seismology equipment, and said KSP is renewing long-term private land leases that were set to expire in the coming years. He reported progress using master agreements and outside leasing firms, with eight leases out for bid and eleven more to follow, plus new interagency leases with the Transportation Cabinet and a site move in Wolf County to Forest Service land. He said about 997 leases still remain to be executed, though some tower sites involve multiple leases, and he expressed optimism that the new process will protect the system’s assets. In response to questions from Representative Sharp, Burnett said he could not give a firm completion date for the new radio system but estimated 18 to 36 months depending on tower construction, and said phase three equipment has already been procured for parts of Posts 8, 11, and 14, including Boyd and Lawrence counties. After KSP’s presentation and questions from Representatives Sharp, Carney, and Decker, the committee turned to the Kentucky Court of Justice. Zach Ramy, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, introduced himself and began the court system’s budget overview, but the transcript provided cuts off before that presentation continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• uncommon at all for a student to come to one of us on our team after we've had a conversation with class
• c><00:05:20.039> to<00:05:20.240> share<00:05:20.560> their conversation with class
• to share their conversation with class to share their personal<00:05:21.319> experiences<00:05
• <00:42:18.280> and that they're at appropriate levels and that they're at appropriate levels
• that keep up with reimbursed at levels that keep up with the<00:42:52.680> cost<00:42:52.920>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• level one adult trauma center. level one adult trauma center.
• Health Care provides the highest level Health Care provides the highest level of<00:53:26.880>
• Level one trauma North are members.
• We have to have high-level<01:10:59.400> infrastructure high-level infrastructure high-level infrastructure
• stitched up my level three tears. stitched up my level three tears.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You have to have income requirements, 200% of the poverty level.
• I have been teaching dance classes to children with special needs.
• I have been teaching dance classes to children with special needs for 20 years.
• Students are going to show up not knowing if their classes are going to be there.
• Students are going to show up not knowing if their classes are going to be there.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests, then adopted House Memorial Resolution 1001 honoring former Senator Gary Don Stubblefield and House Memorial Resolution 1002 honoring former Representative Stan Berry. Members offered remarks about both men’s service, faith, and support for their communities, and both memorial resolutions passed unanimously. The chamber also briefly recognized several visiting groups and individuals, including law enforcement, medical personnel, students, choirs, and HIV Awareness and Education Day participants. The House then moved through the budget calendar. House Bill 1100, the RSA/budget bill, drew debate over spending priorities, Medicaid, human development centers, vouchers, and tax cuts; it passed 64-30-3, and the emergency clause passed 73-22. Senate Bill 77, an appropriation related to Arkansas TV/PBS funding, was defeated 71-21-2 after members argued it was unnecessary and not requested by the board. House Bill 1007, the public school fund appropriation, passed 91-7 with the emergency clause after debate over early childhood funding and the Arkansas Better Chance program. Several other appropriations passed with varying levels of support, including House Bill 1022 (Arkansas Development Finance Authority), House Bill 1023 (DHS Secretary’s Office), House Bill 1034 (Treasurer’s Office), House Bill 1035 (tobacco cessation and related settlement-funded programs), House Bill 1036 (Department of Health), House Bill 1053 (University of Arkansas at Little Rock), House Bill 1064 (Department of Finance and Administration), House Bill 1066 (Department of Energy and Environment), Senate Bill 24 (DHS Developmental Disability Services), Senate Bill 29 (Lieutenant Governor’s Office), Senate Bill 41 (University of Arkansas), Senate Bill 51 (Auditor of State), and Senate Bill 59 (educational television). Debate focused on Medicaid rates, human development centers, tobacco settlement spending, environmental enforcement, and higher education athletics funding. The House adjourned after adopting a motion to meet again at 10 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know some of you feel this deeply on a personal level and are grieving in your own ways.
• deeply<00:03:28.879> on<00:03:29.000> a<00:03:29.200> personal<00:03:29.560> level
• <00:03:30.080> and<00:03:30.200> are deeply on a personal level and are deeply on a
• personal level and are grieving<00:03:30.799> in<00:03:30.959> your<00:03:31.159> own
• warrant class um so just<00:30:28.240> want<00:30:28.360> to<00:30:28.519> make

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• tighten up the the reimbursement levels tighten up the the reimbursement levels so<00:16:30.920>
• <00:54:57.160> line not that it's very specific class line not that it's very specific class
• You had asked about the 027, so class 27.
• 27 you refer to so our 027 so class 27 you refer to so our class<01:01:27.760> 27<01:01:28.280
• The difference between first-class mail rate and sorting.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented an overview of its budget and operations, emphasizing that it is the lowest-spending agency in state government and that its general fund allocation has declined since 2019. Commissioner Arling House explained that DAS also handles back-office functions for several administratively attached boards, which has affected staffing and spending comparisons. He said the department’s current general fund spending is roughly split between retiree health and other operations, and that the presentation was based on adjusted authorized spending rather than the original budget figures. A major portion of the meeting focused on retiree health benefits and the long-term effort to control costs. Deputy Commissioner Cassie Keane described how the state moved from a projected deficit in retiree health to savings through a series of changes, including higher premium contributions, co-pay adjustments, and shifting Medicare retirees into Medicare Advantage arrangements to capture federal reimbursement. She said the state has about 12,500 retirees and spouses on the plan, with roughly 10,906 Medicare retirees and 1,580 non-Medicare retirees, and that the savings have depended heavily on federal funding and procurement decisions. She also noted that Medicare retirees pay Part B premiums and that the state has grandfathered older retirees from some premium contributions. Members asked about what the expenditures cover, why the state offers retiree health instead of simply giving retirees a payment to buy coverage themselves, and whether out-of-pocket costs changed under Medicare Advantage. Keane said the plan covers actual health claims or insurance premiums, that co-pays and maximum out-of-pocket limits remain in place, and that the state has no authority to change benefit details without legislative action. She explained that retiree health is a long-standing employee benefit that wraps around Medicare and is not collectively bargained in the usual sense, though its eligibility rules and cost-sharing have been tightened over time to better target the benefit to long-term state service. The discussion also covered vendor performance problems. Keane said Anthem recently won the contract back from Aetna, but its pharmacy subsidiary, Caroline, caused serious service disruptions. DAS responded by withholding payments, assessing more than $2 million in performance guarantees, and hiring a third-party auditor to review the pharmacy processes. The current contract runs through the end of calendar year 2026, and officials said they are watching federal Medicare Advantage reimbursement changes closely because future savings are uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we kind of make events for the senior class, and we've been able to raise $50,000 from having an
• So does junior class have to put on the senior prom? Oh, prom has happened. Has happened.
• So does junior class have to put on the senior prom?
• I work at a— I work at a high school where most of our classes are AP level.
• President Trump wasted no time on the issue at the federal level.

Bills: HB186, HB201, HB229, HB796, HB1506, HB2702, HB2885, HB3225, HB3909, HB4285, HB5138

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 186, which would require social media platforms to verify users are 18 or older before allowing account creation. Invited witnesses in support, including Mary Elizabeth Castle and David Dunmoyer, argued the bill would protect children from harmful algorithms, addictive design, bullying, sexual exploitation, and mental health harms, and emphasized parental rights and the idea that minors should not enter binding contracts with platforms. Committee members questioned them about how algorithms work, whether parents could realistically monitor content, and whether the bill would still allow educational use; the witnesses said the bill was narrowly aimed at harmful social media use and not educational content. Public testimony on HB 186 was largely in opposition, though several student witnesses said they supported the bill’s goals but wanted the age lowered to 16 or the bill amended to allow parental consent or joint accounts. Opponents argued the bill would be ineffective because teens could bypass age checks, would cut off access to educational tools, school communications, recruiting and NIL opportunities, and would burden free speech and privacy. Some witnesses also said social media helps teens with mental health, community, and creative or professional opportunities, while others warned the bill could disproportionately harm disabled and marginalized users. After public testimony closed, HB 186 was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 5138, which Chairman Hughes said would respond to a court ruling limiting the Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election crimes unless invited by local prosecutors by changing the statute to require AG prosecution. Public testimony on HB 5138 was brief and opposed by at least one witness who argued it would further erode local control and expand state preemption. The bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3225, a library bill aimed at keeping sexually explicit books and materials out of children’s sections in municipal libraries and requiring age verification for checkout, including digital access, with parental consent and other revisions added in the House. Supporters said the bill would protect children from explicit material and keep such content in adult sections, while opponents argued it would amount to censorship, be costly and difficult to implement, and could be used to target LGBTQ+ or other marginalized content. Library workers, parents, students, and advocates testified that existing library sections already separate age-appropriate materials and that the bill could reduce access to books, burden libraries, and infringe on parental choice and free expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can provide a high level overview of the new process project delivery life cycle.
• In recent years, the level of revenues to this fund have fluctuated significantly.
• So the current level of revenues in 2023 was approximately.
• So that rapid escalation kept ahead of our ability to project that level of revenues and spend at a level
• It would require that the budget assume that level of savings.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oklahoma is the second-largest state to produce hard red winter class of wheat in the United States.
• And hard red hard white winter wheat is the newest class to us wheat. And I yield for questions.
• Class 216, all my homies. We come in together.
• We bragged about ourselves all the time about how big our class was and how powerful we were.
• He gave us a speech at caucus retreat, and I was like, 'Man, I guess we know who the class president

Bills: HR1055, SB2170, SB1833, SB1198, HR1056, SB1730, SB563, SB1379, SB1645, SB2155, SB1280, SB1455, SB1456, SB1461, SB1457, SB1463, SB1465, SB1466, SB1344, SB1309, HR1054, SB2159, SB1948, HB1371, SB1365, SB1976, SB1975, SB2026, SB1565, SB1621, SB237, SB933, SB1427, SB1642, SB171, SB1873, SB2067, SB1623, SB1771, SB1805, SB1826, SB2072, SB444, SB2184, SB1966, SB1812, SB2117, SB2135, SB330, SB1239, SB1428, SB1531, SB1484, SB1405, SB3

Keywords: Oklahoma Agriculture Day, agriculture, farmers, ranchers, agribusiness, food production, wheat, cattle, beef, dairy, soybeans, cotton, poultry, pork, rye, rural economy, urban-rural, trade, commodity production, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a different tier, a different level of diving that's required for training.
• <00:58:29.440> of different tier a different level of different tier a different level of
• change happening at the federal level change happening at the federal level right<01:04:21.279><
• repealed so if there is a comfort level repealed so if there is a comfort level with<01:04:52.160
• that are happening at the federal level that are happening at the federal level and<01:30:15.719

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, all of us on this commission are so focused on how we help up-level the lives of people with
• Up-level the lives of people with disabilities.
• It's called Uniquely Abled, and it's a modification of entry-level manufacturing for people with autism
• So one of our locals that has done well at the federal level. So thank you very much.
• There needs to be some level of conversation included that addresses the importance of inclusive housing

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met virtually and in person for its June meeting. Members approved the March meeting minutes and heard a chair’s report on recent “Meeting the Moment” community conversations, including the successful Lowell event and plans for a July 14 Northampton event and an October National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration at the State House. The October event will include a panel with MassAbility on artificial intelligence and its impacts on people with disabilities, with discussion of both accessibility benefits and risks such as bias and discrimination. A major presentation came from the Supplier Diversity Office on its Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EAC) program. Staff described the program’s evolution from a pilot launched after 2016 legislation to a statewide policy now included in new state contracts. The program aims to increase certification of disability-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, expand workforce participation by people with disabilities, and use vendor reporting to track progress toward a 3% workforce goal. The office reported about 292 active certified businesses, roughly 40 vendors currently on EAC contracts, and expectations that the number of participating vendors will grow to about 130 by November. Commissioners praised the program and asked about its reach, data, and potential replication in other states or institutions. The advisory council update highlighted broad engagement across topics including accessibility, employment, youth transition, housing, health equity, transportation, technology, AI, and supported decision-making. Members were asked to share fact sheets and resources for posting on the commission website, and two council members will help plan the October employment event. Subcommittee reports followed: the employment subcommittee reviewed transition-to-employment barriers, the disability employment tax credit, veteran services, and a SEED policy brief; the workforce supports subcommittee discussed apprenticeships and a May webinar on addressing workforce barriers through apprenticeships; and the long-term services and supports/health equity subcommittee heard about care coordination training resources and a presentation on post-COVID health care inequities for people with disabilities. The executive director also reported on ongoing work with state agencies, MassHealth-related conversations, caregiver and aging issues, and AI planning. The meeting ended with commissioner announcements on the Paul Spooner Generational Leadership Summit and a Medicaid summit, followed by adjournment by vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• the governor's interagency on homelessness, so I really decided that should be handled at the local level
• Is adding a level of government oversight with any corresponding government investment in addressing
• Didn't we just establish that they're not subject to this level of oversight?
• Leadership class, please stand with their director, Miss Melinda Barton.
• And from the best class ever, Leadership Oklahoma class number 37, would my friends Courtney and Brandy

Bills: HB4420, HB3974, HB3016, HB3062, HB3021, HB3145, HB4128, HB3131, HB3015, HB3472, HB3453, HB1638, HB4126, HB2696, HB2710, HB3552, HB3031, HB3544, HB3521, HB4490, HB4488, HB1746, HJR1069, HB4428, HB4429, HB1170, HB3538, HB4124, HB3904, HB4106, HB2999, HB3982, HJR1077, HB3464, HB2588, HB3462, HB4440, HB3674, HB3345, HJR1067, HB4326, HB4331, HB4337, HB4338, HB4359, HB4392, HB3557, HJR1076, HB4003, HB3495, HB3497, HB3501, HB3505, HB3749, HB3011, HB4336, HB4346, HJR1087, HB3240, HB3647, HB3796, HB3969, HB3972, HB3983, HB3984, HB3989, HB3383, HB3130, HB4358, HB3327, HJR1055, HB3386, HJR1089, HB3087, HB2970, HB3314, HB4129, HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• teacher and administrator in Connor Virtual school knows of Wyatt before they even have him in his class
• Entry level jobs will be the first ones to be automated.
• So these would be students who are part of the public school system participating in classes, programs
• It's time to level the playing field.
• We believe the current structure fails to meet the full needs of working class families, the program's

Bills: HB117

Keywords: county regulation, impervious cover, land use, unincorporated areas, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• options to the sentencing options for the judge, specifically services like counseling, parenting classes
• which everybody's very contested, so the determination giving someone a new status at the criminal level
• and parenting classes and they fail<00:52:05.839> and<00:52:05.960> they<00:52:06.119>
• Sometimes they need to go to parenting classes because they're eventually going to be integrated, so
• so because they're parenting classes so because they're eventually<00:57:55.520> going<00:57:

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 479 00:03:22 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 479 00:04:51 Discussion of 25RS HB 574 00:21:49 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 475 00:23:41 Discussion of 25RS HB 291 01:04:38 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 291 01:05:42 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Families and Children met and first took up House Bill 479, which would require one hour of dementia training for DCBS workers. Representative Derrick Lewis and the Alzheimer’s Association said the bill was a straightforward, bipartisan effort to address dementia awareness and improve worker training, with no fiscal impact. Members spoke in support, including remarks about personal family experiences with dementia and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 574, the “Baby Maya” child protection bill, sponsored by Representatives Dossett and Lewis. The bill would require reporting when a child is born to a parent who previously had children removed for neglect or abuse, create a rebuttable presumption allowing the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to make an initial safety determination, authorize emergency custody procedures, and name the measure the Baby Maya Law. Sponsors said it was intended to add guardrails after the Baby Maya case and stressed that it would not automatically remove children or add new mandatory-reporter penalties. Members asked about hospital involvement, HIPAA, and information-sharing; the Cabinet commissioner said the agency would be open to better data-sharing with hospitals, but currently has no such system. The bill passed 12-1 with favorable expression. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 291, the Family Preservation and Accountability Act, with a committee substitute. The bill would expand sentencing alternatives for primary caregivers convicted of nonviolent offenses, allowing judges to consider family status and use options such as counseling, parenting classes, and related services. Supporters argued it would keep families together, reduce harm from parental incarceration, and save money; one witness cited a report estimating $4 million in direct incarceration savings and broader economic benefits. Another witness, Amanda Hall, gave emotional testimony about the long-term harm of parental incarceration and said access to help would have been better for her family than prison. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 12-1 with favorable expression.