Transcript Highlights:

• A big part of that is creating cold water habitat, protecting streams that provide cold water habitat
• , and enhancing streams that have the ability to provide that cold water habitat.
• Places like Battle Creek offer that cold water refuge year in and year out.
• I don't think we have looked at the worst-case scenario.
• And through shifts in federal priorities this year, that's no longer the case.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture held its annual State of the Fishery forum, focusing on salmon, Dungeness crab, kelp, ocean conditions, and related aquaculture and committee reports. Opening remarks from committee leadership emphasized climate impacts, reduced federal NOAA support, state investments through Proposition 4, coastal resilience funding, and the importance of fisheries to rural economies and tribal communities. Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot described a decade of drought and climate stress, highlighted progress such as Klamath River dam removal, wetland restoration, and the state’s salmon strategy, and warned that federal funding uncertainty and staffing cuts could undermine restoration and fishery recovery efforts. Senator Cortese raised concerns about illegal cannabis cultivation damaging riparian habitat and water flows, and both Crowfoot and Fish and Wildlife Director Bonham said enforcement against illicit grows remains a major environmental priority but is constrained by resources. Director Bonham provided a broad update on California fisheries, reporting encouraging signs for salmon after several difficult years, including improved ocean conditions, stronger returns in some runs, and successful short recreational openings in 2025. He also noted major challenges, including reduced federal hatchery production at Nimbus, ongoing uncertainty around winter-run and spring-run recovery, and the need for continued habitat restoration, monitoring, and hatchery investment. On Dungeness crab, Bonham said the fishery remained valuable but constrained by whale entanglement risk, warming ocean conditions, and domoic acid concerns; he described new marked-line distribution, ropeless and alternative gear trials, and ongoing aerial and vessel monitoring. He also said the department’s unified cannabis enforcement task force had served numerous warrants and seized large amounts of illegal cannabis, but more funding is needed for sustained operations. In the salmon panel, Yurok Tribe fisheries director McCovey said the Klamath still faces low run sizes, climate-driven warming, wildfire impacts, and federal uncertainty, but he pointed to dam removal, restoration work, and AB 263’s river-flow protections as major advances. PCFFA president Bradshaw stressed that the three consecutive salmon closures have devastated coastal communities and argued for major reinvestment in aging Central Valley hatchery infrastructure and better broodstock management at Fall Creek. CalTrout’s Schneider said salmon remain at risk statewide, but cited Prop 4, habitat reconnection, floodplain restoration, improved water management, and monitoring as the main tools for recovery. In the crab panel, CDFW’s Schumann reported that the 2024–25 season produced record prices per pound and about $55 million in value despite delays and trap reductions, but he warned that three confirmed whale entanglements and elevated whale presence could force a conservative opener for 2025–26. PCFFA’s Domrash supported marked line, alternative gear, and a new gear-recovery network, while also criticizing the current ramp system as a response to a problem not fully grounded in science.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is it creates a prohibition on shutoffs during extreme cold.
• It creates a during extreme cold.
• . than - 10°, this is pretty dang cold.
• They're open cases, load factor tariffs.
• get to work with every day in case get to work with every day in case something<01:48:53.920>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:12 Approval of Minutes 00:02:25 Co-Chair & Member Comments 00:02:48 Discussion of 2025 SB 137 00:06:58 Outdoor Adventure Tourism Opportunities 00:41:56 Public Service Commission Update 01:21:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior minutes. Members also observed a moment of reflection for Charlie Kirk and offered condolences to Representative Bobby McCool on the death of his mother. Representative Fugate then made announcements about the ongoing ATV/UTV trail system, including an October 21 opening in Letcher County and an October 2 groundbreaking in Knott County, and staff was asked to circulate the dates to members. The main agenda item was Senate Bill 137, presented by Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong with testimony from George Ecklan of the Coalition of the Homeless and Wesley Bryant, a flood survivor and Eastern Kentucky resident. The bill would prohibit utility disconnections for non-payment during dangerous weather and emergencies, including extreme cold, excessive heat, and declared natural disasters. Supporters said the measure is narrow, does not forgive past-due balances or change reconnection policies, and is intended to protect vulnerable residents, reduce risks to first responders, and create a minimum statewide standard amid a patchwork of utility policies. They cited weather thresholds and historical examples of extreme weather and disaster declarations in Kentucky. Testimony emphasized the human impact of shutoffs, especially for low-income households, older adults, and families facing illness or disaster recovery. Bryant described experiences with people shivering without heat or struggling to keep children cool when power was cut off, calling electricity a lifeline rather than a luxury. Representative Gu raised concerns that utility bills have become unaffordable due to broader policy and rate issues, argued that some customers may not pay if shutoffs are prohibited, and questioned whether the bill was needed. Senator Chambers Armstrong responded that the proposal is limited to non-payment shutoffs during short periods of dangerous conditions and is meant to keep people safe during emergencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The cold case investigation team, they're There's a piece here for the crime lab, for them to process
• and work DNA cases and not take away from rape kits and other.
• cases have spiked.
• It's unbelievable how many cases, we have one ranger in each. region that is dedicated to cold cases,
• It's unbelievable the cases. that they solve, but it's unbelievable the cases that are not being solved

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I've seen a lot of cases.
• I could sell fried chicken cold after you put it in the case and sell it cold, but I couldn't sell it
• I could sell fried chicken cold after you put it in the case and sell it cold, but I couldn't sell it
• cold after you and put it in the case cold after you and put it in the case and<00:18:08.880>
• these cases. these cases. >> Thank<00:48:15.680> you.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes unanimously and then heard extended testimony from Senator Jimmy Higdon, who reflected on Kentucky’s 2011 childhood obesity task force and said the state’s childhood obesity problem has worsened since then. He described prior recommendations from that task force, including more physical education, nutrition education, classroom-based physical activity, complete streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and safe routes to school. Higdon also argued that government programs have contributed to obesity and drug abuse, focusing especially on SNAP and Medicaid, and said he has long advocated for a waiver to distribute SNAP benefits twice a month rather than once a month. Higdon said SNAP fraud and abuse are significant, claiming some recipients sell benefits and some retailers bend the rules on eligible purchases. He also said spreading benefits through the month could help families keep fresh food in the home and stabilize grocery store business, especially in food deserts and rural areas. In response to questions, he said he would not support allowing hot prepared foods under SNAP, though he said a grocery-store produce incentive similar to the farmers market match could be beneficial if structured separately. He also said the WIC program is a model for how SNAP could be better administered. Members thanked Higdon for his service and discussed whether the issue is food insecurity or poor nutrition. Senator Douglas emphasized adding stronger guardrails to nutrition-related programs, and Representative Proctor asked about the challenges of operating grocery stores in rural areas and food deserts. Higdon said independent grocers face thin margins, competition, and cyclical market pressures, and that SNAP distribution patterns can worsen those challenges. After Higdon’s testimony, the committee heard from Ann Cressilious, a registered dietitian with the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who began a presentation on the profession and on efforts to improve nutrition and access to nutrition information in Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• First one is a case study.
• The first one is a case study for part 2. So it's related. So let's look at SB 794.
• Now case senators. Without objection that objection, senators.
• The platform with them convert those moneys too cold.
• And and that's absolutely the case.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in fiscal year 22 to 5500 cases in fiscal year 24, as shown in Figure 5.
• Uh, the cold case investigation team, there's a piece here for the crime lab.
• The cold cases have spiked.
• It's unbelievable how many cases we have one ranger in each region that is dedicated to cold cases, and
• It's unbelievable the cases that they solve, but it's unbelievable the cases that are not being solved

Transcript Highlights:

• Please take the time needed, and we are just asking for an added rescue option to be present in case
• <00:03:01.040> in added rescue option to be present in added rescue option to be present in case
• of a choking emergency I thank you case of a choking emergency I thank you for<00:03:04.000> this
• I pray every day that no parent or grandparent has to sit helpless and watch their child die on a cold
• Watch their child die on a cold classroom floor, like myself and his people did.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 44, also called Landon’s Law, which would allow schools to keep anti-choking devices such as LifeVac and remove liability concerns for schools that have them. Representative Candy Massaroni and other supporters said the bill is intended to provide an added rescue option in choking emergencies, especially for children and students with disabilities, and cited concerns that there are no current procedures to rescue some individuals who use wheelchairs or have disabilities. Testifiers from Equal First Aid and Life Act described the device as noninvasive, non-powered, and available with adult and pediatric masks, saying it works by creating suction to dislodge an object from the airway. They also referenced American Heart Association, CDC, and Red Cross guidance in support of broader availability. Lauren McCubbin, Landon McCubbin’s mother, gave emotional testimony about her son’s life and death, saying he choked on a bouncy ball at Boston Elementary on November 21, 2022 and died despite the presence of a nurse and firefighters. She said the bill is meant to ensure no other family has to experience a similar loss and argued that a LifeVac device might have given her son a chance. Committee members asked for clarification about what the device is and why paramedics did not have it, and the bill’s supporters explained that it is a simple suction device and that some emergency services are only beginning to adopt it. After the testimony, a motion and second were made on the bill. The committee then moved into questions and discussion about the device’s function, FDA registration, and use in schools, but no final vote or other action was stated in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the eight understand to be the case.
• It is a discretionary decision made by school leadership on a case-by-case basis involving individuals
• case beyond a reasonable doubt. case beyond a reasonable doubt.
• You know, this morning was really cold, and it’s the first time I’ve had to wait outside in the cold
• You know, this morning was really cold, and it’s the first time I’ve had to wait outside in the cold

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:40.240> I cold, or way off base on on this. I cold, or way off base on on this.
• or cryptocurrency would be cold storage. or cryptocurrency would be cold storage.
• of cases due to data privacy issues. of cases due to data privacy issues.
• :13.120> confuse<01:09:13.520> the cases you're going to confuse the cases you're going
• Great. uh peace of mind and in this case uh it uh peace of mind and in this case uh it it<01:17:24.000

Bills: HF3604, HF2236, HF3709, HF3766, HF2400

Keywords: bulk fuel, nonoxygenated gasoline, environment, exemption criteria, transportation, HF2236, Minnesota commerce, obsolete language, statutory cleanup, retail installment contract, consumer credit, vehicle financing, auto loans, retail buyer, retail seller, delinquency charge, collection fee, attorney fees, assignment notice, payment receipt

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 26, after correcting the header date to Thursday, February 26. It then took up House File 36004, as amended by the author’s technical A1 amendment. Representative Van Binsbergen described the bill as a change to statute governing bulk delivery of nonoxygenated fuel, especially for boats and other watercraft, to allow direct delivery to vehicles rather than requiring transport of fuel in containers or removal of boats from the water. Members generally supported the concept, citing convenience for lake users, reduced travel and potential invasive species spread, and fewer spill risks, but the chair said the bill would be laid over pending additional clarification from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and other agencies. House File 2236 was then introduced as a vehicle bill for possible future omnibus use and laid over without testimony or opposition. The committee also heard House File 3709, which would allow Minnesota banks and credit unions to offer custodial accounts for digital assets such as cryptocurrency. The authors framed the bill as a consumer-protection and competitiveness measure that would let local institutions keep pace with customer demand and prevent Minnesotans from relying on out-of-state or offshore providers. Testimony from the Department of Commerce and credit union representatives supported the bill, saying it would level the playing field, keep digital assets under Minnesota oversight, and help local institutions remain relevant; one witness said significant liquidity had been leaving local communities for outside exchanges. Questions from members focused on whether the accounts would be NCUA-insured, how the bill related to unclaimed property, and whether the policy goal was consumer protection or simply preserving bank relevance. Several members expressed support but also cautioned about crypto volatility, scams, and the need to avoid turning credit unions into exchanges. The discussion ended without a final vote in the excerpt, with the bill still under committee consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've gone from around 15,000 cases a year to around 30,000 cases a year.
• And those cases have been identified, especially through our cold case investigating teams throughout
• And we have seen Arkansas cases solved, cases across the U.S., and vice versa, cases across the U.S.
• So that required law enforcement, if it was a missing person or a cold case, I'm not real sure.
• A cold case. I'm not real sure I'm saying all this correctly, but you just vaguely remember it.

Summary: The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for what members said was likely the first appearance by the lab before this committee. Lab officials gave an overview of the new crime lab facility now under construction, saying it is on schedule, under budget, and expected to be completed by the end of July next year, with phased move-in beginning around August 1. They explained that the current building is over 40 years old and overcrowded, with caseloads having doubled over the past 20 years, and said the new facility will improve workflow, add morgue capacity, and allow new technologies and equipment to be brought online. Members asked about staffing and recruitment, and the lab said recent pay changes and legislative support have made Arkansas more competitive for forensic specialists and medical examiners. Officials said vacancies have been reduced, a new deputy chief medical examiner has been hired, two more medical examiners are starting in August, and a new fellowship program has already attracted applicants. They also said the lab is prepared for the staffing needs of the new facility and that training periods remain long for many analyst positions. The discussion also covered rapid DNA, CODIS, sexual assault kit processing, genetic genealogy, and overdose-related data sharing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with pilot agencies in Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas among the first states to do so. Officials described CODIS as a key investigative tool, said DNA profiles are entered automatically when they qualify, and reported that the sexual assault kit backlog has been cleared with the lab now maintaining a 60-day turnaround. They also confirmed Arkansas uses a kit-tracking system, works with private labs such as Othram and Bode for genetic genealogy, and is developing an overdose dashboard to share toxicology and overdose data with public health and law enforcement partners. Members praised the lab’s progress and the committee adjourned after announcing an August site visit to Lake Conway and the dam project.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've gone from around 15,000 cases a year to around 30,000 cases a year.
• And those cases have been identified, especially through our cold case investigating teams throughout
• And we have seen Arkansas cases solved, cases across the U.S., and vice versa—cases across the U.S. help
• So that required law enforcement, if it was a missing person or a cold case, I'm not real sure.
• A cold case. I'm not real sure I'm saying all this correctly, but you just vaguely remember it.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rehire them. hire them, to announcements that agency buildings would be closed or sold, or in some cases
• I was so proud to learn that several of the cold case offices that we established under President Trump's
• Roads not built, cases left unsolved, appraisal backlogs, obstacles to public hunting and fishing.
• Sir, I'm not familiar with that particular case, however, and know in our discussions in your office,
• It should not take five or 10 or more years to resolve these probate cases.

Keywords: nuclear energy, permitting process, energy production, public lands, national parks, uranium imports, legislative bills, infrastructure development

Summary: The committee meeting was dominated by discussions on a variety of legislative bills including major topics such as nuclear energy advancement, the effects of regulatory hurdles on energy production, and proposals to improve national park staffing and maintenance. Members expressed concerns over the federal government's handling of uranium imports and the necessity for maintaining a robust domestic nuclear supply chain. Efforts to streamline permitting processes to facilitate more efficient energy project development were also a focal point, alongside public testimony from stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development to meet rising energy demands while addressing climate change impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a cold day out there. So many things go through our mind when it gets this cold.
• Cold, the people that are out on the street, our first responders, and those that are protecting us as
• Oh, well, it says here that they can treat the following conditions: lice, cold sores, motion sickness
• So I think a green vote is pertinent in this case. Representative Louser. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• These one-time funds will allow the PSC to enter into litigation and make the case that North Dakota

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several rural health-related bills. Senate Bill 2401, as amended, required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and also added language allowing criminal history background checks for the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Supporters emphasized the role of nutrition in reducing chronic disease, and the bill passed 92-0. The House then considered Senate Bill 2402, which expanded pharmacists’ limited prescriptive and therapeutic substitution authority for certain low-acuity conditions and clarified related lab-test and communication requirements. Members discussed examples such as motion sickness, cold sores, lice, hypoglycemia, COVID and flu testing, emergency access to medications and supplies, and limits excluding certain drug classes; the bill passed 91-1. Senate Bill 2403 created a temporary medical facility emergency operating loan option through the Bank of North Dakota for qualifying rural hospitals facing severe financial distress, with extensive debate over the targeted nature of the aid, anti-gifting concerns, repayment terms, and the hospital’s turnaround plan; it passed 80-12. Senate Bill 2404 appropriated funds for NDIT to address federal digital accessibility requirements and for the Public Service Commission’s litigation efforts related to transmission costs, with a backup loan authorization available if needed; it passed 92-0. At the close of the session, leaders thanked members and staff for their work on the rural health transformation package, a committee notified the Governor and the Senate that the House had completed its business, absent members were excused, and the House adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in this case, I want to treat him like a senior who's 65. So part one of my tax plan.
• No, I'm not throwing any cold water. I'm just telling you what it costs.
• So now I'm not throwing cold water on anything we would all like to do that.
• So, no cold water on anyone, anyone who wants to cut property taxes. I'm all in.
• There was an amendment to the bill back then, I remember, in case there was a disaster, a hurricane hit

Transcript Highlights:

• We work on human trafficking cases, sex trafficking cases, and, most importantly, we work on financial
• fraud cases.
• I work on hundreds of fraud cases every single year, and every year the number of crypto cases is skyrocketing
• In most of these cases, we can't work them very well.
• And once it's in a cold wallet, think of that as your actual physical wallet.

Bills: SB383, SB1012, SB1181, SB1705, SB2075, SB2221, SB2586, SB2864, SB2994

Keywords: SB 383, ERCOT, Texas Utilities Code, interconnection, wind power facility, offshore wind, coastal wind, nearshore wind, Gulf of America, Texas coast, three marine leagues, electric grid, transmission line, distribution facility, renewable energy, battery storage, energy storage, grid access, power grid, electric service

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Agriculture to diversify agriculture in the state, University of Minnesota to develop cold
• In this case our community had no idea who was enacting these type of activities upon our community.
• That was completely gone in this case.
• That was completely gone in this case.
• <00:50:44.280> storage redevelopment of their cold storage redevelopment of their cold storage

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, you come out of the the cold cold<00:24:46.159> winter<00:24:46.480> and<00:
• So these are not cases per se.
• So these are not cases per recordings.
• They're listed there in case you're interested.
• It's my understanding also these cases.

Keywords: Call to Order 00:17 Department of Corrections 01:35 Community Transitional Services 06:47 Administrative Office of the Courts 23:06 Department of Criminal Justice Training/ KSP 45:49 Adjournment 59:14, 958, all

Summary: The Public Safety and Judiciary Committee met without a quorum, so approval of the January 3, January 20, and February 3 minutes was postponed. The committee then heard an update from the Department of Corrections on halfway house and Recovery Kentucky funding and operations. Deputy Commissioner Hillary Daily said DOC contracts for up to 1,752 halfway house beds and 780 Recovery Kentucky beds, with 16 halfway houses and 13 Recovery Kentucky centers statewide. She reported 6,329 admissions in fiscal year 2025, average daily populations of 1,041 in halfway houses and 494 in Recovery Kentucky, and explained that Recovery Kentucky placements are more restrictive, generally excluding violent and sex offenders, while halfway houses serve probationers, parolees, and sex offenders who need treatment. She also described programming such as MRT, parenting, adult basic education, and trauma-focused services, and said some facilities offer supervised visitation. Daily said no new funding request was included in the current budget, though DOC has sought rate increases in prior cycles. Community Transitional Services director Barbara Stum also testified in support of halfway houses as re-entry and substance abuse treatment centers. She said CTS primarily serves men coming out of prison or returning to prison who need treatment, and that halfway houses provide security, accountability, treatment, employment support, and help with home placement. Stum said the state moved substance abuse treatment into the community in 2010 to avoid sending people back to prison for treatment, and argued halfway houses are the least expensive form of incarceration. She cited daily rates of $33.61 for CTS beds and DOC figures of $37.33 to $44.33 per day, compared with higher prison and jail costs, and said reimbursement has not kept pace with inflation since the last increase in 2019. She said staffing and supplies are the main pressure points, with counselor pay below market rates, and noted two counselor vacancies. A former resident, Michael Bird, testified that CTS helped him recover and re-enter the community successfully. The committee also received an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on implementation of the video arraignment/video conferencing system. AOC officials Zach Ramsey and Charles Buyers said the system is now fully implemented in all courtrooms and is used for video arraignments and other Zoom-based court proceedings. Buyers described the pandemic-era transition from older, inconsistent equipment to improvised laptop/webcam setups, then to a more integrated vendor-supported system with touchscreen controls and a judicial support specialist position for training and operation. He said 324 courtrooms are already up to the current standard, with 128 remaining on an older bundle, and that there are no technical barriers to continued use. AOC said it is seeking $3.8 million in recurring annual funding to keep the systems upgraded and current, and plans to upgrade 46 systems in fiscal year 2026 across 15 counties.

Transcript Highlights:

• As usual, I'd like to highlight a few cases.
• Another case, I was very happy to participate. to participate in two recent cases of exonerating two
• But, you can't even get that review if there is currently a CPS case or a criminal case pending and you
• , it's going to be cold.
• Additional use cases, and in those cases we're operating to support the ERCOT grid.

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• And not always is the case.
• In many cases, those people become federal employees.
• But it really is a case by case basis. Thank you for that, Madam Chair.
• Limited cold storage capacity and rail space.
• The D4 on the map is the worst case drought, and it's mainly in the far Southwest.

Transcript Highlights:

• within 60 days of filing a rate case within 60 days of filing a rate case without<00:21:48.320><
• She handled 149 cases last year.
• She handled 149 cases last year.
• She handled 149 cases last year.
• She handled 149 cases last year.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all