Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:02.800> office<01:11:03.440> won't<01:11:03.760> do<01:11:04.760> uh
• bad<01:11:19.480> for<01:11:19.600> the<01:11:19.719> people<01:11:19.920>
• it's<01:11:26.360> not<01:11:26.760> perfect<01:11:27.760> but<01:11:27.880>
• democracy<01:11:34.280> requires<01:11:34.880> us<01:11:35.719> to<01:11:35.920
• > enough<01:11:42.600> to<01:11:42.719> be<01:11:42.880> the<01:11:43.040

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• have<00:11:00.240> PTSD<00:11:01.040> or<00:11:01.200> you<00:11:01.440>
• Um, we're asking<00:11:11.519> to<00:11:11.760> continue<00:11:12.160> this<00:11
• :13.920> uh<00:11:14.160> not<00:11:14.399> only<00:11:14.560> for<00:11:
• 2024,<00:11:38.560> extend<00:11:38.959> that<00:11:39.200> out<00:11:39.440>
• <00:11:45.600> Let<00:11:45.760> us<00:11:46.079> use<00:11:46.240> that<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 369, which would add post-traumatic stress disorder to an existing 2018 hyperbaric oxygen therapy-related law for veterans. Representative Scott Sharp and HBOT for KY Vets representatives testified that PTSD and traumatic brain injury often overlap, that veterans are frequently misdiagnosed, and that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown benefits in clinical trials and in Kentucky’s own funded program. Members asked whether the bill would require insurance coverage; the sponsors said it would not, and noted they are seeking broader approval through medical and congressional channels. The committee voted favorably on HB 369, with members expressing support based on personal experience and the needs of veterans and their families. The committee then considered House Bill 419, for which a committee substitute was adopted before testimony. Representative Suzanne Miles and Kentucky Fire Commission/KCTCS representatives explained that the bill would expand the fire commission board from 14 to 18 members, clarify that KCTCS’s 5% administrative fee applies collectively to all funds rather than separately to each fund, and allow excess funds to help cover out-of-pocket cancer screening costs for volunteer and paid firefighters. A question about board staggering was answered by explaining that staggered terms were originally used to avoid all terms ending at once and were expected to continue. The committee passed HB 419 with favorable expression. Later, USA Cares presented an update on how it has used prior state funding. The organization described its grant-based assistance for veterans and military families facing housing, vehicle, and utility crises, as well as career transition and housing-related support programs. Testimony emphasized that the aid helps prevent homelessness and reduce suicide risk, and the group reported it had used nearly all of the $2 million awarded in the last budget cycle to assist 364 families and more than 500 dependents. No vote was taken on the USA Cares presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:11:41.279> And<00:11:41.440> that<00:11:41.600> is<00:11:41.680> a<00
• the<00:11:49.680> budget<00:11:50.320> uh<00:11:50.480> is<00:11:50.720> not<
• Uh I don't<00:11:52.320> know<00:11:52.399> if<00:11:52.560> that's<00:11:52.720
• > if<00:11:55.920> that<00:11:56.079> money<00:11:56.240> is<00:11:56.399>
• > there<00:11:56.880> that<00:11:57.120> will<00:11:57.279> be<00:11:57.360

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Commonwealth’s Attorneys, County Attorneys, Prosecutor’s Advisory Council 00:00:18 Approval of Minutes 00:20:09 State Treasurer 00:20:33, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with testimony from representatives of the Prosecutor’s Advisory Council, including county and commonwealth attorneys, on their proposed budget. They described the scope of their work in district and circuit court, juvenile and dependency cases, specialty courts, guardianship, involuntary hospitalization, and the Rocket Docket program. The witnesses emphasized that their budgets are overwhelmingly personnel costs and warned that proposed cuts could lead to layoffs, reduced retention, and loss of recently added positions. They also said the General Assembly’s recent salary classification plan had improved recruitment and retention, and that underfunding could reverse those gains. A major topic was the Rocket Docket program, which they said speeds lower-level cases through the system, reduces jail costs, and saves money for both counties and the state. They reported that in one circuit, average jail time for certain cases dropped from about 50 days to about 6 days. They also raised concerns that the Rocket Docket line item may not be clearly included in the committee substitute and asked for clarification on how the budget would treat it. In response, the chair said the intent was to move some of those items into the base budget, though the exact structure was still uncertain. The presenters also discussed a 2022 subsidy for county attorney employees tied to retirement contributions, saying it totals about $1.3 million and should not be reduced because the obligation remains. They said the budget would need to support the salary classification plan extensions, House Bill 8 subsidies, and a new case management system that they described as essential to modernizing operations and improving communication with victims and law enforcement. The chair thanked them for the testimony and indicated the committee would continue reviewing the budget. The committee then heard from Deputy State Treasurer Russell Weber, who reported that the treasury has now returned more than $90 million in unclaimed property to Kentuckians. He said the office faces ongoing fraud issues and requested funding for a dedicated legal counsel and a fraud investigator, along with outreach money to educate the public about unclaimed property. He also outlined several capital requests, including the final year of a printer-system lease and replacement of HVAC equipment in the treasury building. Members briefly joked with him about a mineral-rights bill and coal, but no votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:02.279> under<00:11:02.480> the<00:11:02.560> roll<00:11:02.839> call<
• <00:11:03.600> with<00:11:03.839> and<00:11:03.959> that<00:11:04.079> the
• absent<00:11:06.160> members<00:11:06.880> on<00:11:07.120> that<00:11:07.320
• 11:09.680> all<00:11:09.880> those<00:11:10.120> opposed<00:11:10.440> say
• no the<00:11:11.639> motion<00:11:12.000> prevails<00:11:12.600> Senator<00:11:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under call, established a quorum, and adopted the committee reports. It then moved through second reading of Senate File 334 and first readings/referrals of Senate Files 645, 684, and 700, with SF 645 sent to State and Local Government and SFs 684 and 700 sent to Health and Human Services. The chamber also approved a motion to withdraw Senate File 567 from State and Local Government and re-refer it to Elections. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 5 and Senate Resolution 6, both recognizing Senate employees for years of dedicated service, including a specific recognition of David Jorgenson. The most significant floor action was a motion by Senator Rasmusson to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell and declare her seat vacant. Senator Rasmusson argued that Mitchell’s pending felony burglary case and delay of her trial justified expulsion; Senator Frentz opposed the motion, arguing the Senate should wait for the criminal process and that due process requirements had not been met. After a point of order and appeal, the President ruled the Frentz point of order well taken, and the Senate upheld that ruling by a 33-33 vote. The meeting also included several recesses and procedural calls of the Senate while the expulsion issue was debated. During announcements, members noted committee schedule changes, including cancellations or postponements for Energy and Jobs, and meetings for Judiciary, Policy, and Human Services. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, January 30th at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:48.000> job<00:11:48.200> that<00:11:48.360> my<00:11:48.560> dad<
• dad had for<00:11:49.600> 33<00:11:50.120> years<00:11:50.279> at<00:11:50.639><
• 11:54.959> the<00:11:55.079> Iron<00:11:55.320> Range<00:11:55.600> to don't
• c><00:11:56.040> live<00:11:56.240> through<00:11:56.519> that<00:11:56.720>
• again because that<00:11:57.880> was<00:11:58.000> a<00:11:58.200> tough<00:11:

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3030, the Minnesota Miners Relief Act, was presented as a response to layoffs at Cleveland-Cliffs facilities in Minorca and Hibbing, where more than 600 workers were expected to be affected. Supporters said the bill combines an extension of unemployment benefits for laid-off miners with two policy provisions: a site-specific standard intended to address long-running MPCA permitting and rulemaking issues, and standards for the safe storage of reactive mine waste. Speakers argued the package would provide immediate relief while also creating more certainty for future mining jobs and critical minerals development on the Iron Range. The event featured remarks from Representatives Spencer Igo and Cal Warwas, St. Louis County Commissioner Mike Jugovich, Senator Rob Farnsworth, and union and mine representatives, all of whom emphasized the personal and community impact of the layoffs. They described the potential ripple effects on suppliers, local businesses, young workers, and public revenues, and said the bill was about livelihoods rather than politics. Several speakers stressed that the policy provisions were meant to provide clearer, safer standards rather than weaken environmental protections, and they urged bipartisan cooperation to preserve mining jobs and support the region’s long-term future. In response to questions, Igo said the bill had strong bipartisan support for the UI extension and that the policy provisions should not threaten its chances. He said the UI portion was about three pages of the six-page bill and estimated the cost to the UI trust fund at between $1 million and $12 million. He also said the other provisions would require only modest statutory changes. The bill had been heard in the labor committee and was laid over for possible inclusion or further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:21.519> it<00:11:21.839> I<00:11:21.920> can't<00:11:22.079> remember<
• /c><00:11:22.399> if<00:11:22.519> it<00:11:22.600> it's<00:11:22.839> by
• > or<00:11:24.000> bium<00:11:25.000> and<00:11:25.399> between<00:11:25.760
• c><00:11:27.279> status<00:11:27.639> is<00:11:27.800> for<00:11:28.279> this
• 11:33.240> uh<00:11:33.800> uh<00:11:33.959> the<00:11:34.040> chair<00:11

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:10:59.839> We<00:11:00.079> have<00:11:00.160> a<00:11:00.320> pair<
• 00:11:00.480> of<00:11:00.640> resolutions<00:11:01.120> on minute.
• <00:11:02.480> They<00:11:02.720> are<00:11:02.959> Senate<00:11:03.360>
• They are Senate Concurrent Resolutions<00:11:04.600> 163<00:11:05.600> and<00:11:05.920
• and Senate Resolution 132<00:11:08.560> requesting<00:11:09.040> the<00:11:09.279>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 and Senate Resolution 42, which urge counties to install special-needs recreational playground equipment in parks and playgrounds. Testimony came from the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Rights Center, Autism Moms of Kona, and a Pacific Disability Center representative, all supporting the resolutions. Several testifiers asked that the term “special needs” be replaced with “access and functional needs,” and one requested language broadening the measure to explicitly include developmentally and intellectually disabled youth. A committee member also discussed the need for inclusion and the benefits of accessible play for all children. After questions, the chairs said they would adopt amendments from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Autism Moms of Kona, and Tina Marie Kira, along with technical, non-substantive changes. Both committees then voted to recommend passage of SCR 58 and SR 42 with amendments, with members voting aye and some excused. The committees then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 163 and Senate Resolution 132, which request counties to adopt flexible setback requirements for state buildings and facilities to improve land use efficiency and public service delivery. Testimony in support came from the Grassroots Institute and the Department of Accounting and General Services. The chairs moved the resolutions forward with technical, non-substantive amendments, and both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 163 and SR 132 with amendments before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:31.200> So,<00:11:31.440> as<00:11:31.680> it<00:11:31.920> stands
• :11:33.680> be<00:11:33.839> reviewed<00:11:34.240> by<00:11:34.399> the
• >> Any<00:11:49.519> other<00:11:49.760> questions<00:11:50.079> from<00:11
• ><00:11:53.680> for<00:11:53.920> your<00:11:54.079> testimony<00:11:55.360>
• <00:11:56.800> Jim,<00:11:57.600> uh,<00:11:57.839> my<00:11:58.079> concern

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you're<00:11:02.000> automatically<00:11:03.000> you<00:11:03.240> parked<00:11
• ><01:11:23.320> underlying<01:11:23.920> roots<01:11:24.280> of<01:11:24.400>
• that<01:11:24.960> doesn't<01:11:25.320> have<01:11:25.480> enough<01:11
• > for<01:11:31.480> women<01:11:31.920> histories<01:11:32.239> of<01:11:
• <01:11:40.560> set<01:11:40.719> of<01:11:40.880> disadvantage<01:11:41.520>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:01.440> Long<00:11:01.680> story<00:11:02.000> short,<00:11:02.320>
• ><00:11:03.200> the<00:11:03.360> phones<00:11:03.600> blew<00:11:03.839> up<
• up on all<00:11:04.320> the<00:11:04.560> politicians,<00:11:05.120> and<00:11:
• <00:11:06.800> dog<00:11:07.040> was<00:11:07.200> on<00:11:07.360> its
• > 13<00:11:14.399> and<00:11:14.480> a<00:11:14.560> half<00:11:14.800>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first continued its hearing on HB 1287, which concerns the definition of “veteran.” Representative Manion explained that the amendment would adopt the federal-style definition by including a general discharge under honorable conditions, while restoring documentation requirements such as a DD214 and removing a problematic reference to World War II allied veterans. The chair said the committee would close the hearing and take the bill up later in executive session. The committee then moved to HCR 13, a resolution calling for an Article V convention limited to proposing a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on members of Congress. Representative Joe Alexander, the prime sponsor, said the measure is narrowly focused on congressional term limits, that 12 states have already passed similar resolutions, and that broad public support in New Hampshire justifies action. Members asked whether the effort would prompt Congress to act on its own, whether the resolution should also cover Supreme Court justices, and how many states are needed; Alexander said the goal is to pressure Congress, that the Constitution already treats Supreme Court justices differently, and that 34 states are required. Testimony in support came from former Representative Linda Masamela, who gave a history-based argument for Article V conventions as a constitutional check, and from Deborah Childs and Aaron Ducet of U.S. Term Limits. Childs said New Hampshire voters strongly support term limits and argued they would open seats to younger, more diverse candidates. Ducet said the application is single-topic and would allow only one amendment, described Article V applications as historically common, and argued that state pressure can force Congress to act. No vote was taken in the portion provided; the chair continued hearing testimony on HCR 13.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:02.240> ability<00:11:02.640> to<00:11:02.880> do<00:11:03.040> that
• c> I<00:11:07.680> said,<00:11:07.920> the<00:11:08.079> middle<00:11:08.240
• And under this<00:11:27.360> bill,<00:11:27.760> the<00:11:28.000> select<00:11:
• They'd<00:11:32.880> still<00:11:33.040> have<00:11:33.200> to<00:11:33.279>
• <00:11:35.600> They'd<00:11:36.000> still<00:11:36.160> need<00:11:36.320>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:19.560> Will<00:11:19.680> the<00:11:19.800> Senator<00:11:20.200>
• Senator from<00:11:22.360> Campbell,<00:11:22.760> will<00:11:22.920> you<00:11:
• Senator from<00:11:25.720> Jefferson<00:11:26.040> 19,<00:11:26.440> she<00:11:26.600
• <00:11:30.280> In<00:11:30.680> November,<00:11:31.400> the<00:11:31.520>
• <01:11:03.400> There's<01:11:03.600> a<01:11:03.680> couple<01:11:04.000>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, roll call, and approval of the February 5, 2026 journal. The House clerk then delivered messages that the House had passed House Bills 103, 188, 189, 258, 276, and 419 and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for Senate Bills 2, 4, 71, 136, and 183, which were sent to the Rules Committee, and later committee reports that posted SB 2, SB 4, and SB 71 for Monday, February 9, and SB 136 and SB 183 for Tuesday, February 10. The Committee on Committees also referred several bills to standing committees, including SB 155, 118, 153, 158, 160, 72, 98, and 145. The main floor action was passage of Senate Bill 132, relating to massage therapy. The sponsor said the bill was intended to help local governments investigate businesses posing as massage parlors and to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed practice, including raising the penalty for certain violations from a class B to a class A misdemeanor and treating each unlicensed session as a separate offense. Supporters said it would aid efforts to combat human trafficking and preserve local zoning and licensing authority. Several senators voiced concerns that the bill could be too broad and might unintentionally affect trafficking victims or impose harsh penalties for unlicensed massage without injury or fraud, but they still voted yes. SB 132 passed 32-0. The Senate also adopted Senate Committee Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 18 and then passed the bill 32-0. SB 18 updates Kentucky’s podiatry laws, formally recognizes podiatric assistants and residents, gives the Board of Podiatry authority to license and regulate them, allows podiatrists to supervise physician assistants with board approval, limits supervision to four assistants, and requires new podiatrists starting in 2027 to complete at least two years of residency training. The sponsor said the measure modernizes oversight and improves access to foot and ankle care, especially for patients with diabetes. After the floor work, the Senate recessed for meetings of the Rules Committee and Committee on Committees, and later received the committee reports noted above.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:22.320> So<00:11:22.959> every<00:11:23.200> now<00:11:23.360> and
• So every now and then<00:11:23.600> you<00:11:23.760> need<00:11:23.839> to<00:11
• Um<00:11:27.600> what<00:11:27.839> we<00:11:28.079> have<00:11:28.320> in
• ><00:11:28.640> front<00:11:28.720> of<00:11:28.800> us<00:11:28.959> that
• <00:11:30.959> today<00:11:31.279> before<00:11:31.519> we<00:11:31.680>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission met to continue its study of the cost of special education, with the chair emphasizing that the group needs to narrow its focus over the coming year toward specific cost drivers, including the IEP process, Medicaid, charter schools, and EFAs. Members reviewed a draft first report due November 1 and agreed it would be a brief synopsis of prior meetings, with minutes attached. The September 30, 2025 minutes were amended to correct the number of federally funded department staff from 234 to 23, and to revise language about Senator Sullivan’s comments so they reflected concerns about IEP advocates and fees charged to families rather than support for the concept. The amended minutes were then approved unanimously, with abstentions noted for members who were absent. The main presentation focused on how special education costs are handled for students attending charter schools. The DOE representative said there are 804 students with disabilities in charter schools across 88 of the state’s 176 districts, and that the district of residence remains responsible for all services and costs. She explained that students must meet IDEA criteria through district evaluation and parent consent, and that services are determined through individual IEP meetings rather than by a blanket charter-school decision. Members asked how those costs are tracked, whether any students are merely “monitored,” and whether districts separately identify charter-school special education expenses; the answer was that most districts fold those costs into their overall special education budget, though some may break them out as a line item. The discussion then turned to transportation and mileage costs for staff providing services at charter schools. Testimony indicated that districts may use their own staff, contract staff, or contract with a charter school for certified services, and that travel costs are often either built into contracts or absorbed as part of staff time rather than separately reimbursed. Members questioned whether mileage is reimbursed when staff travel to distant charter schools and whether those costs can be isolated in district budgets; the response was that practices vary by district and are not usually broken out by special education function. Several members argued this makes it difficult to determine the true cost of delivering special education, especially given New Hampshire’s model in which the district of residence pays regardless of where the charter school is located. The chair noted the complexity of the system and compared it to the state’s separate tuition and transportation approach for career and technical education centers.

Transcript Highlights:

• > and<00:11:01.839> it's<00:11:02.240> and<00:11:02.519> it's<00:11:03.160
• at<00:11:05.320> the<00:11:05.440> whole<00:11:05.680> Watershed<00:11:06.279
• c><00:11:10.040> it<00:11:10.360> once<00:11:10.560> a<00:11:10.839> once
• <00:11:10.959> a<00:11:11.120> storm<00:11:11.480> happens<00:11:11.920> so
• <00:11:22.279> this<00:11:23.279> for<00:11:23.440> you<00:11:23.519> mean

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard SB 1146, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to develop an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan for debris management and water quality control in the Ala Wai Watershed. Testimony was largely supportive from DLNR, a UH student, and a special improvement district representative, while one speaker suggested the work should be coordinated with existing efforts to avoid duplication. Committee discussion focused on the multi-jurisdictional nature of the watershed, existing debris-trap work that captures only about 20 to 30 percent of debris, the role of the university in capstone projects and recommendations, and the relationship to the existing Geni project and other community efforts. Members also asked about costs, tracking progress, and the difference between water-quality improvements and the larger debris problem. The committees then voted to pass SB 1146 with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation and deferring the effective date to July 31, 2050. The motion passed in both committees, with votes recorded in support and no opposition noted during the decision-making. The committees also heard SB 321, which would deem certain fee simple privately owned lands transferred to adjacent property owners or community associations if specified conditions are met. Testimony was in support from several individuals, but members raised concerns about the lack of input from counties and the state, and about how the bill might affect roads already used by the public or maintained by local governments. After discussion, the committees voted to advance SB 321 unamended to the next committees, with the measure adopted in both committees despite one recorded no vote in the Water and Land committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:11:20.079> one<00:11:20.240> in<00:11:20.560> this<00:11:21.160>
• And<00:11:28.560> then<00:11:28.720> we<00:11:28.959> also<00:11:29.360> determined
• > refresh<00:11:34.160> my<00:11:34.320> memory<00:11:34.560> if<00:11:34.800
• > but<00:11:35.920> as<00:11:36.160> I<00:11:36.399> recall,<00:11:36.720
• having<01:11:15.760> it<01:11:16.000> done<01:11:16.320> just<01:11:16.560><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met on April 14 and began by welcoming a new member, Representative Samban Denier, who briefly described his background as a Clarkson University environmental engineering graduate and Air Force veteran. The committee then moved into a work session on five energy-related bills, starting with Senate Bill 65 on stormwater management for solar arrays. Representative McGee presented amendment 1594H, which would exclude projects in shoreland areas from the bill’s permit-by-notification process and require the standard alteration-of-terrain permit review instead. Members asked for clarification, and McGee explained the amendment was requested by the New Hampshire Lakes Association and others to preserve the fuller review process for shoreland projects. The committee appeared satisfied with the explanation and moved on. The committee next discussed Senate Bill 230 on electric utility restructuring and investment in distributed energy resources. Members concluded that section one was unnecessary because a better definition of advanced nuclear resources had already been added to House Bill 710, and that section two would allow investment in advanced nuclear resources in a way they had already rejected in another bill due to ratepayer risk. Several members agreed the bill was redundant and supported an ITL motion. They also discussed Senate Bill 232 on net metering terms and conditions, focusing first on whether hydroelectric generators could be listed in ISO New England while also taking net metering credits. Granite State Hydropower Association representative Heidi Kroll testified that generators are subject to checks and balances, that double-dipping is not occurring, and that rules and tariffs already require participation in one market arrangement or the other. Discussion on Senate Bill 232 then shifted to section two, which would bar retroactive changes to net metering tariffs in place as of January 1, 2025. Representative McGee proposed alternative language to protect existing customer generators, group hosts, and municipal hosts from retroactive changes, while others said the language was needed to provide stability for current participants operating on thin margins. Some members supported the clearer wording; others argued the committee should not tie the hands of the PUC and DOE, noting future circumstances could require regulatory flexibility and that conflicts could be resolved in court if necessary. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, and the discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:14.719> criminal<01:11:15.120> cases<01:11:15.520> end<01:11:15.760><
• <01:11:17.120> Um,<01:11:17.520> so<01:11:17.760> I<01:11:18.080> can
• I<02:11:00.159> mean,<02:11:00.480> the<02:11:01.280> the<02:11:01.679> green
• <02:11:02.000> books<02:11:02.480> set<02:11:02.800> out<02:11:03.119> a<
• c> I<02:11:12.719> don't<02:11:12.800> know<02:11:12.960> who's<02:11:13.280

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:02.480> The<00:11:02.640> eyes<00:11:03.040> have<00:11:03.200> it
• <01:11:21.280> So<01:11:22.080> all<01:11:22.239> of<01:11:22.400> the
• /c><01:11:23.679> the<01:11:23.840> state<01:11:24.000> of<01:11:24.159> New<
• are those<01:11:33.920> of<01:11:34.159> the<01:11:34.239> federal<01:11:34.560
• the<01:11:38.560> best<01:11:38.719> way<01:11:38.960> to<01:11:39.679><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sylvium you'd explain um line one uh<00:03:39.840> 11. uh 11. uh 11.
• <00:11:02.880> Um,<00:11:03.279> and<00:11:03.519> what<00:11:03.680> it<
• Um, and what it does<00:11:04.000> is<00:11:04.240> it<00:11:04.640> uh<00:11:04.880
• :11:09.040> tax<00:11:09.360> rate<00:11:10.079> uh<00:11:10.320> for<00:
• <00:11:17.440> role<00:11:18.320> in<00:11:19.360> um<00:11:20.160> uh

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> and<00:11:07.040> definitions<00:11:08.000> in<00:11:08.320> the<00:11:08.800
• go um<00:11:12.399> to<00:11:12.640> the<00:11:12.800> back<00:11:12.959> of
• <00:11:13.040> the<00:11:13.200> bill<00:11:13.440> to<00:11:13.680> the<
• So<01:11:04.080> we<01:11:04.239> know<01:11:04.400> that<01:11:04.560> the
• > the<01:11:21.360> intent<01:11:21.679> is<01:11:21.920> to<01:11:22.080

Bills: HB0083, HB0102, HB0178

Keywords: subpoena, legislative authority, penalty, compliance, law enforcement, artificial intelligence, synthetic sexual material, child protection, self-harm, criminal liability, public employment, labor organization, dues withdrawal, collective bargaining, public funding, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they're they can't<00:11:03.600> really<00:11:04.079> hire<00:11:04.480> staff
• > to<00:11:07.120> accept<00:11:07.440> the<00:11:07.600> money<00:11:07.839
• money and so we<00:11:08.320> have<00:11:08.399> it<00:11:08.560> in<00:11:08.720
• But there is a<00:11:10.160> plan<00:11:10.560> that<00:11:10.800> Donnie<00:11:
• 11.360> could<00:11:11.440> speak<00:11:11.600> to<00:11:11.760> if<00:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on February 20, 2026, first approving the minutes and then adopting the consent calendar as amended, with item 26045 removed for separate consideration. The committee then heard item 26045 from the Department of Health and Human Services on the Real Health Transformation Grant for Go North. HHS explained that the first-year award is $204 million, with most funds passed through to Go North and only limited administrative and audit costs retained by HHS. Members asked about staffing, procurement, the program’s spending plan, and whether future grant amounts would be fixed. HHS said Go North will administer the grants, staffing is expected to be about 20 positions, procurements will be competitive, and future awards will depend on federal review of performance and spending. The commissioner said the money is intended to create transformative changes that must be sustainable after the grant period. The committee then approved the item. The committee next took up regular calendar item 26041 from HHS and adopted it without discussion. It also approved two adjusted items on tab 11, FIS26028 and FIS26029. Item 26027 from the Department of Transportation was adopted as well. Item 26034 from the Department of Corrections was withdrawn, and members noted that any request for new overtime money would be closely scrutinized, especially given the tight budget and the need to explain how existing salary funds were being used. Committee staff said they would follow up with Corrections on vacancy rates, available funds, and other class lines and provide answers to the committee. The committee then received audit presentations on the state’s college savings plans, including the Unique College Investing Plan and the Fidelity Advisor 529 Plan. Auditors reported clean opinions, no material weaknesses, no audit adjustments, and no unadjusted items requiring reporting. The State Treasurer said the plans are performing well, now total more than $32 billion in assets under management, and are expected to generate about $20 million in revenue this year, with the proceeds supporting scholarship programs for low-income students. The committee placed the audits on file and released them in the usual manner. In other business, members set the next Fiscal Committee meeting for Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.