Transcript Highlights:

• Doug Bell, Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, here waiving in support.
• And now we will move on to, I believe, Senator Kaladeu's final bill, which is tab 14.
• regulating all health care practitioners to the chapters regulating those physicians.
• Please show I voted in the affirmative on tab 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 9, 16, 7, 17, 18, 19, 12, 13, 14, 9,
• the affirmative for tab 2 for the ACA, for the ACA, for the ACCA secretary, for tab 8, 11, 12, 13, 14

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met for its final meeting of the session and handled a very full agenda, beginning with a few housekeeping items and a brief thank-you to staff. Senate Bill 596 was temporarily postponed. The committee then reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal access obligations and deleting a section that would have improperly affected nursing home facility records; the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after testimony focused on transparency, financial oversight, Medicaid managed care accountability, and internal controls at AHCA. Harris said she would prioritize staffing, monitoring, and improved reporting, and several health care groups waived in support. The committee next heard and passed several bills, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, both reported favorably. It also approved SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on allowing physician assistants and APRNs to complete death certificates under hospice/palliative protocols, SB 1412 on home health agency administration and staffing flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies and informed consent, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness standards in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and Medicaid managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills were amended, generally to narrow scope, align with the House, or make technical changes, and most received support from provider associations, advocacy groups, or affected institutions. The most debated measure was SB 1270, which combined several health freedom and medical marijuana provisions. The strike-all amendment retained language prohibiting discrimination based solely on vaccination status, added protections related to mRNA vaccine documentation requirements, and included medical marijuana regulatory and background-screening language. The committee heard extensive testimony both in support and opposition, including concerns from senators about whether the bill would force providers to treat patients contrary to medical judgment, and support from witnesses arguing it protected patient autonomy and access to care. After a time-certain motion, the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Doug Bell, Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, waving in support.
• And now we will move on to, I believe, Senator Calatayud's final bill, which is tab 14.
• consortium would be currently comprehensive. believe Senator Kalado-Ude's final bill, which is tab 14
• regulating all health care practitioners to the chapters regulating those physicians.
• Please show I voted in the affirmative on tab 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 9, 16, 7, 17, 18, 19, 12, 13, 14, 9,

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of health care, Medicaid, and patient-access measures, along with confirmation votes. The committee first reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal obligations, deleting a section affecting nursing home facility records, and setting a January 1, 2026 effective date; the bill then passed favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after Harris testified about priorities including financial accountability, managed care oversight, transparency, and quality improvement. Senators asked about audit findings and Medicaid managed care performance, and several witnesses and committee members voiced support for her appointment. The committee then advanced a series of bills, most of them with amendments, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on death certification by physician assistants and APRNs, SB 1412 on home health administration flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies by physicians, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills received support from industry, advocacy, or provider groups and were reported favorably as committee substitutes. The most debated measure was SB 1270, a broad strike-all amendment combining provisions on mRNA vaccine documentation, vaccination-status protections in the Patient Bill of Rights, medical marijuana reporting and background-screening definitions, compact language, and volunteer immunity. The committee heard extensive testimony both for and against the vaccine-related provisions, including concerns about discrimination, patient safety, provider discretion, and medical liability. After additional technical amendments and a time-certain motion, the bill passed favorably as a committee substitute, with Senators Davis and Osgood voting no and Senator Harrell expressing a weak yes. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14:04.560> been<00:14:04.639> a<00:14:04.800> good<00:14:04.959> bit<00:14
• Um, and<00:14:09.920> so<00:14:10.079> there's<00:14:10.399> the<00:14:10.560>
• where some<00:14:24.560> very<00:14:24.800> severe<00:14:25.360> violent<00:14:
• start in adult<00:14:29.360> court<00:14:29.760> because<00:14:30.000> of<00:14
• 14:31.360> now<00:14:31.600> being<00:14:32.160> starting<00:14:32.480> in

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, confirmed a quorum, and heard several ceremonial recognitions, including an invocation by seminarian Benjamin Oler and a resolution honoring Taiwan’s ambassador, Alexander Ui Tore, for strengthening Maryland’s partnership with Taiwan. Senators also welcomed the day’s doctor, Dr. Larry Green, AFCEA Central Maryland chapter members, Chesapeake Bay Foundation student leaders, and Salisbury University students visiting for committee work. On legislation, the chamber referred Senate Bill 995 on cannabis licensing, labor peace agreements, and collective bargaining rules to the Rules Committee, and a bond initiative for New Market Town Hall to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 241, which would automatically restore voter registration for individuals released from state correctional facilities; the committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 323, the Juvenile Court Jurisdiction Youth Charging Reform Act. One amendment to keep first-degree assault in automatic adult charging was offered and debated at length, with supporters arguing the offense is extremely serious and should begin in adult court, and opponents saying the bill allows judges to make individualized decisions and aligns Maryland with other states and federal juvenile practice. The amendment failed by a 27-vote negative roll call. A second amendment from the minority whip sought to exclude firearm-in-drug-crime offenses and firearm use with felony drug convictions from automatic juvenile court treatment; the sponsor argued these offenses involve serious armed drug activity and should remain in adult court, while the bill’s supporters emphasized juvenile services and judicial discretion. The transcript cuts off before the vote on that second amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was even a student president of the student CTA chapter at San Francisco State University.
• I’m also a member of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Alameda County Chapter, and the Alameda
• County Chapter of APALA opposes this bill.
• County chapter and the Alameda County chapter of Apollo opposes this bill thank you good morning my name
• I believe overseas 13 or 14 agencies, one of the largest portfolios within the administration.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held an informational hearing on AB 715, followed by discussion of SB 48. AB 715 was presented by Assembly Members Zbur and Addis as a response to rising anti-Semitism in California schools. They described incidents involving harassment, swastikas, biased classroom materials, and students feeling unsafe, and said the bill would create an Office of Civil Rights with coordinators to address anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, provide prevention resources, and support school districts. Witnesses in support, including a rabbi and a student who described personal experiences with anti-Semitic harassment, urged immediate action to protect Jewish students. Opposition testimony came from the California Teachers Association, county superintendents, school board groups, labor organizations, civil liberties advocates, ethnic studies educators, and many community members. Their main concerns were that the bill was rushed, had not been fully vetted in the Assembly Education Committee, and could chill classroom speech or create constitutional problems, especially around language requiring instruction and materials to be “factually accurate” and not based on advocacy, bias, or partisanship. Several opponents argued that anti-Semitism should be addressed through education, training, and restorative practices rather than new statutory restrictions. Some witnesses also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on ethnic studies and free speech. Committee members then debated the bill’s process and substance at length. The authors said the bill had been narrowed through negotiations with education stakeholders and the Senate, that some disputed provisions would be revisited in cleanup language, and that the urgency of anti-Semitic incidents required action now. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but criticized the late release of the final language and the lack of consultation with the Assembly committee. Others emphasized the need to protect Jewish students immediately and argued the bill was a necessary response to a real crisis. The transcript does not show a final vote on AB 715 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I<00:14:12.000> will<00:14:12.280> add<00:14:12.520> you<00:14:12.600><
• Uh,<00:14:14.760> any<00:14:15.280> other<00:14:15.560> discussion<00:14:16.200>
• >> Uh,<00:14:20.800> I<00:14:20.840> would<00:14:20.960> just<00:14:21.160
• <00:14:26.560> the<00:14:26.720> really<00:14:26.960> powerful<00:14:27.920>
• 14:58.120> that<00:14:58.280> are<00:14:58.360> pushing<00:14:58.680> for

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The conference committee on House File 1141, the Omnibus Housing Finance and Policy Bill, reviewed the fiscal spreadsheet and policy language for the agreement. Staff explained the major funding items, including appropriations for greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured home park infrastructure grants, family homelessness prevention, supportive housing, a tenant hotline, and housing infrastructure bonds, along with a cancellation of unused Tyler settlement funds and a reallocation of Housing Development Fund earnings. Staff said the package was budget neutral over the forecast window. The policy walk-through also covered provisions on livestreaming Housing Finance Agency board meetings, limits on administrative retentions for new grant programs, restrictions and reporting on Housing Development Fund transfers and earnings, clarifying language for local public housing, an exemption related to lived-experience engagement, and access for legislative fiscal staff to agency accounting information. Members then considered several amendments. The A12 amendment, allowing certain local governments to invest long-term funds in housing-related investments, was adopted after a roll call showed support from all three caucuses. The A16 manufactured housing bill of rights amendment, which would have addressed park-owner practices, purchase opportunities, enforcement, and rent increases, was not adopted. The A18 amendment to allow additional flags in HOAs and other areas was also not adopted. The A17 amendment to limit private equity ownership of single-family homes to 100 units was not adopted. The A13 amendment to preempt local rent control was not adopted. Members on both sides said some of the rejected issues warranted further discussion in future sessions, while supporters argued they were needed to address housing affordability and ownership pressures. In closing discussion on the bill as a whole, members from both chambers praised the bipartisan process, the staff work, and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency’s collaboration. Supporters said the agreement would help build thousands of homes across the state, assist vulnerable Minnesotans, and improve transparency and accountability in housing programs. They also noted the bill’s mix of single-family, multifamily, manufactured housing, homelessness prevention, and policy reforms. The committee expressed intent to move the agreement forward to the House floor and ultimately to the governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• all<00:14:23.680> of<00:14:23.839> you<00:14:24.480> for<00:14:24.720>
• <00:14:29.360> Uh<00:14:29.760> thank<00:14:29.920> you<00:14:30.160> sir
• c> and<00:14:55.600> since<00:14:55.920> the<00:14:56.240> the<00:14:56.639>
• :57.279> are<00:14:57.920> paid<00:14:58.240> for<00:14:58.480> by<00:14:
• :14:24.880> we<01:14:25.199> can<01:14:25.760> for<01:14:26.000> our<01:14

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > um<01:14:30.320> you<01:14:30.440> know<01:14:31.199> verify<01:14:31.800>
• 14:35.000> certainly<01:14:35.440> I<01:14:35.520> mean<01:14:35.880> you
• going<01:14:38.080> to<01:14:38.199> make<01:14:38.320> sure<01:14:38.480>
• > out<01:14:43.199> is<01:14:43.360> in<01:14:43.480> wolfboro<01:14:44.400>
• > if<01:14:50.520> if<01:14:50.679> this<01:14:50.800> were<01:14:50.960>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• changed<00:14:31.519> the<00:14:31.760> outcome<00:14:32.000> because<00:14:32.240
• <00:14:35.440> This<00:14:35.760> standard<00:14:36.399> still<00:14:36.639>
• trying<00:14:38.240> to<00:14:38.399> create<00:14:38.800> a<00:14:39.120><
• <00:14:46.880> little<00:14:46.959> bit<00:14:47.440> where,<00:14:47.760>
• <00:14:51.279> So,<00:14:51.839> for<00:14:52.000> example,<00:14:52.639>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 141, which would create a narrow exception to New Hampshire’s three-year deadline for motions for a new trial when a petitioner has newly discovered evidence, new forensic testing, or new scientific understanding. The prime sponsor’s representative and advocates from the Innocence Project and New England Innocence Project argued the bill is needed to help wrongfully convicted people access the courts, noting that exonerations often take many years and that outdated forensic science has contributed to wrongful convictions. The chair also said he had drafted a proposed amendment for committee review, but it had not yet been formally submitted. Witnesses supporting the bill emphasized that the measure would not guarantee relief, only allow a petition to be filed and reviewed under existing standards. They discussed examples such as arson science, explaining that some convictions were based on forensic methods later shown to be unreliable. Committee members asked about the scope of habeas corpus, whether the bill would create a new cause of action, and whether additional screening or pleading requirements should be added. The supporters said they would be open to requiring a petitioner to plead innocence, but opposed adding more burdensome preliminary procedures or counsel requirements at the filing stage. Thomas Farardi, from the Attorney General’s Office, testified in opposition or with caution, saying the bill was a “solution looking for a problem” because existing habeas corpus and coram nobis procedures already provide avenues for relief, and prosecutors can act when credible new evidence arises. He argued the current draft could invite additional litigation and create a new cause of action, and said he favored more screening before cases proceed. The discussion also touched on whether the statute applies in criminal cases, the current three-year limitation in RSA 526:4, and questions about posthumous petitions and petitions by deported individuals. No vote or executive action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• :25.000> be<00:14:25.240> better<00:14:25.839> I<00:14:25.920> think<00:14
• :29.399> um<00:14:30.399> with<00:14:30.800> within<00:14:31.160> de<00:14
• <00:14:41.839> a<00:14:42.040> it's<00:14:42.279> conversation<00:14:42.759>
• right<00:14:52.320> we've<00:14:52.519> been<00:14:52.720> talking<00:14
• > I<00:14:56.800> think<00:14:57.000> there<00:14:57.120> is<00:14:57.240

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:30.000> So,<00:14:30.160> we<00:14:30.399> have<00:14:30.480> an
• So<00:14:31.680> we<00:14:31.920> would<00:14:32.079> say<00:14:32.560> strike
• <01:14:43.280> Not<01:14:43.440> not<01:14:43.679> require<01:14:44.080>
• ><01:14:47.120> financial<01:14:47.520> report<01:14:47.760> on<01:14:48.000>
• <01:14:50.640> they<01:14:50.880> put<01:14:51.040> the<01:14:51.199> bill

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up the pooled risk management program bill and reviewed a new amendment drafted with input from the Insurance Department and Legislative Services. Department witnesses explained that the proposal would move oversight of pooled risk management programs from the Secretary of State’s office to the Insurance Department, add a licensure requirement, preserve the programs’ non-insurer status, and exempt them from third-party administrator licensure. They also described a series of solvency tools in the draft, including financial reporting, risk-based capital standards, minimum capitalization, investment limits, commissioner examination and enforcement authority, rulemaking authority, merger and affiliate-transaction review, confidentiality protections, and a separability clause. A major theme of the discussion was that pooled risk management programs differ from commercial insurers because the risk remains with the member local governments rather than being backed by a state guarantee fund. Witnesses said the bill is designed to emphasize solvency over return of premium and to give the Insurance Department a regulatory “toolbox” to prevent insolvency, including a proposed $5 million excess or stop-loss coverage benchmark, optional accessible policies, and a requirement that boards vote on dividends or premium returns when capital exceeds 600% of risk-based capital. Members questioned how this approach differed from the original Secretary of State bill and whether assessments on towns would still be possible; the department responded that the new framework would allow more flexible oversight and alternatives to immediate court action. The committee also discussed why the statute should continue to say the programs are not insurers, with the department explaining that this preserves their autonomy and avoids applying unrelated insurance laws and premium taxes. Members asked about the department’s workload and were told the department believed it could absorb the new duties without additional funding. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. Again, this is not an April.
• So let me be very clear: in statute today, in local government code chapter 174, you have these first
• There are 14 states in the country that have now passed legislation of this manner.
• And again, we're in good standing with 14 other U.S. states as I said earlier, Wisconsin and Florida,
• 14 of the bills have addressed this issue, yes.

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• chapter chapter 319b<00:14:02.800> we're<00:14:03.040> here<00:14:03.199> today
• <00:14:03.560> to<00:14:03.800> ask<00:14:04.040> for<00:14:04.199> your
• <00:14:04.759> support<00:14:05.279> in<00:14:05.519> raising<00:14:05.880><
• > thank<01:14:03.520> you<01:14:03.920> we<01:14:04.040> are<01:14:04.199
• <01:14:13.760> to<01:14:13.960> ask<01:14:14.199> about<01:14:14.400> the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Then replace line 376 with line 14, where it states the words "procure supplies and services" in the
• to provide clarity. ...fines from the chapter to provide clarity to the farm supply.
• It also cleans up the fee structure on page 14. I'm moving on; I'm not going to take much longer.
• There were 14 issues that they found, and the board's initial response was very disingenuous, actually
• The AG's office, after those 14 issues were discovered, had an opportunity to act in good faith.

Bills: HB159, HB110, HB114, HB115, HB116, HB123, HB125

Keywords: U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, public facilities, space exploration, education programs, bond issuance, Governor involvement, pharmacy, pharmacist licensure, Alabama State Board of Pharmacy, renewal fees, continuing education, disciplinary actions, sessions, 2025-R, 1, 219

Transcript Highlights:

• was communicating was an undercover detective with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, posing as a 14
• was communicating was an undercover detective with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, posing as a 14
• communicating with, was an undercover detective with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, posing as a 14
• The defendant had even gone as far as trans- posing as a 14-year-old child.
• chapter 514.01 which is the swimming pool definition under Florida statutes Chapter 514.01, which is

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met to consider three bills. HB 199, relating to Veterans Court, was presented as a repeat measure aligning Veterans Court procedures with mental health and drug court laws and allowing post-adjudicatory referrals. A technical amendment was adopted, numerous witnesses waived in support, and the bill passed unanimously 17-0. The committee then took up HB 45, which would add public swimming pools and public bathing places to existing sex offender residency, work, volunteer, and visitation restrictions. The sponsor argued it would protect children and apply only to specified sex offenses. Several members and public witnesses raised concerns that the bill’s definitions were overly broad, could effectively ban registrants from much of Florida, and could increase homelessness and make offenders harder to track. An amendment narrowing the bill’s scope and definitions was adopted after debate, and the bill passed 11-5 as amended. Finally, HB 17, the Jason Rayner Act, was heard to clarify that force may not be used to resist an arrest by an officer acting in the performance of official duties, retain good-faith language, add manslaughter to offenses requiring a life sentence when reclassified, and increase the severity level for battery on a law enforcement officer. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen protections for officers; opponents argued it could sweep in accidental or less culpable conduct, while supporters said existing law already covered serious cases. A clarifying amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-0 as amended. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But<01:14:01.520> I<01:14:01.760> will<01:14:01.840> tell<01:14:02.000> you
• :14:04.320> this,<01:14:04.560> I<01:14:04.800> do<01:14:04.960> see<01:14
• making<01:14:10.159> are<01:14:10.400> we<01:14:10.560> using<01:14:10.800>
• > I<01:14:22.560> mean,<01:14:22.719> I<01:14:22.960> do<01:14:23.120>
• meetings.<01:14:28.080> Um,<01:14:28.560> one<01:14:28.800> of<01:14:28.880>

Bills: HF4421, HF1937, HF4675, HF4715, HF4684

Keywords: county cost share, economically distressed county, human services finance, substance use disorder treatment, SUD services, civil commitment, state aid, county levy, poverty threshold, tax-exempt acreage, property tax exemption, Minnesota human services, county fiscal relief, local government finance, chemical dependency, behavioral health, PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services

Transcript Highlights:

• On lines 14 to 21, you address the issue of family violence shelter restrictions.
• including a writ of..." ...prohibition that could pronounce any provision or application of this chapter
• agent of this state or political subdivision from enforcing any provision or application of this chapter
• It says, "Construction of the Chapter.
• ..." ...of a provision or application of this chapter as a defense to liability.

Bills: SB15, SB9, SB7, SB1, SB2, SB67, SB15, SB9, SB7

Keywords: real property, fraud, theft, elderly, disabled, statute of limitations, criminal offense, property rights, property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um,<00:14:05.920> our<00:14:06.240> proposal<00:14:06.720> essentially<00:14
• c><00:14:08.399> bill<00:14:08.560> was<00:14:08.720> filed,<00:14:09.519> uh
• in 2024,<00:14:10.720> was<00:14:10.959> to<00:14:11.120> extend<00:14:11.360>
• :50.320> and<00:14:50.480> we'll<00:14:50.639> talk<00:14:50.720> a<00:14
• :14:56.159> of<01:14:56.239> time<01:14:56.320> on<01:14:56.480> it.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:23 Kentucky Bankers Association 00:02:32 How to Read and Understand KRS 6.948 Health Mandate and Federal Cost Defrayal Impact Statements 00:25:40 Proposed Amendments to Kentucky's Essential Health Benefit-Benchmark Plan 00:50:18 Proposed Health Insurance Legislation for the 2026 Session 01:04:22 Reimbursement for Covered Benefits Delivered Through the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model 01:01:46 Coverage of Eating or Feeding Disorders 01:18:47 Coverage of Hearing Loss 01:25:31, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects. The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers. The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :45.280> child<01:14:45.600> needs<01:14:45.880> to<01:14:46.040> be<01:14
• <01:14:52.320> plan<01:14:52.840> now<01:14:53.000> if<01:14:53.120> the<
• ><01:14:57.400> as<01:14:57.520> a<01:14:57.800> factor<01:14:58.120> in
• <02:14:28.040> number<02:14:28.440> two<02:14:28.880> being<02:14:29.679> um<
• > uh<02:14:33.360> again<02:14:33.719> I<02:14:33.840> think<02:14:34.000

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:12.880> we<00:14:13.120> are<00:14:13.279> able<00:14:13.519> to<00:14
• Okay, I<00:14:24.399> guess<00:14:24.639> we<00:14:24.880> have<00:14:25.040>
• adopted<00:14:25.519> the<00:14:25.760> item<00:14:26.079> and<00:14:26.240
• <00:14:40.320> I<00:14:40.560> guess<00:14:40.720> we<00:14:40.959> can
• I guess we can move on<00:14:41.680> to<00:14:42.800> uh<00:14:43.519> the<00:14

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on June 20, 2025 and first approved the May 16 minutes and the non-removed items on the consent calendar. It then took up a Health and Human Services item for $5 million in additional nursing facility payments (FIS 25158). HHS explained the transfer was for private and county nursing facilities and was the third and final transfer in FY25, funded through federal matching dollars, county cap funds, and general funds. Members asked about the size of the transfer, whether it signaled future shortfalls, and how projections were developed; HHS said the request reflected updated estimates and that they did not expect similarly large transfers going forward. The committee adopted the item. The committee also considered an ARPA-related item to remove a line from a funding request because the issue had been resolved and the positions/funds were no longer needed. Members approved the item with that line removed. Commissioner Caswell then answered questions about ARPA spending authority, saying remaining projects must be expended by December 31, 2026 and that the item was intended to preserve authority for ongoing capital projects; any unspent funds would revert to the federal government. Members noted the recurring nature of these ARPA adjustments and the need to keep tracking deadlines. The Department of Corrections presented several items, including a $10 million request tied to staffing shortages and overtime costs, plus additional corrections-related funding items. Interim commissioner John Skipa said 18 employees had received preliminary layoff notices pending final budget approval. He and staff said the overtime need was driven by staffing shortages, later collective bargaining pay increases, and double-time compensation for uniform officers forced into overtime; they also said one housing unit section had been closed to reduce staffing pressure. In response to questions about morale and operational risk, Skipa said the department was under strain, that leadership was in transition, and that staffing or budget reductions could create litigation risk. The committee also heard about the Site Evaluation Committee’s budget shortfall, which was attributed to fewer new facility applications but continued casework and public engagement, and approved that item. Finally, members discussed a YDC claims administration item, questioning the role and cost of the Verald Dana consultant; staff said the firm handles intake and processing of claims for the Attorney General’s office and had been involved since the claims process was created. Several items were adopted after brief discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this commission was established by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024, and today is Wednesday, March
• So this commission was established by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024, and today is Wednesday, March
• other means of payment by consumers on small businesses; and three, the impact of section 28A of chapter
• other means of payment by consumers on small businesses; and three, the impact of section 28A of chapter
• I don't think it's one of those typical hearings where we have about 14 hearings a year and generally

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House and Senate chairs opened the first organizational meeting of the special initiative commission created by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024 to study the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card and the impacts on small businesses. They explained that no testimony would be taken at this meeting; instead, the commission would begin its work, introduce members, and prepare for future hearings and a final report with recommendations on credit cards and other payment methods. The chairs outlined the commission’s charge: to examine payment trends, cashless transactions, credit card fees, mobile payments, buy now, pay later financing, and the effects of section 28A of chapter 140D on small businesses. They said the commission would likely organize hearings around business and consumer impacts, the legal and regulatory landscape, and policy options such as transparency measures, reporting requirements, and possible limits. Members discussed the importance of hearing from retailers, restaurants, banks, small businesses, and possibly experts, and suggested considering cryptocurrency and whether hearings should be held outside the State House or include regional access. Several commissioners and stakeholders introduced themselves, including representatives from the Attorney General’s office, the House, the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Commissioner of Banks, retail and restaurant associations, a banking representative, and two small business owners. The chairs said interested parties could sign up to testify or receive notices, written testimony would be accepted, and the first hearing was tentatively set for April 8 in Gardner Auditorium. The meeting ended with a motion to close, which passed unanimously.