Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:49:19.000><c> That's</c><01:49:19.320><c> possible</c><01:49:19.880><c> under</c><01:49:20.080
• </c><01:49:31.040><c> can't</c><01:49:31.400><c> act</c><01:49:31.720><c> on</c><01:49:31.920><c> that
• So, for<01:49:32.960><c> those</c><01:49:33.280><c> reasons</c><01:49:33.680><c> I'm</c><01:49:33.880
• The question before<01:49:43.520><c> the</c><01:49:43.640><c> house</c><01:49:43.920><c> is</c><01:49
• All</c><01:49:45.600><c> in</c><01:49:45.720><c> favor</c><01:49:46.000><c> signify</c><01:49:46.440

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, March 21, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• there<00:49:24.800><c> was</c><00:49:24.880><c> a</c><00:49:25.040><c> conspiracy</c><00:49:25.760><
• </c><00:49:28.400><c> Jones,</c><00:49:28.800><c> who's</c><00:49:29.119><c> now</c><00:49:29.440><c>
• it</c><00:49:40.240><c> to</c><00:49:40.400><c> be</c><00:49:40.480><c> aggregated,</c><00:49:41.040
• 00:49:50.400><c> why</c><00:49:50.640><c> they</c><00:49:51.440><c> simply</c><00:49:52.640><c> uh</c
• :49:58.079><c> be</c><00:49:58.319><c> alleged</c><00:49:59.280><c> as</c><00:49:59.920><c> um</c><00

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:49:21.440><c> of</c><00:49:21.680><c> discussion</c><00:49:22.079><c> I've</c><00:49:22.400><c>
• ><c> this,</c><00:49:24.160><c> um,</c><00:49:25.520><c> I</c><00:49:25.760><c> came</c><00:49:26.000
• /c><00:49:28.240><c> difficult</c><00:49:29.280><c> to</c><00:49:29.599><c> say</c><00:49:30.160><c>
• :49:49.599><c> bank</c><00:49:50.480><c> saying</c><00:49:50.880><c> that</c><00:49:51.200><c> there<
• are uh<00:49:52.880><c> a</c><00:49:53.119><c> variety</c><00:49:53.520><c> of</c><00:49:53.680><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:23.040><c> says</c><00:49:23.359><c> we</c><00:49:23.599><c> have</c><00:49:23.839><c> we<
• <00:49:24.800><c> we</c><00:49:25.040><c> need</c><00:49:25.119><c> to</c><00:49:25.280><c> figure</c
• </c><00:49:30.000><c> repairing</c><00:49:30.480><c> cracks</c><00:49:31.200><c> etc</c><00:49:31.520
• </c><00:49:32.800><c> So</c><00:49:33.200><c> to</c><00:49:33.359><c> me,</c><00:49:33.599><c> this</
• practical<00:49:36.640><c> and</c><00:49:36.960><c> have</c><00:49:37.280><c> a</c><00:49:38.160><c>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies. Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment. Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:09.000><c> of</c><00:49:09.120><c> our</c><00:49:09.280><c> rights</c><00:49:09.960><c> and</c
• Thank<00:49:43.920><c> you</c><00:49:44.440><c> Madam</c><00:49:44.720><c> Chair</c><00:49:45.120><c>
• </c><00:49:49.360><c> And</c><00:49:50.480><c> maybe</c><00:49:50.720><c> this</c><00:49:50.880><c> is
• /c><00:49:51.960><c> your</c><00:49:52.080><c> test</c><00:49:52.320><c> of</c><00:49:52.440><c> air<
• ><c> Um,</c><00:49:54.680><c> I</c><00:49:54.760><c> think</c><00:49:54.960><c> that</c><00:49:55.080

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> our</c><00:49:17.200><c> federal</c><00:49:17.920><c> claiming</c><00:49:18.920><c> uh</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:24.200><c> possible</c><00:49:24.599><c> match</c><00:49:25.240><c> u</c><00:49:25.400><c>
• ><c> much</c><00:49:34.880><c> aware</c><00:49:35.160><c> of</c><00:49:35.319><c> the</c><00:49:35.520
• ><c> program</c><00:49:38.760><c> uh</c><00:49:38.920><c> and</c><00:49:39.160><c> judging</c><00:49:
• :41.480><c> uh</c><00:49:41.640><c> and</c><00:49:41.760><c> I</c><00:49:41.839><c> wasn't</c><00:49:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on February 2 and first approved the draft minutes from the prior meeting, with minor corrections to the meeting date and attendance notation. DHHS Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly then gave a department update, describing the current uncertainty around federal priorities and funding, and provided two substantive reports: progress on the new Hampstead Youth Development Center and an update on the department’s review of an ALS registry proposal. She said the YDC project is underway with tree clearing, fencing, stormwater and site-prep work, and remains on track for completion by June 30, 2026 and operation by August 30, 2026. The center currently has 12 youth, and the new design is intended to provide flexibility for fluctuating census levels. On ALS, Tilly explained that HB 576 had prompted the department to examine whether a registry could be built, but the estimated cost of a HIPAA-compliant system was about $750,000. She said DHHS is reviewing whether existing data sources, such as hospital discharge data and CHIS claims data, could provide useful information, but noted both are incomplete for registry purposes. Committee members discussed whether the Rare Disease Advisory Council, Dartmouth, or existing cancer registry infrastructure could help reduce costs. DHHS said it is neutral and willing to continue exploring alternatives, while members emphasized the value of a registry and the need to consider shared infrastructure and funding. The committee also heard from Jenny Horan of the Alzheimer’s Association, who presented the subcommittee’s report on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She said the subcommittee spent the past year gathering information on dementia care, abuse and exploitation issues, caregiver strain, and available services, and is now moving into a second phase focused on identifying gaps and developing a state plan. Members asked about geriatric psychiatric capacity and long-term care availability; Horan said the state has limited capacity and that the plan will help clarify where needs are greatest. She offered to return for follow-up questions at a later meeting. Finally, Olivia May of DHHS presented the quarterly report on the 12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage extension. She said New Hampshire implemented the extension after federal and state action, and the first claims data are still emerging because of reporting lags. In the initial cohort studied, 95% received some medical services during the extended period, 52.4% received mental health or substance use disorder treatment, 26.7% received preventive visits, and 3.2% received heart or hypertension services. Members asked about return on investment and whether higher federal matching rates are being used appropriately; DHHS said it claims the highest possible match based on eligibility group and will return with more data over time. The committee then heard the annual therapeutic cannabis program report from Michael Holt, who said the program had 1,475 registered patients as of June 30, 2024 and that growth has slowed, with New Hampshire having the lowest per-capita medical cannabis enrollment nationally.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> sort</c><03:49:06.800><c> of</c><03:49:06.960><c> stuff</c><03:49:07.319><c> so</c><03:49:08.479>
• :49:11.120><c> enough</c><03:49:11.600><c> to</c><03:49:12.319><c> put</c><03:49:12.520><c> in</c><03
• c><03:49:43.520><c> and</c><03:49:43.760><c> it's</c><03:49:43.960><c> essentially</c><03:49:44.399><
• :45.040><c> thing</c><03:49:46.040><c> but</c><03:49:46.560><c> he</c><03:49:46.800><c> put</c><03:49
• :49.000><c> to</c><03:49:49.319><c> have</c><03:49:49.600><c> had</c><03:49:49.920><c> your</c><03:49

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:49:08.400><c> Am</c><00:49:08.600><c> I</c><00:49:08.680><c> reading</c><00:49:08.960><c> that
• /c><00:49:10.000><c> Not</c><00:49:10.160><c> the</c><00:49:10.240><c> way</c><00:49:10.480><c> I</c>
• <00:49:12.359><c> the</c><00:49:12.560><c> act</c><00:49:12.880><c> prohibiting</c><00:49:13.359><c>
• </c><00:49:22.760><c> In</c><00:49:22.840><c> other</c><00:49:23.000><c> words,</c><00:49:23.320><c>
• No,<00:49:25.000><c> no,</c><00:49:25.320><c> I</c><00:49:25.400><c> know,</c><00:49:25.560><c> but</

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:02.160><c> heat,</c><00:49:02.480><c> no</c><00:49:02.640><c> running</c><00:49:03.040><c>
• the creek.<00:49:05.839><c> They</c><00:49:06.000><c> are</c><00:49:06.160><c> using</c><00:49:06.400
• ><c> a</c><00:49:06.559><c> a</c><00:49:06.960><c> hot</c><00:49:07.200><c> plate</c><00:49:07.599><c
• Uh<00:49:10.559><c> the</c><00:49:10.800><c> caller</c><00:49:11.200><c> stated</c><00:49:11.440><c>
• c> take</c><01:49:03.280><c> care</c><01:49:03.520><c> of</c><01:49:03.679><c> care</c><01:49:04.080>

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:14 Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:02:02 Response from the Kentucky Fire Commission-00:32:06 Judge Testimony on Child Removal-00:42:47 Update on Child Removal and Reunification-01:11:19 Staffing at Kentucky Veteran Centers-01:40:15 Adjournment-02:05:55, 958, all

Summary: The Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee met without a quorum, so no votes were taken. Staff presented a study of the Kentucky Fire Commission focused on firefighter minimum training standards and administrative spending. The presentation explained that Kentucky’s training standards are built from NFPA guidelines, that the commission currently requires 115 hours for volunteer firefighters and 300 hours for paid firefighters, and that those reduced hours were adopted by removing electives and other non-NFPA content. Staff also said the commission’s IFSAC certification testing for firefighter 1 and firefighter 2 aligns with NFPA standards, but the commission cannot require local departments to train or certify firefighters. Staff recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours and work with KCTCS to better separate administrative costs for certain programs so compliance with the statute can be demonstrated. The finance portion of the report said the commission is funded by general fund appropriations for State Fire Rescue Training and by an insurance premium surcharge that supports the Firefighter Foundation Program Fund. Staff reported that the commission stayed within the 5% administrative cap tied to the overall surcharge allotment, but could not confirm compliance with a separate 5% cap for specific programs because KCTCS accounting does not break out those costs in enough detail. Staff suggested the General Assembly may want to clarify what counts as administrative cost in statute. Members asked about investment returns, local fire department funding, and whether training documentation is required; staff said some of those topics were outside the study scope and that IFSAC testing relies on chief certification that a candidate is ready to test. Representatives from the Fire Commission then responded, saying they agreed with the report’s recommendations and would work to clarify the 5% issue with legislators and KCTCS. They explained that the reduction in training hours was intended to remove electives, better align with NFPA standards, and address the difficulty volunteer departments have in getting members to complete lengthy training. Commission officials said training is documented through rosters and annual compliance reviews, and that IFSAC-certified firefighter testing is based on demonstrated skills rather than a required number of training hours. They also said the difficulty in tracking the second 5% cap stems from the way KCTCS’s PeopleSoft system records reimbursements as single transactions, making it hard to isolate administrative costs by program.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:49:07.160><c> Speaker</c><00:49:07.559><c> would</c><00:49:07.720><c> I</c><00:49:08.000><c> press
• </c><00:49:13.760><c> the</c><00:49:13.920><c> potential</c><00:49:14.480><c> benefits</c><00:49:15.359
• ><c> if</c><00:49:55.960><c> you're</c><00:49:56.079><c> oppos</c><00:49:56.319><c> to</c><00:49:56.480
• :49:33.320><c> i</c><04:49:34.638><c> i</c><04:49:35.638><c> n</c><04:49:35.920><c> the</c><04:49:36.080
• 49:37.878><c> 586</c><04:49:38.558><c> is</c><04:49:38.718><c> laid</c><04:49:38.958><c> on</c><04:49

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:03.280><c> the</c><00:49:03.440><c> table,</c><00:49:04.079><c> somebody</c><00:49:04.400>
• Yeah.<00:49:09.040><c> And</c><00:49:09.280><c> respectfully,</c><00:49:10.000><c> if</c><00:49:10.160
• </c><00:49:13.200><c> Kilby</c><00:49:13.520><c> says</c><00:49:13.680><c> he</c><00:49:13.839><c> has
• 00:49:16.480><c> the</c><00:49:16.640><c> week</c><00:49:17.119><c> and</c><00:49:17.440><c> if</c><00
• </c><00:49:22.800><c> But</c><00:49:23.200><c> absent</c><00:49:23.680><c> that,</c><00:49:24.000><c>

Keywords: 0:00:07 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:47 Approval of Minutes 0:01:05 Correspondence and Information Items 0:54:15 Lease Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 0:56:19 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 1:08:46 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 1:13:00 Rpt from Office of Financial Mgmt - KIA 1:20:00 Office of Financial Management 1:35:50 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure. The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation. KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.160><c> bill</c><00:49:00.760><c> that</c><00:49:01.599><c> um</c><00:49:02.599><c> uh</c><00:49:
• especially for our<00:49:09.680><c> youth</c><00:49:10.680><c> uh</c><00:49:10.799><c> in</c><00:49:
• across the us<00:49:33.520><c> and</c><00:49:33.680><c> it</c><00:49:33.799><c> is</c><00:49:34.000><
• <00:49:35.920><c> Minnesota</c><00:49:36.480><c> are</c><00:49:36.680><c> about</c><00:49:37.000><c>
• </c><00:49:41.119><c> group</c><00:49:41.920><c> about</c><00:49:42.640><c> 0.5</c><00:49:43.599><c>

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; If<00:49:02.080><c> I</c><00:49:02.160><c> if</c><00:49:02.360><c> I</c><00:49:02.400><c> may
• Um<00:49:30.840><c> so</c><00:49:31.240><c> to</c><00:49:31.360><c> my</c><00:49:31.800><c> my</c><00
• :49:31.960><c> colleague</c><00:49:32.440><c> and</c><00:49:32.840><c> and</c><00:49:33.200><c> and</
• and the the<00:49:34.200><c> man</c><00:49:34.440><c> who</c><00:49:34.560><c> will</c><00:49:34.680
• </c><00:49:39.680><c> And</c><00:49:40.080><c> and</c><00:49:40.240><c> so</c><00:49:40.400><c> I</c>

Bills: SB1

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Keywords: special primary election, redistricting, State Senate districts, federal court ruling, injunction, vacated order, election calendar, 2026 general election, 2026 primary election, runoff election, party nominee, Governor proclamation, Alabama elections, district boundaries, court-ordered redistricting, special election, nomination process, Secretary of State, election law, 923

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:03.000><c> name</c><00:49:03.160><c> is</c><00:49:03.280><c> Russell</c><00:49:03.599><c>
• F from the<00:49:04.040><c> Department</c><00:49:04.359><c> of</c><00:49:04.440><c> Law</c><00:49:04.760
• <c> would</c><00:49:09.440><c> be</c><00:49:10.440><c> 5</c><00:49:10.880><c> million</c><00:49:11.880
• positions<00:49:14.960><c> um</c><00:49:15.160><c> and</c><00:49:15.280><c> this</c><00:49:15.400><c>
• ><c> the</c><00:49:23.440><c> second</c><00:49:23.720><c> year</c><00:49:24.040><c> fiscal</c><00:49:

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on three fireworks-related bills. On SB 1226, which would create a shipping container inspection program and require Department of Law Enforcement reporting, the Department of Law Enforcement supported the measure, while the Attorney General recommended deleting references to explosives to avoid a single-subject constitutional issue and noted possible federal limits on military involvement. Harbor users raised concerns about logistics, delays, and cost, and HPD supported the bill; members also discussed how inspections would work and whether DLE would coordinate with county and federal partners. No vote was taken during the testimony portion. On SB 32, which would sharply restrict consumer fireworks by requiring permits for cultural use, repealing the general holiday exceptions, and imposing a $25 permit fee, the State Fire Council supported the bill as a public safety measure but said it was willing to work on problematic language. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill’s use of “culture” could create constitutional and discrimination problems because permit decisions would effectively define culture. Fireworks retailers and other opponents said the bill would push consumers toward illegal fireworks and hurt lawful sales, while supporters said it would reduce injuries, fires, and respiratory harm. Members questioned whether the permit fee was new, whether the bill would affect commercial display companies, and whether permit caps should be added. On SB 1324, which expands fireworks offenses, increases penalties for injuries or death, creates new criminal offenses and an infraction adjudication system, and appropriates funds, the Attorney General strongly supported the bill and said it would give law enforcement and prosecutors better tools, while DLE said the current weight-based definitions make prosecutions difficult and labor-intensive. DLE also said disposal of seized fireworks is expensive and hazardous, and suggested violators should bear more of that cost. HPD and the Maui County prosecutor supported the bill, but some opponents argued it would overcriminalize conduct and create constitutional issues; a commercial pyrotechnics company asked for amendments to preserve lawful display work. Members asked about the appropriation, enforcement challenges, and whether existing exceptions would still allow commercial shows. The hearing ended with no final decision reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:49:02.799><c> ask</c><00:49:03.119><c> of</c><00:49:03.319><c> fiscal</c><00:49:03.680><c> year
• </c><00:49:06.920><c> of</c><00:49:07.400><c> the</c><00:49:08.119><c> uh</c><00:49:08.280><c> OIC</c
• our</c><00:49:09.760><c> Workforce</c><00:49:10.359><c> program</c><00:49:10.799><c> work</c><00:49:
• ><00:49:14.760><c> Senator</c><00:49:15.119><c> BR</c><00:49:15.920><c> thank</c><00:49:16.079><c> you
• the</c><01:49:02.760><c> last</c><01:49:02.920><c> two</c><01:49:03.199><c> bium</c><01:49:03.920><c

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• would</c><00:49:04.240><c> happen</c><00:49:04.559><c> if</c><00:49:04.799><c> we</c><00:49:04.960><c
• :49:19.440><c> got</c><00:49:19.720><c> sick</c><00:49:20.480><c> we</c><00:49:20.839><c> see</c><00:
• <01:49:02.520><c> in</c><01:49:02.719><c> this</c><01:49:02.960><c> aspect</c><01:49:03.400><c> as</c
• > well<01:49:06.800><c> um</c><01:49:06.920><c> on</c><01:49:07.119><c> page</c><01:49:07.360><c> 21<
• fund</c><01:49:15.119><c> a</c><01:49:15.320><c> portion</c><01:49:15.679><c> of</c><01:49:15.880><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to<03:49:21.279><c> doit</c><03:49:21.960><c> doit</c><03:49:22.680><c> is</c><03:49:22.920><c> not<
• /c><03:49:23.600><c> involved</c><03:49:24.319><c> in</c><03:49:24.600><c> that</c><03:49:25.000><c>
• <03:49:40.560><c> and</c><03:49:41.000><c> in</c><03:49:41.239><c> law</c><03:49:41.760><c> that</c><
• :49:43.680><c> and</c><03:49:44.199><c> running</c><03:49:44.880><c> by</c><03:49:45.040><c> September
• of this<03:49:45.800><c> year</c><03:49:46.040><c> and</c><03:49:46.199><c> we</c><03:49:46.319><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• was started in<00:49:43.840><c> the</c><00:49:43.920><c> early</c><00:49:44.160><c> 2000s</c><00:49:
• c><00:49:48.160><c> was</c><00:49:48.280><c> added</c><00:49:48.560><c> back</c><00:49:48.800><c> in<
• c><00:49:52.000><c> so</c><00:49:52.240><c> we've</c><00:49:52.520><c> taken</c><00:49:52.840><c> a</
• c> look</c><00:49:53.400><c> at</c><00:49:53.600><c> it</c><00:49:54.160><c> and</c><00:49:54.480><c>
• <00:49:57.640><c> I</c><00:49:57.760><c> believe</c><00:49:57.960><c> Eric</c><00:49:58.160><c> said<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 10 minutes and then moved through a large agenda of contract reviews, including a deferred Kentucky Transportation Cabinet item tied to Louisville bridge tolling and RiverLink. Transportation officials explained that the contract was part of a bi-state arrangement with Indiana: Indiana Finance Authority held the main contract with HNTB, while Kentucky needed a mirror contract to pay its 50% share under the bi-state management agreement. Members questioned why the work was treated as effectively no-bid, how much input Kentucky had in vendor selection, RiverLink’s collection performance, and when tolls might end. Transportation said Kentucky had equal representation in selection, HNTB served as a toll services advisor, collections and customer service had improved, and tolls are expected to remain until debt obligations are paid off in 2058. Several members criticized the company’s past performance and voted no as a statement of concern, but the contract still moved forward. The committee then deferred a Kentucky State University item because the vendor was not registered with the Secretary of State. It also approved the overall agenda and contract review lists. A Board of Optometric Examiners contract drew significant discussion: board representatives said they had previously relied on the Public Protection Cabinet for legal services, but that office lacked staff and advised them to seek outside counsel. Some members argued the committee could not approve a contract that appeared to conflict with statute, while others said the board should not be left without legal counsel and that the Attorney General should be brought in to resolve the issue. The committee ultimately voted to defer the optometric contract for one month and requested the Attorney General appear at the next meeting. Finally, the committee reviewed an Administrative Office of the Courts amendment for the Court of Appeals building project. Staff explained that the General Assembly had authorized the project, the design contract had already gone through multiple approved phases, and the current item was only an administrative correction to a prior modification amount. Members approved the amendment, with one member noting appreciation that the project costs had been reduced when an error was found.

Transcript Highlights:

• 49:08.240><c> on</c><00:49:08.360><c> House</c><00:49:08.600><c> Bill</c><00:49:08.800><c> 1214.
• Seeing<00:49:13.000><c> none,</c><00:49:13.440><c> with</c><00:49:13.720><c> a</c><00:49:13.800><c> vote
• </c><00:49:14.160><c> of</c><00:49:14.640><c> 33</c><00:49:15.880><c> eyes,</c><00:49:16.320><c> two<
• ><c> zero</c><00:49:17.040><c> absent</c><00:49:17.360><c> or</c><00:49:17.440><c> excused,</c><00:49
• Meanwhile,<01:49:30.280><c> our</c><01:49:31.040><c> constituents</c><01:49:31.840><c> are</c><01:49:

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :04.000><c> asking</c><00:49:04.400><c> us</c><00:49:04.559><c> to</c><00:49:04.880><c> just</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:22.559><c> have</c><00:49:22.720><c> to</c><00:49:22.800><c> be</c><00:49:22.960><c> this<
• ><c> but</c><00:49:23.760><c> it</c><00:49:24.000><c> always</c><00:49:24.240><c> shouldn't</c><00:49
• </c> So<00:49:29.280><c> please</c><00:49:29.599><c> stay</c><00:49:29.760><c> with</c><00:49:30.000>
• /c><00:49:35.839><c> look</c><00:49:36.000><c> to</c><00:49:36.160><c> the</c><00:49:36.319><c> state

Bills: HF2312

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: higher education, college finance, student aid, financial aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, tuition relief, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, work-study, child care grants, Indian scholarships, tribal colleges, Hunger-Free Campus, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct