Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> changec><00:20:22.480><c> isc> classes. uh class sizes the change is classes. uh class sizes
• ><c> terriblec><02:18:17.040><c> toc> larger classes, it would be terrible to larger classes, it
• ><c> eachc><02:18:25.599><c> class.
• class outstanding teachers and reducing class sizes<02:31:26.160><c> soc><02:31:26.399><c> thatc
• c><02:32:03.760><c> classes,c> teachers, invest in smaller classes, teachers, invest in smaller classes

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• C or Class A assault in the the first class<00:43:28.319><c> bc><00:43:28.880><c> toc><00:43:29.200
• ><c> classc><00:43:29.680><c> Bc><00:43:30.680><c> soc><00:43:31.040><c> likec> class b to class
• B so like class b to class B so like if<00:43:33.839><c> umc><00:43:34.839><c> noc><00:43:35.200
• class<00:50:19.799><c> thec><00:50:19.960><c> secondc><00:50:20.319><c> classc><00:50:20.960><
• c> uhc><00:50:21.119><c> whichc><00:50:21.240><c> wec> class the second class uh which we class

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills first. SB 51, a comprehensive public financing bill for candidates, drew strong support in testimony but also concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund has only about $2.2 million, far short of what would be needed, and that the program could not realistically start in 2026 because of staffing and system changes; the commission asked for a start date no earlier than 2028. SB 118, which would create a full-time investigator position at the Campaign Spending Commission, was supported by the commission, which said it has lacked staff growth since 1995 and that an investigator is needed to handle investigations instead of having the commission’s attorney do that work. SB 255, a housekeeping bill on excess cash campaign contributions, was supported by the commission and several county officials and would require excess cash contributions over the limit to be returned within 30 days or turned over to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund. SB 345, which would expand the current partial public financing program, was supported by the commission but drew questions because it would still allow private fundraising; the commission said that under its assumptions the bill would provide more total public funds than SB 51, with a maximum of a little over $20 million versus a little over $15 million for SB 51. Testimony counts were reported as 125 support/48 oppose for SB 51, 26 support/0 oppose for SB 118, 30 support/49 oppose for SB 255, and 30 support/49 oppose for SB 345. The committee then discussed SB 176 on recount thresholds. The Office of Elections said it would stand on written testimony, and the East Hawaii Republican Party was listed but not present. The Office of Elections explained in response to questions that the bill’s recount trigger would be based on the final election-day count, not the early 6 a.m. tabulation, because the initial count is not complete until later in the day and cured ballots are counted later; the office said it does not want to begin recounts before all election-day ballots are counted. The reported testimony count was 4 support, 50 oppose, and 2 comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 260, the Judiciary’s biennial budget bill. Judiciary staff requested about $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027 for operations, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $11.9 million for capital improvements. The Judiciary said the request would support specialty courts such as Women’s Court, Truancy Court, and DWI Court, a new Wahiawa District Court unit, an additional district court judge in Kona, cybersecurity, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, and facility projects including South Kohala design work and a Kauai chiller replacement. Civil legal services providers, including Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, Kuikahi Mediation Center, the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission, all supported the bill but asked for an additional $1 million for the civil legal services line item, saying demand is high and the funding is spread across more providers than before. The Judiciary clarified that some of its requested positions would support Wahiawa and Women’s Court, and that the civil legal services funding goes to organizations serving low-income residents on issues such as immigration, domestic violence, evictions, and foreclosures. The committee also briefly took up SB 279 on fentanyl possession thresholds, where the prosecuting attorney’s office supported the bill and said fentanyl is already driving overdose deaths and that the proposed thresholds target distribution-level quantities rather than personal use.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:26:25.360><c> inc><00:26:25.520><c> thec><00:26:25.720><c> classc><00:26:26.279><c> we're
• c><00:26:26.520><c> stillc> or 13 kids in the class we're still or 13 kids in the class we're still
• c><04:29:29.119><c> EFAc> purchase a class or course with your EFA purchase a class or course with
• c> buyc><04:31:28.520><c> classesc> be using your EFA money to buy classes be using your EFA money
• /c><04:34:47.119><c> inc><04:34:47.279><c> anc> all class wallet orders are held in an all class

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call. The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work. Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• ac><00:10:44.240><c> classc><00:10:44.560><c> actionc> uncertainty and once a class action uncertainty
• and once a class action lawsuit<00:10:45.360><c> isc><00:10:45.560><c> filedc><00:10:45.959><c>
• :15:54.680><c> everyc><00:15:54.839><c> singlec><00:15:55.199><c> classc><00:15:55.519><c> home
• one class<00:27:13.200><c> itsc><00:27:13.360><c> ownc><00:27:13.919><c> criteriac><00:27:14.919
• ><c> forc><00:27:15.480><c> andc><00:27:15.640><c> givingc> class its own criteria for and giving

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing first took up SB 696, which would create an emergency management office and fund tax credits, grants for low-income taxpayers to fortify homes, shelter development, and staffing. Supporters argued Hawaii needs a dedicated preparedness office and funding before the next hurricane season, while the Tax Foundation said the bill was too vague, especially on who would qualify for the tax credits and under what conditions. The Department of the Attorney General and the insurance division offered comments, and both committees recommended deferral of SB 696. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then heard SB 179 on construction defect remedies and the contractor repair act. Builders, Realtors, carpenters, and a mortgage industry witness supported the bill, saying it would reduce abusive litigation, speed repairs, and help housing production and affordability. Homeowner advocates and plaintiff attorneys opposed it, arguing it would weaken consumer protections, shift repair costs to homeowners, and delay or limit legitimate claims. One testifier suggested the Senate focus instead on stronger alternative dispute resolution, and the committee noted 105 written supporters, four opponents, and one comment submission. The committee next heard SB 416 on allowing pets in rental housing, with the Attorney General recommending a non-impairment safeguard because of possible effects on existing contracts. SB 593 on commercial dog breeders drew support from the Hawaii Humane Society and others, with concerns raised that counties would be expected to enforce the new regime without funding. SB 641, creating a tax on low-alcohol-by-volume spirits beverages, drew opposition from the Wine Institute, which said it would create a tax break for one segment and likely reduce state revenue. SB 1048 on online crowdfunding received support from GoFundMe and comments from the Attorney General, with GoFundMe urging changes to reduce burdens on charitable fundraising. SB 1213, allowing businesses to accept service of process by email instead of maintaining a registered agent, drew DCCA comments and opposition from LegalZoom, which warned email service could be unreliable and vulnerable to phishing.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:19:31.600><c> classesc> success that people in lower classes success that people in lower classes
• And um so we've got world-class<00:57:45.599><c> coaches,c><00:57:46.160><c> world-classc> world-class
• coaches, world-class world-class coaches, world-class athletes<00:57:47.440><c> andc><00:57:47.680
• :51.520><c> classc><01:08:51.679><c> forc><01:08:51.920><c> ourc> university.
• c> last year's class. last year's class. and<01:20:00.960><c> 100%c><01:20:01.840><c> somebodyc

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:28 Kentucky Recovery Vocational: Workforce Reimagined 00:01:31 Update on College Athletics and 25RS SB 3 00:24:39 Goodwill Kentucky Excel Center 01:09:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Kentucky Recovery Vocational Workforce and Re-entry Incorporated, led by Executive Director Jerick D'vor, on its vocational training model for people in recovery and formerly incarcerated individuals. He said the nonprofit operates in Russell Springs and serves students from across Kentucky, offering manufacturing and welding training tied to recovery services through Spark Recovery. D'vor emphasized that the program combines treatment, soft-skills coaching, job placement, and continued support after employment, arguing that training should begin around 90 days into recovery rather than earlier. He reported strong outcomes, including 292 students served, 259 certificates earned, and 250 job placements, with many participants placed in manufacturing jobs and 17 welders trained and placed through the new welding academy. Members praised the program but asked about funding, retention, and employability barriers. D'vor said the pilot was supported by opioid abatement grant funding, and the program now relies mainly on donor contributions and Spark Recovery’s investment in clients, with possible future support from additional opioid abatement funds or 1915(i) mechanisms. He said participants are not charged tuition and that the organization provides soft-skills training and job coaches. In response to questions about long-term outcomes, he said the program does not yet have a full alumni tracking system but is exploring technology options and continues to provide post-employment support for 90 days. After approving the committee minutes, members received an update on college athletics and Senate Bill 3 from University of Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird and University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. They said Kentucky’s NIL framework and reporting requirements are working reasonably well and praised the state for not trying to create a competitive advantage in the evolving college sports environment. Heird reported that 521 student-athletes have signed up for NILGO and about 240 deals have been approved through the system, while noting the need to ensure NIL agreements are legitimate marketplace deals rather than artificial payments. The discussion also touched on the House settlement, the $600 approval threshold, and broader federal changes affecting college athletics.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><03:57:38.720><c> redc><03:57:38.960><c> classc> schools now as part of out the red class schools
• <c> classesc><03:58:32.399><c> andc><03:58:32.560><c> andc> them to individual classes and and
• c><03:58:35.760><c> uhc> separate classes.
• c> of classes. of classes.
• ><c> inc><04:43:24.560><c> theirc><04:43:24.718><c> classc> they're the only kids in their class

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:25:13.080><c> Dragonsc><00:25:13.559><c> classc><00:25:14.159><c> uhc><00:25:14.360><c> I<
• /c><00:25:14.520><c> taughtc> dungeon and Dragons class uh I taught dungeon and Dragons class uh I
• ><c> havec><00:38:16.400><c> manyc><00:38:16.720><c> classesc><00:38:17.079><c> inc> are embracing
• <00:56:19.680><c> inc><00:56:19.799><c> thec><00:56:20.039><c> classc><00:56:20.760><c> andc>
• ><01:38:22.679><c> doc><01:38:22.840><c> inc> classes um what do we need to do in classes um what

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :22.919><c> thec><00:06:23.080><c> twoc><00:06:23.319><c> thatc><00:06:23.479><c> you'vec><00
• 15.440><c> classc> works out and and increase their class works out and and increase their class 27
• toc><01:55:41.599><c> classc><01:55:42.000><c> 27c><01:55:42.599><c> soc><01:55:42.800><c> they
• c><01:55:42.920><c> couldc><01:55:43.040><c> fundc><01:55:43.280><c> anc> moved to class 27 so
• they could fund an moved to class 27 so they could fund an IT<01:55:44.520><c> positionc><01:55:44.960

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division II work session focused on Fish and Game’s budget-revenue proposals and several statutory changes the department said it needs to support its operations. The department recommended raising the fisheries habitat fee and wildlife habitat fee to $5 each, estimating additional annual revenue of about $640,000 and $144,000 respectively. Members clarified that these are habitat fees added on top of licenses, not reduced by senior or youth license categories, and discussed the need for RSA changes to allow the revenue to be transferred into the Fish and Game Fund. The department also said it would work internally on any broader license fee increases through the commission process. The committee then reviewed proposals to cap several dedicated accounts and transfer excess balances to the unrestricted Fish and Game Fund. Those accounts included the fisheries and wildlife habitat funds and the game management account, with the department proposing a $750,000 cap on each and transfer of amounts above that threshold. The department said the cap was based on several years of expenditures and the fact that dedicated funds are often used as match for federal funds. Members asked for reports on fund activity and questioned whether the cap and mandatory transfer language should be “shall” or “may,” with the department indicating it would prefer “may” for flexibility. The committee also discussed a Pheasant Management Program account, where the department said current law limits use of the money to buying and propagating pheasants and it wants authority to use it for broader program management. A substantial portion of the meeting addressed Fish and Game’s environmental review unit and the transfer of ARPA-funded positions to DEES under the governor’s initiative. The department said four positions are currently ARPA-funded, that DEES supports keeping them in place through the end of the year, and that the transition will require time because environmental review work is intertwined across the agency. The department explained that before the ARPA positions, biologists handled the work and that current staffing has helped eliminate a backlog and meet deadlines. Members also discussed a proposal to expand environmental review fees beyond private developers to state, federal, municipal, and local governments, with the department saying it would need rulemaking and stakeholder input. Additional requests included authority to conduct raffles to raise funds, creation of a revolving account for donations and raffle proceeds, and repeal of the obsolete fish food sales statute because the vending machines are no longer functional and the account generates no revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> roadc> stateowned class one or class 2 road stateowned class one or class 2 road highway<01:06:13.200
• ><c> suchc><01:37:03.520><c> asc> highways, class one or twos, such as highways, class one or twos
• ><c> highwayc><01:39:07.119><c> classc> are dedicated to the state highway class are dedicated to
• c> orc><01:41:58.719><c> ac> traffic that occurs on a class one or a traffic that occurs on a class
• ><c> statec><01:42:00.239><c> Newc> class two roadway in state New class two roadway in state New

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Classc><00:12:25.880><c> Amorc><00:12:26.160><c> wasc><00:12:26.360><c> herc> Sergeant First
• Class Amor was her Sergeant First Class Amor was her constituent,<00:12:27.560><c> andc><00:12:27.920
• , the wife, and the Sergeant<00:12:47.680><c> Firstc><00:12:47.960><c> Classc><00:12:48.240><c> of
• c><00:12:48.320><c> thec><00:12:48.400><c> Unitedc> Sergeant First Class of the United Sergeant
• First Class of the United States<00:12:49.080><c> Army,c><00:12:49.760><c> Nicolec><00:12:50.240

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> classesc><00:53:07.839><c> thatc><00:53:08.079><c> aren'tc><00:53:08.400><c> justc><00:53
• We could offer<00:53:11.520><c> classesc><00:53:11.920><c> toc><00:53:12.160><c> freshmenc><00:
• 53:12.480><c> whoc><00:53:12.720><c> arec><00:53:12.880><c> comingc> offer classes to freshmen
• c><01:37:37.600><c> Theyc><01:37:37.840><c> determinec><01:37:38.239><c> ifc> through class wallet
• thec><02:50:15.920><c> class.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:05:11.360><c> ac><00:05:11.440><c> classc><00:05:11.880><c> previouslyc><00:05:12.440><c
• > withc><00:05:12.560><c> 21c> that was in a class previously with 21 that was in a class previously
• ><c> daughter'sc><00:05:15.880><c> inc><00:05:15.960><c> ac><00:05:16.000><c> classc><00:05:16.280
• c> my daughter's in a class with 32 kids. my daughter's in a class with 32 kids.
• <00:05:22.400><c> classc><00:05:22.760><c> sizec><00:05:23.560><c> thatc><00:05:23.880><c> big<

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republican leaders and Speaker Melissa Hortman held a press event promoting House File 3490, which would opt Minnesota into a federal education tax credit program. They argued the bill has no state cost and would keep donations made by Minnesotans benefiting Minnesota students and schools rather than out-of-state scholarship organizations. Supporters said the funds could help with tutoring, extracurriculars, school supplies, special education-related services, learning loss, and other school needs, and they repeatedly urged Governor Tim Walz to opt in or publicly explain why he would not. Rep. Andrew Myers, the bill’s chief author, said the proposal is personal to him as a parent and legislator and described recent school budget pressures, including staff and resource cuts and larger class sizes. Rep. Ben Bakeberg, a middle school principal, said the bill could generate significant funding if many taxpayers participate and argued it could help offset school district shortfalls and the Blue Ribbon Commission. Rep. Griesbach also backed the bill, calling it a “no-brainer” and saying he would not work with the governor on other budget items unless the governor opted in. In response to questions, supporters said scholarship-granting organizations could be created by a variety of entities, including education foundations, and could support both private-school tuition and public-school-related costs such as extracurricular fees, field trips, and transportation for summer learning. They rejected the idea that the bill pits public and nonpublic schools against each other, saying it is meant to expand educational opportunity for all students. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the event; it ended with questions from reporters on the bill and other Republican priorities such as rental assistance, gas taxes, and energy costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:37:21.760><c> ac><00:37:21.920><c> classc><00:37:22.400><c> 2Ac> We also played, we are
• a class 2A We also played, we are a class 2A school.<00:37:24.160><c> Andc><00:37:24.400><c> six
• <00:38:11.440><c> 2c><00:38:12.079><c> Classc><00:38:12.400><c> 2Ac><00:38:12.880><c> Statec>
• ><c> classc> High School Activities Association class High School Activities Association class 5A<00
• c><00:52:42.000><c> Basketball.c><00:52:42.720><c> So,c> Association Class 5A Mr. Basketball.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 25 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer led by Pastor Darren Leech, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After confirming a quorum, the chamber dispensed with reading the journal and handled routine introductions. Members welcomed several guests in the galleries, including Mick Bulock of NCSL and multiple youth and community groups. The House also recognized Pastor Leech’s remarks about public service and stewardship. A series of congratulatory resolutions were taken up and adopted, many by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. These included resolutions honoring Derek Hall for winning Super Bowl 60 with the Seattle Seahawks, the Columbia Academy Lady Cougars cross country and softball teams for state championships, and other special recognitions. The House also adopted STR 536 and several additional resolutions from the rules calendar, with votes reported at 118 yeas, 0 nays on multiple items. On the conference calendar, the House concurred in House Bill 1150, which merged the engineers and surveying boards, added an exception so title attorneys were not affected, and changed board member terms from six years to four years. The concurrence motion passed 122 yeas, 0 nays. The House also adopted a conference report on item 60 related to state security operations center language, removing a reverse repealer, by a vote of 117 yeas, 0 nays. Later, members continued introducing guests and honoring school groups, including the Winston Academy football team for its state championship, the Jeff Davis County Mayor’s Youth Council, Columbus High School’s boys basketball team and Mr. Basketball honoree Michael Hood Jr., Heritage Christian Academy, and Mississippi State basketball player Josh Huard, who was recognized for the Coach Wooden Citizenship Award. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day, with the journal left open until the last conference report is filed.

Transcript Highlights:

• applies to one or two or have our classes<00:31:38.559><c> setc><00:31:38.640><c> up,c><00:31:38.880
• c><00:31:39.039><c> Onec><00:31:39.279><c> throughc> classes set up, right?
• Class<00:31:41.840><c> four,c><00:31:42.240><c> right,c><00:31:42.399><c> isc><00:31:42.720><c>
• c><00:31:43.200><c> Butc><00:31:43.360><c> therec> Class four, right, is is two.
• :32:08.000><c> threec><00:32:08.320><c> classesc><00:32:08.720><c> ofc><00:32:09.200><c> uc>

Bills: HB67, HB89, HB67, HB89

Keywords: parental rights, drag performances, public schools, public libraries, overnight programs, gender identity, minor safety, HB89, Medicaid, pregnant women, pregnancy, prenatal care, ambulatory prenatal care, presumptive eligibility, temporary Medicaid coverage, Alabama Medicaid Agency, maternal health, low-income women, health coverage, eligibility determination

Transcript Highlights:

• havec><00:03:42.480><c> ac> class.
• ><c> you'rec><00:04:12.400><c> willingc><00:04:12.640><c> toc><00:04:12.799><c> doc> class, even
• c> class.
• c><00:04:25.440><c> Soc><00:04:25.680><c> whatc> you're ready to take the class.
• c><00:05:17.919><c> So,c><00:05:18.240><c> withc><00:05:18.400><c> thatc> class will be up to

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education met for its first meeting of the session, reviewed basic committee rules, and took attendance before considering two bills. The chair emphasized civility, no signs in the room, and deadlines for committee substitutes and amendments. House Bill 416, sponsored by Representative Clines, would change teacher-preparation admissions by replacing an entrance test score requirement with a formative assessment approach while retaining exit examinations for teacher certification. KDE witnesses said the bill would reduce barriers, provide programs with data to support students, and not lower standards. Members asked about content-specific preparation, whether the bill would water down standards, and available data on current entry-test barriers. Several members spoke in support, citing the teacher shortage and the value of giving more candidates a path into education. The committee approved HB 416 unanimously and sent it to the House floor with a favorable expression of opinion. House Bill 389, sponsored by Representative Hein, would define dysgraphia, require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, support district professional development and coaching, require local boards to develop screener/diagnostic processes, and require postsecondary teacher programs to include dyslexia instruction. A committee substitute made technical changes, including an IDEA citation and removal of specific three-cueing language in favor of evidence-based practices. Testimony stressed that dyslexia is not the same as special education eligibility and that early identification and intervention are needed. Members discussed the low number of districts with related policies, the quality of approved screeners, and the need for more local and regional support services. The committee approved HB 389 with the committee substitute attached and sent it to the House floor with a favorable expression of opinion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Students<00:56:24.240><c> inc><00:56:24.400><c> thec><00:56:24.640><c> classc><00:56:25.040><c>
• c><00:56:35.920><c> ac><00:56:36.079><c> goodc><00:56:36.319><c> class.
• c> theirc><00:56:56.880><c> classesc><00:56:58.079><c> withc><00:56:58.799><c> examplesc><00:
• ><c> thec><00:57:08.640><c> classc><00:57:09.040><c> whetherc><00:57:09.280><c> it'sc> go and
• <c> selectingc><00:58:00.480><c> forc><00:58:01.440><c> PSOc><00:58:02.079><c> classesc><00:58

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01:43.200><c> yearc> class.
• class residential property out from that class and<00:02:15.920><c> setc><00:02:16.080><c> thatc>
• c><00:05:11.840><c> soc> classes separately.
• c><00:17:05.120><c> ac><00:17:05.360><c> classc> did it u if we established a class did it u if
• 17:48.559><c> separatec><00:17:48.960><c> classc> residential property is a separate class residential

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:11:59.760><c> attentionc> classes a lot of one-on-one attention classes a lot of one-on-one
• 24.000><c> it'sc><00:51:24.200><c> embarrassingc> that class because um it's embarrassing that class
• c> arec><00:51:26.079><c> reallyc><00:51:26.280><c> greatc><00:51:26.799><c> atc> uh our classes
• ><c> studentsc><00:51:27.880><c> toc><00:51:28.359><c> toc><00:51:28.520><c> thinkc> Our classes
• 22:01.080><c> they'vec><01:22:01.360><c> communicatedc> class I can see if they've communicated class

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > coursec><00:23:04.880><c> work,c><00:23:05.280><c> 12c><00:23:05.600><c> classesc> maximum
• c><00:29:12.480><c> classes.
• of 12 free classes that's a possible of 12 free classes paid<00:42:08.560><c> byc><00:42:08.720><c
• 16.880><c> classesc><00:42:17.200><c> andc><00:42:17.440><c> they'llc><00:42:17.599><c> payc>
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Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met and approved the July 15, 2025 minutes before hearing a presentation from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA/KIA) on student financial aid ahead of the January biennial budget session. KHEAA outlined its role administering 17 state-funded grant and scholarship programs, 529 plans, and outreach services, and emphasized that net lottery proceeds after a $3 million literacy appropriation are statutorily dedicated to student aid. The agency focused on the major need-based programs—College Access Program (CAP), Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG), and KEES—along with dual credit, Work Ready Kentucky, teacher scholarship, and National Guard tuition assistance. Officials said the new federal FAFSA methodology created a major increase in eligible students, especially for CAP, and thanked lawmakers for adding substantial funding this biennium to meet the higher demand. Staff explained that CAP is for Pell-eligible, low-income students, while KTG is a need-based grant for students at private Kentucky colleges; both use FAFSA data, but schools verify final eligibility. They said CAP awards are first-come, first-served and that the higher funding level allowed the program to last the full 21-month application cycle in FY 2024-2025, compared with much shorter periods in earlier years. KHEAA reported about $232 million spent on CAP for roughly 72,000 students last year, with current applications running about 10% ahead of the prior year. Members asked about the difference between applicants and recipients, the effect of lower lottery revenues, and whether recent federal legislation would affect state aid; KHEAA said it does not expect major impacts on grants and scholarships, though student loan changes could affect graduate students. The committee also discussed KEES and dual credit. KHEAA said KEES has been fully funded since its creation and that its forecast was within $76,000 of actual need last year. For dual credit, staff said a recent bill consolidated work-ready dual credit and career/technical education under one scholarship program, and KHEAA will seek growth funding because participation and costs continue to rise. The agency said FY 2025 dual credit spending reached $26.4 million across dual credit and work-ready funding, requiring transfers from Work Ready Kentucky to keep dual credit fully funded. Members asked about transferability of dual credit hours and whether the program reduces later college costs; KHEAA said it does not have hard data on every credit transfer, but it does see higher bachelor’s completion rates and lower student debt, suggesting positive effects. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:01 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:26 Approval of Minutes: 00:02:27 Investment, Cash Flow, and Legislative Update: Bo Cracraft – Judicial Form Retirement System: 00:03:12 Ryan Barrow – Kentucky Public Pensions Authority: 00:21:52 Beau Barnes – Teachers’ Retirement System: 00:34:31 Adjournment: 01:07:25, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum and approval of the prior minutes. A special guest, Dave Eager, was welcomed before the committee moved to presentations from retirement system officials. Bo Craycraft, executive director of the Judicial Form Retirement System, gave a quarterly update on investment performance, asset allocation, and cash flow. He said the plans had held up well amid market volatility, with fiscal year-to-date returns above benchmark and long-term returns remaining strong. He explained that the plans are targeted to a 70% equity/30% fixed-income allocation, that some cash is being held for cash-flow management, and that negative cash flow is expected because of funding and contribution levels. He also said Senate Bill 183, dealing with proxy voting and economic analysis for certain votes, was not expected to materially affect the plans because of their small number of holdings and Bear Trust’s long-term investment approach. Ryan Barrow and Erin Surrod then presented for the Kentucky Pension Authority. They reported positive quarterly performance across the retirement and insurance funds, though results varied by period and remained tied to broader market conditions. They said recent asset-allocation changes had been completed and the funds were now within target ranges. On cash flow, they noted some plans remained negative or near zero, with one plan benefiting from a large appropriation. In the legislative update, they described House Bill 30 as codifying an exclusion from pension-spiking calculations for across-the-board raises, and Senate Bill 10 as increasing retiree health insurance subsidies and changing employee health insurance contribution rules for certain CERS members beginning in 2026. They also said Senate Bill 183 would likely have limited impact, though the agency would review voting policies and incorporate any required economic-analysis procedures.