Video & Transcript Research : 'fee increase'
Page 129 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thirty-nine percent was tuition and fees, so it cost more to live than to go to school.
- At CSU, housing made up 53% of the cost, while tuition and fees accounted for 28%.
- The proposed increase on charter oversight fees is deleted, and the bill goes back to the existing 1%
- cap on oversight fees.
- AB 610 also prevents local governments from adding new barriers like limiting density, increasing fees
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long floor file of bills. Early measures passed with little or no debate, including AB 698 on local transfer taxes and affordable housing analysis, AB 456 on mobile home sales, AB 1129 on reportable infant health conditions, AB 69 on Fair Plan insurance notices and voluntary market searches, AB 357 on expedited student and faculty housing permits, AB 383 on firearms code cleanups, AB 426 on drones interfering with emergency response, AB 825 on energy affordability and transmission financing, and AB 699 on ballot transparency for local tax and bond measures. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with strong bipartisan margins, while AB 825 drew the most extended debate over whether it would lower costs or expand state control of energy infrastructure; it ultimately passed 45-5.
The most contentious item was AB 84, which would strengthen oversight of non-classroom-based charter schools and tighten accountability for charter spending and operations. Supporters argued it was needed to stop fraud and misuse of public education dollars, citing major scandals and audit findings, while opponents warned it would harm legitimate charter schools, reduce educational options, and disproportionately affect rural and special-needs students. Several members said they supported the bill only to keep negotiations going, and others urged more targeted or delayed action. After extensive debate and multiple amendments, the Assembly passed AB 84 on a 41-22 vote.
The chamber also took up AB 610, a housing bill that would require cities and counties to disclose planned housing restrictions and limit new constraints for three years after housing element approval. The author framed it as a certainty and transparency measure to help address the state’s housing shortage, while noting continued discussions with local governments and housing advocates. The transcript ends with the bill’s presentation and request for an aye vote, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 26, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, you know, I can't imagine that that would incur an additional fee.
- that that would incur an additional fee. that that would incur an additional fee.
- > order have to increase licensing fees in order have to increase licensing fees in order to<01:26
- Among the things that they cited was to basically increase the fees for the licensing and to request
- <01:35:44.159>
schedule guess a higher licensing fee schedule guess a higher licensing fee
Bills:
HB1946, HB1515, HB1514, HB1648, HB1644, HB1619, HB1571, HB1810, HB2475, HB1645, HB2301, HB1889, HB1840
Keywords:
time shares, registration, renewal, real estate, Hawaii, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, workers' compensation, functional capacity examination, occupational therapy, physical therapy, employer responsibilities, injured workers, medical stabilization, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, nonprescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, healthcare providers
Summary:
The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 26, 2026, and heard several bills, mostly in the areas of workers’ compensation and consumer protection. HB 1946 HD1 on timeshare registration renewal drew support from DCCA’s timeshare program and major industry groups including Hilton Grand Vacations, the American Resort Development Association, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide, with no opposition noted. HB 1515 HD1, which would allow an attending physician to request a functional capacity examination without employer permission, was supported by DLIR and the Department of Human Resources Development and had no other in-person testimony; the bill was then moved on without questions.
The committee spent substantial time on HB 1514 HD1, which would streamline workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation by clarifying provider selection and requiring vocational plans within 90 days. DLIR supported the intent but asked for amendments, saying the 90-day deadline was too rigid given case-by-case complexity, limited staffing, and the need for coordination among injured workers, employers, and counselors; members discussed possible extensions and whether a 120-day timeline or other flexibility would be better. Testimony on the bill included one individual in support and seven in opposition.
HB 1648 HD1, concerning workers’ compensation and physician dispensing of non-prescription drugs, drew support from DHRD and comments from DLIR and industry witnesses. DLIR said the bill should be narrowed so it does not restrict medically necessary over-the-counter medications or oral guidance from providers, while Aloha Billing Company and Solera Integrated Medical Solutions urged tighter limits on physician dispensing and raised concerns about pricing abuse through average wholesale price. Members discussed clarifying the bill’s language so it targets written prescriptions rather than oral advice. HB 1644 HD1, requiring a standardized disclosure form for residential solar contracts, received support from the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, while DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the consumer-protection goal but proposed stronger remedies, including a three-day cancellation right, voidability for missing disclosures, and possible lender liability; members questioned how those remedies should apply to lenders, and no vote was taken on the measures in the portion provided.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Nov 6th, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So, why this huge increase in premiums?
- More drastic increases in more recent years.
- Projecting increased rate increases in the future, and I know that you're—I hope that you're all going
- We can't get away from these increased PCF fees.
- When you delay settlement of cases, you increase the attorney's costs for the defense lawyers, you increase
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- costs and attorney fees.
- It also has this ridiculous fee-switching provision that allows the plaintiff to collect attorney's fees
- That is not how fee switching works.
- Well, we have fee-shifting provisions all throughout...
- It also increases the risk of perversion and abuse.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We just offset the tax increase elsewhere in the code, you know, below the line, essentially.
- What I would refer to as alignment on those issues could be a tax increase or decrease.
- Could be a tax increase or decrease. It is the totality that ultimately matters.
- To the extent that they would put out a tax increase, we can do nothing and have it go away.
- pressure to undo a tax increase, which is what we saw in 2019.
Keywords:
public funds, virtual currency, bitcoin, investment, Arizona Strategic Digital Asset Reserve Act, state treasurer, retirement system, state payments, cryptocurrency, Arizona law, payment methods, government transactions, tax lien, property tax lien, real property tax lien, foreclosure, right of redemption, redeem, excess proceeds, county abatement lien
Summary:
The House Ways and Means Committee considered a series of Senate bills and one concurrent resolution, with several measures involving virtual currency, county tax liens, tax conformity, and retirement system investments. The chair announced that Senate Bill 1503 would be held at the sponsor’s request and noted this was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1042, which would allow state treasurer and retirement system funds to invest up to 10% in virtual currency holdings, and Senate Bill 1043, which would allow state agencies to accept virtual currency payments through agreements with providers. Members raised concerns about volatility and government involvement, but both bills were described as permissive rather than mandatory and were returned with due pass recommendations by 5-3 votes.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 1067, dealing with county cleanup assessments for blighted properties in unincorporated areas. Chairman Olson offered an amendment removing the bill’s property-tax-bill mechanism and instead preserving county liens so cleanup costs could survive a tax lien sale. County representatives and the County Supervisors Association supported the amended approach as a way to recover costs and make counties whole. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill as amended passed 8-0. Senate Bill 1292, clarifying that the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System’s 5% voting-stock cap applies to publicly traded corporations, also passed with broad support after testimony from PSPRS.
Two tax-administration bills prompted extended debate. Senate Bill 1180 would direct the Department of Revenue to prepare tax forms based on conformity to the Internal Revenue Code unless the legislature enacts nonconformity; Chairman Olson’s amendment limited the presumption to provisions that reduce federal adjusted gross income or taxable income, reflecting concerns about automatic tax increases. The sponsor said the bill was meant to clarify legislative intent and prevent executive overreach, while several members said the amended version was materially different from the original. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed 5-3. Senate Bill 1221 would require DOR to notify the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance chairs before adopting new interpretations or applications of tax law that adversely affect taxpayers and to testify if hearings are held; an intent amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 5-3 amid debate over the meaning of “adversely.”
Finally, Senate Concurrent Resolution 1033, which encourages the Arizona State Retirement System and PSPRS to monitor digital asset exchange-traded funds and report on feasibility, risks, and benefits before the next session, was approved 5-3. Some members objected to the use of “encourage” and to the underlying cryptocurrency policy, while supporters said the resolution simply sought information and did not mandate investment. The committee then adjourned.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 112 May 5th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The fees that we payment fees, right?
- So, if you look at it, a $100 bill, $4 in tax, a $4 vendor fee or a $4 fee for swipe fees, roughly.
- So, if you look at it, a $100 bill, $4 in tax, a $4 vendor fee or a $4 fee for swipe fees, roughly.
- So, if you look at it, a $100 bill, $4 in tax, a $4 vendor fee or a $4 fee for swipe fees, roughly.
- So, if you look at it, a $100 bill, $4 in tax, a $4 vendor fee or a $4 fee for swipe fees, roughly.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and heard several announcements and recognitions. Members marked World Ovarian Cancer Day, promoted Cinco de Mayo and a related potluck, welcomed DeMolay International guests, and recognized correctional officers and employees during Corrections Officers and Employees Week. Several committees also announced upcoming meetings and bill hearings, including Health and Human Services, Judiciary, Transportation, Housing, and Local Government, Capital Development, and Appropriations.
Committee reports were read, including favorable recommendations on several bills and a postponement indefinitely of House Joint Resolution 1029. The Majority Leader then moved a slate of bills to special orders, and the House agreed without objection. The chamber then proceeded to floor consideration of Senate Bill 134, concerning payment card network fees.
Senate Bill 134 drew debate over whether merchants should continue paying swipe fees on the tax portion of credit card transactions. Supporters said the bill would provide meaningful relief to small businesses and restaurants, with estimated savings of $8,000 to $10,000 per business and about $217 million statewide. Opponents argued the bill shifted costs to banks and could have unintended consequences, suggesting the state should instead directly pay or reimburse the fees. After debate, the House passed Senate Bill 134 by voice vote.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Standing Committee on Finance and Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation - 06/02/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Serrano: Over the year, increases in visitorship.
- What is the current fee, both for either entrance or parking for state parks?
- Is there a standard fee, or is it based regionally?
- We have a visitor use fee. It ranges usually between $8 to $10 per park.
- But just in general, what fees are associated with that?
Summary:
The joint meeting of the Senate Finance Committee and the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation considered Governor Hochul’s nomination of Kathleen “Kathy” Moser to serve as Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Moser described her background in conservation and public lands, and said her priorities would include improving access and belonging for all New Yorkers, maintaining health and safety, modernizing infrastructure, addressing climate change and sustainability, and strengthening partnerships with local governments, community groups, and the Legislature.
Members questioned her on a range of park issues, including visitor fees, safety at swimming areas such as Lake Welch, security measures at parks, access for urban residents through nature buses and school transportation grants, maintenance and capital needs, event permitting, workforce recruitment and retention, and coordination around the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Moser said the department has targeted capital and safety investments at popular parks, is installing fencing, lighting, cameras, and license plate readers at entrances at selected sites, and is planning extensive 250th commemoration programming and historic-site renovations.
She also discussed efforts to expand community stewardship, including partner groups, culturally specific amenities like cricket fields, and outreach through traveling exhibits and social media. Senators raised concerns and suggestions about renewable energy siting, cell service in rural areas, invasive species prevention, and local infrastructure needs. After questioning concluded, the committees voted to advance the nomination, and the motion was reported to the Senate floor.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- the percentage of tipping fees they received when this was first implemented.
- of tipping fees they received when this was first implemented.
- 15% to 18% would be 10% of total tipping fees.
- So it's not, talking proportionally, it's not taking a very large share of the tipping fees.
- No tax funds, no tipping fee funds. You know, it's an unfortunate situation.
Summary:
The committee met to hear Senate Bill 1586, sponsored by Senator Ben Brown, which would address abandoned, ownerless landfills in Missouri. Brown described a constituent’s discovery of contamination near an abandoned landfill in St. Clair and argued the state has at least 29 similar sites, creating risks to water supplies and public health. He said the bill evolved through multiple versions and now keeps the solid waste districts intact while redirecting 10% of tipping fees to fund environmental studies, investigation, remediation, and management of ownerless landfills. The bill also would clarify seller disclosure requirements by requiring written, dated notice delivered by mail.
Members questioned the fiscal impact and whether the 10% diversion would effectively amount to a larger share of district revenues. Brown said he was open to further discussion but emphasized the need to fund at least initial studies and to create an interim committee for broader stakeholder input next year. Supportive testimony came from University of Missouri engineering dean Marisa Crusoe, who said the bill provides both a clearer regulatory framework and a stable funding stream, and that studies are a necessary first step to determine cleanup costs and potential reuse of the sites.
Opposition testimony came from solid waste district representatives, including Chris Busson, Diana Bryant, and Lacey Miller. They argued the districts already perform important recycling and household hazardous waste functions, that the proposed cut would significantly reduce local programs and staffing, and that DNR already has authority to address abandoned landfills. They also said the districts are subject to oversight and that the system has generally worked, while warning that consolidation or funding cuts would harm local recycling, grants, and hazardous waste services. No vote was taken, and the hearing concluded without further business.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Mar 3rd, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Commerce & Economic Development Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill just increases the permit fees for oversized overweight loads.
- When I asked him how he proposes that we fund that, his proposal was this right here to increase the
- permit fees.
- For oversized overweight loads, and Oklahoma had some of the lowest permit fees in this region.
- of fee?
Bills:
HB2929, HB2956, HB2955, HB3128, HB3880, HB4294, HB2970, HB3338, HB3443, HB3783, HB3800, HB3818
Keywords:
homeowner insurance, insurance premium, claim history, insurance regulation, at-fault claims, flood insurance, state law, consumer protection, appraisal management, Real Estate Appraiser Board, appraiser registration, background checks, ownership requirements, captive insurance, protected cell, sponsored captive, captive insurer, insurance commissioner, premium tax, dormant captive
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-03 (12:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is an important step for all Floridians, for those with disabilities, to increase safety on the
- It's also used in our third-party voter registration organization act regarding an increase in fines
- these fees and fines.
- What this bill does is increase the validation rate to 90%.
- What this bill does is increase the validation rate to 90%.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Deputy Will May of the Walton County Sheriff’s Department, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and CS for HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then took up several special-order bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, including SB 36, SB 42, SB 40, and SB 38, all of which passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief explanations that they updated or cleaned up Florida statutes.
Members also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection orders. HB 615, on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email when both parties agree in writing, passed after adoption of a tenant-protection amendment offered by Rep. Gottlieb. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs passed unanimously. HB 1145 on workforce education passed 100-4, expanding CAP grant eligibility to public charter schools for CTE startup/expansion and increasing minimum program offerings tied to a money-back guarantee program. HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements passed unanimously, and HB 649 on autonomous practice by certified registered nurse anesthetists passed 77-30 after structured debate.
The most extensive debate centered on CS for HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill would require a $1 million bond after 25% of required signatures are collected, require petition handlers and circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, impose background checks and training for paid circulators, shorten petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increase penalties, add signature revocation notices, require more identifying information on petition forms, and create felony penalties for certain misconduct. Supporters argued the changes were needed to combat fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make ballot initiatives harder for ordinary Floridians to pursue. Multiple amendments sought to roll back or soften the bill’s requirements, protect personal information, restore longer deadlines, lower validation thresholds, and bar public funds from being used to advocate for or against amendments. Some amendments were adopted, but several key ones failed as debate continued.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- ..to help by offsetting permitting fees or connection fees at this time?
- So I'm just curious, how do they enjoy the benefits of that increased equity? Thanks.
- I assume that you're giving up, you know, potential significant increase in the market...
- You know, potential significant increase in the market that could cause you...
- But I think I'm pretty encouraged by the increases we've seen in ADU production.
Summary:
The committee met for work sessions on land banking/shared homeownership and on maximizing existing housing stock. Members first heard an overview from Commerce on alternative homeownership models, including community land trusts, limited equity cooperatives, condominiums, accessory dwelling units, middle housing, church land for housing, and public land transfers. The discussion focused on how these models can help households build equity while keeping housing permanently affordable. Committee members asked about statewide counts of co-ops and land trusts, and Commerce said it does not track all of those entities directly.
Pierce County staff then described the Pierce County Community Development Corporation’s rapid acquisition fund and its role in acquiring, holding, and transferring public land for affordable housing. They said the county used general fund and affordable housing sales tax dollars to buy properties, preserve a manufactured home park through resident ownership, and create a pipeline of sites for future development. Members asked about the advantages of a public development authority, funding sources, the use of surplus and underutilized public property, and how the model works with housing authorities. Spokane land bank staff followed with testimony that land banks can reduce blight, preserve affordability, and help nonprofits acquire land quickly, but that holding costs and taxes can make the work harder without state support. They also described brownfield assessments, donated properties, and work on Black homeownership and public surplus properties.
The committee then heard from the Northwest Cooperative Development Center on limited equity cooperatives, especially in manufactured housing communities. The witness said Washington now has about 43 limited equity co-ops and that recent subsidy funding and legislation have accelerated resident purchases of manufactured home communities. Members asked how residents benefit from capped equity, how values are affected, and whether the model improves access to lending; the witness said the model stabilizes costs, allows modest equity gains, and that a recent law allowing manufactured homes in co-ops to be titled as real property should improve access to traditional financing. The committee also discussed House Bill 1974 from the prior session and possible updates to land banking legislation.
In the second work session on maximizing existing housing stock, Commerce reviewed recent housing laws and implementation timelines, including ADUs, middle housing, condo liability reform, SEPA changes, tiny homes, and co-living. Members raised concerns about the long implementation horizon, vacancy data, corporate ownership of homes, and the need for better support for small landlords and first-time ADU owners. Sightline then testified on mobile dwelling units, arguing that RVs, tiny houses on wheels, and similar units are a low-cost, quick-to-install housing option that is often blocked by zoning; the witness said many Washington residents already live in these units, often informally. Finally, AARP discussed housing options for older adults, including ADUs, missing middle, manufactured home communities, co-living, universal design, and village-style support models, emphasizing aging in place and the need for more accessible, affordable housing choices.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a 7% increase. What's the number of increases? Surely not 2,000 new.
- So we charge a fee to the provider, an application fee, so the provider.
- increased in spite of increases in staff though? They have increased in some areas.
- These are fee-supported tests, but we just need to increase.
- . increase their caseloads have increased from 4.8 to 9.4.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Placement fees are voluntarily negotiated.
- HB 32 would increase that and would add 90 to $280 million in increased costs to these employers.
- Excuse me, their drug costs are increased at the end of the day.
- and the facility fee together. uh, so they're ultimately a part of the overall cost.
- They can be paid with either a fee, so the health plan pays a fee.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 24th, 2026 at 01:46 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Last year when we did member grow, you all allocated $1 million to the COGS for all of them to increase
- Now we are asking. of them to increase capacity to help get that money out.
- If we're doing that, is the COGs holding out an administrative fee when they work our money?
- And when we're holding out administrative fees, it sure gets into it.
- Some are getting charged an administrative fee and others are not.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 12th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These grant increases, as well as the increase in access to affordable testing, treatment, risk-reduction
- Lake City, they increased salaries by 20%.
- Cancer is increasing in kids. Twenty-five percent of American women. on antidepressants.
- The dispensing fee is a big, big deal. That's the only way pharmacies can make money.
- And so to see that we can increase slots to find us more openings is the big thing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Aug 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 641, Ashby, disaster license and fee exemptions, do pass as amended to revise intent language, out
- SB 791, Cortese, auto sale document processing fee increase, do pass as amended to reduce the cap to
- SB 345, Hurtado, fire training fees, do pass out on an A roll call.
- SB 76, Seyarto, vehicle registration fee, do pass out on an A roll call.
- SB 54, Umberg, court fee waivers, do pass out on an A roll call.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its August 29, 2025 suspense hearing on Senate bills, with the chair emphasizing the state’s ongoing budget constraints and the need to make difficult choices among 261 bills on the suspense file. After establishing a quorum, the committee began taking action bill by bill, with many measures receiving do pass or do pass with amendments recommendations, while others were held in committee or designated as two-year bills. The chair noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later on the committee website.
The hearing covered a wide range of topics, including insurance and claims data, wildfire relief and prevention, water planning, energy and utility regulation, housing and land use, health care, labor and employment, criminal justice, education, environmental policy, and election-related measures. Several bills were amended before passage, often to narrow scope, remove sections, adjust definitions, delay implementation, or clarify funding and enforcement provisions. Some notable actions included moving bills on AI regulation, transit-oriented housing, paid family leave, wildfire mapping, chemical hair relaxers, and pharmacy benefit managers, while other bills on subjects such as controlled substances, high-speed rail, and certain education or housing proposals were held.
The committee also took formal roll-call votes on selected bills, with some passing on A roll calls and others on B roll calls; a number of measures were advanced with Republicans not voting. One highlighted vote was SB 79 by Senator Wiener, which passed after amendments and a recorded roll call. At the end of the hearing, the committee reported that 190 bills were moved to the Assembly Floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, concluding the suspense hearing for the session.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/19/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Our last fee increase was in 2007.
- We are also asking for a fee increase for marriage license certificates to $20, up from the current fee
- The last time we received a fee increase was in 2005.
- We are also asking for a fee increase for marriage license certificates to $20, up from the current fee
- The last time we received a fee increase was in 2005.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Commission to Study Costs of Special Education (11/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Administrative fee? Yes, the 10%? The administrative fee applies to all categories. Okay.
- does rate setting for the 5% increase does rate setting for the 5% increase annually<00:57:30.480
- So, it has not increased at all.
- administrative fees, it's 56 million. administrative fees, it's 56 million.
- So, it has not increased at all.
Summary:
The commission to study the cost of special education met, confirmed a quorum, introduced members and guests, and approved the minutes from the October 29 meeting. Members noted the commission’s mandate under Senate Bill 57 and emphasized the need to focus on recommendations and findings by July 1, 2026. The chair also distributed additional handouts, including materials related to the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program and administrative rules tied to differentiated aid and disability determinations.
The main discussion centered on how students qualify for differentiated aid under the EFA program. Matt Sutherton of the Children’s Scholarship Fund explained that the organization, which contracts with the state to administer EFAs, accepts either school-district/IEP documentation or a medical certification of disability (MCD) from a licensed medical professional. Members questioned how this process relates to the state’s special education rules and whether the school-district examiner standards in ED 107/1107.04 apply to EFAs. Sutherton said the MCD form, created with the department, requires the medical professional to sign that they are qualified to make the determination and to identify the disability.
Several members expressed concern that the EFA process is less rigorous than the school-district IEP process and may be inflating disability counts. One member argued that the administrative rules cited are primarily for school districts, not EFAs, and said the Department of Education may not know how many of the roughly 890 EFA students receiving differentiated aid came through school-district documentation versus the MCD pathway. Another member said the EFA system appears more generous than the school system and raised concerns about oversight, auditing, and whether the program’s data are accurate. Sutherton said the organization reviews signed documentation, credentials, and diagnosis information, and may request additional records to help adjudicate expenses. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill increases the homeowners.
- And then I get a late fee because I didn't know what was in the mailbox of my old number.
- And then I get a late fee because I didn't know what was in the mailbox of my old number.
- And the late fee can only be if the last month previous was at least 30 days late.
- And the late fee aortioned utilities.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- And the issue in this case was whether or not the $10,000 fee was a fine or a fee.
- If you're indigent, but it's a fee, you still have to pay it.
- I'm worried that what the $10,000 fee.
- Uh which is I $10,000 fee per person.
- So that's that's able to get these fees.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 306, sponsored by Representative Michael Meredith with the Kentucky Chamber, which would define “workplace” and clarify threatening behavior in workplace violence/trespass cases. Supporters said the bill would better address repeated threats or trespass incidents at workplaces and strengthen penalties for subsequent offenses; one member questioned whether adding language could weaken existing protections, while another asked whether it would cover hospital workplace violence. The bill passed on a roll call vote, 15-0 with one pass, and was reported favorably.
The committee then considered House Bill 312, sponsored by Representatives Savannah Maddox and Josh Bray, to allow law-abiding Kentuckians ages 18 to 20 to obtain a provisional concealed carry license with background check, training, and proficiency requirements. Supporters argued the bill recognizes adults’ rights and adds safety through training, while opponents raised concerns about putting more guns in younger people’s hands and public safety/self-harm risks. Several members explained yes votes as supporting training and constitutional rights, and the bill passed 15-3 with no passes, reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 320 on human trafficking, presented by Representative Jason Neimus with a title amendment adopted at the start. Three students from Sager Heart Model School explained their project and urged equalizing penalties for committing and promoting human trafficking, saying the current law treats promotion less severely. A Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers representative warned the statute could be too broad and sweep in solicitation cases, urging a carve-out or narrower language; members discussed possible wording changes, including removing “patronize” and reconsidering mens rea language. The sponsor said the bill was intended to make penalties equal for those who promote trafficking, not to address broader definitional issues. The bill passed unanimously, 18-0, and was reported favorably.