Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alAW-wlWCwU, 2026-07-02T01:22:44+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAL_02-14-23_.PDF, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY-covSwe2k, 2026-07-02T01:22:45+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM-HMS_01-14-21_INFO_.HTM, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: S0774, S7028, S7024, S7026

Keywords: mental health, first responders, employment benefits, 911 telecommunicators, nervous injuries, retirement, elected officials, Deferred Retirement Option Program, DROP, cost-of-living adjustment, trade secret, public records exemption, public meetings exemption, open government, sunset review, agency confidentiality, proprietary business information, proprietary confidential business information, confidential records, Florida public records law

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met and first heard Senate Bill 774, which would extend workers’ compensation medical benefits for employment-related mental or nervous injuries to 911 public safety telecommunicators, even without a physical injury. The sponsor and several dispatchers, a clinician, and communications directors testified in support, describing repeated exposure to traumatic calls, chronic understaffing, and the need for mental health treatment and retention support. Senator DiCeglie and Chair Mayfield praised dispatchers’ work, and the bill was reported favorably by committee vote, with Senator McClain later recorded as voting yes on the bill. The committee then took up SPB 7028, a retirement bill that sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2026, leaves the 3% employee contribution unchanged, allows certain elected officers to receive a DROP payout under specified conditions, and provides a 1.5% alternative cost-of-living adjustment for eligible special risk retirees. Firefighters, police, sheriffs, and chiefs’ groups spoke in support, emphasizing recruitment and retention. The committee voted to submit the proposal as a committee bill and reported it favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7024 and SPB 7026, both open-government-related bills. SPB 7024 would repeal the current public records and public meeting exemption for cybersecurity information and consolidate agency-specific cybersecurity exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. SPB 7026 would repeal the current public records exemption for trade secrets held by an agency and similarly consolidate specific trade secret exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. Neither bill drew testimony or debate, and both were submitted as committee bills and reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Sorry,<00:14:21.839> this<00:14:22.000> is<00:14:22.079> my<00:14:
• <00:14:24.000> My<00:14:24.160> name<00:14:24.240> is<00:14:24.399> Pat
• I'm<00:14:25.120> the<00:14:25.199> fire<00:14:25.440> chief<00:14:25.600> at
• <00:14:28.160> Um,<00:14:28.480> and<00:14:28.800> we<00:14:29.040> just<
• :30.959> to<00:14:31.040> come<00:14:31.120> up<00:14:31.279> today<00:14

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 0:31 HB 36 Discussion 1:10 HB 36 Vote 8:20 HB 776 Discussion 9:42 HB 776 Vote 12:19 HB 236 Discussion 14:15 Adjournment 20:40, 958, all

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6NXilHghAc, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Attendance Roll Call SB 127 Discussion 00:00 SB 127 Vote 10:14, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we're going to take Tab 1, SB 14, on relief of Jose Correa by Miami-Dade County.
• Does any member wish to call the roll on SB 14? Senator Avila? Senator Berman? Senator Boyd?
• By your vote, SB 14 is reported favorably. I apologize for my phone.
• These volunteers operate in a serious legal gray area under Chapter 493.
• These volunteers operate in a serious legal gray area under Chapter 493.

Bills: S0014, S0016, S0024, S0052, S0308, S0504, S0506, S0564, S0572, S0590, S0594, S0806, S1396, S7020, S7024, S7026

Keywords: negligence, settlement, police conduct, municipal liability, personal injury, compensation, injuries, Miami-Dade County, places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with 14 members present and considered a long agenda of bills, including several open-government sunset reauthorizations, consumer and election measures, claims bills, and policy bills on public safety, ethics, and child protection. The committee reported favorably SB 7024 and SB 7026, which extend and consolidate public-records/public-meeting exemptions for cybersecurity information and trade secrets held by agencies, and SB 7020, which reenacts the aquaculture records exemption for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It also approved SB 14 and SB 24, two uncontested Miami-Dade County claims bills, and SB 16, a claims bill for Heriberto Sanchez Mayan involving severe injuries after an unlawful arrest and transport incident in St. Petersburg. Several bills drew substantial testimony. SB 308, creating the Florida Museum of Black History Board of Directors and designating St. Johns County as the museum site, received extensive support from advocates and lawmakers who emphasized preserving the full and accurate history of Black Floridians; some speakers urged safeguards to ensure historians and community members help shape the museum’s content. The committee also favorably reported CS for SB 564, allowing registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours, with supporters saying it would build civic engagement and help election offices. CS for SB 52, which exempts unpaid volunteer armed security at houses of worship from Class D and G licensing requirements, was also reported favorably after testimony both supporting the need for church security and cautioning that congregations should retain control over whether weapons are allowed. The committee approved CS for SB 1396 on litigation financing and consumer protection after a lengthy debate over transparency, foreign funding, and whether the bill would chill access to courts. Supporters said it would create guardrails and disclose foreign involvement; opponents argued it could burden plaintiffs and reveal litigation strategy. The committee also reported favorably CS for SB 504 and SB 506, creating a framework and related public-records exemption for code inspector body cameras, with discussion about notice to property owners and protection of sensitive footage. Additional favorable actions included CS for SB 572, updating ethics law to reflect foster family relationships, and CS for SB 590, tolling the statute of limitations for failure-to-report child abuse offenses until the offense is known to law enforcement or another charging authority.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 02:16 SB 324 Discussion: 03:01 SB 324 Vote: 14:56 HB 333 Discussion: 18:23 HB 333 Vote: 21:40 SB 249 Discussion: 23:45 SB 249 Vote: 26:16, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:06.480> Please<00:14:06.720> call<00:14:06.880> the<00:14:07.040>
• <00:14:25.360> I<00:14:25.680> appreciate<00:14:26.079> you<00:14:26.399>
• Deetsz,<00:14:27.440> for<00:14:27.680> leading<00:14:28.079> this<00:14:28.480>
• It's<00:14:29.440> so<00:14:29.680> important<00:14:30.320> and<00:14:30.560>
• 14:34.399> large<00:14:34.800> commercial<00:14:35.360> airports<00:14:35.839>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll call: 01:22 HB 577 discussion: 03:04 HB 577 vote: 05:26 HB 392 discussion: 06:55 HB 392 vote: 09:54 HCR 16 discussion: 11:00 HCR 16 vote: 14:07, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met for its first meeting, reviewed housekeeping procedures, and established a quorum. The committee first considered House Bill 577, relating to economic development. The bill sponsor and a representative from Blue North said it would modernize Kentucky’s economic development statutes to better support startups and high-growth companies, rename the innovation center program as the Kentucky Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub program, clarify statutory definitions, expand the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, allow certain out-of-state companies to qualify if they commit to becoming Kentucky-based within 180 days, and broaden the angel investment program to include pass-through entities. The committee approved HB 577 with a favorable expression. The committee then took up House Bill 392, relating to local public agency transactions, and adopted a committee substitute negotiated with stakeholders including the Kentucky Press Association and the Kentucky Association of General Contractors. The sponsor said the substitute removed the original bill’s best value and reciprocal bidder provisions, lowered the small purchase threshold from $60,000 to $50,000, and would increase that threshold by $10,000 every five years to account for inflation. It would also allow local governments to use certain state contracts with price ranges, permit independent evaluation of some small non-evaluative equipment, and exempt law enforcement vehicles and related equipment from procurement code requirements. HB 392, as amended by committee substitute, passed with a favorable expression. House Concurrent Resolution 16 was then heard. The sponsor, who had co-chaired the Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development Task Force, said the task force held six meetings and heard from airports, aviation and education stakeholders, logistics companies, and others. She said the group found there was no real strategic plan for advanced air mobility and recommended that state agencies study infrastructure needs and that the General Assembly develop a strategic plan and legislation for AAM vehicles. Members discussed airport and drone-related issues, and the resolution passed with a favorable expression. Finally, House Bill 593, relating to data centers, was announced but passed over for a later hearing, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:49.279> It<00:14:49.519> makes<00:14:49.600> it<00:14:49.760> a
• <00:14:51.120> team<00:14:51.279> to<00:14:51.440> prepare<00:14:51.680>
• :53.199> So,<00:14:53.600> uh<00:14:53.680> anytime<00:14:54.000> we<00:14
• <01:14:07.120> So<01:14:08.159> not<01:14:08.880> every<01:14:10.000> uh<
• > to<01:14:17.679> imply<01:14:18.000> that<01:14:18.159> at<01:14:18.320

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:13 Kentucky Small Business Update 00:01:50 Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit Program Update 00:14:16 State of the Tourism Industry 00:38:03, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the August minutes, then moved to an update from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce on small business conditions. Chamber representatives John Hughes and Amit Patel said Kentucky has benefited from pro-growth policies such as lower income taxes, regulatory modernization, and workforce development, but they emphasized ongoing challenges including workforce shortages, child care access, housing availability, rising insurance costs, and inflation. Patel, speaking as a hotel operator, said recruiting and retaining staff has become difficult and that his company is considering child care stipends and other benefits to help employees. Members asked about child care benefits, community involvement, and health care costs; Patel said the business is discussing additional support for employees and noted that health care costs have tripled over three years. The chamber said it will prioritize child care and housing policy in the upcoming session. The committee then received an update from the Cabinet for Economic Development on the Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit program from David Brock of KY Innovation and Matt Wingate. Brock outlined the state’s broader innovation and entrepreneurship programs, including innovation hubs, SBIR/STTR matching funds, the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, SSBCI, and STEP, and said these programs have helped create jobs, raise capital, and support exports. He explained that the angel tax credit is intended to encourage private investment in innovative Kentucky small businesses with high growth potential. The credit is generally 25% of investment in non-enhanced counties and 40% in enhanced counties, with annual and per-investor caps and eligibility rules for both businesses and investors. Brock reported that 317 businesses have been certified, 117 have received at least one investment, 445 investors have made 750 investments, $57.2 million has been invested, $19 million in credits has been awarded, and 373 new jobs have been reported since 2021. Committee members asked about the relationship between the program’s industry verticals and university research, the difference between enhanced and non-enhanced counties, and where investments are occurring geographically. Cabinet staff said the verticals align with the original Innovation Act framework, and that enhanced counties are defined by statute, including distressed and disaster-impacted areas. They said most investments and credits have been in non-enhanced counties, though some examples were cited in Bath County and Auburn. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240> thank you<00:14:04.040> any<00:14:04.240> other<00:14:04.440> questions
• :29.360> support<00:14:30.240> taking<00:14:30.560> away<00:14:30.880> taxes<
• taking away taxes for gold bars<00:14:32.440> when<00:14:32.759> parents<00:14:33.040>
• are<00:14:33.199> paying<00:14:33.519> taxes<00:14:33.920> for diapers<00
• representative bowling yes<00:14:42.160> representative<00:14:42.759> Bray<00:14:43.759

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:29 Roll Call 00:00:40 HB 2 Discussion 00:02:55 HB 2 Vote 00:14:10 Kentucky Exposition Center Redevelopment Plan Discussion 00:17:22 HB 545 Discussion Only 00:39:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2, which would address the taxation of currency and bullion and was presented as a response to last session’s dispute over whether a line-item veto could be applied to a revenue measure. The sponsor said the bill, as amended by Committee Substitute 2, was largely technical but also made the tax exemption retroactive to August 1, 2024 while making the $1,000-per-day penalty prospective only. Members asked about fiscal impact, possible legal liability for executive branch officials, and whether the issue should instead be resolved by the courts. The sponsor argued the Constitution limits the governor’s line-item veto power to appropriations, not revenue bills, and said the bill would create a judicial remedy and refund process if the executive branch continued collecting the tax. The committee approved the committee substitute and then passed House Bill 2 by a vote of 19-1, with two members passing; the bill was reported favorably to the floor. During discussion, Representative Bojanowski voted no, saying he could not support removing taxes on gold bars while parents pay taxes on diapers. Representative Gentry passed, saying he supported the original intent but was not yet convinced and wanted more time to review the issue. The sponsor also clarified that any liability would be joint and several and could involve executive officials or their budgets if the tax collection continued despite the exemption. The committee then heard a discussion-only presentation on the Kentucky Exposition Center Redevelopment Plan Phase 2. Facility representatives described Phase 1 and the planned Phase 2 expansion, saying the center had record attendance and needed more space to remain competitive and meet client demand. They said Phase 1 was about 20% complete, with completion now expected in October 2026 and an opening target of December 31, 2026 after a short testing period. Phase 2 would follow, including demolition of the West Wing, utility work, and improvements to food service and circulation areas. They said the project would be funded without federal dollars and estimated that, once complete, it could generate about $683 million in annual economic impact, $302 million in state sales tax, and 850,000 room nights in Jefferson County.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIZJET2-_FM, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Roll Call - 00:14 Social Workers Testimony - 00:55 Questions/Comments - 07:45, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSNYd-y0yWQ, 2026-07-02T01:23:11+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Order of the Day: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/orderoftheday/SOD_04-14-23_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:12.240> Uh<00:14:12.560> and<00:14:12.880> what<00:14:13.120> we
• Are they<00:14:26.639> for<00:14:26.880> an<00:14:27.120> expansion<00:14:27.600
• <00:14:29.519> Was<00:14:29.760> it<00:14:29.920> for<00:14:30.560> a
• <00:14:31.760> And<00:14:31.920> so<00:14:32.160> then<00:14:32.320> we
• :14:35.279> the<00:14:35.440> system<00:14:35.680> to<00:14:36.000> make<

Keywords: During the committee meeting live stream, portion of the video was lost due to network issues. There were also some technical difficulties with content and the incorrect background image being used. The lost footage was recovered from backup, and the other issues corrected in post production editing. 1. 00:00:41 Call to Order 2. 00:01:02 Roll Call 3. 00:02:54 Approval of Minutes 4. 00:05:06 Statutory Reports and Data Requests 5. 00:35:14 2025 and 2026 Session Update 6. 01:03:10 Board Structure Updates and Subcommittees 7. 01:05:20 Public Comment 8. 02:23:14 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Board meeting opened with quorum, approval of the March 9 and March 16, 2026 minutes, and a welcome to new member Representative Willner. The board then heard a presentation from the Department of Medicaid Services on several statutory reports: the quarterly budget analysis (LRC) report, the quarterly MCO report, the provider tax and assessment report, the enrollee demographic report, the annual behavioral health/substance use disorder utilization report, and the Medicaid pharmaceutical rebate fund. Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Bechal explained the reports and answered questions. On spending, DMS said the quarterly budget analysis report should be read using the summary tabs because the first tab reflects only traditional Medicaid and does not include all populations. Lee said the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026 showed about $191 million more in waiver spending than the same period last year, about $250 million more in other categories such as nursing facilities, CCBHCs, and FQHCs, and roughly $450 million more in total fee-for-service spending. She also noted that Medicare Part D premiums are 100% state funds and estimated the state-fund increase at about $140 million. For managed care, DMS said pharmacy, inpatient hospital, and outpatient hospital spending made up about 66% of MCO payments so far this fiscal year. Members asked about administrative costs, provider tax impacts, citizenship-status categories, medical loss ratio, and whether the reports could be expanded to show recoupments and citizenship-based spending. DMS clarified that the spending figures discussed were benefit costs only, not administrative costs, and said administrative match rates vary. On the provider tax and directed payments report, Lee said the new CMS proposed rule would allow separate payment terms to continue through the grandfathering period, but that the impact would be substantial for providers even if the administrative effect was minimal. She also said DMS was still reviewing unusual citizenship categories such as “other” and “unspecified,” and would provide more information on medical loss ratio and recoupments if available. Auditor Ball raised concerns about alleged waste, duplicate Social Security numbers, ineligible enrollees, and high error rates in other programs. Lee responded that Medicaid focuses on fraud, waste, and abuse, but said the cited $800 million figure was not factual because it did not account for people enrolled in more than one Medicaid program at the same time. She said DMS is reviewing eligibility systems, including changes tied to community engagement requirements, and is working with the cabinet’s eligibility staff and ombudsman division on error rates. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ0qlF7r1pY, 2026-07-02T01:23:14+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 0:00 - Start 0:43 - SB2598 7:31 - SB3296 12:58 - SB3297 14:32 - DM LBT-GVO 3:00 PM 17:10 - SB2553 18:15 - SB3299 19:10 - SB2718 23:17 - SB2449 24:58 - SB2352 25:23 - SB2719 25:51 - SB3371 27:03 - DM LBT 3:10 PM Hearing Notices: LBT-GVO 3:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT-GVO_02-02-24_.pdf LBT 3:10 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT_02-02-24_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6oSvqG5-Jo, 2026-07-02T01:23:13+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - start 01:08 - SB 1392 12:03 - SB 2543 14:41 - SB 2693 18:59 - SB 2909 19:28 - SB 2543 cont. 23:10 - SB 2910 25:36 - SB 3009 41:14 - DM PSM 3:00 PM 42:32 - DM PSM 3:01 PM Hearing Notices: PSM 3:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_PSM_01-31-24-1_.pdf PSM 3:01 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_PSM_01-31-24-2_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsOCPpQZGC4, 2026-07-02T01:23:08+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 01:38 - HB 567, HD2 11:14 - DM HWN-HOU 1:00 PM 14:37 - HB 678, HD1 23:36 - SCR 166 / SR 192 26:21 - SCR 212 / SR 203 27:04 - SCR 213 / SR 204 29:52 - SCR 214 / SR 205 34:10 - DM HOU 1:10 PM Hearing Notices: HWN-HOU 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HWN-HOU_03-21-23_.pdf HOU 1:10 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HOU_03-21-23_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upaaet_E8eQ, 2026-07-02T01:23:07+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:30 - DM WAM DEFER 10:30 AM 07:18 - SB 142 08:21 - SB 176 08:51 - SB 303 14:31 - SB 1021 14:57 - SB 1437 15:45 - SB 1469 21:25 - HB 1514, HD1 22:32 - SB 142 24:25 - DM WAM 10:35 AM Hearing Notices: WAM DEFER 10:30 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_02-27-23_DEFER_.PDF WAM 10:35 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_02-27-23_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVtPC2PBsXs, 2026-07-02T01:23:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:17 - DM JDC DEFER 9:30 AM 03:08 - SB 383 05:59 - SB 410 12:13 - SB 466 14:42 - SB 472 16:16 - SB 483 19:14 - SB 487 22:53 - SB 483 cont. 24:55 - SB 591 35:27 - SB 739 35:56 - SB 767 40:21 - DM JDC 9:35 AM Hearing Notices: JDC DEFER 9:30am http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC_02-10-23_DEFER_.PDF JDC 9:35am https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC_02-10-23_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VFst5HF2Gc, 2026-07-02T01:22:51+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_HSG-WAL_03-14-24_.PDF Followed by WAL/HSG 9:31 AM Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAL-HSG_03-14-24_.PDF Then followed by WAL 10:00 AM Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAL_03-14-24_.HTM 23:33 - Introduction (HSG/WAL 9:30AM) 23:50 - SB 2018 (SSCR2924) 27:18 - Decision Making (HSG/WAL 9:30AM) ------- 28:22 - Introduction (HSG/WAL 9:31AM) 28:37 - SB 2836, SD2 (SSCR2931) 30:04 - Decision Making (HSG/WAL 9:31AM) ------- 46:01 - Introduction (WAL 10:00AM) 46:18 - SB 2951, SD1 (SSCR2824) 49:46 - SB 2814, SD1 (SSCR3047) 50:34 - SB 3153, SD2 (SSCR2778) 51:31 - SB 3154, SD1 (SSCR2993) 54:56 - SB 2156, SD2 (SSCR2781) 56:09 - SB 2721, SD2 (SSCR2963) 56:28 - SB 2501, SD1 (SSCR2954) 56:45 - SB 2546, SD1 (SSCR2974) 59:00 - SB 1258, SD2 (SSCR980) 1:01:24 - Decision Making (WAL 10:00AM), 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• states, and we get<00:14:01.279> 31,<00:14:01.920> 32,<00:14:02.560> get<00:14:
• c><00:14:04.000> 34,<00:14:04.880> Congress<00:14:05.279> wants<00:14:05.519>
• :14:09.279> let's<00:14:09.519> just<00:14:09.760> do<00:14:09.920> that.
• <00:14:32.000> And<00:14:32.240> obviously,<00:14:32.959> I<00:14:33.199>
• Also, each state<00:14:41.360> would<00:14:41.600> have<00:14:41.760> one<00:14:

Keywords: Concurrent meeting of the House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs and the House Standing Committee on State Government. Title of video has been shortened due to YouTube length restrictions. Discussion of HCR 45: 00:04:14, 958, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and the House State Government Committee was called to consider House Concurrent Resolution 45, sponsored by Representative Jason Petri. The resolution would support calling for a federal balanced budget amendment through the Article V process. Petri argued that Kentucky’s own constitutional balanced-budget requirement shows the value of fiscal restraint, and he said decades of federal deficit spending and rising debt make a constitutional amendment necessary. Governor Ron DeSantis and Lauren Ends of the National Campaign for a Balanced Budget Amendment also testified in support, emphasizing the growth of federal debt, the risk of a future debt crisis, and the view that Congress is unlikely to solve the problem on its own. Members asked about the mechanics and risks of an Article V convention, including whether the convention’s “sole purpose” language would be enforceable and whether a convention could become a “runaway” process. DeSantis and Ends said states can impose guardrails on delegates, including criminal penalties and delegate-limitation laws, and noted that any proposed amendment would still require ratification by 38 states. They also said that if Congress chose to draft the amendment itself in response to state pressure, that would be acceptable. One witness said 18 states have passed faithful-delegate or delegate-limitation laws. Representative Callaway asked what would happen if the debt issue is not addressed. Witnesses responded that continued borrowing could lead to economic dislocation, higher interest costs, and a debt crisis that would crowd out other federal spending. They said the current debt burden is already more than $100,000 per U.S. citizen and roughly $300,000 per taxpayer, and that a balanced budget amendment would be a first step toward stopping the growth of debt before any long-term paydown could occur. The transcript provided does not show a final vote or other committee action on the resolution.