Transcript Highlights:

• this morning, you do have financial disclosure statements that are due at the end of business on January
• The Secretary of State's office will also be present in the House lounge on January 30th and 31st to
• Thursday, January 23rd, the Senior Living Center, La Vida Llena residence. Thank you.
• Memorial proclaiming January 29th, 2025, as New Mexico Food and Farms Day in the House of Representatives
• A joint resolution proposing to amend Article 12 of the Constitution of New Mexico by repealing Section

Transcript Highlights:

• > uh<00:12:13.920> rises<00:12:14.320> to<00:12:14.480> only<00:12:14.800>
• :12:18.959> in<00:12:19.120> the<00:12:19.279> control<00:12:19.680> forecast
• So<00:12:21.519> that<00:12:21.839> lays<00:12:22.000> out<00:12:22.160> the<
• <00:12:25.920> you<00:12:26.000> will<00:12:26.160> of<00:12:26.320> what
• showing<00:12:44.959> the<00:12:45.200> difference<00:12:45.440> between<00:12:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on preliminary fiscal 2026 revenue estimates and the governor’s office request for an official revision to fiscal 2026, with members reminded that any estimate adopted now would not bind the December official estimates. Staff from S&P Global walked through three forecast scenarios—control, optimistic, and pessimistic—based on recent federal tax changes, tariffs, and other policy developments, emphasizing that the outlook remains highly uncertain. Under the control scenario, the presentation projected below-trend real GDP growth of 1.8% in fiscal 2026, slowing to 1.5% by fiscal 2028, with unemployment peaking around 4.5% and the Federal Reserve cutting rates three times to a long-run range of about 2.75% to 3%. The optimistic scenario assumed lower effective tariffs, stronger growth, and better labor and housing outcomes, while the pessimistic scenario assumed a broader trade war, higher effective tariffs, faster deportations, weaker employment and consumer spending, and unemployment rising to about 6.3%. Speakers also noted that the forecast was prepared before later BLS revisions and that recent data on inventories and AI-related investment made the recent quarters look unusually volatile. Members discussed how the current fiscal 2026 outlook compared with earlier assumptions and noted that the eventual revenue revision may be smaller than the spread between the optimistic and pessimistic economic scenarios. The governor’s office and committee members also reviewed sector-specific impacts, including manufacturing, housing, light vehicle production, exports, and consumer sentiment, with particular concern about Kentucky’s auto and housing-related industries. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:12:08.519> believe<00:12:08.800> it's<00:12:08.959> important<00:12:09.320>
• <00:12:12.079> sensitive<00:12:12.959> lens<00:12:13.959> it's<00:12:14.160>
• <00:12:17.079> cell<00:12:17.360> phone<00:12:17.560> use<00:12:17.760> in
• <00:12:24.240> the<00:12:24.399> age<00:12:24.680> and<00:12:24.800> their
• :34.959> a<00:12:35.160> mother<00:12:35.839> and<00:12:36.040> as<00:12:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Education Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate File 508, a bill to restrict cell phone use in schools. Senator Mann said the proposal was based on roundtables with school districts across the state and on reports from other states, and argued that cell phones are harming student attention, mental health, classroom culture, and student-teacher relationships. She said K-8 restrictions are broadly supported, while high school policies should be more flexible, and emphasized that districts should control implementation. The bill also includes funding for education efforts around why the restrictions are being adopted and how students can use technology responsibly. Testifiers largely supported the bill or the general goal of limiting cell phone use. Dr. Anna Tyranny, a parent and licensed psychologist, said cell phones and social media can contribute to anxiety, poor concentration, cyberbullying, and inappropriate sharing, and urged a balanced approach that includes digital literacy education. St. Cloud Area Public Schools Superintendent Laori Pam and Tech High School staff member Molly Kenzie described their district’s policies, which keep phones away for the day in elementary and middle school and restrict them during class in high school. They cited U.S. Department of Education guidance, research on mental health and sleep disruption, and the need for age-appropriate, equitable, and consistently communicated policies. St. Cloud reported that its middle school policy, piloted and then expanded districtwide, led to a 50% reduction in cell phone discipline referrals and fewer classroom power struggles. The district said high school violations remain concentrated in certain grades, especially ninth and eleventh, and that it continues to address the issue through PBIS teams. No vote or final committee action on the bill was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• > as<00:12:25.440> a<00:12:25.760> just<00:12:25.880> a<00:12:26.040>
• <00:12:35.360> thank<00:12:35.519> you<00:12:35.720> very much<00:12:39.079>
• okay<00:12:39.399> thank<00:12:39.560> you<00:12:39.720> all<00:12:40.160>
• ><00:12:45.519> come<00:12:45.720> up<00:12:46.040> and<00:12:46.639> uh<
• <00:12:48.839> the table<00:12:54.199> chair<00:12:54.480> I'm<00:12:54.680>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 01:37 HB 398 Discussion 02:18 HB 398 Vote 30:35, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met for its first 2025 session meeting, took roll, and established a quorum. The committee adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 398, an act relating to occupational safety and health, before hearing testimony. Sponsor Representative Walker Thomas said the bill is intended to align Kentucky’s occupational safety and health rules more closely with federal standards, provide clearer reference points for employers, and improve consistency and compliance while maintaining worker safety. He also explained that the substitute added and clarified a de minimis citation provision and defined “qualified representative,” and he noted a typo in the substitute would be corrected on the floor. Members asked whether the bill would change Kentucky’s OSHA structure or affect state offices, and Thomas said Kentucky remains a state-plan state with its own offices and enforcement staff, and that the bill would not eliminate those offices. He said the measure is meant to streamline rules and clarify that certain notices would carry no penalty when there is no substantial impact on safety or health. He also said employers must be given an opportunity to be present for inspections, typically with 45 minutes to an hour to arrange representation. Opposition testimony came from Dustin Ryan Stadler of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO and Gerald Atkins of Working Strategies 2 on behalf of the Kentucky State Building and Construction Trades Council. They argued the bill weakens worker protections, reduces accountability, limits who may request inspections, and could prevent family members from seeking inspections after a fatal workplace incident. Stadler described a fatal construction accident he witnessed in 2006 and said OSHA protections exist for a reason. Atkins cited workplace deaths and injuries, said the bill would go beyond prior 2021 changes, and warned that allowing Franklin Circuit Court to award uncapped costs and attorney fees against OSHA could chill enforcement. Several members then questioned whether federal standards are sufficient, with supporters saying the bill simply aligns Kentucky with federal rules and opponents arguing Kentucky should retain the ability to keep stronger protections for certain industries. No final vote on House Bill 398 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ayes 44, nays 12. >> The nominees are confirmed. Please rise and be recognized, nominees.
• HOLD FIVE PUBLIC HEARINGS AROUND THE STATE, AND PUBLISHED THE RESULTS IN 12-MONTHS TIME.
• Ayes 48, nays 12. >> The bill is passed. >> Substitution at the desk. VOTE. >> THANK YOU, Mr.
• AYES 48, NAYs 12. >> THE BILL IS PASSED. >> SUBSTITUTION AT THE DESK.
• So when we began the session in January, we knew the challenges ahead would be significant.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on June 3, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through a long list of discharge motions and substitutions to place many bills on the third reading calendar. The chamber also adopted Resolution J.2314 honoring the New York chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, with remarks emphasizing domestic workers’ role in care work, labor organizing, and protections such as paid sick leave and family leave. Another adopted resolution, J.2298, mourned labor and social justice advocate Minerva Solla, with senators highlighting her work with 1199, the Young Lords, Puerto Rican solidarity efforts, and women’s organizing. A third resolution recognized Olympic curler Daniel Casper for representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Games. The Senate then confirmed a large slate of judicial and executive nominations. It accepted the Judiciary Committee report and confirmed four interim Supreme Court justices, seven Court of Claims judges, and 21 reappointments/extensions by a vote of 44-12. The Finance Committee report was also accepted, and the Senate confirmed a broad set of appointments to state boards and authorities, including the MTA, State Commission of Correction, Power Authority, NYSERDA, Financial Control Board, public health councils, SUNY and Cornell boards, gaming and bridge authorities, and others. One notable confirmation was Alexander Dockery to the State Commission of Correction; supporters called it the first time a formerly incarcerated person had been confirmed to that commission, while Senator Murray criticized the practice of voting on large nomination blocks rather than individually. The chamber then took up and passed many bills, mostly by wide margins, covering labor, health, education, transportation, public service, criminal justice, municipal, tax, insurance, and environmental topics. Several members explained their votes on major measures: Senator Ramos supported a bill modernizing temporary disability benefits and another protecting construction workers from lost pay when jobs are canceled; Senator Baskin spoke about a correction bill tied to the death of India Cummings; Senator Skoufis described a family-court custody bill intended to prioritize child safety; Senator Mayer backed a proposal to reimburse parents of medically fragile children for providing care; and Senator Hinchey defended a bill requiring employers to report AI-related job impacts, while Senator Borrello opposed it as burdensome. Most bills were passed, some were laid aside, and the session concluded with multiple roll-call votes and confirmations before adjournment-related business.

Transcript Highlights:

• If If you look in January 2025, it sits at 11.6%.
• As of January 15th.
• Because we went from serving pre-K children to up to 12 years old.
• Because we went from serving pre-K kinder to up to 12 years old.
• Yes, similar to K-12, similar to pre-K, we don't ask income.

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• For the last 12 consecutive quarters, we've seen enrollment growth.
• And so we hope to have those numbers before January to finalize those details for you: exactly how many
• it's more of less students or less children being born, period, which would be less going into the K-12
• of less students or less children being born, period, which would be less going into the pay through 12
• I do think that I have heard from K-12 leaders that there is a birth rate decline, and there's a concern

Summary: The committee held a work session on the state of Washington’s community and technical college system with State Board executive director Nate Humphrey and Tacoma Community College president Ivan Harrell. They described the system’s open-access mission, 34 colleges serving more than 307,000 students, relatively low tuition, enrollment growth over 12 consecutive quarters, and strong outcomes such as more than 46,000 credentials awarded last year. They also highlighted system initiatives including guided pathways, I-BEST, dual enrollment, tribal partnerships, a new program search tool, and six colleges named Aspen Prize finalists. At the same time, they emphasized major challenges: high rates of student food, housing, and homelessness insecurity; sharply rising emergency aid requests; and federal funding disruptions affecting TANF, BFET, adult basic education, Carl Perkins, NOAA-related tribal work, and several federal grants. Members asked about SNAP impacts, declining high school graduates, and how BFET and TANF interact with other aid programs. The presenters also discussed system priorities such as AI, Workforce Pell, capital planning, nursing accreditation alignment, and the Washington College Grant. The committee then heard testimony from AFT Washington and the Washington Association of Higher Education on faculty and staff conditions in the community and technical college system. Jackie Kane and Suzanne Sutherland argued that classified staff, professional staff, and contingent faculty are essential to student success but face low pay, instability, and weak retention, and they urged lawmakers to protect existing funding and avoid further cuts. They said working conditions for faculty and staff are student learning conditions, and that underfunding leads to reduced services, shortened advising, and program instability. Marina Parr of the Workforce Board presented on federal H.R. 1’s new Workforce Pell provisions and the updated Career Bridge website. She explained that Workforce Pell would allow federal aid for short-term training programs of 8 to 15 weeks, with high completion, employment, and earnings thresholds and a requirement that credentials be stackable and portable. She said Washington is well positioned to implement the program because of its existing eligible training provider evaluation system and Career Bridge, which now has a redesigned public portal, digital portfolios, multilingual access, and performance data on programs. Members asked about rulemaking, possible gaps in state services, and how the wage and completion standards would be applied. The Washington Student Achievement Council then briefed the committee on the new Washington Completes FAFSA campaign created by executive order. Staff described an advisory board with statewide representation, a pilot that used microgrants and other supports at 25 priority schools, and a new goal of 46,000 FAFSA or WASFA completions this year. They reported that completion rates were tracking slightly ahead of last year, with 24% of high school seniors having completed a FAFSA by the end of November, and they showcased a public dashboard with subgroup data and a WIAA-based leaderboard. Members asked about outreach to rural and homeschool students, legislative communications, Pierce County representation, and barriers to FAFSA completion, and staff said they would provide toolkits and continue expanding outreach. The committee then began hearing from student presenters about affordability, access, equity, and student experience.

Transcript Highlights:

• newest allocation received by our office is for the 2023-24 storms, and that was announced in early January
• We completed 979 homes across 12 eligible counties in less than two years.
• In early January of this year, the state received the announcement from HUD of this allocation, which
• So in early January, in early January, happen or that directly impacted us here in Tallahassee.
• So in early January in early January of this year, the state received the announcement from HUD of this

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard several housing and disaster-recovery items. The committee heard SB 48 by Senator Gates, which would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead treatment for the owner-occupied portion of the property, limit undue parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum rentals, extend certain density bonuses for military families, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 34 by Senator Sharif, creating a historic cemeteries program to help preserve historic African-American cemeteries and allow sale of excess vacant land if proceeds are used for long-term maintenance; it was also reported favorably. The committee then considered and recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Members also received a presentation from the Department of Commerce on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida. Deputy Secretary Justin Domer described the state’s administration of HUD disaster recovery funds, including more than $4.3 billion received since 2017, housing repair and replacement programs that have completed 5,271 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects such as sewer conversion in Alford, the new Calhoun-Liberty Hospital, and the Florida Keys desalination plant. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and audit procedures; Domer said the department uses inspections, vendor oversight, and financial penalties, and noted stricter contract consequences in newer programs. The Division of Emergency Management also presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition/demolition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is designed to reduce repetitive flood losses and keep homeowners in place, and that it has received more than 12,000 applications, with about 1,500 prioritized, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about the 25% match for seniors, the wait list, contractor procurement, and how projects are classified; Guthrie said the program uses insurance proceeds where available, has competitively procured 27 contractors, and may shift projects from elevation to reconstruction depending on damage and flood rules. The committee adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• international military community in mourning the untimely passing of Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Capitano on January
• Born on September 12, 1986, in Catania, Italy, between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, ...born on September
• 12, 1986, in Catania, Italy, between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, Lieutenant Colonel Capitano dedicated
• From January 2023 until his passing, Lieutenant Colonel Capitano served with distinction in the 62nd

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, then recorded attendance and approved the journal. Members recognized Radiology Advocacy Day and welcomed radiologists in the gallery. The chamber also approved a motion to request House consent for the Senate to adjourn on Thursday, April 2, 2026, after completing its work, until Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The main substantive action was consideration of Senate Resolution 1002, honoring Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Capitano, an Italian Air Force officer who served at Luke Air Force Base as an F-35 instructor and evaluator pilot. The resolution praised his leadership, service to allied training efforts, and support for Arizona’s driver’s license reciprocity legislation for allied service members. Senators and guests spoke in tribute, a moment of silence was observed, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Secretary of State. During personal privilege, members introduced guests including a student visitor and several Italian military and diplomatic representatives. Senate Democrats also entered a statement into the journal protesting the March 26 floor handling of HB 2072, the repeal of Cesar Chavez Day, arguing that amendments were not fully heard and that the process lacked meaningful dialogue. The Senate then recessed for caucus and later adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• as January 1st. as January 1st. um<00:42:59.200> so<00:42:59.480> that<00:43:00.480
• launched without hiccups on January launched without hiccups on January 1.<00:43:43.920> And<
• nightmare and January 1 it hits<00:50:13.760> you.
• Do you plan on doing a soft launch prior to January 1?
• <00:51:29.760> Go launch prior to um to January 1? Go launch prior to um to January 1?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 12:21.680> of<00:12:21.839> the<00:12:22.000> license<00:12:23.279> if<00
• armed forces<00:12:32.079> to<00:12:32.320> uniform<00:12:32.720> services<00:12
• ><00:12:33.920> more<00:12:34.079> clear<00:12:35.120> um<00:12:35.200> that<
• I<00:12:41.040> move<00:12:41.200> the<00:12:41.360> adoption<00:12:41.760> of
• Number 12. Clerk will read number 12. Number 12.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, journalized the prayer, and recognized Read Across America Day with a special resolution congratulating the Maryland State Education Association on the program’s 28th anniversary. Senators also welcomed several guests and student groups, including Eleanor Roosevelt High School students, Maryland Federation of Republican Women members for Red Scarf Day, medical shadows from Johns Hopkins, a student page prospect, and a group from Matthew Henson Elementary School. The chamber then took up multiple Finance Committee consent calendars and individual local alcohol-related bills, all of which were reported favorably, adopted without objection, and ordered printed for third reading. Measures included changes to alcohol license fee refunds for uniformed service members, Anne Arundel County license classifications and compensation for liquor board officials, a Baltimore City racetrack license extension, a Cecil County license quota change, and new or expanded licenses for golf courses, sports venues, and barber shop/beauty salon establishments. The Senate also advanced bills on social work licensing, a rural readiness economic development program, a Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission extension, peer-to-peer car sharing insurance rules, telematics-based auto insurance disclosures and appeals, and veteran status notation on public profiles. Several bills were amended before being advanced, generally with technical or clarifying changes and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 18 would create a provisional social work license; Senate Bill 351 would regulate insurer use of vehicle telematics data; Senate Bill 395 would revise insurance and liability rules for peer-to-peer car sharing; and Senate Bill 197 would alter comprehensive plan elements in land use law. Senate Bill 439, protecting fire and rescue public safety employees from adverse action based on medical cannabis certification, also moved forward without amendment. One measure, Senate Bill 69, which would make permanent the nonprofit navigator position in the Department of Commerce, was discussed at length after a member raised concerns about oversight of nonprofit grant funding. On request, the bill was special ordered to the next day for further consideration. All other bills discussed in the transcript were advanced to third reading by unanimous or near-unanimous voice action, with no recorded roll-call votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• That line 12 and 14 with these negative units.
• You'll see in January our annual report.
• There's K-3 and then K-12. Mr. Chair, Representative, yes.
• having any bills for your endorsement in January.
• So that's something we also sometimes do in January and don't have to worry about.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I got all my 12 units, and I started working in a school. That's how I started.
• Since January 7, I have not received any financial support.
• So since January 7th, I haven't received any financial support. right now to me.
• So since January 7th, I haven't received any financial support.
• I work from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. I have an eight-year-old daughter named Deleza.

Summary: The hearing focused first on how wildfires and other disasters affect child care providers, families, and early education infrastructure. State officials from the Department of Social Services and Department of Education described disaster response and preparedness efforts, including shelter coordination, licensing outreach, emergency waivers, distribution of supplies, and the statewide child care disaster plan. Testimony from providers and advocates emphasized major gaps in recovery funding, insurance coverage, rebuilding support, mental health services, and coordination with local rebuild plans. Several witnesses urged more dedicated disaster-recovery funding for child care facilities and suggested statutory changes, including allowing greater flexibility for rebuilding costs and requiring early childhood programs to be included in local disaster planning. The second panel addressed immigration enforcement and its impact on child care. Advocates from the Children's Partnership, Every Child California, and CHIRLA said enforcement activity is causing families to keep children home, disrupting continuity of care, reducing enrollment, and creating fear and trauma for children and providers. They argued that immigrant and mixed-status families need clearer protections, privacy safeguards, legal support, trauma-informed guidance, and safe-haven policies for child care settings. Speakers also stressed that the child care workforce is heavily immigrant and that recent state laws such as AB 49 and AB 495 will require funding, training, and technical assistance to implement effectively. Public commenters, including child care providers, described personal experiences with fire damage, displacement, permit delays, lost income, and the emotional toll of serving families during crises. Others described how immigration enforcement has made parents afraid to attend events, drop off children, or remain connected to providers. Committee members repeatedly noted that child care is often overlooked in emergencies and asked state officials how child care systems are being integrated into disaster planning and how local and state agencies can better coordinate. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• There were many tax offices that says the law doesn't allow for anything, so it was due on January 31st
• This Supreme Court case last year in January 2024.
• Maybe 12 Total, total, in the state of Texas, who are against this bill. Because.
• We were impacted, it was about 12% of our sales tax that was reduced. That was in 2021. In 2021.
• We Sorry, they're being 12 eyes The motion prevails.

Bills: HB134, HB135, HB 1109, HB 1243, HB1392, HB1399, HJR99, HB134, HB135

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires destroyed 18,000 The January 2025 Los Angeles
• fires. ...and begin the process of rebuilding their lives from the ashes of the January fires.
• That underlying affordability crisis was exacerbated in January when devastating wildfires resulted in
• That underlying affordability crisis was exacerbated in January when devastating wildfires resulted in
• Okay, we are going to pass and retain on file item number 12. That gets us to file item number 13.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then took up a series of procedural motions and a large third-reading file focused heavily on housing, wildfire recovery, insurance, and related regulatory changes. Early actions included a successful motion to place Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 on the third-reading file, followed by a unanimous vote on SB 26, a cleanup measure related to lemon-law civil discovery procedures and automaker opt-outs from the AB 1755 framework. The chamber then moved through a package of urgency bills tied to the January 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires and broader housing affordability concerns. Measures approved included AB 311 allowing displaced tenants to temporarily house wildfire victims and pets, AB 299 extending hotel/motel/short-term rental stays beyond 30 days for disaster-displaced families, AB 226 giving the California Fair Plan access to bond financing in catastrophic-loss scenarios, AB 253 allowing third-party plan checks when local review exceeds 30 days, AB 301 aligning state permitting timelines with local deadlines, AB 306 imposing a six-year pause on new residential building-code updates, AB 462 exempting certain ADUs in Los Angeles County coastal zones from coastal development permits, AB 493 requiring interest to be paid to homeowners on insurance proceeds held by lenders, and AB 597 tightening rules on public adjuster solicitation, fees, and contract transparency. Each of these urgency bills passed, generally with strong bipartisan support and mostly unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Assembly also approved several non-urgency measures, including AB 293 on groundwater transparency and board disclosure, AB 251 on elder abuse litigation standards when evidence is intentionally destroyed, AB 59 removing a sunset on Reclamation District 108’s hydropower authority, AB 417 streamlining EIFD and CRIA financing tools, and AB 312 updating procedures for agricultural theft proceeds. In addition, ACR 6 was adopted by voice vote, recognizing Black April Memorial Month and the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, with extensive remarks from Assembly Member Ta and support from other members. The consent calendar was adopted, and the body later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for David Myers and Olivia Guerrero before adjourning to April 3, 2025. Several vote changes were announced after adjournment, including changes on AB 251 and AB 417.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:17.920> the<00:12:18.240> compounding<00:12:18.800> impact<00:12:19.120><
• <00:12:28.240> market<00:12:28.639> impact<00:12:28.959> of<00:12:29.120>
• And that<00:12:37.600> is<00:12:37.760> also<00:12:37.920> why<00:12:38.160>
• 00:12:41.839> and<00:12:42.079> their<00:12:42.320> ability<00:12:42.639> to<
• <00:12:43.200> their<00:12:43.440> AL<00:12:43.839> unit<00:12:44.399> as

Bills: HF2216, HF1978, HF2354, HF1963, HF1994, HF1995, HF1894

Keywords: assisted living, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, resident rights, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services, elderly, seniors, older adults, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 12, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
• Ayes 45, noes 12, the measure passes. We'll pass and retain on file item 154.
• On January 1st, 2031, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• Ayes 55, noes 12, the measure passes. We're going to move to, Mr. Wallace.
• Ayes 53, noes 12, the measure passes. Assemblymember Alhawari?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:48.880> chapter<00:10:49.360> 12 redesignation as 10 V.S.A. chapter 12 redesignation
• as 10 V.S.A. chapter 12 subsection<00:10:50.720> 16.
• Legislative findings are on page 12.
• Legislative findings are on page 12.
• craft processors on January 1st, 2028. craft processors on January 1st, 2028.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate Bill 323, suspending the rules to consider it immediately. The bill was described as a broad agricultural measure with committee amendments and fiscal implications, and it was reported favorably by the Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee, Ways and Means, and Appropriations. Members outlined sections dealing with milk market corrections, farm-to-school language, repeal of the obsolete pest control compact, pesticide applicator licensing changes, seed law updates, the Vermont Agricultural Credit Program, hemp regulation, and CAFO-related provisions. The Agriculture committee reported the bill out 7-0-1, and the effective date was described as July 1, 2026, except for the hemp provisions, which would take effect upon passage. Much of the discussion focused on the hemp sections. Supporters said the bill updates Vermont law to reflect federal changes and shifts hemp oversight from the Agency of Agriculture to the Cannabis Control Board. The hemp provisions would create registration and licensing requirements for hemp producers, processors, and certain hemp products; set fees; authorize testing, inspections, stop-sale orders, and administrative penalties; and allow rulemaking on product standards, labeling, insurance, additives, and age restrictions. Speakers said the changes were intended to help Vermont’s hemp industry maintain access to banking, insurance, and interstate commerce while improving consumer safety and regulatory clarity. Other agricultural provisions were also explained in detail. The bill would clarify milk producer hearing rights, update farm-to-school grant/contract language, remove outdated pest-control compact language, and adjust pesticide applicator exam and fee rules, including removing the limit on retakes and eliminating certain government applicator fees. It would also modernize seed labeling and definitions, transfer the Vermont Agricultural Credit Program into a new statutory structure under VEDA, and make conforming cross-reference changes in tax and cannabis fund statutes. The final sections would add a CAFO permit working group and require consultant training for state agencies on CAFO inspections, with those provisions contingent on future funding. Ways and Means noted the bill’s fee changes could affect state revenues, including an estimated hemp-related impact of roughly $10,000 to $90,000, though the exact effect was uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first item is consideration of the minutes of January 14.
• It says January 22, 2025.
• <00:14:20.800> 22<00:14:21.360> 22nd January 22 22nd January 22 22nd 2025<00:14:24.880>
• So on item number 12 and 18, items 12 and 18 are very similar, but on item 12, this comes out of House
• :00.719> distribution<01:12:01.440> of<01:12:01.639> State<01:12:02.040> opioid

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the January 14 minutes and then considered a large agenda of contracts, including personal services contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, and Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program items. The chair noted the agenda contained 240 items and emphasized the need for transparency in how contract approvals work. Several items were pulled for questions, while the rest were approved without objection. The first major discussion involved seven contingency-fee contracts for the Attorney General’s office. Committee members asked about the apparent $20 million maximum per contract, and staff explained that the amount was a ceiling, not a guarantee, and that under the statutory waterfall in KRS 45A.717 a $20 million fee would require roughly $355 million returned to the Commonwealth. Staff also said the new batch included some new firms, that these contracts are being handled in 6- to 12-month batches, and that no money had yet been spent from the prior cycle. The committee then approved those contracts. Members also questioned a Cabinet for Health and Family Services training contract, which officials said was needed because Finance provides only Kentucky-specific training, while the outside vendor offers broader procurement and federal-funds training; the committee approved that item. A University of Kentucky capital project contract for the State Capitol exterior renovation was approved after questions about the open-ended date, total project cost, and expected completion, with staff saying the overall project is projected for substantial completion by the end of 2026 and final warranty work could extend into 2027. A DCBS amendment for SSI eligibility determinations for children in out-of-home care was explained as an increase caused by a protest, a reissued RFP, and more children entering care; the committee approved it after discussion of the protest and scoring details. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet amendment for an I-71 widening and interchange project in Oldham County after staff explained it was a time extension with no additional funds, though the project had evolved due to traffic changes and now includes an eight-lane bridge design. Finally, the committee discussed two Finance Cabinet facilities and support services amendments tied to the Capitol renovation and juvenile justice facility retrofits. Staff said the Capitol project contract covered the full design team, with completion projected around 2029, while the juvenile justice amendments covered additional design work for McCracken and Breathitt facilities, with final bid documents expected in June or July and construction anticipated to begin in the latter half of 2025. Both items were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, the TRF funds, back in January when JCCR met, the U of A, all the U of January when JCCR
• K-12 was mentioned in Prop. 123. We are safe.
• By your vote of 16 ayes, 12 nays, two not voting, you have passed House Bill 4138.
• By votes 16 ayes, 12 nays, two not voting, you pass House Bill 4151, signed in open session.
• By vote of 16 ayes, 12 nays, two not voting, you pass House Bill 4153. The system is closed.

Keywords: 1182, all