Transcript Highlights:

• This bill makes sure that chance isn't an exception, it becomes the standard.
• This bill makes sure that chance isn't an exception; it becomes the standard.
• This bill makes sure that chance isn't an exception; it becomes the standard.
• This bill makes sure that chance isn't an exception; it becomes the standard.
• Thank you. an exception, it becomes the standard. an exception, it becomes the standard.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's why I appreciate the exceptions that we're putting.
• It's why I appreciate the exceptions that were put in here.
• It's why, you know, I appreciate the exceptions that were put in here.
• The exceptions are there as well, as for the insurance industry.
• We do take exception to the author referring to this administration as fascist.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. AB 416 would allow emergency room physicians to initiate 5150 mental health holds, with supporters saying it would reduce emergency room bottlenecks and speed care for patients in crisis. County and behavioral health representatives opposed the bill, and some members raised broader concerns about the 5150 system and juvenile placements. The bill was ultimately approved on a do-pass as amended vote. AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Act, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued it would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service, describing the practice as discriminatory and exploitative. Business and industry groups opposed the bill, warning that its language was too broad, could affect discounts and loyalty programs, and would create litigation risk through a private right of action. After discussion about enforcement and possible amendments, the bill passed on a do-pass motion. AB 632 would give local governments a faster way to collect penalties for serious code violations, including unsafe housing, fire hazards, and illegal cannabis activity, by allowing certain fines to become money judgments and clarifying lien authority. It had support from county and city groups and no opposition was voiced in the hearing; the bill passed as amended. ACA 7, a constitutional amendment intended to clarify and limit misuse of Section 31A, also moved forward after brief support testimony. The committee then took up AB 649, which would extend protections for businesses that proactively obtain certified access specialist inspections and fix accessibility violations; the author, a small business owner, and others testified in support, while disability rights groups moved to neutral after amendments. Members discussed the balance between access enforcement and reducing predatory litigation, and the bill was still under consideration as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are exceptions that are practical exceptions that are needed.
• There are exceptions<00:05:03.919> that<00:05:04.080> are<00:05:04.240> practical
• ><00:05:04.639> exceptions exceptions that are practical exceptions exceptions that are practical
• exceptions that<00:05:05.280> are<00:05:05.440> needed.

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 00:21 SB 145 Discussion 02:05 SB 145 Vote 04:06 SB 98 Discussion 06:25 SB 98 Vote 11:00 Adjournment 12:07, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 10, 2026, with a quorum present and welcomed student visitors from the University of Louisville and Graves County DECA. The committee first considered Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and declared an emergency. The bill was described as clarifying caterer licensing language, allowing catering services in certain venues, permitting advance storage of alcohol for multi-day events, and requiring ABC to act on applications within 45 days. Members discussed concerns about alcohol sales in conservative districts, while others praised ABC’s interpretation of the law and the need for practical regulatory fixes. SB 145 was approved by the committee and sent to the floor on a 10-1 vote, with Senator Donald Douglas voting no and explaining that he wanted more time to discuss the issue with constituents. The committee then heard Senate Bill 98 on welding safety, presented as a measure to require compliance with specified welding certifications and design plans on projects where such standards are called for, in order to improve structural safety and reduce liability. Supporters, including the sponsor, a representative, and a lobbyist, said the bill would apply only in limited cases and would help ensure welds are properly inspected and performed according to engineering specifications. SB 98 also received favorable action, passing 9-2 and advancing to the floor. Senators Christian McDaniel and Matt Nunn voted no, while supporters emphasized public safety, code compliance, and avoiding future damages by doing the work correctly upfront. After the two bills were considered, the committee had no further business and moved toward adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We added to the scope, except where indicated.
• This was just an exception for the... ...with a North Dakota building code.
• This was just an exception for the AFCI circuits in an individual branch circuit in a dwelling.
• This was just an exception for the AFCI circuits in an individual branch circuit in a dwelling.
• Yeah, that was, the NEC incorporated that, so now that exception was no longer needed.

Summary: The committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rule changes tied to House Bill 1620/1622, which concern North Dakota’s entry into the physician assistant licensure compact. The Board said it is waiting on compact rules, especially fee structures, before finalizing its own rules. The committee then took up extensive Office of Management and Budget personnel rule revisions, covering salary administration, recruitment, leave policies, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR practices and implement recent legislation, including new hire leave and enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions; the committee raised concerns about the subjectivity and fairness of the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but no action was taken against the rules. The North Dakota Lottery presented emergency and regular rule changes, including updates tied to the Millionaire for Life game and miscellaneous clarifications. The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology described rule updates that add speech-language pathology assistants to the rules, ease continuing education requirements for out-of-state applicants, expand temporary licensure, and clarify supervision standards. The State Electrical Board reviewed numerous code updates, including changes to electrical and fire alarm standards, receptacle labeling, countertop receptacles, and a major new conveyance/elevator inspection program added by the Legislature; the board said it is preparing to begin inspections by August 1. The Industrial Commission’s Geological Survey Division presented new rules implementing House Bill 1459 on critical minerals in coal-bearing formations, including permit, reporting, confidentiality, and royalty-related provisions. The committee asked about confidentiality of exploration data and drilling depth. The Public Employees Retirement System outlined rule changes implementing several bills affecting defined benefit, public safety, defined contribution, insurance, deferred compensation, and retiree health credit programs, and noted possible future proposals to add state EMS or create a LOSAP-style plan. The Department of Health and Human Services presented substance use disorder voucher rules implementing House Bill 1012, including allowing individuals to apply directly and setting reimbursement procedures; the rules were expected to have a $250,000 general fund impact already included in the budget. The longest discussion involved the Gaming Commission rules. Members questioned whether the commission had authority to raise poker tournament buy-ins from $300 to $1,500, viewing it as an expansion of gaming rather than a mere clarification. After debate, the committee voted to void that specific rule section for lack of statutory authority. The rest of the gaming rules covered higher raffle limits from House Bill 1192, the change from “bar” to “alcoholic beverage establishment,” veterans’ organization proceeds, credit ticket voucher kiosks, online raffles, and advertising restrictions; the presenter said several public comments led to revisions or withdrawals of proposed language. The meeting ended with discussion of upcoming Ethics Commission travel-reporting rules and scheduling the next committee meeting in September.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:28.000> people We can retain the exceptional people We can retain the exceptional people
• Your Vermont National Guard is exceptional. Our responsibility is to ensure it remains strong.
• Our responsibility is to exceptional.
• Their efforts have proven the Vermont National Guard to be exceptional at both the state and federal
• Vermont National Guard to be exceptional Vermont National Guard to be exceptional at<00:20:17.120

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The caucus of the whole was held as the annual State of the Guard address, featuring Adjutant General Gregory Knight’s remarks to legislators and guests. Knight said this would likely be his final address before retirement and thanked Gold Star families, military survivors, Governor Phil Scott, honorary commanders, legislative leaders, his family, and many Guard and community partners. He emphasized that the Vermont National Guard is a civic institution, not just a military force, and said its strength depends on a strong relationship with the legislature. Knight reviewed several priorities and accomplishments, including regular transparency updates to the governor, legislature, congressional delegation, and force; the creation of the Vermont National Guard and Veterans Caucus; and legislation supporting education, workforce development, benefits, and service members’ families. He highlighted recruiting and retention efforts, including the Prime employer partnership program, which he said now has 40 employer partners and 24 more pending, and argued that Vermont can attract and retain service members by connecting military experience to civilian jobs and education opportunities. He also discussed organizational climate improvements, mental health and prevention staffing, and the need for more providers who accept military patients and Tricare, noting the Howard Center and other health centers are expanding military and veteran care. The address also covered the Guard’s broader role in emergency response, citizenship, diversity, and international partnerships. Knight described recent deployments and state responses to COVID-19, flooding, and other emergencies, explained Guard duty statuses and called for congressional reform to simplify them, and outlined state partnership work with Austria, North Macedonia, and Senegal, as well as related educational and economic initiatives. He recognized numerous Guard members, recruiters, fiscal staff, media partners, and outside collaborators for their contributions. No votes were taken. The meeting concluded with Speaker recognition of Knight’s service and an announcement that the caucus had ended and the House would gavel in shortly afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• system except through the libraries<00:07:03.919> that libraries that libraries that um<00:07
• Except for the Department of Health, which gave comments, not support.
• Except for the Department of Health, which gave comments, not support.
• Except for the Department of Health, which gave comments, not support.
• Except for the Department of Health, which gave comments, not support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Government Operations Committee heard Governor’s Message 663, reappointing Corey Schaefer to the 911 Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Schaefer described his telecommunications background and five years of service on the board, including recent election as chair. There was no opposition, and the committee recommended advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted with one member excused. The committee then took up a resolution asking the Comptroller and DAGS to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access for participation in the legislative process. Testimony from library and disability advocates supported the goal, but members raised concerns that the measure was too broad and unclear about the actual problem, whether libraries already had sufficient broadband and equipment, and whether the focus should be on public access and education rather than DAGS. The committee deferred the measure to Thursday for a revised draft. Members also heard a resolution urging all state departments to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience on data-sharing agreements. The office and several advocacy groups supported the measure as part of trauma-informed state efforts, but members expressed strong privacy and HIPAA concerns and questioned what data would be shared, for what purpose, and how it would be protected. The committee deferred that measure as well so the office could work with the chair on narrower language. Finally, the committee considered a resolution urging boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of executive directors or equivalent exempt positions. With only one individual testifying in support, the committee recommended a Senate draft to clarify that the measure applies to civil service exempt positions, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Memorial resolutions to be adopted in block are listed on pages 1 through 5, with the exception of the
• Pages 1 through 5, with the exception of those excluded as announced by the clerk.
• We adopted in block listed on pages 5 through 16, with the exceptions of House...
• Listed on pages 5 through 16, with the exceptions of House Resolution 2072, 2074, and 2142.
• of those that were removed and with the exception of those that were added, as listed on pages 5 through

Keywords: June 22, 2026 - Special Session 1, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It outlines the specialized instructions, supports, and services an exceptional student needs to succeed
• Members, I know every one of us wants the best for these exceptional children, and this bill helps us
• get there because it was shaped by the very, very these exceptional children, and this bill helps us
• My mom, she was a teacher, and she taught exceptional students, and she came to that class, And she taught
• So this is step one in my long fight to make sure these exceptional students are cared for along with

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity was presented as a measure to codify an existing grant program that has helped secure more than 200 local governments, especially rural and fiscally constrained ones; Florida League of Cities supported it, and it passed 15-0. PCS/HB 371 on patriotic displays at public schools would require, subject to appropriation, display of portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in school common areas for America’s 250th anniversary; one opponent argued it would create complaint-driven enforcement and pressure educators, but the sponsor said the PCS narrowed the original classroom requirement, and the bill passed 16-0. PCS/HB 833 on private school facilities would deem small private schools of 150 students or fewer a permitted use in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts and allow use of certain existing buildings if fire and occupancy standards are met. Supporters said it would reduce local red tape and expand school choice, while opponents warned it would divert public resources and weaken public education; several members raised concerns about local traffic and safety authority. The sponsor said she was open to further amendments, and the bill passed 13-3. PCS/HB 1147 on school district unimproved real property would require districts to submit annual inventories of vacant, unimproved land to the Department of Education for transparency and planning; some members and a Monroe County school board member questioned the need for a state registry, while supporters said it would improve data and accountability. The bill passed 12-3. The committee then considered HB 615 on individualized education plans (IEPs), which would strengthen parent notification and access to service logs, require individualized orientation for newly eligible students, and standardize district service logs. An amendment removed notification requirements when a missed service was due to student absence, and it was adopted. The bill drew emotional testimony from a student and parent describing missed accommodations, along with support from Disability Rights Florida and several members who emphasized parent partnership and accountability; one ESE teacher said the bill was a good start but more staffing and support are needed. The bill passed unanimously 15-0, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask unanimous consent to excuse Senator Cervantes until he returns to the chamber, except for the purposes
• Voted in the affirmative, except those voting in the negative by show of hands.
• President, I'll ask unanimous consent to excuse Senator Munoz until he returns to the chamber, except
• The record shows the roll has been called and all those present voting in the affirmative, except those
• Except those voting in the negative by a show of hands. Thank you. All Senators to your seats.

Transcript Highlights:

• The law enforcement exceptions probably need to be expanded.
• <00:22:50.320> need enforcement exceptions uh probably need enforcement exceptions uh probably
• otherwise the exception otherwise the exception uh<00:24:32.000> basically<00:24:32.880><
• 00:24:40.159> utilities, the exceptions for regulated utilities, the exceptions for regulated
• <00:27:32.480> that exceptions for the the exceptions that exceptions for the the exceptions

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you help me understand the difference between exceptional child and gifted child?
• Exceptional student is a student with disabilities as well as a student in gifted education.
• Twice exceptional students, those who are both gifted and have disabilities, are not a niche population
• Twice exceptional students, those who are both gifted and have disabilities are not a niche population
• So we just call them twice exceptional. That's all they got, Mr. Chair. Thank you very much.

Bills: SB64, SB19, SB44, SB83

Keywords: special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools

Transcript Highlights:

• child count um there's uh exceptional child count um there's also<00:09:19.680> factors<00:09
• Exceptional child count is one that we admittedly really have a hard time predicting.
• And also, too, if you see on the screen with the exceptional child count, for example, low-incidence
• Exceptional child, which is obviously what I would say is the most expensive one on there, $22.1 million
• is obviously exceptional child which is obviously what<00:17:01.440> I<00:17:01.560> would

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development received a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education officials on the final SEEK estimate for fiscal year 2025. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, Matt Ross, and Chay Ritter explained that SEEK is developed through a consensus process with the Office of the State Budget Director using multiple models and district-level inputs, and that the estimate is a projection made well before actual data are available. They emphasized that the discussion was separate from the pending education-funding lawsuit and described SEEK as one part of a much larger K-12 budget picture. The presenters said the current SEEK estimate shows a statutory shortfall of about $14.7 million, or roughly 0.53% of the appropriation, with additional optional items that could bring the total to about $40.5 million if funds are available. They noted that prior years have sometimes produced excess funds, which are redirected according to budget language rather than automatically flowing back through SEEK. They also reviewed the main drivers of the estimate, including property assessments, average daily attendance, free lunch counts, exceptional child counts, home hospital, and limited English proficiency, and said property assessments have been especially volatile while exceptional child counts and ELL populations are difficult to predict. Members asked about why the estimate missed on some categories, especially special education and ELL, and whether district-level changes were being monitored closely enough. The presenters said KDE does monitor special education counts and will review larger districts and districts with unusual growth, and they acknowledged that exceptional child growth has been hard to forecast. Representative Bojanowski asked about the Cloverport virtual school, and staff said its growth was much larger than projected and accounted for a significant portion of the shortfall. Members also discussed the impact of property value growth, population shifts, illness, and legislative changes on SEEK projections. No vote or formal action was taken, and the meeting ended after questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we have to be very, very careful on creating laws that are riddled with exceptions of who
• <00:34:19.919> to there's not going to be an exception to there's not going to be an exception
• :34:29.520> with creating laws that are riddled with creating laws that are riddled with exceptions
• of who the law does and does exceptions of who the law does and does not<00:34:32.320> apply<
• in that said this crime an exception in that said this crime won't<00:39:04.240> apply<00:39:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But it does have an exception in there also, which is Prohibiting flags that might incite violence or
• So the current law in Minnesota, it's been this way for quite some time, makes an exception for the United
• Under the bill by Representative Witty makes a very modest expansion of the exception.
• The statute that made the exception for the U.S. and Minnesota flags was passed some time ago.
• also fear that the in the future, if if that's the approach we take that in the future were the exception

Bills: HF2185, HF1849, HF3719, HF3721, HF3845, HF3720

Keywords: flag display, residential property rights, homeowners association, HOA, covenants, restrictive covenant, deed restriction, subdivision regulation, local ordinance, rental agreement, property rights, patriotic display, United States flag, Minnesota flag, POW/MIA flag, military flags, armed forces flag, Blue Star flag, Gold Star flag, common interest community

Transcript Highlights:

• to look at where it says no animal shall be confiscated unless a person is charged on this section except
• They would like to see that part stricken except when there is probable cause, imminent danger.
• <00:04:55.120> when charged on this se section except when charged on this se section except
• Except when there word imminent danger.
• under the se section under the exception under the se section except<01:12:47.679> when<01:12

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 18 with no exceptions I immediately thought<01:22:23.400> of<01:22:23.639> exceptions<
• <01:22:29.600> that on the table and one exception that on the table and one exception that
• I mean, why not make an exception for all 17-year-olds?
• <01:40:03.840> military family and have an exceptional military family and have an exceptional
• I will say you heard about Alaska having a military exception to the marriage age.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee met on January 28, 2025, and first heard House Bill 322, which would give a parent paying child support the exclusive right to claim the child as a dependent on taxes. Representative Barton, the sponsor, argued that because child support is no longer tax-deductible, the paying parent should at least receive the child tax credit. Committee members and later testimony from New Hampshire Legal Assistance raised concerns that the bill would override court discretion, could disadvantage low-income custodial parents, and would not account for cases where child support payments are small or where parents share support unevenly. Several members noted that judges already allocate dependency claims in divorce orders and can modify those orders when circumstances change. After testimony, the committee moved to ITL (inexpedient to legislate) HB 322. The motion was seconded, discussion continued, and the roll call was unanimous in favor of ITL. The committee then placed the bill on consent and ended the executive session on HB 322. The committee next took up House Bill 325, which would eliminate term and reimbursement alimony in no-fault divorces. Representative Barton testified that alimony in those cases was akin to involuntary servitude and should not survive dissolution of the marriage contract. The hearing then moved into questions about whether alimony is meant to compensate a spouse for sacrifices made during the marriage, such as supporting a partner through school or staying home with children, and the sponsor maintained that post-divorce support should not continue as a marital obligation. The transcript cuts off before any vote or further action on HB 325 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• public is uh the rate exception piece. public is uh the rate exception piece.
• <00:05:21.199> piece because when this the exception piece because when this the exception
• Yes. that we provide under the rate exception that we provide under the rate exception goes<00:12:07.680
• particularly with the rate exception particularly with the rate exception piece.<00:15:48.720>
• , who's requesting those rate exceptions, who's requesting those rate exceptions, what<00:15:53.600

Bills: HF2433, HF2434

Keywords: education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation, healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:45.279> for without intervening motion except for without intervening motion except
• <00:17:00.320> exceptional<00:17:01.040> service<00:17:01.360> to<00:17:01.519><
• c> the<00:17:01.680> people except exceptional service to the people except exceptional service
• <01:04:06.240> events, certain emissions as exceptional events, certain emissions as exceptional
• without intervening motion except one. without intervening motion except one.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Unanimous consent to excuse Senator Charlie until she returns to the chamber except for the purposes
• Uh, please, unanimous consent to excuse Senator Tobiasson from the chamber until she returns or except
• Unanimous consent to excuse Senator Figueroa until she returns to the chamber, except for the purposes
• , and those exceptions include indigent and sick persons, which this doesn't qualify for that.
• The records show the roll has been called and all those present voted in the affirmative except those

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the end of almost every regulation except for a few.
• for a few we will regulation except for a few we will Circle<00:27:07.240> back<00:27:07.520>
• The amended after-comments version deletes the exception for non-member deposits of public funds from
• The amended after-comments version deletes the exception for non-member deposits of public funds from
• If there's one exception made allowing credit unions to accept non-member deposits, this is going to

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a long agenda of administrative regulations, most of which were advanced with staff-suggested amendments and no objection. Early items included the Kentucky Public Pension Authority’s 105 KAR 1:451, which updates reporting language and adds the contractor wizard for certain employers, and a large package of Board of Veterinary Examiners regulations that revise fees, facility and AHP registration requirements, continuing education, liability, and practice rules. The Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology’s compact-related regulation and the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors’ complaint and compact rules were also reviewed and approved with amendments, along with fish and wildlife rules affecting elk hunting, youth deer season length, bear-dog approvals, and foxhound enclosure permits. The committee also approved transportation, education, workplace standards, horse racing, and several health and human services regulations, including Medicaid waiver reimbursement updates and a child care regulation that sends certain large claims to the Office of Inspector General for review. Several agencies briefly explained their regulations when members asked questions. Fish and Wildlife said the elk population is strong and the baiting change is intended to support harvest monitoring and fair chase, while the longer youth deer season was meant to give young hunters more opportunity. The Department of Community-Based Services said the $10,000 and $5,000 claim thresholds were meant to clarify rare cases involving possible fraud or unresolved recoupment issues. The Department of Financial Institutions’ 808 KAR 5:305 drew the most discussion: it would allow certain state-chartered credit unions with a low-income designation to participate in federal programs, including limited non-member deposits and supplemental capital, but the regulation was deferred again amid continued discussions. The Kentucky Bankers Association testified against the credit union regulation, arguing that allowing non-member deposits conflicts with existing statute limiting credit union deposits to members and other credit unions, and that an administrative regulation cannot override that statutory restriction. Committee members heard the agency’s explanation that the proposal is intended to help underserved communities and that the non-member deposit authority would be limited, but no final action was taken because the item was deferred. The meeting otherwise concluded with the remaining regulations being called, discussed briefly, and approved or advanced without objection.