Transcript Highlights:

• We advocated for the passage of Chapter 222, school discipline reform that provided due process rights
• Under the school's discipline code, the girl was charged with assaulting a teacher, although she never
• And there's a few key changes that are introduced that seek to amend Chapter 151C. by adding special
• And there's a few key changes that are introduced that seeks to amend Chapter 151C. 51C.
• This would amend Chapter 151C of our laws. Sure.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with much of the testimony focused on school discipline and student equity. Bills discussed included measures to address inequities in suspension and expulsion, clarify school exclusion rules, reduce discipline for dress and grooming violations, and expand protections related to fair educational practices. Committee members repeatedly reminded witnesses of the two-minute limit and asked for written testimony to supplement oral remarks. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on the RAISE Act and related school discipline bills, including H. 730/S. 376 and H. 731/S. 380. Testifiers from advocacy groups, legal services, and the legislature argued that exclusionary discipline disproportionately affects Black and Latino students, students with disabilities, low-income students, and DCF-involved youth. They said current law is overly broad or unclear in areas such as “assault on educational staff,” indefinite suspensions tied to felony complaints, and definitions of weapons, leading to unnecessary removals from school. Supporters said the bills would add due process, clearer definitions, and better accountability, while one legislator testified in support of the discipline reforms and opposed several other bills on the agenda. The committee also heard testimony on H. 576/S. 368, which would prohibit suspensions and expulsions for dress and grooming violations and require clearer, non-discriminatory dress code policies. Witnesses cited research and personal stories about disproportionate enforcement against Black girls, girls of color, non-binary students, and students wearing religious attire, and said the bill would prevent physical contact used to enforce dress codes. Another major topic was H. 641/S. 349, which would add “special medical status” protections in education; supporters said it would prevent exclusion based on medical decisions or conditions, though members questioned how it would interact with existing disability law and vaccination-related school requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 625, which would extend the ban on corporal punishment from public to private schools, with witnesses citing research on harm and disproportionate impact. Additional testimony covered bills on accelerated learning and gifted education, with parents, educators, and advocates saying Massachusetts under-identifies advanced learners and lacks adequate acceleration pathways. A senator also testified for S. 406 on recovery high schools, saying the funding formula should be updated to better support students in recovery. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair closed testimony on several bill groups and noted that written testimony would remain open for a week.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1173, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the Florida trust code.
• is forced to go through the landlord-tenant process of Chapter 83.
• Senate Bill 784 changes how local governments review and approve plats.
• by the governing body through an administrative authority.
• by the governing body through an administrative authority.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests and groups in the gallery, including students, business groups, and university basketball coaches. The chamber then moved through a long special order calendar, taking up a series of bills on trust law, school district reporting, debt collection, service of process, lodging and food service establishments, lien waivers, public records protections for Crime Stoppers personnel, foreign ownership/health care licensure issues, diabetes management in schools, platting, fentanyl testing, third-party reservation platforms, electronic landlord-tenant notices, leaving the scene of a crash, background screening for athletic coaches, surrendered infants, and affordable housing. Several bills were temporarily postponed, and multiple House companion bills were substituted where the measures were identical or had only drafting differences. Debate focused on a few measures. Senators questioned the trust code bill’s effect on out-of-state attorneys general; the school reporting bill was described as strengthening arrest and misconduct reporting for instructional personnel; and the service-of-process and lodging bills were presented as technical and consumer-protection fixes. The fentanyl testing bill drew emotional support from the sponsor and families affected by overdose deaths. The surrendered-infant bill prompted opposition over safety, anonymity, and the limited use of baby boxes, while supporters argued it could save lives. The affordable housing bill, updating the Live Local Act, was amended to adjust parking reductions and allow certain properties to use the administrative approval process, with additional limits and exclusions added. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, including the trust code bill, school reporting, debt collection, service of process, lien waivers, public records, foreign-country business interest restrictions, diabetes management in schools, platting, fentanyl testing, third-party reservation platforms, electronic landlord-tenant notices, leaving-the-scene restitution, athletic coach background screening, surrendered infants, and affordable housing. The day’s most divided vote was on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which drew extended debate over fluoride policy and other provisions; it passed 27-9. At the end of the session, the Senate agreed to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, recognized a Taiwan-related resolution for the journal, made additional announcements, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• while the building code review board was working on the 2024 code.
• 2021 energy code while the building code 2021 energy code while the building code review<00:11:31.160
• 21 code so it is a more effective code 21 code so it is a more effective code in<00:11:57.920>
• <00:30:10.480> is codes the language in the model codes is codes the language in the model
• code and I believe the state code code and I believe the state code is<00:35:26.680> uh<00

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1/CAC 1, which concerned gubernatorial succession and incapacity. Members supporting an ITL motion said the bill was not workable as written and that New Hampshire already has a constitutional structure that has functioned for more than 200 years. Others noted the state’s two-year gubernatorial term and said the existing protections were sufficient. The committee voted 16-0 to inexpedient to legislate, and the item was placed on consent. The committee then considered House Bill 96, the energy code bill. Supporters argued that updating the code would reduce long-term energy costs, improve climate resilience, help the construction industry, and keep New Hampshire eligible for federal funding. Opponents of ITL said the bill was premature because the 2024 energy code was already under review, housing costs were a major concern, and the testimony on costs was conflicting and not well supported. The committee voted 12-4 for ITL, and a minority report was requested. House Bill 161, dealing with the Native American Affairs Commission, was also sent to ITL by a 16-0 vote and placed on consent. Members cited serious concerns about vacancies, expired terms, missing annual reports, and whether the commission was functioning effectively. Several members said the committee lacked the expertise to resolve the underlying cultural and intergovernmental disputes and that the issues were beyond the committee’s scope. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 428 and adopted Amendment 0328 by a 16-0 vote. The amendment would preserve municipalities’ ability to make administrative building-code amendments, such as permit, inspection, occupancy, and fee procedures, while still barring local governments from setting higher construction standards than the state code. Testimony emphasized that the amendment was meant to clean up and consolidate related language and make the bill administratively workable. After the amendment passed, members discussed the bill in amended form, with supporters and opponents focusing on housing costs, local control, flood protection, and the risk of inconsistent local codes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:52:44.480> by<00:52:44.800> statute is coded by statute is coded by statute >
• technically in the code as DRS. technically in the code as DRS.
• . with DRS to implement this chapter.
• implement this chapter implement this chapter and<01:20:47.920> um and um and um it<01:20
• <01:43:06.000> course complete the board governance course complete the board governance course

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our AAUP chapter, by the way, is more than 100 years old at the university.
• We have the second most regressive tax code in America.
• But we want a fair tax code. What do we want? Fair tax code. And when do we want it? Now.
• But we want a fair tax code. What do we want? Fair tax code. And when do we want it? Now.
• Well, Republicans comprise a tiny minority in state government for a reason.

Summary: The meeting was a press conference and Q&A led by Rep. Shaun Scott to promote the proposed Well Washington Fund, a new dedicated account intended to raise about $3 billion annually through a corporate payroll tax on wages above $125,000. Scott said the bill would help offset expected federal cuts under Trump-era policies and support programs most at risk, including cash assistance, higher education, health care, housing, and wildfire mitigation. He also referenced two related proposals: restoring wildfire mitigation funding by ending a tax break for large banks, and allowing counties to raise corporate taxes. Several advocates and affected residents testified in support of progressive revenue. Michelle Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance warned that federal homelessness policy changes and state underinvestment could worsen homelessness and evictions. Christina Savitsky, a disabled veteran, described how Medicaid, food assistance, and work requirements would affect her family. Representatives from the University of Washington AAUP said federal cuts and Medicaid changes threaten teaching, research, workforce training, and hospital finances. Fatima Boxwala of Tech for Taxes and Mikey Stramskis of the Washington Federation of State Employees argued that large corporations and the wealthy should pay more to sustain public services and address understaffing, burnout, and service backlogs. In the Q&A, Scott said the bill may need an emergency clause to make it referendum-proof and argued that the legislature has a mandate to act, citing the 2024 capital gains tax referendum and the state’s regressive tax system. He acknowledged concerns about businesses leaving but said he was more concerned about working people being displaced by unaffordable housing, child care, and health care. No vote or formal committee action occurred; the event was a call for a hearing in the House Finance Committee in 2026 and for legislative passage in both chambers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fairness, dignity, and a democracy that includes the people it governs.
• Government and legal scrutiny of both kratom and 7-OH began to mount.
• Government and legal scrutinies of both CREDM and 7-O-H began to mail.
• relating to the Veterinar Code relating to the Veterinar Code, relating to the Veterinarian and Mandatory
• Madam President, I could read another probably 10 chapters.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• guidance, the national USP standards, and state law, including provisions in the Health and Safety Code
• Well, understand standards, and state law, including provisions in the Health and Safety Code.
• And again, following the kind of like the glutathione swim lane, if that's okay, there's The chapter,
• you have to look through the chapter to see which various things apply.
• Once the formal rulemaking process starts, then the board follows the Government Code requirements for

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate business committees held a sunset review hearing on the California State Board of Pharmacy, with board leadership describing the board’s consumer-protection role and its priorities around access, enforcement, and updating pharmacy law. The board emphasized a proposed shift toward a standard-of-care model for pharmacists, arguing it would reduce rigid protocol requirements and improve access to services such as HIV PrEP/PEP, contraception, and naloxone. Board representatives also discussed pharmacy deserts, possible fee waivers for pharmacies in underserved areas, concerns about payer practices contributing to closures, continuing education audits, and a request to restore more flexibility in licensure decisions and probationary monitoring for applicants with certain criminal histories. A major focus of the hearing was the board’s ongoing compounding regulations, especially the treatment of sterile versus nonsterile compounding and substances such as glutathione and methylcobalamin. The board said the proposal was not a ban on those substances and described the rulemaking as grounded in federal law, USP standards, and public comment, noting the process had gone through multiple modified texts and hearings. Testimony from stakeholders was sharply divided: pharmacists, veterinarians, firefighters, naturopathic doctors, and patient advocates warned the rules were restricting access to compounded medications and harming patients and first responders, while the California Medical Association, psychiatric physicians, and PhRMA raised concerns that the board’s proposals could expand pharmacist authority beyond training, affect physician practice, or create safety risks. Other public comments addressed pharmacy technician ratios, remote processing, flavoring medications, hospital-specific regulation, budget and enforcement transparency, and whether the board should add members with community compounding or pharmacy technician expertise. Committee members also asked about the board’s oversight priorities and the rationale for its standard-of-care proposal. Board staff explained that consumer protection includes education, licensing, policy, and enforcement, with the highest-priority enforcement cases being those posing imminent public harm. After public testimony concluded, the chairs thanked participants and adjourned the sunset review hearing, announcing an immediate transition to the joint informational hearing on the Department of Cannabis Control.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Government Organization moved to amend the bill by striking out everything after the
• Bill 486 and Senate Bill 654 into House Bill 4793, all three of which deal with several of the same code
• Bill 486 and Senate Bill 654 into House Bill 4793, all three of which deal with several of the same code
• Additionally, provision was added. disorder services with respect to the chapter 30 provision.
• Questions on the adoption of the amendment offered by the Committee on Government Organization.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chapters.
• chapters.
• didn't fit quite as nicely into our code didn't fit quite as nicely into our code chapters<00:14
• and the building code sides, and especially on the fire code because it speaks to Chapter 153, which
• code because it speaks to the chapter code because it speaks to the chapter 153<00:18:56.600>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Municipal and County Government subcommittee met on February 19, 2025 to gather additional information on House Bill 432, which concerns recovery houses. The first witness, State Fire Marshal Sean Tumi, said his office had worked with stakeholders for more than a year on the bill’s definition changes and supported the revised definition. He explained that the bill removes vague language such as “safe, healthy, family” and instead relies on fire-code requirements and certification standards, including a primarily non-transient dwelling unit and living as a single household. He distinguished recovery houses from boarding or rooming houses and from other congregate settings such as group homes or transitional housing, saying those other uses do not currently have the same exemptions. Members questioned Tumi about fire safety, inspections, smoke alarms, egress, and whether sprinklers should be required. He said recovery houses are inspected by the fire marshal’s office and local fire departments, with annual inspections under state fire code provisions, and that operators must work with a certifying body. He described the inspection process as checking alarms, extinguishers, heating systems, cooking equipment, street numbers, and no-smoking rules, and said new houses are generally given time to obtain certification. He also said he would prefer sprinklers everywhere but believed mandating them for these existing structures would likely shut down many recovery houses and significantly harm the recovery community. Bill McKenny of the New Hampshire Building Officials Association then testified in support of HB 432. He said recovery housing is an important step after treatment and that the 2024 code changes and the bill help align state law with federal disability law. He emphasized that certification through a recognized organization gives code officials confidence that standards are being monitored, and warned that if a recovery home loses certification it would lose the waiver from sprinkler requirements and could be treated more like a boarding or rooming house. No vote or final action was taken at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This clarification law is consistent with the current tax code applicable to broadcasting and live and
• as Mental Health America of Greater Houston, where I serve as the director of Public Policy and government
• So whether that is the health and safety code related to mental health supports or that is the um.
• It should be in terms of all of the requirements of Chapter 17, particularly 17028, which requires the
• SB 293 in part adds persistent or willful violation of Article 1715 Code of Criminal Procedure to the

Transcript Highlights:

• to the Committee on Government to the Committee on Government Operations<00:51:16.800> and
• <00:53:36.080> 16 definitions for Title 3, Chapter 16 definitions for Title 3, Chapter 16
• clear procedures governing Establish clear procedures governing searches. searches. searches.
• accountability and governance problems. accountability and governance problems.
• code on their bottle. code on their bottle.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House resumed consideration of H.606 on firearm procedures and first took up Section 3 and its effective dates. A member from Northfield spoke at length in support, arguing the provision is narrowly tailored, based on actual dangerousness rather than mental illness alone, and is more limited than federal law because it applies only to specific court findings and is temporary, with rights restorable upon recovery. The House then approved Section 3 and its effective dates, approved the remainder of the Judiciary Committee report, and ordered third reading. The chamber then moved through third readings and passed H.385 on remedies and protections for victims of coerced debt, H.556 on exceptions to the state minimum wage, H.559 on the parole board, H.723 on posting of land, and H.757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives. On H.814, relating to neurological rights and AI in health and human services, the House adopted an amendment offered by the member from Burlington that required the advisory council to include proposed definitions for neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, and related terms in its report; the House Health Care Committee reported the amendment favorable 11-0-0, and the bill then passed. H.816, regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services, also passed, as did H.927, technical corrections for the 2026 session. The House then took up H.930 on chronic absenteeism. The committee member from Manchester described the bill as an AOE proposal responding to high post-pandemic absenteeism rates and their impact on learning, and outlined provisions adding definitions, updating compulsory attendance language, requiring a state model policy, strengthening notification and truancy procedures, and preserving existing penalties. The member said the Education Committee heard from a wide range of education and child welfare witnesses and passed the bill 11-0. After a brief clarification on the absences section, the House proceeded toward third reading of H.930.

Transcript Highlights:

• Among its provisions SB 37 clarifies governing board responsibility It defines shared governance and
• The government also has free speech rights and the government can control what its employees say when
• There's also, you know, a different plate when you're dealing with. the government, either government
• And government. And government. Yes, sir. Okay, we'll find out. The Aggies probably only need one.
• chapter.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State and local governments cannot impose additional requirements.
• From something, something Delta chapter.
• Angela Bradford Rosenberg, Sierra Club, Delta Chapter.
• Well, there are standards and codes of conduct.
• Angel Bradford Rosenberg, Sierra Club, Delta Chapter.

Summary: The committee first approved the May 5 minutes and then heard House Bill 578, which would define sex in Louisiana law as biological sex, replace references to gender with sex in various statutes and forms, and direct the Law Institute to make conforming changes. Supporters from the governor’s office said the bill would bring clarity and consistency, while opponents argued it could create conflicts with existing law and weaken protections tied to gender identity. After debate, the committee reported HB 578 favorably. Members then considered House Bill 1250, a measure aimed at aerospace-related litigation. The bill would allow a special motion to strike certain claims against aerospace flight entities when the claims are preempted by federal law. Senators raised concerns that the language was broad enough to affect airports, airlines, contractors, and even unrelated incidents, and the author said he was willing to work on narrowing amendments. The committee nevertheless reported HB 1250 favorably. House Bill 718, dealing with liability protections for private airstrips used for recreation, was amended to narrow its scope and then reported favorably, while House Bill 163, a narrower related airstrip bill, was voluntarily deferred so the committee could work from the other measure. The committee also approved House Concurrent Resolution 61, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to review possible conflicts between the constitution and statutes on expropriation. House Bill 180, defining foreign adversaries and agents of foreign adversaries for a proposed constitutional amendment, and House Bill 192, a constitutional amendment barring foreign adversaries from expropriating land in Louisiana, were both reported favorably. House Bill 1008, which sets out academic freedom and whistleblower protections for higher education, was rejected on a roll-call vote after concerns about its scope and limits on university discipline. House Bill 638, a prompt-payment bill for contractors, was set aside while amendments were being located. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 71, which would extend existing liability protections for justified use of force to properly trained armed security guards. The author and the Board of Private Security Examiners said security officers receive training and often face dangerous situations, but opponents argued the bill would give too much protection to personnel with far less training than law enforcement and could shield bad shootings. After debate, the committee voted to defer HB 71. The last measure discussed was House Bill 1082, which would change venue rules for lawsuits involving the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System so actions by the system would be filed where the employer is located; the author said the bill was meant to help small municipalities, and members indicated they were open to narrowing amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's just a small reference to it in chapter 13, which governs data practices, so it's removing that
• , and then the rest of it is chapter 297D.
• <00:02:47.239> uh chapter uh chapter uh 297d<00:02:49.200> and<00:02:49.319> then
• data it in uh chapter 13 which governs data it in uh chapter 13 which governs data practices<00:
• the Americans for Prosperity chapter the Americans for Prosperity chapter here<00:04:19.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• FINALLY WE WILL CONSIDER A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS CHAPTER 120 PREPARED BY STAFF AND SENATOR GRALL THAT
• WE THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT AND PROPER THE COMMITTEE WOULD REVIEW THE LANGUAGE THAT WILL IMPROVE CHAPTER
• WE ARE DISCUSSING TODAY EITHER DO OR DO NOT COMPLY WITH CHAPTER 120 AND FINALLY THIS OBJECTION YOU ARE
• YOU'RE ONLY COMMENTING ON IF IT COMPLIES WITH CHAPTER 120 AND OUR STAFF DIRECTOR AND TEAM SURROUNDING
• CURRENTLY THE WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS ADMINISTER THE CONSUMPTIVE USE PERMIT PROGRAM WHICH GOVERNS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We merge our two committees on General Government and Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement, and
• Um so, like Ryan said, um we are a qualified plan under IRC code 401A, which means that um the retirement
• Um so, like Ryan said, um we are a qualified plan under IRC code 401A, which means that um the retirement
• We are a qualified plan under IRC code 401A, which means that the retirement contributions that are made
• These are the state statutes that govern these requirements.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:54 Pension System Update 00:03:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee held its first official interim meeting after merging the General Government and Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement committees, establishing a quorum and opening with the pledge and prayer. Members then received a briefing from KPPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Aaron Sarock on the state retirement systems, including KERS, CERS, and SPRS, and on the importance of fully funding the actuarially determined employer contribution, supplemental appropriations, and investment earnings in reducing unfunded liabilities. They said the systems have made progress toward a statutory closed amortization target of 2049 and emphasized that supplemental funding lowers current employer contribution rates but does not change that end date. A major topic was federal and state reemployment-after-retirement rules for retirees who return to work with participating employers. KPPA explained that retirees must have a bona fide separation from service, no prearranged agreement to return, and generally a one-calendar-month break in service for retirees on or after January 1, 2024. If a member fails to comply, retirement benefits can be voided, payments stopped, health coverage ended, and benefits repaid. The presenters also noted that rehired retirees do not earn a second retirement account, and employers rehiring them must pay employer contributions and, in non-exempt cases, reimburse health insurance costs. Members asked about the scale of rehired retirees and the difference between employer contribution and health insurance reimbursement amounts. KPPA said that in fiscal year 2025 there were over 3,500 rehired retirees in CERS and over 5,000 in SPRS, with substantial employer contributions and health reimbursement payments collected. They also explained that some positions are exempt from these chargebacks, including school resource officers and certain law enforcement positions that meet statutory criteria. The committee discussed House Bill 213, which allows cities, sheriffs’ departments, and post-secondary institutions to offer health insurance to rehired officers if authorized by the governing body, effective August 1, 2026, and clarifies the fiscal-year basis for certain exemption limits. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Inserting a new conforming section in chapter 102, HRS, clarifying that the chapter does not apply to
• <00:39:26.880> 2011-14 is to amend uh HRS chapter 2011-14 is to amend uh HRS chapter 2011-
• >> Chapter 205-6, as opposed to chapter 205-4.5, lays out the statutory basis for the Land Use Commission
• governs it all.
• them, um, there's no one contract govern them, um, there's no one contract that<01:28:00.880> governs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2627, which would exempt Hawaii Tourism Authority contracts and agreements for sports projects, events, and related marketing from the state procurement code and other competitive bidding requirements. HTA, DBEDT, and the State Procurement Office testified in support or with comments, while one individual offered general support for sports tourism. Senators focused on narrowing the bill so the exemption would apply more specifically to sports-related projects and marketing, rather than broad marketing activities, and discussed whether the bill should require notice to the State Procurement Office or approval by the chief procurement officer. Procurement officials said a reporting requirement would be the most expeditious option, while still allowing post-event monitoring and public posting of exemptions. Members also discussed whether the exemption should be limited to situations involving sole-source sports entities, such as major leagues or international sports organizations, to better justify bypassing procurement rules. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but members and testifiers agreed to continue working on the language. The hearing then moved to SB 2074 relating to state facilities and naming rights for the Aloha Stadium and Hawaii Convention Center. The Stadium Authority, HTA, and DBEDT testified in support, while the Outdoor Circle and other organizations opposed the measure. Opponents argued the bill could create fiscal and legal risk, echoing concerns raised in prior legislation and by the attorney general, and warned it would mark a major shift by treating public facilities as commercial branding opportunities. Supporters said naming rights could generate significant revenue to help fund the stadium project and reduce the burden on the state and developers. Senators questioned how signage would be handled, especially whether it would be exterior-facing or limited to inward-facing signage, and the Stadium Authority said it was willing to work with the Outdoor Circle on language that would preserve community aesthetics while allowing revenue generation. A senator cited a prior study estimating naming rights could bring in about $1.5 million per year over 20 years, and asked what that revenue would buy for the public; the Stadium Authority responded that it would help advance the project toward a larger, improved stadium. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we can identify that by looking at the class code.
• The team can identify that by looking at the class code.
• And I'm not a person who likes to spend government money.
• So this is adopted Rule 66011, New Mexico Administrative Code.
• This was adopted in response to Laws 2025, Chapter 129, House Bill 54.

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's an Amendment bar code 1, 6, 4, 72. Thank you, Mister Chair.
• Amendment bar code 9, 4, 8, 9, 0, 4, We will take that up.
• Utilities are government granted monopolies and government in the form of the Public Service Commission
• We are not a government agency.
• One outlier does not bring about cause to rewrite the rule for governance.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government has called to order.
• Reimbursement will be paid by the federal government to the agency.
• Reimbursement will be paid by the federal government to the agency.
• Reimbursement will be paid by the federal government to the agency.
• Reimbursement will be paid by the federal government to the agency.

Keywords: This meeting will take place upon Recess of the Senate Chambers. There is not an exact time for this meeting therefore a placeholder time for the live stream has been set for 12:30PM est. Meeting Start: 00:03 Attendance Roll Call: 00:12 HB 321 (Rep. Johnson): 00:49 HB 340 (Rep. Hampton): 05:10 HB 520 (Rep. Fugate): 08:55 Adjournment: 32:26, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government considered three bills. House Bill 321, sponsored by Rep. DJ Johnson and supported by the Kentucky League of Cities and the Kentucky Realtor Association, was amended by committee substitute and adopted unanimously. As amended, it extends training deadlines for planning commission and board of adjustment members and adds required training on how planning and zoning policies affect housing supply and accessibility. The committee substitute also limits appeals of final board of adjustment actions to persons or entities claiming injury who own real estate in the same zone as the affected property. The bill passed 8-0, and a title amendment was adopted. House Bill 340, sponsored by Rep. Tony Hampton with support from law enforcement and federal security representatives, would create a new section of KRS Chapter 13 to require criminal justice agencies to provide criminal history records for federal suitability or fitness background checks and allow a $25 fee for records requests reimbursed by the federal government. It also conforms juvenile records law to the new process. The committee approved the bill 9-0 with no opposition. House Bill 520, sponsored by Rep. Chris Fugate and backed by the Kentucky Sheriff's Association, Kentucky Police Chiefs Association, and Kentucky League of Cities, generated the most debate. The bill and committee substitute would exempt certain open police investigation records from disclosure under the Open Records Act when an agency says release could harm an investigation or reveal informants or witnesses. Several senators raised concerns that the “could” standard was too broad and could weaken transparency, while supporters argued it was needed to protect ongoing investigations, witnesses, and officers. The committee initially failed the bill 6-4, then after additional vote changes and discussion, reconsidered it and advanced the amended bill with favorable expression 6-4 to the floor.