Video & Transcript Research : 'library media program'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Finance - 01/22/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Those are all equalized levy programs. Those are all equalized levy programs. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
  • There's a program called long-term facilities maintenance, which is a facilities financing program.
  • factors um there's there's a program factors um there's there's a program called<00:10:45.519>
  • program that particular program<00:10:51.680> does<00:10:51.839> not<00:10:52.000>
  • think of any other program where can't think of any other program where we're<00:16:04.240> we're
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • for Libraries and Archives 725 K1050. for Libraries and Archives 725 K1050.
  • , decision of the state libraries, decision of the state libraries, archives,<02:06:06.320> and
  • <02:11:50.960> without a narcotic treatment program without a narcotic treatment program without
  • as the quality improvement program as the quality payment<02:15:34.560> program<02:15:35.360>
  • Um payment program uh rolls into that.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

HOUSE CONVENES Apr 21st, 2026

Arkansas All Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, this is just transferring the early childhood nutrition program from the Department of Education
  • This is just transferring the early childhood nutrition program from the Department of Education over
  • Also creates the appropriation for the Rural Health Transformation Program.
  • Also creates the appropriation for the Rural Health Transformation Program.
  • This is the appropriation for the State Library. I'm happy to answer any questions.
Keywords: 1204, all
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 3/20/2026 #2

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additionally, registry program.
  • <00:21:00.799> It alterations to those programs. It alterations to those programs.
  • If not, clerk will call the roll. and County Libraries Funding. and County Libraries Funding.
  • program act of 2026. program act of 2026.
  • and Purple Stars Colleges Program. and Purple Stars Colleges Program.
Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum and quickly moved through committee reports and second-reader bills, adopting committee amendments and sending several measures to third reading without objection. Bills advanced included SB 10 on State Highway Administration approval timelines for speed monitoring systems; SB 487 on speed monitoring systems in safety corridors; SB 689 creating a task force on post-release services and re-entry; SB 811 requiring reporting of new home sale prices in multiple listing services; SB 877 authorizing a Baltimore City stop sign monitoring pilot in the 41st district; SB 937, the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act, limiting use of criminal history in tenant screening; SB 984 barring private immigration detention facilities; SB 465 on out-of-court statements and second-degree assault; SB 187 on pre-release services for incarcerated women; SB 388, the Decade Act, revising multiple economic development and tax credit programs; and SB 844, the annual corrective bill. Most of the floor discussion focused on explaining amendments and the policy effects of the bills. Supporters described the housing bill as expanding second-chance opportunities while adding safeguards, and a senator asked detailed questions about how landlords could screen for serious offenses and sex offender registry status. SB 984 was described as an emergency measure preventing state and local approval of private detention facilities and authorizing enforcement by the Attorney General. SB 465 was presented as closing a gap in Maryland law on witness intimidation and aligning the state with broader practice. SB 187 would rename and expand the women’s pre-release facility into a re-entry facility and require progress reports. The most extended debate came on SB 165, the on-site wastewater systems bill. One amendment to exempt redevelopment properties from inspection was offered and failed by roll call with 27 votes in the negative. A second amendment to require consultation with Maryland Realtors in developing regulations was then offered; supporters argued it would help avoid delays in property settlements and bring real estate professionals into the regulatory process, while opponents said the bill concerned broader wastewater regulations, not just property transfers. The transcript cuts off during that amendment’s discussion, before the final vote is shown.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

FIN Info Briefing - Tue Jan 13, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He's coordinating the program manager.
  • <00:25:23.679> that types of risk assessment programs that types of risk assessment programs
  • going to start with this pilot program going to start with this pilot program uh<00:25:54.080>
  • <00:49:50.559> 50 program. It's in the farm bill. 50 program.
  • So we might be block grant program.
Keywords: 910, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HHS Informational Briefing 04-09-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, our child welfare program Yes.
  • the ohana navigator program. the ohana navigator program.
  • of the development of the Kako program. of the development of the Kako program.
  • talked to them about um even programs talked to them about um even programs like<01:33:14.639>
  • <01:35:14.320> Hey, the Coca-Cola program. Thank you. Hey, the Coca-Cola program.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - Part 3 - 05/16/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • They're cutting programs.
  • President, the program works. Let's bring this program to all of Minnesota.
  • President, the program works.
  • program works.
  • Let's bring this program program works.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Sitting down at work 3/24/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • According to a meta analysis published by NIH's National Library of Medicine, prolonged standing at work
  • meta analysis published by NIH's to a meta analysis published by NIH's National<00:03:06.800> Library
  • c><00:03:07.120> of<00:03:07.280> Medicine,<00:03:07.760> prolonged National Library
  • of Medicine, prolonged National Library of Medicine, prolonged standing<00:03:08.560> at<00:03
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee took up House File 3796, as amended by a DE2 amendment, and the amendment was adopted on a voice vote. Representative Jones described the bill as creating a reasonable expectation that employees can sit when the nature of the work allows it, and said the DE2 clarified language with help from the Department of Labor and Industry and added a penalty for violations. She said the bill was inspired by constituents who work in a museum and by concerns about the health effects of prolonged standing, including back and leg pain, fatigue, cardiovascular issues, and pregnancy-related harms. Supporters testified that the bill would improve worker health and safety and reflect common-sense accommodations. A former Walker Arts Center union president described a dispute over stools for gallery assistants, saying workers were told they needed a doctor’s note to use them and that the union gathered signatures and other support after the employer restricted seating. A UFCW representative said seating makes ergonomic sense, can reduce injuries and workers’ compensation costs, and may reduce ADA-related issues, especially for cashiers. Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business, both of which argued the bill was too vague and could create compliance and litigation problems for employers. They raised questions about what counts as reasonable seating, adequate numbers of seats, and reasonable proximity, and worried about impacts on small businesses, tight workspaces, and industries such as retail, food service, hospitality, nursing, and meatpacking. Department of Labor and Industry staff explained that enforcement would likely begin with technical assistance and an inform-and-educate process, with investigations and possible penalties if compliance could not be achieved. Members also questioned statewide impact and fiscal effects. The chair laid over House File 3796 as amended for further discussion, with no final vote on the bill.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Appropriations Apr 2nd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Major issues include a program at $15 billion for library, cultural, and historical initiatives totaling
  • The program includes $15 billion for library, cultural, and historical initiatives totaling $58.4 million
  • Grant Program may be used for.
  • scholarship programs and requires the use of a single application for all scholarship programs.
  • This creates a tax program to encourage supporting these programs by offering tax relief.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 8th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Civil Rights & Judiciary Dec 5th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • UW Law has both a summer stipend program for public service work and an LRAP program.
  • Blake program.
  • The other program we have is the simple possession advocacy and representation program.
  • Our last component of our program is our social services program.
  • The last component of our program is our social services program.
Summary: The work session began with a discussion of expanding opportunities in the legal profession, especially in response to shortages of lawyers in rural Washington and in public service roles. Washington State Bar Executive Director Tara Nevitt described a slowly growing but aging attorney population, noted that younger attorneys have declined, and outlined efforts such as supervised practice pathways to bar admission, reduced admission-by-motion experience requirements, expanded law clerk capacity, rural job fairs and grants, and a pilot program allowing innovative legal service delivery models. Members asked about bar passage score changes, loan repayment assistance, and the former Limited License Legal Technician program; Nevitt said the bar is monitoring other states and remains in dialogue with the court about paraprofessional licensing. Law school representatives from UW, Seattle University, and Gonzaga emphasized public service pipelines, financial barriers, and rural legal deserts, citing LRAPs, scholarships, stipends, clinics, and hybrid or regional programs designed to recruit and retain students in Washington. Seattle U highlighted its FlexJD and hybrid hub partnerships in underserved areas, while Gonzaga and UW reported substantial shares of graduates entering public service, though most still cluster in urban regions. The committee also heard from the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Office of Public Defense, both of which described severe recruitment and retention problems in rural counties, with vacancies, low applicant pools, and the need for higher salaries, housing help, internships, and loan support. The Office of Public Defense said its internship and fellowship program, created by SB 5780, has already placed interns in rural counties and produced some commitments to return after graduation. The Washington State Bar’s law clerk program was also presented as a pathway that helps people train locally and remain in their communities, including by supporting succession for aging solo practitioners. The committee then shifted to family law and guardianship issues. On Title 26 guardian ad litem practice, presenters from Northwest Justice Project and private family law practice said GALs can play an important role but that training, oversight, and consistency remain major concerns, especially in domestic violence cases. They described problems such as inadequate training, bias, inconsistent recommendations, high fees, and lack of accountability, and suggested stronger, standardized training, more use of mental health professionals for custody evaluations, and better oversight mechanisms. Members asked about county practices, including rotation systems for GAL appointments and whether King County’s family court assessors provide a useful model. The discussion then moved to minor guardianships under the Uniform Guardianship Act. A Superior Court judge said the 2021 changes increased the need for court visitors and appointed counsel, but courts are struggling to find qualified attorneys and visitors, especially in rural areas. A former commissioner said most of the bill under discussion was technical cleanup to align prior amendments, though it would add some fiscal burdens. Administrative Office of the Courts staff reported that the statewide reimbursement program for UGA implementation has repeatedly run out of money earlier each year, with minor guardianship costs making up most of the expense. The Office of Public Guardianship then described rapid growth in demand for adult guardianship and less restrictive alternatives, noting that referrals and caseloads have risen sharply, but that the office is constrained by a shortage of certified professional guardians and low compensation levels. Finally, the committee began an update on Blake implementation from the Office of Civil Legal Aid, which funds civil legal services related to the decision, before the transcript cut off.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • We need strong after-school programs. We need strong summer programs.
  • Or a voucher program or a scholarship program to get my child, maybe to that charter school or to that
  • Spanish-speaking immersion program was a great program for them.
  • And we certainly should honor those programs, and if we want stronger or more programs for loan forgiveness
  • Yes, the programs have to have accountability. All the programs do.
Summary: The committee meeting engaged in discussions focused primarily on educational reform, the influence of federal grants on local education systems, and the growing disparities in wealth and access to quality education. Members expressed concerns about the bureaucracy surrounding federal funding that hampers schools' ability to obtain necessary resources for improvement. Several members highlighted personal anecdotes from constituents, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to help students succeed in both K-12 and higher education environments. The meeting included public testimonies that provided insights into various community perspectives on these pressing issues.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 15th, 2026 at 01:32 pm

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • The old program we used to manage lost money.
  • We still see some entities coming to join our program.
  • Support is funded entirely by transfers within the agency, so from different programs to program support
  • And so moving on to the next program.
  • So that transfer out of the Risk Management Program into Program support is significantly lower in the
Keywords: 996, all
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 3/18/2026 #2

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . program. program.
  • Program Feasibility Study. Program Feasibility Study.
  • Program, and Tax Credits. Program, and Tax Credits.
  • House Bill 660, public libraries state library resource center funding.
  • existing uh program. That's correct. existing uh program. That's correct.
Summary: The House convened with a quorum and then moved through messages from the Senate, introducing several Senate bills and referring them to committees. It then took up multiple third-reading calendars and considered a large number of bills across public health, criminal law, education, estates and trusts, social services, and state government. Most bills passed with broad margins, including measures on fiduciary attorney-client privilege, food labeling and prohibited ingredients, human trafficking awareness training, pharmacy prescriber-pharmacist agreements, provisional social work licensure, structural racism training funding sources, youth delinquency prevention funding, menstrual hygiene product labeling, school resource officer sexual activity prohibitions, nurse licensure enforcement, physician delegation changes, child support income definitions, AI-related child sexual abuse material, trauma-informed care resources, restrictive housing for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, open movie captioning, autism and dementia police training, gift card fraud, scholarship eligibility, retention proceeds, graduate scholarship eligibility, intercepted communications penalties, benefits for children in custody, juvenile supervision petitions, institutional debt reporting, contraception access reporting, surgical smoke evacuation systems, tax foreclosure notice requirements, special police officer study, child advocacy center standards, victim notification at charging, human trafficking reporting, drug dispensing cost surveys, school board nominating commission changes, the Henrietta Lacks Commission, ID card photograph requirements, and several others. A few bills drew substantive floor discussion. House Bill 963 on appointment of personal representatives was supported as a way to help families and heirs access assets, including in cross-border situations. House Bill 877 on institutional debt reporting prompted debate over whether the bill was useful and whether it would burden colleges; supporters said it would create needed aggregate data and a data dictionary to better understand debt incurred directly from institutions. House Bill 1076 on over-the-counter contraception access and reporting was clarified as a reporting measure that harmonizes prior reporting requirements and does not use taxpayer funds to purchase contraception, though grants had supported vending machine installation. House Bill 288 on extending a state of emergency for schools was explained as applying to natural disasters, civil disasters, public health emergencies, or specific security threats, with one member expressing concern about state involvement and learning loss from prolonged closures. House Bill 746 on the Medicaid/health insurance collaborative care model was briefly delayed by a computer issue, then passed after a short pause. Several members announced vote changes after the roll calls, including corrections on House Bills 65, 771, 769, 900, 1058, 1076, 1490, 1540, and 1554. Final actions on the floor were overwhelmingly favorable to the bills considered, with only a handful of measures drawing notable negative votes, including House Bills 410, 963, 1042, 1058, 1076, 1152, 1540, and 1554. The House also passed a number of local and policy bills with strong bipartisan support, and no amendments or motions to postpone were recorded in the excerpt.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Health Committee Apr 8th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • California currently has no licensed midwife programs and only one nurse midwifery program accepting
  • in California and is the foundation for two new programs.
  • And these programs last anywhere from three to seven years.
  • is also... ...federal family planning program grantee for 55 years and is also proud to be the program
  • administrator of three state abortion access grant programs.
Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion. The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills. The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HSH Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Human Services & Homelessness

Transcript Highlights:
  • We want to expand the program.
  • We want to expand the program.
  • We want to expand the program.
  • We want to expand the program.
  • We want to expand the program.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • And we Brownfield redevelopment program.
  • Uh active means uh brownfield's program.
  • So, this program has Conservation Fund.
  • <01:02:47.200> that where we take old computer programs that where we take old computer programs
  • The legislature their programs as well.
Summary: The meeting was the first of the year for the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Members were called, a quorum was confirmed, new co-chairs and members were welcomed, and the board approved the prior year’s meeting minutes. The chair also reviewed the capital planning timeline, packet organization, and the list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, protecting existing infrastructure, preventive maintenance, and improving service delivery. Its major requests included a $21 million maintenance pool for 14 campuses and 175 buildings, phase 2 construction funding for a new public health laboratory, an 18-bed psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents with severe mental health needs, and several projects at Western State Hospital, Western State Nursing Facility, Hazlewood, and Oakwood. Members asked about the youth facility’s relationship to a separate DJJ project, vacant buildings, the high per-bed cost of the children’s hospital, and how the cabinet determined the need for the youth facility. CHFS said the youth project would be a separate facility serving high-acuity youth, the cost reflected the specialized nature of the unit and an 18-bed cap, and the broader youth plan also includes prevention, in-home services, and coordination across agencies. The Kentucky Department of Education then described projects for its three state-operated facilities: the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. It requested additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building after bids came in higher than expected, plus funding for a new education finance application system to support SEEK budgeting. Other priorities included a maintenance pool, FFA pool renovation, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, lighting improvements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size of the FFA pool, and construction cost assumptions; the department said it tracks students through the schools and short-course programs, the pool size figure may have been a typo, and current construction estimates are being adjusted upward because of inflation and supply-chain pressures. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system to connect job seekers and employers, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would help match workers with employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility has safety and code concerns. The adult education system was described as outdated and lacking adequate case-management and tracking capabilities.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

State Committee Meeting - 2025-04-08

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • A bill from the library official to allow agencies to uniformly carry forward unexpended non-grant operating
  • and similarly undermines their increased role in preventing fraud in agency and state government programs
  • that collect over 33 billion dollars to support the future for all of Minnesota, including state programs
  • also working with the tax and other committees on potential reductions and other changes in agency programs
Bills: HF2783
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • No government program is actually free; the taxpayer always pays. Okay, any questions?
  • , instead of saying this program is free thanks to your public tax infrastructure?
  • , instead of saying this program is free thanks to your public tax infrastructure?
  • , Builders free ENR activities and programs, free trainings through different activities.
  • , Builders free ENR activities and programs, free trainings through different activities.
Summary: The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and first took up HJR 15, as amended by a committee substitute, which would return the granite Ten Commandments monument to permanent display on the new State Capitol grounds. Representative Baker described the monument’s history, its removal during construction in the 1980s, the 2000 effort to restore it, and recent Supreme Court changes that he said make the historical-tradition analysis more relevant than the former Lemon test. Members asked about the monument’s location, possible amendments to allow other faiths to place similar monuments, and church-state concerns. Several members explained their votes by saying they supported the historical display but wanted further discussion about religious representation. The resolution passed the committee 16-1 with two pass votes and was reported favorably to the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 30, sponsored by Representative Blanton, which addresses pension spiking in the Kentucky Public Pension Authority. Blanton said the bill codifies a court ruling clarifying that across-the-board pay raises are not pension spiking and noted support from fire, police, and state employees. Representative Tipton reminded members that pension bills should be reviewed by the Public Pension Oversight Board first and said this bill had been reviewed there without issue. The committee approved HB 30 unanimously, 20-0, with favorable expression. House Bill 71, sponsored by Representative Duval, was next. KPPA Executive Director Ryan Barrow said the bill was requested by KPPA, vetted by the Public Pension Oversight Board, and would restructure KPPA by creating an Office of Financial Management and moving the current CFO into an executive director-level role overseeing that office, without affecting system funding requirements. Representative Johnson supported the measure as an administrative codification of current practice. The committee passed HB 71 unanimously, 20-0, with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 182 from Representative Frasier Gordon, which would prohibit state government from using the word “free” to describe taxpayer-funded services. Gordon said the bill is intended to increase transparency and ensure taxpayers are credited for funding public services, while not changing any programs or benefits. Members questioned how the bill would be enforced, what alternative wording should be used, and whether the restriction could affect communication with low-income or low-literacy residents; Gordon said terms like “provided at no cost” or “paid for by taxpayers” would be acceptable and that the bill contains no penalty. The committee passed HB 182 17-3 with favorable expression and sent it to the House floor.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House/Senate DFL Press Conference 3/18/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • :22.839> local together in a small area at the local together in a small area at the local library
  • <00:09:24.200> we library we library we decided<00:09:25.959> what<00:09:26.079> are
Keywords: 1183, house