Transcript Highlights:

• <02:25:03.600> from<02:25:03.760> having<02:25:04.000> to<02:25:04.160> go
• c> the<02:25:04.880> taxpayers<02:25:05.520> in<02:25:05.680> the<02:25:05.840
• <03:25:20.800> Um,<03:25:21.359> and<03:25:21.600> I<03:25:21.840> rise
• The<03:25:57.520> state<03:25:57.840> is<03:25:58.080> looking<03:25:58.319>
• 25:59.040> in<04:25:59.199> favor<04:25:59.439> say<04:25:59.760> I.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.880> um<00:25:51.279> you<00:25:51.440> know<00:25:51.520> we<00:25:51.760
• :25:53.760> office<00:25:54.240> um<00:25:54.320> and<00:25:54.559> some
• <00:25:55.440> but<00:25:56.080> um<00:25:56.240> we<00:25:56.480> just
• but um we just felt we could<00:25:57.360> do<00:25:57.520> this<00:25:57.919> um
• c><00:25:58.080> without<00:25:58.320> the<00:25:58.559> additional could do this

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on May 16, 2025, and first adopted a rules-and-procedures change extending online audit approval timelines for American Rescue Plan items through December 2026 and bipartisan infrastructure law items through June 30, 2027. The committee then approved the April 18 minutes and adopted the consent calendar with several items removed for separate discussion, including items from Tabs 4, 6, and 7. On Tab 4 item 2511, members questioned why the state was paying utility costs for the Laconia property while it is being sold. Commissioner Charlie Arlinghaus explained the budget line covered utilities generally, not just heat, that some buildings still require minimal heating, and that the main increase was tied to the Winnipesaukee River Basin Project wastewater charges. He said the charges had risen sharply, the property sale would eventually trigger a utility true-up at closing, and he would provide additional analysis. The committee then adopted the item. On Tab 4 item 25115, the Department of Justice said funding for a temporary fourth pathologist was removed from the 2026-2027 budget because it was no longer needed, and the committee adopted the item. On Tab 6 item 25126, Department of Health and Human Services officials explained the Medicaid managed care “withhold” as a performance incentive: about 2% of capitation payments are held back, then redistributed based on quality and operational metrics, with unearned amounts staying with the state until the end of the program and subject to actuarial requirements. They said the approach has improved performance and helped with Medicaid unwinding outreach, reducing enrollment by about 11,000 people in the past year. The committee adopted the item. On Tab 7 item 25139, the Department of Energy said it no longer needed an additional position because existing staff could handle the work, and the item was adopted. The committee also adopted regular-calendar items 25114 and 25131, noted that one regular-calendar item had been withdrawn, set the next meeting for June 20 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 100 of the State House, and adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• > John<00:25:38.799> Walls<00:25:39.080> wants<00:25:39.279> to<00:25:39.600
• > been<00:25:45.200> signed<00:25:45.520> off<00:25:45.760> by<00:25:45.880
• > chair<01:25:08.600> and<01:25:08.760> I<01:25:08.840> just<01:25:08.960
• 25:10.440> record<01:25:10.719> I<01:25:10.840> know<01:25:10.960> we<01:
• through<01:25:11.400> it<01:25:11.520> pretty<01:25:11.760> quickly<01:25:12.119

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 22, 2024 minutes and then took up House File 3761, the Safety Through Support Act, with a motion to lay the bill over. Representative Lee Finke said the bill is intended to improve re-entry outcomes and public safety by expanding prison visitation, including mentoring and access for mental health and medical professionals, and by creating a task force to support rehabilitation and re-entry. Testifiers in support included Holly Bot, who described how family visits helped her through incarceration and later into successful re-entry and business ownership, and Zeke Caliguri, who argued that consistent visitation and community connection are essential to humanity, rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism. Elliot Bhai of NAMI Minnesota also supported the bill, framing visitation as a form of needed mental health support in prisons. Members raised several concerns and suggestions. Representative Hudson questioned the bill’s strip-search limitation language, asking what would count as a credible, documented security concern, and also worried the task force could create discriminatory access or favor certain viewpoints. Representative Finke said she did not view a conviction as making someone permanently a security risk and said the task force was meant to ensure meaningful visitation for everyone, not to enable discrimination. Representative Hollins and Representative N. supported the bill’s overall goals while suggesting language could be tightened and noting that maintaining outside ties helps people return as productive members of society. Representative Witte asked about the Department of Corrections commissioner’s presence, and the chair said questions for him could wait for a later bill. Representative Mu asked about the fiscal note and the research behind the bill. Staff said a fiscal note had been requested but not yet signed off by the LBO, which was one reason the bill was being laid over. Finke said she could share the visitation study and noted that the bill responds to research linking visitation to lower recidivism; she also said remote visitation data shows value but can be costly. After closing remarks emphasizing that visitation is “medicine” and that most incarcerated people will return to the community, the chair renewed the motion and laid over House File 3761. The committee then moved on to House File 4959, with a motion to re-refer it to the Committee on State and Local Government Finance and Policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:06.240> that<00:25:06.440> we<00:25:06.760> you<00:25:06.880> know
• <00:25:31.960> two<00:25:32.159> 300<00:25:32.720> you<00:25:32.840> guys
• <00:25:33.880> back<00:25:34.520> from<00:25:34.679> the<00:25:34.880> kahali
• c> know<00:25:37.200> you<00:25:37.279> guys<00:25:37.399> are<00:25:37.559>
• > receiving<00:25:41.600> those<00:25:41.880> K<00:25:42.360> homes<00:25

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the operating budget, 25% comes from federal reimbursements.
• So about 25% of the state's capital investment plan comes from the feds.
• The point is not that, oh, we could go from $25 billion to $0.
• That is going to change the prioritization of other projects as well.
• So let's look at tax revenues in fiscal year 25, for example.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The inaugural hearing of the newly named House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability focused on how federal policy changes could affect Massachusetts, especially in education, health care, research, infrastructure, climate, and business conditions. Chair LaNatra said the committee was created to monitor federal funding decisions and their impacts on state programs and services. Members introduced themselves, then heard testimony from Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Sarah Mills of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and Quentin Palfrey, the governor’s Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure. Howgate argued that the Trump administration and new Congress pose ideological, practical, and process-related risks to Massachusetts, citing proposed cuts to Medicaid, education, research, and other domestic programs. He said federal dollars make up about a quarter of the state operating budget and capital plan, warned against using one-time reserves to backfill ongoing federal cuts, and urged the state to prioritize core services while protecting areas where Massachusetts is especially strong, such as higher education and research. In response to committee questions, he said the House Medicaid proposal would still cost Massachusetts hundreds of millions and that international student and NIH-related changes could harm the state’s labor force and innovation economy. He also advised that the state communicate clearly without overreacting to daily federal developments. Mills testified that AIM members are most concerned about uncertainty, tariffs, Medicaid cuts, and NIH reductions. She said tariffs are raising costs, disrupting supply chains, and hurting small and medium-sized businesses, housing construction, and exporters, with AIM’s business confidence index falling to its lowest level since the pandemic. She said Medicaid cuts would raise employer health costs, reduce productivity, and strain the health care system, while NIH cuts would threaten Massachusetts’ life sciences and academic research ecosystem. In questions, she said AIM has increased federal outreach, is coordinating with the U.S. Chamber and the Massachusetts delegation, and is hearing concerns from employers about immigration compliance and workforce disruptions. Palfrey described the Healey-Driscoll administration’s efforts to maximize federal funding, including a biweekly interagency council, a municipal partnership effort, and a statewide roadshow. He said Massachusetts has secured nearly $9 billion from major federal laws for projects such as the Cape Cod bridges, Allston Multimodal, grid modernization, clean-energy school buses, and broadband. He also said the administration launched a public website to track federal impacts and is working with municipalities, nonprofits, and the Attorney General on grant changes, legal issues, and litigation. In response to questions, he warned that cuts to NOAA, NSF, Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs could affect services and the state budget, and said the administration is tracking changes to federal grant applications and conditions. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of those numbers you can see, like 23, you had 25 total.
• Some of those numbers you can see, like 23, you had 25 total.
• , and that project came into about $90,000.
• That one is just about a $100,000 project. That one is just about a $100,000 project.
• So we have another fleet down there sitting there at maybe 25, 30%.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• FEMA projects last a long time.
• FEMA projects last a long time.
• Those are a 75-25 split.
• It really depends on the project.
• Temporary sheltering assistance, 25% state share.

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The committee held a budget hearing for the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management, with Director Annie Verst presenting the agency’s FY26/FY27 request and explaining the agency’s role in disaster response, recovery, preparedness, and mitigation. She said OEM remains a lean agency focused on coordinating resources for local governments, supporting recovery after disasters, and helping communities build resilience. She highlighted recent activity including wildfire response, multiple fire management assistance declarations, $83 million in public assistance payouts, use of the new state disaster revolving fund, and implementation of an Oklahoma resilient recovery strategy and ARPA-funded rural public safety grants. Verst emphasized uncertainty in federal funding and FEMA operations, saying hazard mitigation assistance has been canceled for the first time since 1988, some obligations were delayed under DHS’s “Defend the Spend” review, and the emergency management performance grant period was shortened before later being resolved. She said OEM has restructured by eliminating obsolete administrative work, repurposing positions to regional coordinators, ending warehouse leases, and assigning fleet vehicles more efficiently. Her budget request included $3.7 million to cover a possible loss of federal operating support, $1 million for a required state hazard mitigation plan update, $3.8 million for the state emergency fund to cover anticipated 12.5% state shares and replenish prior expenditures, and $800,000 for anticipated other-needs/temporary sheltering cost share. Members questioned her about Oklahoma Task Force One, the revolving fund, and whether OEM is shifting toward a response-focused agency. Verst said response remains local and OEM’s role is coordination, recovery, and mitigation, not replacing local emergency management. She explained Task Force One is used when local capacity is exceeded, is not currently funded by OEM for routine operations, and the revolving fund helps bridge reimbursement delays. She also said the hazard mitigation plan update would likely be done by an outside contractor or university partner. No votes were taken; the hearing ended after questions and thanks from the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• shall<00:25:01.039> not<00:25:01.279> pay<00:25:01.520> the<00:25:01.760>
• >> And<00:25:04.320> the<00:25:04.640> other<00:25:04.960> 66<00:25:05.760
• >> Got<00:25:07.440> Yes,<00:25:07.679> that's<00:25:07.919> that's<00:25:
• I<00:25:18.159> just<00:25:18.320> had<00:25:18.480> a<00:25:18.720> question
• <00:25:19.039> as<00:25:19.279> it<00:25:19.440> relates<00:25:19.679> to

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met in August with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee then reviewed several regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection, and heard brief explanations from agency representatives on each item. The Board of Pharmacy regulations would clarify what registered and certified pharmacy technicians may do under supervision and what certified technicians may not do, while updating registration applications. The Board of Cosmetology package included changes to executive director authority, licensure and reciprocity rules, school requirements, training hours, instructor ratios, sanitation and disease-related rules, complaint procedures, and permit terms; members asked about straight razor language and the increase in student-to-instructor ratios, and the board explained that cosmetologists are not permitted to use straight razors and that the higher ratio was intended to give schools flexibility, especially for part-time students and schools with wait lists. The Occupational Therapy emergency compact regulation added four compact rules adopted in April 2025, and Senator West raised a technical question about certification requirements under House Bill 6; the agency said it had been instructed to file the regulation as submitted. The Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources presented a package covering wildlife management area rules, a northern pintail bag limit increase, reportable disease reporting, and a repeal tied to boat registration fees. After a brief explanation of the new wildlife disease reporting rule, the agency requested and received a deferral of 301 KAR 2:031 to avoid a gap while replacement language is finalized. The Economic Development Finance Authority explained an emergency regulation for the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program, saying it was needed because the program had become oversubscribed and because administration was shifting to a new film office and council; members also asked about certification issues under House Bill 6, and the agency said it had filed the regulation as directed. The Department of Workplace Standards emergency PPE regulation was also discussed, with members asking about HB 6 certification language, and the agency gave the same response. The Department of Insurance regulation would create a $10,000 registration fee and a $1,000 annual licensing fee for pharmacy benefit manager licenses, with an agency amendment exempting PBMs that solely serve workers’ compensation plans. Members asked how many PBMs would be affected and why workers’ compensation PBMs were carved out; the agency said there were 70 registered PBMs total, four solely workers’ comp, and that workers’ comp rates are set by statute and could not absorb the fee. Finally, the Public Service Commission’s pole attachment regulation was summarized as a broadband-expansion measure that speeds application review, increases the number of poles allowed in a single application, and shortens dispute timelines; the commission explained it grew out of earlier legislative direction and subsequent emergency amendments, and the committee adopted the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:25:40.000> a<00:25:40.200> large<00:25:40.480> Chun<00:25:40.720> of
• c><00:25:40.799> It<00:25:40.960> Go<00:25:41.120> chunk<00:25:41.360> of
• it goes<00:25:41.679> to<00:25:41.760> New<00:25:41.919> Hampshire<00:25:42.240
• :45.559> turn<00:25:45.760> and<00:25:45.840> it<00:25:45.960> goes<00:25
• that<00:25:50.120> was<00:25:50.279> formed<00:25:50.799> to<00:25:51.440><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs’ budget, with testimony from division leadership on staffing, funding sources, and program changes. Early discussion focused on vacant positions in the agency, including a senior planner tied to FEMA requirements, a federally funded program assistant, a program specialist to be reclassified during a planning reorganization, and two Housing Champions positions that were authorized but not funded in the current biennium and are requested for 2026-27. The witnesses also explained that temporary welcome center positions are filled as funds allow, and that the agency’s requested general fund increase is driven largely by the Division of Travel and Tourism Development and its formula-based funding. Members then reviewed rest areas, welcome centers, outdoor recreation, economic development, procurement, and workforce opportunity lines. The department said there are 12 rest areas, with 5.8 million foot counts in FY 24, and that welcome centers are generally open year-round, though Sutton is currently closed and staffing relies on a mix of full-time and temporary employees. The outdoor recreation position is federally funded through USDA and supports business outreach, trade shows, and industry promotion. In economic development, the agency said increased dues reflect participation in the Northern Borders Regional Commission, and that a marketing line item is intended to support recruitment and promotion of growth industries such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The Apex Accelerator Program was described as a state-federal partnership requiring a state match and providing government contracting assistance to businesses, while the Office of Workforce Opportunity was explained as a federally funded WIOA-related effort administered through multiple agencies and subrecipients. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which members said had generated significant public concern. The department described SBDC as a highly effective technical assistance program for new and small businesses, but said the cut was one of the few places it felt it had room to reduce funding. Members asked about federal support and matching requirements for various programs, and the department said less than half of its overall budget is generally funded by the state and that some programs require state match. The committee also discussed travel and tourism marketing and the Joint Promotional Program, with the department saying those funds support broader advertising campaigns and grants to chambers and trade associations for events such as Bike Week, Restaurant Week, and the Seafood Festival. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that the project you're talking about? This project, uh, Mr. Chair and Mr. Senator, thank you.
• This is a pilot project.
• Um, you mean for the Kit Carson project? Uh, for this project, maybe, uh, Mr.
• project?
• project.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:25:03.680> you<00:25:03.800> know,<00:25:03.880> it<00:25:04.160> it
• <00:25:14.360> you<00:25:14.680> and<00:25:15.440> Yeah,<00:25:15.960> so
• Right.<00:25:24.480> So,<00:25:24.720> so<00:25:25.040> you're<00:25:25.240>
• And we we try<00:25:27.360> to<00:25:27.520> look<00:25:27.760> at<00:25:27.960>
• But getting through<00:25:39.400> cuz<00:25:39.560> we're<00:25:39.680> an<00:25

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts held a confirmation hearing on GM 742 for John Komeiji, the gubernatorial nominee to serve as chairperson of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority through 6/30/2029. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. The executive director of the authority, representatives of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corporation and the Mauna Kea observatories, and authority member Noenoe Wong-Wilson all praised Komeiji’s leadership, describing him as fair, transparent, steady, and effective at building trust and relationships among stakeholders. Chris Matsuda also supported the nomination, citing Komeiji’s presence at community workshops, his neutral facilitation of public discussion, and his careful handling of the authority’s work on observatory leases and the comprehensive EIS. In his remarks, Komeiji described the authority’s work as implementing Act 255 by building a new state agency, developing a master plan, drafting rules and regulations, and beginning the process for a comprehensive environmental impact statement related to observatory leases. He said the authority is trying to balance community voice, cultural and spiritual concerns, and the state’s policy supporting astronomy. He also discussed staffing and recruitment challenges, saying the authority is repurposing positions, using special project positions, and looking for creative ways to recruit qualified staff despite the controversy surrounding Mauna Kea. He noted that the authority is working through asset transfers from UH, managing operational needs, and addressing a projected $4 million federal funding gap affecting CMS. Members asked about timelines, contingency planning, staffing capacity, and financial sustainability. Komeiji said the authority is on track for the master plan and EIS, but would return to the legislature if delays require more time. He acknowledged that no detailed contingency plans have been developed yet for possible IT or other implementation problems, but said the board is continuing to monitor progress. He also said the authority is accelerating contracts to encumber funds while available and expects to cover planned EIS and master plan consultant costs if funding remains at current levels. After discussion, the committee voted to advise and consent; the chair and acting vice chair voted aye, with excused absences noted for Senators Inouye, Chang, and Lamosao. The measure was adopted and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what we have here is a recently approved project for Raleigh Grove and Polk County.
• I just want to go over the criteria for the project evaluation.
• We also have projects that are on the existing list.
• those projects, we also bump up projects that have partnerships because some of those monies may be
• And that project is just about complete. So it comes with that.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met with a quorum and heard two Department of Agriculture presentations. First, the Director of Rural and Family Lands described the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which buys development rights through perpetual conservation easements on private agricultural land to preserve farming, wildlife habitat, water resources, and open space while keeping land taxable and avoiding state maintenance costs. He said the program has expanded rapidly since 2023 through streamlined applications, templates, and an online portal, increasing acreage protected from about 66,000 acres through 2022 to more than 210,000 acres, with a higher share in the Florida wildlife corridor. He also said review times were reduced by more than 85 days and that projects under $5 million can move faster under statutory authority. The department is seeking $200 million in nonrecurring funding on top of $100 million recurring, citing 203 existing projects and 224 new applications totaling nearly $2 billion in estimated need. Members asked about the scientific ranking process, South Florida participation, project prioritization, maintenance responsibilities, and whether landowners can exit the program; staff said land remains privately owned, easements are in perpetuity, and partnerships and cost-sharing are prioritized. The committee then heard from the Florida Forest Service director, who outlined the agency’s dual mission of wildfire response and land management. He said the service responds to roughly 2,200 to 2,500 wildfires annually, manages 38 state forests and one ranch totaling more than 1.1 million acres, and receives about 15 million visitors each year. He highlighted the impact of Senate Bill 1638 gaming compact funds, which provided $32 million for land management, recreation, equipment, roads, invasive species control, habitat restoration, prescribed burning, reforestation, and staffing support. He said Florida leads the nation in prescribed fire, with 277,818 acres burned on state forests last year and 2.47 million acres burned statewide, and noted ongoing restoration work such as Picayune Strand. He also described challenges including aging equipment, deferred maintenance, contractor availability, and timber market instability caused by hurricanes and mill closures, and suggested longer-term funding and a higher capital asset allowance. Members discussed timber markets, public communication and marketing, recreation fees, and coordination with other agencies and FDOT. The meeting ended with the chair noting that next week’s meeting would report out agency conversations and budget recommendations, and the committee rose.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:12.240> Hearing<00:25:12.520> none,<00:25:12.800> the<00:25:12.920>
• The clerk<00:25:15.360> will<00:25:15.480> read<00:25:15.600> the<00:25:15.679><
• Senate<00:25:16.920> Bill<00:25:17.000> 366,<00:25:17.760> Motor<00:25:18.000>
• <00:25:26.880> Move<00:25:27.120> so<00:25:27.240> much<00:25:27.520> be<
• The<00:25:42.679> bill<00:25:42.920> requires<00:25:43.480> an<00:25:43.560>

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, then the Speaker noted a long day ahead and asked members to be patient as the chamber worked through several remaining bills. The House then handled routine business, including reading the journal and taking up a resolution honoring Delegate Susan K. McComas for her 24 years of service representing Harford County. Members from the Harford County delegation praised her work on behalf of families and children, her service as a former mayor of Bel Air, and her long legislative career. McComas briefly spoke in response, reflecting on her service and thanking colleagues. The chamber then moved through a series of consent calendar items and Senate amendments. House Bill 193 on state procurement transparency, House Bill 261 on competitive proof-of-concept procurement, House Bill 266 on the Information Technology Investment Fund, House Bill 998 on Baltimore City alcoholic beverages districts, and House Bill 1422 on procurement and personnel liquidated damages all received concurrence in Senate amendments and were passed, with roll calls showing overwhelming support; HB 1422 drew nine negative votes, and HB 266 drew one negative vote. The House also received committee reports advancing several Senate bills, including measures on child care credential funding, speed monitoring systems, driver skills examinations, school bus fire safety, veterans cemeteries, IT investment fund uses, Baltimore City alcohol regulations, hospital immigration enforcement policies, and board of education compensation changes. Later, the House considered additional amended bills and adopted the committee amendments before advancing them to third reading. These included Senate Bill 212 on tuition exemptions for spouses and dependents of safety employees and the Maryland Fallen Heroes Death Benefits Act, House Bill 1599 and Senate Bill 558 creating a Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program and Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund, Senate Bill 366 establishing an intelligent speed assistance pilot program, Senate Bill 431 on endangered and threatened species and migratory birds regulations, Senate Bill 947 on Maryland Transit Administration reform, Senate Bill 480 on physician licensure for foreign-trained doctors, Senate Bill 898 on Medicaid reimbursement for registered behavior technicians, Senate Bill 204 on the Maryland Civic Excellence Program, and Senate Bill 890 on captive insurer premium tax study. In several cases, amendments were described as technical or as clarifying reporting, deadlines, eligibility, or program structure. One member asked about SB 890 after amendments removed the proposed tax moratorium, and the floor leader explained that the bill was now only a study requiring a report back to the General Assembly. The session ended with a quorum call showing 133 members present and the House still in session.

Transcript Highlights:

• the<00:25:08.840> large<00:25:09.200> proxy<00:25:09.600> advisers<00:25
• :10.760> that<00:25:11.039> yes<00:25:12.000> and<00:25:12.240> and<00:25
• <00:25:15.240> fiduciary<00:25:15.919> responsibility<00:25:16.720> to<00:25
• advisors<00:25:19.559> do not<00:25:23.760> cerber<00:25:24.399> turn<00:25
• :24.600> your<00:25:24.880> mic<00:25:25.159> back<00:25:25.320> on<00:25

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:17 Attendance Roll Call: 00:41 Approval of Minutes: 02:40 HB 694: 03:16 SB 183: 18:32 Discussion on PPOB Membership: 36:10 Adjournment: 42:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its January 27 meeting and then took up House Bill 694, which would create a default rule for the Teachers’ Retirement System health insurance trust fund once it reaches 100% funding, currently anticipated around 2027. The bill would redirect two funding streams now going to the health trust—state payments on behalf of local districts and other employer contributions—into TRS pension benefits if the health fund reaches and maintains full funding. The sponsor said this would add about $154 million annually to TRS pensions and would only serve as a default if no other plan is adopted later. Members asked whether the bill would shift the unfunded liability to teachers or affect employee contributions. The sponsor and staff said it would not shift liability to teachers and would not change the employee contribution; only the employer-side payments would be redirected. Several members asked about the meaning of actuarial 100% funding, whether the fund could fall back below 100%, and whether employee contributions might be reduced in the future. The sponsor said the bill is based on actuarial projections, would revert the money back to the health trust if funding fell below 100%, and does not prevent future legislative or board action. Senator Higdon and others spoke in support of discussing the issue, noting the 2010 shared-responsibility changes and the need for a default approach as full funding is reached. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183, which would amend Kentucky law governing proxy advisers used by retirement systems. The sponsor said the bill would require proxy advisers, when handling shareholder-sponsored proposals, to act solely in the interest of retirement system members and beneficiaries and to provide an economic analysis when voting against a company board’s recommendation. He argued the measure is aimed at proxy advisers such as ISS and Glass Lewis, which he said often advance ESG-related proposals not tied to shareholder value. A guest from APCIA said the bill is meant to distinguish proxy advisers from investment managers and to strengthen the 2023 law by requiring a clearer economic justification for votes that depart from board recommendations. Members asked how proxy advisers differ from other financial advisers, whether Kentucky uses them, and whether the bill would prevent pension funds from investing in companies with ESG factors if those investments are profitable. The sponsor and guest said the bill would not bar such investments; it is intended to regulate proxy voting recommendations, not investment decisions. They described the bill as a proactive measure to reinforce fiduciary responsibility and limit outside proxy influence on pension voting. No final vote on either bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.960> to<01:25:51.280> pay<01:25:51.440> our<01:25:51.679> bills.
• <01:25:52.080> Thank<01:25:52.159> you, partners to pay our bills.
• >> Recognizing<01:25:53.920> the<01:25:54.239> delegate<01:25:54.639> from
• >> Thank<01:25:56.159> you,<01:25:56.320> Madam<01:25:56.639> Speaker.
• . and colleagues,<01:25:57.679> I<01:25:57.920> don't<01:25:58.000> rise<01:25:58.320

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, February 12, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 124 members present, opened with prayer, and approved the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted a congratulatory House resolution honoring the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse team for winning the 2025 Maryland Class 2A state championship. The House also journalized Baltimore City 2026 bond/loan authorization resolutions and moved a series of introductory House bills and bond initiatives through first reading and committee referral without objection. On the special order calendar, House Bill 28, concerning higher education/private career schools advertising, received a favorable report and was ordered printed for third reading. House Bill 226, creating a Department of Disabilities housing programs and affiliated foundations structure, was also reported favorably as amended. Two floor amendments were adopted to that bill: one clarifying that any affiliated foundation may only raise funds or provide support and may not run programs or set policy, and another restoring conflict-of-interest and ethics protections, including limits on family members and public ethics application requirements. A later amendment to HB 226 was rejected by a recorded vote of 95 in the negative, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. The most extended debate centered on House Bill 229, which increases the Maryland Transportation Authority’s revenue bond limit from $4 billion to $5 billion to help finance the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild. One amendment sought to prohibit toll increases without General Assembly approval; its sponsor argued the added borrowing would likely lead to future toll hikes and that elected representatives should vote on them. The floor leader opposed the amendment, saying it would weaken MDTA’s independent rate-setting authority, harm its bond rating, and increase financing costs, while noting the bill is intended to cover bridge reconstruction costs and federal reimbursement timing. After debate, the amendment failed on a recorded vote, and HB 229 was ordered printed for third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:25:23.279> continued<00:25:23.679> action<00:25:24.000> of<00:25:24.159>
• uh we<00:25:31.679> can<00:25:31.840> get<00:25:32.559> uh<00:25:32.799> voter
• But this allows<00:25:44.799> for<00:25:45.440> uh<00:25:46.480> the<00:25:47.039
• <00:25:49.520> to<00:25:49.760> help<00:25:49.919> with<00:25:50.080> that

Bills: HF4319, HF3295, HF3589, HF3587, HF3588, HF4295, HF3571, HF3895

Keywords: public utilities commission, Lake City, port authority, Red Wing, terms of appointment, local government, elections, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, voter access, polling place, ballot, unexpected needs, election judge, public information, political parties, HF4295

Transcript Highlights:

• > crime<00:25:20.240> or<00:25:20.440> when<00:25:20.640> it<00:25:20.720
• > to<00:25:27.240> take<00:25:27.520> the<00:25:27.640> word<00:25:28.720
• > then<00:25:37.360> that<00:25:38.120> and<00:25:38.320> then<00:25:38.560>
• > it<00:25:44.679> it<00:25:44.840> looks<00:25:45.080> absurd<00:25:45.560>
• Thanks<00:25:47.440> for<00:25:47.560> the<00:25:47.679> advice<00:25:48.720>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, was<00:25:36.480> part<00:25:36.640> of<00:25:36.720> when<00:25:36.960>
• we<00:25:37.120> did<00:25:37.200> the<00:25:37.360> merger<00:25:37.919>
• <00:25:41.840> finest<00:25:42.159> men<00:25:42.400> that<00:25:42.640>
• <00:25:44.000> And<00:25:44.240> I<00:25:44.559> also<00:25:44.799> just<
• 25:50.000> there's<00:25:50.240> a<00:25:50.320> lot<00:25:50.400> of<00:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Legal Aid Network of Kentucky, including Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Legal Aid, AppalRed Legal Aid, and the Legal Aid Society in Louisville. The presenters explained that the four nonprofit programs provide civil legal services in all 120 counties, focusing on low-income clients and matters such as domestic violence, family law, housing, expungement, public benefits, and veterans’ issues. They emphasized that they do not handle criminal defense cases and described statewide efforts such as the kyjustice.org website and Project Renew, which helps people in recovery with legal issues that affect stability, employment, housing, and family reunification. Each organization highlighted regional service challenges and examples of casework. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass described its 33-county service area, its mobile “justice bus,” and expungement work for people in recovery. Kentucky Legal Aid focused on disaster response after the December 2021 tornadoes, including insurance disputes and contractor fraud, and said it has continued to handle repeated FEMA-declared disasters. AppalRed described serving 37 rural counties with limited attorneys, the shortage of lawyers in “rural legal deserts,” and its disaster-response work after flooding and tornadoes, including FEMA appeals clinics and volunteer attorney support. The Legal Aid Society described its Louisville-area veteran services, including Social Security and VA disability cases, veterans treatment court referrals, and homeless outreach. Committee members praised the organizations’ work and noted the importance of their services. In response to questions about funding, the presenters said their support comes from a mix of Legal Services Corporation funds, state appropriations, federal grants such as VOCA, VAWA, and HUD, United Way, and foundation funding. They stressed that many grants are restricted, while state funding is more flexible and useful for emergencies and day-to-day operations. The presenters said current funding does not fully meet demand and requested an increase in the General Assembly’s appropriation from $500,000 per year to $1 million per year, or $2 million over the biennium.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's hugely successful projects. Other projects such as Playa Lake restoration.
• Essentially, what the bill does is provide $25 million.
• The amount of money, so I think $75 million, not $25 million.
• than one-third of that $25 million shall go into any one business.
• So the $25 million, a third of that is limited to go to anyone who invests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each of those projects needs a 25% cost share.
• If it's a federal disaster, FEMA will require 25%.
• NRCS for the emergency watershed program will require 25%.
• But there is no current solution to the 25%.
• Then it's creating the Land Grant Merced Infrastructure Project Fund and the Asequia Infrastructure Project