Transcript Highlights:

• They operate the C-9 Canal, the C-11 Canal.
• It was the South Florida Water Management District that opened the C-11 Canal, the C-9, the 19 gates.
• They operate the C-9 Canal, the C-11 Canal.
• Not if you are passing this type of, these types of policies.
• We're setting new standards for different types of residents or different types of voters.

Summary: The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments. Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71. The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> justc><00:01:29.439><c> wantc><00:01:29.520><c> toc><00:01:29.600><c> goc><00:01:29.680><c
• c><00:31:42.399><c> thec><00:31:42.799><c> typec><00:31:42.960><c> ofc><00:31:43.120><c> case
• c> It varies based on the the type of case It varies based on the the type of case file<00:31:44.159
• ><00:31:55.440><c> typec><00:31:55.679><c> ofc><00:31:55.760><c> case.
• c> different number for each type of case. different number for each type of case.

Keywords: 00:10 Call to order and Roll Call 01:06 Information Items and Introduction of Kentucky Court of Justice 03:02 Discussion of Interpreter State and National Contractor Rates 06:35 Discussion of Certifications 08:44 Discussion of AI use in Interpretation 13:56 Software Service Initiatives 16:47 Data Security and AV system Upgrades 24:38 Drug Court Issues 28:43 Discussion of Jefferson County Record Storage 35:33 Boyle County Courthouse Construction 39.26 KY State Police Driver Testing 45:22 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard a budget overview from the Kentucky Court of Justice focused on mandated services and several growth items in the judicial branch budget. Court officials said the requests were driven by legal and contractual obligations, including higher contractor rates for court interpreters and IT support, annual software-as-a-service costs, and upgrades to the court’s audiovisual record system (JAVS). They also discussed local facilities needs tied to Jefferson County lease space and the Boyle County Courthouse, though the bulk of the presentation centered on the court’s technology and service-delivery costs. Members asked detailed questions about interpreter services, including whether services are provided in person, by phone, or by Zoom, and whether Kentucky could train and certify more local interpreters instead of relying on contractors from around the country. Court officials said the certification process is rigorous, that the branch is working with the National Center for State Courts on an apprenticeship program, and that they believe Kentucky may have flexibility to develop state-level certification if it meets court needs. They also said they are exploring technology and AI tools for translation, but have not found a solution that reliably handles complex courtroom context. Representative Sharp asked whether cases had been delayed for lack of interpreters; officials said they could provide aggregated data later. The court also described its major IT modernization effort, including a statewide case management system, e-filing, and maintenance of many legacy applications. Officials said contractor rates need to be raised to compete for skilled labor during the implementation phase, but that those costs should decline once the new systems are fully built and only maintained. They explained that part of the request covers three SaaS initiatives: ongoing subscription costs for existing systems, annual fees for the CaseWorks system used in pretrial and specialty courts after federal grant funding ends, and adoption of DocuSign to streamline invoicing, procurement, and contract execution. In response to questions from Representative KC Carney, they said cybersecurity is taken seriously, that they recently conducted a tabletop exercise, and that some risk shifts to cloud vendors under contract, though no separate cybersecurity line item was included. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the JAVS audiovisual court-record system. Court officials said not all courtrooms are on the same version, and they want funding to bring all locations up to the current version and prepare for version 9, which they said would standardize the system statewide and support the official court record. When asked about costs, they said each upgrade can cost about $70,000 to $80,000 per system, that they aim to upgrade about 50 per year, and that the request reflects the need to keep pace with a four-year refresh cycle. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:04.040><c> atc><00:01:04.199><c> thisc><00:01:04.400><c> timec><00:01:04.760><c> uh<
• c> that'llc><00:01:09.280><c> bec><00:01:09.400><c> firstc><00:01:09.720><c> ourc><00:01:09.880
• in this bill<00:18:44.480><c> somec><00:18:44.919><c> typec><00:18:45.320><c> ofc><00:18:46.080
• ><c> trainingc><00:18:46.720><c> involvedc><00:18:47.280><c> inc> bill some type of training involved
• in bill some type of training involved in the<00:18:47.559><c> Carryc><00:18:47.919><c> Concealc

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:06 SB 75: 00:01:05 Discussion in Opposition to SB 75: 00:11:00 SCR 89: 00:26:30 HB 38: 00:34:51 HB 201: 00:50:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Senator Reed, which would lower Kentucky’s concealed carry age from 21 to 18. The bill’s supporters, including Taylor McKe of the NRA, argued that 18- to 20-year-olds are legal adults who should have equal Second Amendment rights, noting they can vote, serve in the military, and otherwise be treated as adults. Supporters also cited court decisions and historical arguments, while opponents, including Kathy Hobart and Chuck Eddie, warned that the bill would increase gun violence and put more guns in the hands of young people without adequate training. Senator Carol said he opposed the bill because the brain is not fully mature until about age 25 and called the measure irresponsible; Senator Denine said he would pass the bill but wanted training requirements added; Senator Thomas also opposed it on public safety grounds; and Senator Wheeler supported it as a parity and self-defense measure for law-abiding young adults. After debate, the committee voted on SB 75 and reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The roll call reflected a mix of support and opposition, with several members explaining their votes. Supporters emphasized self-defense, constitutional rights, and consistency with adult responsibilities, while opponents focused on youth violence, public safety, and the lack of a training requirement. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon, which would direct the establishment of a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force. Higdon described it as a typical interim work group and said it would include five House and five Senate members. Discussion broadened to expungement and restoration issues, including marijuana-related convictions and other records that members said should be reviewed in light of changing laws. Chair Storm noted he had filed a separate expungement task force resolution and suggested the measures could be coordinated. The resolution was moved, seconded, and the roll was called, with Senator Thomas later explaining support for treating older marijuana convictions more equitably in light of current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> consensusc><00:01:15.760><c> whenc><00:01:16.080><c> forc><00:01:16.240><c> thec> seems
• c><00:02:27.440><c> Doc><00:02:27.599><c> wec><00:02:27.840><c> havec><00:02:28.239><c> ac>
• :28.640><c> typesc><00:48:28.880><c> ofc><00:48:29.040><c> enforcec><00:48:29.760><c> anyc><00
• :48:30.000><c> typec><00:48:30.160><c> ofc> other types of enforce any type of other types of enforce
• any type of enforcement<00:48:31.119><c> outsidec><00:48:31.440><c> ofc><00:48:31.520><c> thec

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation by Reverend Jod Gun, whose prayer was journalized by unanimous consent. The chamber then recognized several guests, including representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, who were present for a resolution honoring Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, as well as former Delegate and physician Dan Moheim, Towson University students, a veteran guest, and parents and young children visiting for Maryland Family Network’s Day in Annapolis. The Senate adopted a resolution recognizing the National Alliance on Mental Illness for its advocacy on tardive dyskinesia screening, early detection, and treatment, and designated May 5–9 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. The resolution was read and adopted without objection. The chamber also unanimously welcomed the guest groups and thanked them for their service and advocacy. In second-reader action, the Senate advanced several bills with committee amendments adopted without objection. Senate Bill 113, the Longevity Ready Maryland Act, was amended to refine aging-related planning, website reporting, and Commission on Aging membership, then ordered to third reading. Senate Bill 123 updated the membership of the Oversight Committee on Quality of Care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and was also sent to third reading. Senate Bill 336 extended the Task Force on the Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances for one year and added an HBCU representative. Senate Bill 394 expanded expedited partner therapy to bacterial vaginosis and added licensed certified midwives as authorized practitioners. Senate Bill 444 changed certificate-of-need requirements for certain intermediate care facilities, and Senate Bill 461 conformed the SNAP Heat and Eat Program to federal eligibility rules; both were advanced to third reading. The Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee then took up Senate Bill 108, which would authorize the Maryland Department of the Environment to impose administrative penalties for certain water, wetlands, dam, and riparian-rights violations and expand administrative enforcement tools. Several senators raised concerns about the scope of the bill, its effect on shoreline restoration, dams, stormwater and wetlands enforcement, and whether it could allow penalties without adequate process or encourage payment instead of correction. The floor leader responded that the amendment requires notice, an informal meeting, and consideration of good-faith efforts before penalties are imposed in certain cases, and said the bill does not change permit requirements. The debate continued as members sought clarification on how the bill would apply to private dams, HOAs, farmers, and shoreline projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:07:33.280><c> onec><00:07:33.520><c> ofc><00:07:33.599><c> thec><00:07:33.759><c> larger
• c><00:08:33.919><c> Um,c><00:08:34.399><c> Ic><00:08:34.640><c> doc><00:08:34.800><c> wantc
• c><00:08:52.160><c> Ic><00:08:52.320><c> soc><00:08:52.800><c> amc><00:08:53.279><c> uhc> wanted
• c><00:08:56.000><c> Umc><00:08:56.240><c> Ic><00:08:56.480><c> willc><00:08:56.640><c> bec>
• c> umc><00:09:07.120><c> atc><00:09:07.279><c> thec><00:09:07.440><c> endc><00:09:07.600><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on best practices for medical or compassionate release programs used by correctional systems nationwide and how Hawaii’s current approach compares. Kristen Johnson of the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission introduced Molly Crane of Families for Justice Reform, noting that the commission, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Hawaii Paroling Authority have all been involved in developing proposed legislation, though the bill itself was written by community advocate Bob Merse. Crane described FAM’s work on justice reform and said the group has studied compassionate release programs across the country, including federal reforms, to help Hawaii align with best practices. Crane argued that compassionate release is intended for people who are too ill or cognitively impaired to pose a public-safety risk and who are often the most expensive and resource-intensive people to incarcerate. She said Hawaii is the only state without a compassionate release statute and currently relies on an agency policy, which she described as complex and slow. She cited examples of severe medical cases in custody, including people with advanced dementia, multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, and hospice needs, and said the burden on correctional medical staff, overtime, off-site transport, and specialized care can consume a disproportionate share of staff time and state resources. She also said the recidivism rate for this population is under 1 percent, citing Vera Institute research. Members asked about the source of the recidivism figure, how a statute would streamline the process, and why the issue had not advanced in the past. Crane said the proposed bill would reduce layers in the process by moving cases from the medical director to the director and then to the Hawaii Paroling Authority, with a target timeline of about 30 business days from petition to hearing. Johnson said prior efforts failed in part because the agencies most affected were not included early in drafting and revision, and she said one attempt was vetoed, another was removed in conference committee, and another passed one chamber but did not advance. Johnson also explained that incarcerated people’s medical care is paid entirely by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with no private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare coverage while incarcerated, making severe cases a direct burden on state funds. No votes or formal actions were taken because the briefing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:00.719><c> guestsc><00:01:00.920><c> they'dc><00:01:01.079><c> likec><00:01:01.199><c>
• ><c> wec><00:04:44.080><c> havec><00:04:44.360><c> anyc><00:04:45.240><c> typec><00:04:45.400
• ><c> ofc><00:04:45.759><c> evidencec> you do we have any type of evidence you do we have any type
• typesc><00:18:05.760><c> ofc><00:18:06.400><c> mattersc><00:18:07.400><c> andc><00:18:07.559
• ><c> it'sc><00:18:07.760><c> beenc> these types of matters and it's been these types of matters and

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:04 SB 02: 00:01:37 Discussion in Opposition to SB 02: 00:09:49 SB 84: 00:22:19 SB 111: 00:30:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Senator Mike Wilson, which would prohibit incarcerated people from receiving cross-sex hormones or gender-affirming surgeries, while allowing a tapering period if stopping an existing treatment would cause physical harm. Wilson said the bill was needed to prevent the Department of Corrections from providing such care by memo or policy rather than statute, and he argued the care was elective and not medically necessary. Senators Thomas, Neal, Nemes, Styers, and others questioned whether any gender-affirming surgeries had actually occurred in Kentucky, whether the hormone treatments were physician-prescribed, and whether the bill would override medical judgment; Wilson said the department reported no surgeries, that 67 incarcerated people were receiving cross-sex hormone therapy, and that he would only support treatment if it fit the bill’s narrow medical-harm exception. Public testimony on SB 2 was strongly opposed. Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign said the bill would deny medically necessary care, violate the Eighth Amendment, and target a very small and vulnerable incarcerated population. Dr. Jack Skilles testified that gender-affirming care is medically necessary and supported by major medical organizations, warning that denying it could worsen mental health and lead to suicidality. Hannah Callahan, a transgender woman, described being denied hormone therapy while incarcerated and said the interruption caused severe physical and mental harm, including suicidal thoughts. Emma Curtis, Lexington’s Fourth District councilwoman, also urged a no vote, framing the issue as a matter of compassion and religious duty. The committee then voted on SB 2. Senator Neal explained his no vote by saying he was not medically trained and deferred to doctors; Senator Nemes said he wanted clarification that the bill would not stop ongoing treatment; and Senator Styers argued the bill was a poor priority and noted there was no fiscal note and that only 67 people were affected. Senator Wheeler moved the bill, Senator Reed seconded, and the committee reported Senate Bill 2 favorably. Afterward, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 84, sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings, which would limit judicial deference to state agency interpretations and require courts, not agencies, to interpret ambiguous laws, citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 Loper Bright decision overturning Chevron deference.

Transcript Highlights:

• The three top complaints, The types of complaints we are receiving.
• All due process must be exhausted before an individual is in C-Mark.
• Are there any questions on C-Mark?
• Are there any other types of resources they can obtain?
• That's more like a non-caregiver type of provider.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > seec><01:34:36.000><c> whatc><01:34:36.239><c> typec><01:34:36.480><c> ofc> to see what type
• of to see what type of work9<01:34:38.520><c> that'sc><01:34:38.639><c> whatc><01:34:38.719><c>
• to utilize some<05:31:32.558><c> typec><05:31:32.718><c> ofc><05:31:32.840><c> personnalc><05:
• of a police report<05:41:34.280><c> orc><05:41:34.638><c> somec><05:41:34.958><c> typec><05:41
• :35.120><c> ofc><05:41:35.320><c> investigationc> report or some type of investigation report or

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 retirement provisions, focusing on Group Two/Tier B changes in pages 25-39. Jan Goodwin of the New Hampshire Retirement System and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions, but it restores certain pre-2011 benefit rules for Tier B members, including changes to average final compensation and earnable compensation, and it also addresses the annuity multiplier for years of service. Members discussed the tier structure, with Tier A referring to vested members, Tier B to those hired before 11/1/12 who were not vested, and Tier C to later hires. Several members expressed concern that the bill’s purpose was to restore Tier B benefits, not to change Tier A rules or create broader changes affecting newer hires. The retirement system flagged two likely drafting problems. First, it said a provision appears to omit a special-duty/earnable-compensation limitation in the Group Two section, which they believed was a scrivener’s error caused by moving language out of the Group One definition without adding it back for Group Two. Second, they noted the bill’s multiplier language overlaps with changes already enacted in HB 1647, which increased the multiplier for service beyond 15 years for Group Two and carried an estimated $26 million cost. The committee discussed that HB 1647 was originally broader in the House, but the Senate narrowed it to Tier B only. The actuary’s comparison of the 2023 and 2025 HB 2 versions showed the bills are close, but the 2025 version differs in funding and timing. Staff said the 2025 bill appropriates $2.5 million more per year for 10 years, and that, together with updated actuarial assumptions and a larger share of the affected tier having already retired or otherwise left service, results in a larger reduction in unfunded liability than the 2023 bill: about $98.2 million versus $68.5 million. Employer contribution impacts were described as small overall, though the 2025 bill was said to be somewhat more favorable than the 2023 version. Members also questioned why House Bill 1 only funds $5 million in the first year, and staff said that was tied to the governor’s revenue estimate and that the full funding does not begin immediately. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly received testimony, asked clarifying questions, and noted that some issues would be addressed in the fiscal note worksheet.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:10:28.560><c> forc><00:10:29.200><c> uhc><00:10:29.360><c> thosec><00:10:29.680><c> types<
• /c><00:10:29.920><c> ofc> systems uh for uh those types of systems uh for uh those types of providers
• type hemophilia or a Ryan White type situation.<02:23:48.880><c> Soc><02:23:49.040><c> Ic><02:23
• 16.720><c> happen,c><02:50:17.040><c> whenc> those types of changes happen, when those types of changes
• What<03:37:35.040><c> typec><03:37:35.200><c> ofc><03:37:35.359><c> rulesc><03:37:35.600><c> do

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:17.360><c> bec><02:12:17.520><c> acceptingc><02:12:18.000><c> thesec><02:12:18.320><c> types
• c><02:35:46.960><c> typec><02:35:47.120><c> ofc><02:35:47.280><c> guidancec> But if there was
• c><03:31:46.880><c> thec><03:31:47.200><c> attendancec><03:31:47.840><c> typec> >> for
• ><c> engagementc><03:31:49.439><c> typec><03:31:49.680><c> things?
• c><03:31:50.080><c> Yes.c><03:31:50.560><c> Ifc> things engagement type things? Yes.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:59:35.040><c> typesc><01:59:35.280><c> ofc><01:59:35.440><c> thingsc><01:59:35.679><c> would
• c> typec><05:05:28.160><c> ofc><05:05:28.320><c> mapsc><05:05:28.638><c> thatc><05:05:28.798>
• c><05:05:29.360><c> Wec><05:05:29.600><c> putc><05:05:29.760><c> upc> the type of maps that we
• How do you create<05:22:30.958><c> ac><05:22:31.200><c> newc><05:22:31.360><c> typec><05:22:31.520
• c><05:22:32.480><c> Um,c><05:22:32.878><c> soc> create a new type of license?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> fromc><00:02:26.160><c> actuallyc><00:02:26.400><c> makingc><00:02:26.760><c> anythingc>
• police and so it is that um firefighters police and so it is type<00:03:36.280><c> sortc><00:03:36.480
• <c> thec><00:03:37.480><c> tradesc><00:03:38.080><c> andc> type sort of like PSO for the trades
• and type sort of like PSO for the trades and I<00:03:38.439><c> thinkc><00:03:38.760><c> thatc><
• /c><00:03:41.760><c> agoc><00:03:42.000><c> I'mc><00:03:42.080><c> inc><00:03:42.200><c> myc>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 43 and C-44s, the northern storage, things of that nature would fall more under the DEP umbrella, and
• So we have to supplement those types of opportunities.
• 11 and C-9 canal.
• So we have to supplement those types of opportunities.
• 11 and C-9 canal.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met to organize for the session, confirm a quorum, and hear introductory remarks from members about their districts and interests. Chair Esposito outlined the committee’s jurisdiction and budget overview, noting a total budget of about $7.2 billion, with major funding tied to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Citrus. She also described major cost drivers such as Everglades restoration, water quality, resiliency, land acquisition, and rural family lands, and asked members to review agency requests in small groups later in the process. Agency leaders then presented budget and program updates. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized department efficiency efforts, including IT modernization, staff reorganization, rural and family lands conservation, best management practices, Fresh From Florida marketing, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, and completion of the Connor Complex headquarters. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert highlighted record investments in Everglades restoration, water quality projects, resilience grants, land acquisition, state parks, and enforcement. FWC Executive Director Roger Young discussed conservation research, fisheries and wildlife management, law enforcement, disaster response, and pressures from growth, boating, invasive species, and derelict vessels. Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shep reviewed the industry’s decline due to hurricanes and citrus greening, current research and marketing efforts, and e-commerce campaigns to support Florida citrus sales. Members asked questions about citrus production declines, future replanting and therapies, rural family lands, PFOS cleanup, mangrove restoration, flooding and pump infrastructure, agricultural theft, and derelict vessel removal. Officials generally responded with updates, emphasized science-based management and enforcement, and in several cases said they would follow up with more detailed information later. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair directing members to provide feedback on agencies for further budget review and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is that this type<00:23:37.360><c> ofc><00:23:38.159><c> businessc><00:23:38.640><c> modelc
• or any other over-the-counter medication or any other type<00:34:02.320><c> ofc><00:34:03.120><c>
• uhc><00:34:03.440><c> productc><00:34:04.000><c> throughc><00:34:04.320><c> thec> type of uh
• typec><02:19:25.040><c> ofc><02:19:25.800><c> calculationc> back of the napkin type of calculation
• back of the napkin type of calculation over<02:19:27.040><c> twoc><02:19:27.280><c> years,c><02:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division 3 work session focused largely on amendment 1176 to HB 2, which would have incorporated the substance of HB 548FN, a House-passed bill creating a direct-pay or membership-based model for health care facilities. Representative Mlan described the proposal as a way to increase competition in health care by extending the direct-care model used in primary care to facilities, arguing it could encourage innovation and that concerns about widespread harm to critical access hospitals were overstated. He pointed to Oklahoma’s long-standing Surgical Center model as evidence that the approach had not spread broadly or displaced hospitals there. Several members and witnesses raised concerns. Representative Stringham questioned whether the model would shift profitable services and patients away from existing hospitals, potentially worsening their finances and affecting Medicaid-related funding. David Ross, speaking for county nursing homes, opposed the language because it also removed moratoriums on nursing home, skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, and self-pay beds, warning that it could increase pressure on Medicaid rates and undermine community-based care. Ben Bradley of the New Hampshire Hospital Association said the proposal appeared to create a separate regulatory framework for direct-pay facilities and raised concerns about patient safety, CMS participation rules, and a separate patient bill of rights. The chair concluded that, because HB 548 was already moving through the Senate, the HB 2 process was not the best vehicle for the policy and that the issue should be left to the Senate’s more deliberative committee process. Representative Ferski moved to not accept or remove amendment 1176 from the agenda, and the committee approved the motion by roll call, 9-0, withdrawing the item from HB 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thec><04:50:52.680><c> samec><04:50:53.040><c> typec><04:50:53.360><c> issuec><04:50:53.760
• bargaining agreement that<05:07:38.040><c> typec><05:07:38.200><c> ofc><05:07:38.320><c> thing
• <05:07:39.680><c> atc><05:07:39.840><c> thec> that type of thing so if you look at the that type
• can you tell me a bit about what<05:16:30.440><c> typec><05:16:30.638><c> ofc><05:16:30.878><c>
• staffc><05:16:31.200><c> andc><05:16:31.440><c> resourcesc> what type of staff and resources what

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline. The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it. Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:12.879><c> otherc><00:03:13.080><c> statesc><00:03:13.360><c> asc><00:03:13.560><c>
• SBc><00:03:40.680><c> 278c><00:03:41.680><c> she'sc><00:03:41.959><c> thec><00:03:42.120><c>
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• uh any type of claim<00:42:23.440><c> againstc><00:42:23.839><c> ac><00:42:24.040><c> cityc><00
• ><01:03:03.680><c> typec> we've had other Bill of Rights type we've had other Bill of Rights type bills

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

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• <00:37:04.960><c> players,c><00:37:05.480><c> andc> recruiting those type of players, and recruiting
• those type of players, and retaining<00:37:06.120><c> thosec><00:37:06.280><c> typec><00:37:06.520
• ><c> ofc><00:37:06.600><c> players,c><00:37:07.400><c> thisc> retaining those type of players,
• this retaining those type of players, this bill<00:37:07.840><c> rightc><00:37:08.000><c> herec><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hear testimony on House Bill 2384, which relates to student athlete compensation and NIL. Chair Garrett opened by explaining the hearing was intentionally held on campus so lawmakers could hear directly from those affected. UH President Wendy Hensel and Athletics Director Matt Elliott both testified in support, saying the bill would help the university respond to the changing college athletics landscape, protect student athletes, improve transparency and education around NIL, and support UH’s ability to remain competitive. Elliott also said UH was seeking $5 million in NIL-related funding to support the program. Several UH coaches and student athletes testified in favor, emphasizing the importance of UH athletics to the state, the community, and the student experience. Women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman described UH athletics as a source of pride and hope for the state, while players Jovi, Latoria Tamilo, and others said the program felt like home and that NIL support could help them grow, represent Hawaii, and give back. Women’s volleyball coach Robyn Ah Mow said UH athletics changed her life and that the school must adapt to remain competitive; her players Victoria Leyva, Shealy Reed, and Talia Akase similarly said NIL opportunities could help UH attract talent, expand exposure, and strengthen community ties. Football coach Timmy Chang said the bill was important for recruiting, retaining, and building culture around Hawaiian values, and player Dean Briskie said UH’s developmental approach and team culture mattered more than money, though NIL has made retention harder. Quarterback Micah Alihada said the program’s culture and support from coaches and leadership made it easier to stay, but that the changing landscape made HB 2384 important. Baseball players Elijah Eikez and Ben Zukerman Ball also supported the bill, saying UH athletics carries responsibility to the community and helps student athletes become leaders and role models. No vote or final committee action was described in the transcript.

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• c><01:12:50.160><c> veryc><01:12:50.480><c> importantc><01:12:51.520><c> typec><01:12:51.880><c
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• 13:05.280><c> thosec> northern Minnesota to provide those northern Minnesota to provide those types
• <01:13:05.760><c> ofc><01:13:05.880><c> criticalc> types of critical types of critical resources<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

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• ><c> addressesc><00:01:34.799><c> thec><00:01:35.119><c> contentc><00:01:35.600><c> ofc><00:01
• Um, so that's just some 30,000 foot<00:13:47.839><c> viewc><00:13:48.160><c> typec><00:13:48.639>
• :16:25.839><c> typesc><00:16:26.160><c> ofc><00:16:26.320><c> things.
• c><00:16:26.639><c> Canc><00:16:26.800><c> youc> needs and those types of things.

Bills: HB0105, HB0107, SF0002

Keywords: K-12 education, school facilities, security improvements, public funding, state appropriations, school construction, local government funding, sales tax distribution, municipal funding, economic equity, state revenue, Wyoming Legislature, legislative appropriations, Legislative Service Office, LSO budget, general fund, biennial budget, legislative branch, legislator travel, per diem

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• ><c> toc><00:04:35.520><c> adoptc><00:04:36.080><c> ac><00:04:36.240><c> comprehensivec> initiatives
• c><00:05:52.320><c> Ic><00:05:52.520><c> amc><00:05:52.800><c> ac><00:05:52.840><c> 2024c>
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• ><c> whenc><00:52:48.720><c> itc> project, of the type of project, when it project, of the type of

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 78, which urges the Department of Education to strengthen natural health education and adopt a comprehensive menstrual cycle curriculum. The Department of Education said it supported the intent and had offered technical amendments to scaffold the curriculum by grade level. The Commission on the Status of Women and several advocates, including students and Ma'i Movement Hawaiʻi, testified in support, describing gaps in menstrual health education, stigma, and the need for more inclusive, age-appropriate instruction. No opposition was heard, and the chair moved on after no questions from members. The committee then took up SCR 194, urging the Department of Education to meet the criteria to recognize cheerleading as a Title IX sport. The Department supported the measure, noting recent expansion of girls flag football and surfing as recognized sports and saying cheerleading would create additional opportunities for students. The Commission on the Status of Women also supported the resolution, saying it could improve participation, resource allocation, and representation for female students. No opposition or further action was recorded in the excerpt. Finally, the committee discussed SCR 195, requesting the Board of Education and Department of Education to revise graduation requirements to include a standalone financial literacy course. The Board of Education and Department of Education both supported the intent but cautioned against a one-size-fits-all mandate, emphasizing school-level flexibility, existing stand-alone and online options, and the requirement that the class of 2030 must complete financial literacy before graduation. Hawaii Kids Can supported the resolution while raising questions about equity, access, quality, and how different delivery models compare; it also asked for more information on community survey data. Committee members questioned the department and board about asynchronous versus in-person instruction, standards, and how the requirement would be tracked in the personal transition plan. No vote or final action was taken in the provided portion of the meeting.