Video & Transcript Research : 'contribution limits'
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ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee Jul 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- situations, but limited memory can only retain past data for a limited time.
- FERC generally has limited jurisdiction on siting.
- FERC generally has limited jurisdiction on siting for transmission.
- FERC generally has limited jurisdiction on citing Thank you.
- FERC generally has limited jurisdiction on siting for transmission.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began.
Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors.
A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/21/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The details of this bill are that it contributes to the existing dam maintenance.
- um is it contributes to the existing<01:39:58.080>
dam <01:39:58.400>maintenance. - Currently, the state parks has a limit Currently, the state parks has a limit of<05:05:16.718>
<05:05:22.560>today's This limit does not reflect today's This limit does not reflect today's - I think that is the dollar limit too.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/03/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, testifiers signed up in advance and have been provided with a time limit for testimony.
- Please adhere to these limits. Uh, the time limits are set so that we can keep the meeting on time.
- Please adhere to these limits. Uh, the time limits are set so that we can keep the meeting on time.
- And so this money, it's<00:57:18.400>
limited. - it's limited. I think it's responsible. it's limited. I think it's responsible.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Sep 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I limited out in an hour, so I was feeling pretty good yesterday.
- We are contributing investments in workforce training at New Mexico Junior College and Sea-Tac to our
- I could tell you that we are contributing more than we are now because we take a lot more than we give
- There’s a limit to how much goes back to a particular county, and then that could be redistributed to
- Do we limit her executive orders?
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We have SB 7010 by Senator Mayfield on Roth contribution plans.
- Members, Senate Bill 7010 is the Roth Contribution Plan deferred compensation program.
- Federal tax law allows deferred compensation plans to offer both pre-tax contributions and post-tax Roth
- contributions.
- contribution.
Bills:
S7010
Keywords:
Roth contributions, deferred compensation, retirement savings, Florida Statutes, tax benefits
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Appropriations met to take up SB 7010 by Senator Mayfield, which would authorize Roth post-tax contribution options in state and local deferred compensation plans. The bill was briefly explained, received one appearance in support, had no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended $117.4 billion “Floridians’ First Budget.” The presentation highlighted major spending areas including education, health care, public safety, transportation, environmental restoration, and economic development. Key proposals included increased FEFP funding for K-12 schools, teacher salary funding, higher education support, Everglades and water quality funding, emergency preparedness reserves, corrections staffing and pay increases, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, cybersecurity, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments.
Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserve planning, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and expenditures, the use of federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facilities, the animal abuse hotline, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and the proposed reduction in ADAP eligibility for HIV/AIDS medication assistance. A member of the public also testified at length about concerns that the ADAP changes would harm access to life-saving medications and alleged improper shifting of program funds. Committee members and the presenter acknowledged follow-up questions on several items, but no additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond the favorable report on SB 7010 and adjournment.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- It has contributed to the groundbreaking Regents Promise program. plus program, which is funded entirely
- We all know that the limited number of graduates at medical education slots is a bottleneck that contributes
- science, robotics, AI, and medicine and that's really where we think we have a special thing to contribute
- Some doctoral programs in engineering, cybersecurity, programs, things that we think really contribute
- Affordable high quality education that repairs students for the workforce and contributes to the regional
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Transcript Highlights:
- A troubling... or unfairly limit access due to having a disability.
- Several years ago, my own family experienced the limitations of our current system.
- Several years ago, my own family experienced the limitations of our current system.
- Private insurance is ever more expensive, even though coverage is limited.
- Private insurance is ever more expensive, even though coverage is limited.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on 16 bills, with the chairs noting a busy legislative day and asking speakers to keep testimony brief. The committee first heard testimony on Senate 860/House 1405, the Medicare for All bill, with Sen. Jamie Eldridge and many advocates, clinicians, municipal officials, and patients arguing that a single-payer system would make care a right, reduce administrative waste, lower costs, and protect residents from rising premiums, medical debt, and hospital closures. Several speakers cited the Steward hospital crisis, affordability problems, and polling or ballot questions showing public support for single-payer coverage. No vote was taken during the hearing.
The committee then took testimony on S. 863, a bill on non-opioid options for chronic pain. Pain specialists, patients, and advocates said the bill would improve care coordination for MassHealth members, expand access to non-opioid medications, require provider education, and collect data on chronic pain. Testifiers described long delays in diagnosis and treatment, stigma toward pain patients, and the need for multidisciplinary care and transportation support. Again, the committee heard testimony only and took no action.
A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1360/S. 869, which would prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in health care. Disability advocates, clinicians, and patients described being denied or delayed care, pressured into DNR orders, or treated based on assumptions about quality of life rather than medical facts. Speakers referenced COVID-era crisis standards of care, discriminatory metrics, and personal stories involving canceled procedures, inadequate accommodations, and poor treatment in hospitals. Committee members thanked speakers for their testimony and said they would review the bill and its implications, but no vote was announced.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 1399, an individual Medicare marketplace option for municipal retirees, where supporters said it would give cities and towns a lower-cost alternative for retiree health benefits through HRAs and individual Medicare plans. The hearing then returned to Medicare for All testimony, with additional supporters repeating arguments about cost, access, municipal budget pressure, and the need for global budgeting and universal coverage. The transcript ends with continued testimony and no recorded committee vote or final action on any bill.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill would, among other things, limit upfront cost of moving into a new unit by limiting what a
- This bill would, among other things, limit upfront cost of moving into a new unit by limiting what a
- And limiting rent increases is one of those essential policies to prevent displacement.
- Under current state law, there's no limit to how much a landlord can raise the rent.
- Under current state law, there is no limit on annual rent increases.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement.
Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, June 4, 2026 - PM
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- exemptions shall be construed to limit exemptions shall be construed to limit or<00:04:21.919>
seemed like there were a lot of limits seemed like there were a lot of limits on<01:45:08.080> uh limited how how do we phrase it? uh limited how how do we phrase it?- that we pulled from 132 is that limited uh<01:53:02.639>
limited <01:53:03.599>how <01: - that we pulled from 132 is that limited uh<01:53:02.639>
- the full alternative path but a limited the full alternative path but a limited alter<01:53:10.639
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/03/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- I think there's some built off the coast of Japan, but it's very limited.
- We have limited pipeline capacity into the region, so if that’s our greatest danger, isn’t it in New
- <00:54:13.760>
I <00:54:14.000>assume because your time was limited I assume because - <01:37:58.040>
on the state to establish limits on the state to establish limits on Technologies - on there and if we we to certain limits on there and if we we to renewable<04:45:19.718>
energy
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/29/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Libraries are where limitations turn into possibilities.
- This resolution ensures their contributions are formally acknowledged and remembered by this body and
- CONTRIBUTIONS ARE FORMALLY ACKNOWLEDGED AND REMEMBERED BY THIS BODY AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.
- They have contributed so much to the vitality of our state, and the economy, the academia, the professionalism
- COMMUNITY WHO ARE HERE TODAY TO JOIN US AND AGAIN, SENATOR COONEY FOR RECOGNIZING THE INCREDIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and discharged several identical Assembly/Senate bills from committee so they could be substituted on the calendar. The chamber then took up and previously adopted two commemorative resolutions: one designating April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and another honoring Korean War veterans. Senators from both parties spoke in support of the Sikh resolution, emphasizing the community’s contributions, service, and the need for recognition and inclusion; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and the Sikh guests in the gallery were recognized. The Korean War resolution drew remarks from members recalling family service and the sacrifices of veterans, with repeated calls to preserve their stories and honor their legacy.
The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills. Among them were measures related to charter bus safety and seat belt awareness, coverage for doula services under insurance, social services/EBT-related changes, education, navigation, highway, public service, and hospital-closure reporting. Several bills passed unanimously or with only one dissenting vote; the social services bill drew the most opposition, with Senator Murray objecting that New York should first address EBT chip technology and skimming before adding new vendor requirements. One bill on the calendar was laid aside for the day.
The chamber also adopted a supplemental bill authorizing the South Country Central School District to finance certain deficits, described by Senator Murray as a necessary rescue to keep the district operating and pay staff. Senators discussed the state budget impasse during debate on an extender bill, with the sponsor explaining it was a “clean extender” to keep government running through May 4 and cover payroll, health, education, and other essential payments. Senator Helming raised concerns about the lack of rural health transformation funding and the consequences of the delayed budget for schools, local governments, and hospitals. The extender passed, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, May 4, 2026.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/06/2026 - Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety
Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- They were instrumental in some of the changes that we are making, and their contributions are always
- So it really limits things that could be seen as poverty for them so youth do not enter the child welfare
- Thank you. ...that doesn't actually talk about what actually happened and what in the system contributed
- It is very similar along the lines, and much of the research that's contributed to safety science has
- Of the research that's contributed to safety science has come from military operations as well.
Summary:
The committee met to review Department of Child Safety reforms developed after oversight hearings on the deaths of Emily Pike, Zariah Dodd, and Rebecca Baptiste. Members described a stakeholder process involving tribes, DCS, law enforcement, county attorneys, schools, and advocates that produced several bills already moving through the Legislature or signed by the governor. Those measures include SB 1125 on tribal-DCS information sharing, a bill requiring schools to provide records to DCS in investigations, a duty-to-report bill requiring direct knowledge, a hotline bill allowing DCS to consider 90 days of prior reports and route repeat cases to more experienced staff, a bill allowing attorneys to share more safety information with judges, and a requirement for advanced forensic interviews within 72 hours in sexual abuse cases. The chair emphasized that reforms are needed across DCS, the courts, and attorneys, and that the San Carlos Tribe’s letter would be entered into the record.
DCS Director Catherine Patak presented 2025 agency data, saying the hotline received nearly 160,000 calls and 43,000 cases were investigated, while the out-of-home care population stayed relatively steady at just over 7,000 children. She reported 3,000 reunifications, 1,300 adoptions, 800 guardianships, 1,100 young adults receiving transition services, 534 new foster homes licensed, a 50% reimbursement increase for older youth caregivers, a 40% drop in youth missing from care since September 2024, and a 30% reduction in fatalities of children in care since 2024. She also discussed the annual fatality review process, noting 123 alleged fatality or near-fatality reports in the review period, 52 with prior DCS involvement, and systemic themes such as support for teens with complex needs, collaboration with law enforcement and the courts, and better staff support.
Patak answered questions about group-home notification rules, saying DCS is updating rules to remove “runaway” and “AWOL” and use “missing” consistently, while also considering a statute change for the timing of notifications. She said about 300 children in care are there because of behavioral issues after adoption, and members raised concerns about insufficient behavioral health services for adopted children and the need for better training and support in group homes. Senators also asked about placement practices for sexually abused children and whether staff gender matching is considered; Patak said she was not aware of a specific requirement and would look into it. The committee then heard from Malcolm Hightower of Casey Family Programs, who said Arizona is generally near the national average on child welfare measures, does better than average on kin placements, but has a higher-than-average share of children in congregate care and slightly lower permanency within two years. He noted Arizona’s safety outcomes are roughly in line with national rates and urged continued cross-branch collaboration and timely information sharing.
A final presentation from KC Melsick of Collaborative Safety focused on the agency’s systemic critical incident review model. He argued that child welfare and other public systems should move away from blame-focused responses after tragedies and toward a “safety culture” that examines system factors, near misses, and decision-making. He said Arizona has used this approach since 2016, with reported improvements including reduced turnover, and that the model is similar to after-action reviews used in the military and root-cause analysis in healthcare. Members discussed applying the same approach more broadly across state agencies. The committee ended with expressions of appreciation for the bill sponsors, DCS staff, tribal partners, and ongoing work, and adjourned with plans to continue the reforms in the interim and next session.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Arizona Fair Association represents the heart of our communities, and we are proud to honor their contributions
- And we are proud to honor their contributions today.
- Immigrants contribute a great deal in taxes, and they are not able to receive a penny of that.
- Immigrants contribute a great deal in taxes, and they are not able to receive a penny of that.
- Undocumented immigrants are already ineligible for access, except for limited emergency care required
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 27 present, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced guests, including representatives of the Arizona Fair Association, Mohave County Parks and Fair officials, a constituent guest, a candidate shadowing a senator, Father David Myers, and the Doctor of the Day.
The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered three bills. SB 1268/HB 2792, a veterans property tax exemption cleanup measure, was explained as clarifying that the exemption applies to a primary residence and jointly owned property for spouses; it received a due pass recommendation and later passed 29-1 with an emergency clause. SB 1051, requiring hospitals to collect and report patient immigration-status information tied to public spending, drew extensive debate over privacy, public health, cost, and immigration enforcement; supporters framed it as accountability for taxpayer spending, while opponents called it discriminatory and harmful to care-seeking, and it passed 17-13. SB 1316, creating a process for Arizona rural health transformation funds and requiring public hearings and JLBC involvement, was defended as a transparency measure for a $167 million federal rural health award; opponents argued it added bureaucracy and could delay rural care, but it passed 17-13.
After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the Senate took up third readings. HB 2792 passed 29-1 with an emergency clause, SB 1123 passed 29-1, SB 1125 passed 30-0, SB 1145 passed 29-1, SB 1316 passed 17-13, and SB 1051 passed 17-13. Several members explained votes, with repeated arguments over immigration, public health, transparency, and the role of JLBC. The Senate then announced committee meetings for the next day and adjourned until February 11, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Rules and Administration - 06/13/25
Rules and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- that's the top portion of the document that includes salaries, health insurance, retirement-related contributions
- will call out that the budget calls for the Senate making the entire share of the employee PFLMA contribution
- <00:13:30.160>
to <00:13:30.399>employee <00:13:30.959>deferred contribution to - employee deferred contribution to employee deferred compensation<00:13:32.399>
plans. - I do know that many of the people who work with us have hit their cap, have hit the limit, and I think
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 8, 2025 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- THE SUPPORT PROVIDED TO THOSE SCHOOLS REALLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUCCESS THAT PROVIDED TO THOSE SCHOOLS
- REALLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUCCESS THAT YOU ARE SEEING THAT WE ARE SEEING IN OUR FLORIDA ASSESSMENT OF
- THE SRLD CONTRIBUTED TO PLANNING WITH K2 TEACHERS AND PROVIDED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SESSIONS TO IMPROVE
- WOULD LIKE TO ADD THESE STORIES WITH THIS DATA IN THESE THREE COUNTIES WE CHOSE FOR TODAY IS NOT LIMITED
- TO ADD ON TO WHAT DOCTOR BURNS IS SAYING, WE CAN CONTRIBUTE RESULTS TO ONE PARTICULAR THING BECAUSE AS
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- These uncertainties contribute to substantial downside risks through all the years of the forecast.
- policies these uncertainties contribute policies these uncertainties contribute to<00:09:00.320>
- The demographic reality of Minnesota's baby boomers aging out of the workforce and the assumed limits
- to $186 million in higher contributes to $186 million in higher costs<00:24:36.919>
in <00:24: - federal government is pro contributing federal government is pro contributing an<00:30:43.279>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 04/01/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Their employees contribute 6.5% of pay. The employers contribute 7.5% of pay.
- They no longer contribute to PAR.
- they no longer contribute to PAR. they no longer contribute<01:10:06.400>
to contribute to contribute - contributions.
- It says excess contributions.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment amends the definition of qualifying period and statutes relating to campaign contributions
- However, it is hostile, and I will say I do disagree with the increase in the fund limit, okay?
- However, it is hostile, and I will say I do disagree with the increase in the fund limit, okay?
- and so obviously we need to make it so clear that even the executive branch can understand this limitation
- The concurrent resolution further prohibits contributions or accepting contributions from a foreign national
Keywords:
foreign law, Sharia law, cultural practices, women's rights, marriage laws, domestic violence, honor killings, Arizona legislation, elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway
Summary:
The committee first considered SB 1018, which would expand Arizona’s foreign law statute to expressly include Sharia law and certain foreign religious or cultural laws or customs that condone practices such as honor killings or other conduct violating criminal law. The sponsor said the bill was meant to strengthen enforcement against foreign, private, or religious adjudications that violate constitutional rights, while opponents, including the ACLU, argued it was unconstitutional, singled out Islam, and was part of a broader anti-Muslim effort. After extended debate, the committee approved SB 1018 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee then heard SB 1568, requiring election systems and software clocks to be set to accurate time and verified during logic and accuracy, compatibility, and security testing. Supporters said accurate timekeeping is important for chain of custody and election integrity; county representatives opposed the bill as impractical because some equipment is not connected to the internet, batteries can drain, and different time zones in Arizona complicate compliance. The bill passed 4-3.
Next, SB 1687 proposed moving primary elections to the Tuesday before Memorial Day, adjusting nomination paper filing windows, and changing the date used to calculate required petition signatures. A Marquez amendment dealing with Clean Elections timing and funding was offered but defeated. The sponsor said the bill would reduce extreme heat burdens and improve participation; county officials were neutral but noted timing changes would require broader cleanup. The committee then approved SB 1687 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also considered SB 1825, which changes how precinct committeeman vacancies are filled by giving legislative district chairs or county chairs authority depending on the situation and requiring action within 30 days. Supporters said it would streamline a slow, opaque process and improve local control; opponents warned it could concentrate power and be abused. An amendment limiting the bill to counties over 500,000 people was adopted, and the bill passed 4-1 with one present and one absent.
Finally, the committee revisited SB 1037, which imposes security requirements on voting and tabulating equipment, including no internet connectivity, user logins, chain-of-custody controls, and continuous video recording at counting centers. An amendment broadened the bill to cover election management systems and tightened the no-connectivity and no-port provisions. The sponsor and amendment proponent argued the bill was needed to prevent indirect internet access and strengthen election security. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on SB 1037.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Development (2-10-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- improve school safety, improve our communities, graduation rates, mental health, and we just want to contribute
- rates, mental health, and we just want rates, mental health, and we just want to<00:14:44.560>
contribute - > to<00:14:45.600>
excellence <00:14:46.240>among <00:14:46.720>our to contribute - to excellence among our to contribute to excellence among our students.<00:14:48.399>
And <00: - language be restored into House Bill 500 with recallable nickels to ensure that no child's education is limited
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met for an information-gathering session and opened by clarifying that the subcommittee would not be voting on budget requests. Because there was no quorum at first, the committee did not take up approval amendments. The first presentation focused on a budget request to incentivize national certification for school social workers and school psychologists. Rep. Vanessa Gracal, along with Amy Oats and Leslie Gilpin, argued for a $500,000 annual appropriation to provide $2,000 salary supplements to nationally certified school social workers and school psychologists working primarily in their certification areas. They said the stipend would help recruit and retain professionals amid shortages, noted that current Kentucky certification numbers are low, and explained the rigorous certification and renewal requirements. In response to questions, they said there is currently no appropriation for this purpose in HB 500 and none they were aware of in HB 6 in 2024.
The next topic was school facility funding needs, led by Rep. Bob McCool, Johnson County Superintendent Tom Cochran, Commissioner of Education Robert Fletcher, and other district representatives. They described the “gap funding” issue for school construction projects that had already started before COVID-era inflation sharply increased costs. Johnson County and Harrison County were highlighted as examples of districts that had already committed local funds, passed nickel taxes, and begun construction but now need additional state support to finish projects. Speakers emphasized that many projects were audited and approved, that the state has already funded about half of the gap, and that roughly $130 million more is being sought in HB 500 to complete the remaining work. They stressed that unfinished projects would leave districts with half-built schools and that completing them would bring long-term savings and better facilities for students.
The committee then turned to testimony from KASA representatives on the impacts of HB 500 as introduced. The witnesses discussed the importance of school psychology and school social work certification, the benefits of advanced training for student services, and the need to recognize and support highly qualified staff. A member asked whether HB 500 or HB 6 included an appropriation for the certification stipend, and the witnesses answered no. The meeting also included a motion to approve the minutes from the prior meeting once a quorum was present, and the minutes were approved by voice vote.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, they we gave them the option but we limited their ability to option but we limited their ability
- We're there's a limit what they can do. We're there's a limit what they can do.
- So, if you are an contribution plan. So, if you are an contribution plan.
- plans an exemption on contribution plans an exemption on contribution plans an exemption on their, you
- to the mildly including but not limited to the mildly including but not limited to the mildly and and