Video & Transcript Research : 'legislators'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
911 Management Authority Mar 9th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, with any legislative cycle, you have to trust that that's what's going to happen, right?
- But regardless of the direction of where we're at, I need direction as your legislative liaison.
- But then empower the legislative committee to work with the legislative liaison to review language and
- But it's going to take legislation to move us. It, I I guess the governor probably could do.
- Neutral unless and until the legislative liaison or the legislative committee receives further direction
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- Where if there should be future legislation to help in their efforts.
- or actions in the next legislative session.
- Legislative management will report its findings, recommendations, and needed legislation.
- Legislative Management will report its findings, recommendations, and needed legislation arising from
- this study to the 70th Legislative Assembly.
Bills:
HCR3028
Keywords:
human trafficking, victim services, re-entry programs, legislative study, public safety, mental health, law enforcement, 908, all
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several measures related to human trafficking, criminal procedure, and child protection. It first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3028, which would direct a legislative study of human trafficking victim services and re-entry programs. The sponsor and supporters emphasized helping victims rebuild basic life and workforce skills and better understanding existing services; YouthWorks and the North Dakota Catholic Conference described current programs and the trauma victims face. The committee discussed overlap with other interim studies, then voted unanimously to give the resolution a due pass, with Senator Braunberger designated to carry it.
The committee then considered House Bill 1263, concerning sealing criminal records, and moved it forward without changing the House version after members noted the House had removed presumption language and reduced the waiting period. That bill also received a due pass recommendation. Next, House Bill 1226, which revises the state’s mask law for public places, drew testimony from the sponsor and an expert witness who argued that masking to conceal identity during group criminal conduct undermines public safety and law enforcement. Members debated the House-added requirement that law enforcement request unmasking; the committee adopted an amendment to remove that language, then passed the bill as amended, with Senator Luick to carry it.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1410, a study resolution on criminal conduct against children, including child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and the use of artificial intelligence in exploitation crimes. Supporters from the Child Sexual Assault Prevention Task Force, YouthWorks, and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota said the study would help update outdated terminology, review AI-related issues, and improve investigation and prosecution tools. The committee approved the resolution with a due pass recommendation, and Senator Cory was assigned to carry it. The committee also received a brief report that, in a quick review, there were 82 active studies introduced, including 10 shall studies and 35 shall-consider studies, with limited overlap identified beyond the trafficking-related measures.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 12 Feb 19th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, that is not the legislation... OPC indirectly?
- The first piece of legislation that ran off this floor was actually an opt-in piece of legislation.
- Pages 2 to 12 of the piece of legislation, they're just simple definitions.
- The legislation permits the opting out of the sale or collection of data.
- It will be enforced just as the other four pieces of legislation.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Media Availability 9/30/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The legislature is legislative process.
- <00:03:12.879>
process there's been a legislative process there's been a legislative process - through the entire uh legislative through the entire uh legislative session.<00:04:36.400>
Bills - Um, proposals of gun legislation at all?
- legislation? legislation?
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, so Mike Wackett, Louisiana legislative auditor.
- Again, thank you for the legislation. Senator Andrews?
- This is a state legislative auditor.
- And that's why this legislation helps with that.
- Nobody is refusing to work with a legislative order.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first advanced SB 1224, which requires DCFS to look into cases where a child under 17 is involved in a pregnancy, with added oversight for children under 12; it was reported favorably. The committee also favorably reported SB 1100, described as repealing an outdated statute. White Coat Day remarks welcomed physicians to the Capitol and thanked them for their service, including efforts to improve Medicaid reimbursement.
Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and physician licensure, was reported favorably. HB 1231 clarified that Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitoring applies to insulin-dependent patients, including those with gestational diabetes, and was also reported favorably. HB 198, which sets reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures such as colonoscopies, eye, ENT, and gastroenterology services, passed favorably. HB 1160, creating a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical graduates, prompted a lengthy exchange about delayed rulemaking and whether the board had added requirements beyond statute; despite concerns, it was reported favorably.
The committee also advanced several resolutions and oversight measures. HCR 67, prompted by a personal family experience with a special-needs child’s acute care needs, creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children; it was amended and reported favorably. HCR 27, calling for a statewide evaluation of autism services by LDH and the Department of Education, was reported favorably. HB 223, which recreates DCFS, was amended to shorten the sunset date and require law enforcement reporting through a secure web platform, then reported favorably. HCR 28, creating a task force on school nurse orientation and training for new graduates, was reported favorably after testimony from school nurses about the lack of standardized orientation and the risks of placing inexperienced nurses alone in schools.
The committee also took up HB 469, which would allow pharmacy license renewal applicants to designate a portion of fees to eligible schools including Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy; after opposition from Senator Cloud and a roll call, the bill was deferred. HB 1182, a cleanup bill changing the occupational therapy certifying entity and adjusting fees, and HB 1076, eliminating one of two sunset provisions for the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board, were both reported favorably. HB 1216, a major rewrite of clinical laboratory personnel rules, was deferred after concerns that it would restrict existing phlebotomy and lab functions in ways that could conflict with recent law. Finally, HB 457 and HB 616, both by Representative Knox and focused on homelessness, drew extensive testimony: HB 457 established minimum standards for shelters and similar facilities and was reported favorably as amended, while HB 616 would allow audits of homelessness-related funding and databases; after debate over privacy, federal funding oversight, and accountability, the committee adopted an amendment changing enforcement language from "may" to "shall" and continued hearing testimony from opponents and supporters.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 14th, 2026 at 01:49 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But as state legislators, we were willing to pass this legislation.
- , but not on other pieces of legislation.
- On one uncertain legislation but not on other pieces of legislation. Mr.
- And it's generally any legislative...
- I’m also confused with the legislation.
Bills:
HB145, HB164, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, SB104, SB193, HB38, HB254, HB256, SB58, SB64, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB253
Keywords:
high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health & Human Development Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Health & Human Development
Transcript Highlights:
- That concludes virtual public comment for this legislation. Thank you.
- I mean, and we aren't just legislating for today. We're legislating for the future.
- That have been posed related to the legislation.
- This legislation will only make those conditions worse, not better.
- Thank you for your partnership with this legislation. Thank you.
Keywords:
healthcare, life-sustaining treatment, patient preferences, POLST, advance directive, medical orders, hospital discharge, pregnancy, patient care, discharge planning, healthcare policy, substance use, harm reduction, syringe services, needle exchange, overdose prevention, naloxone, opioid antagonist, drug paraphernalia, syringe
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released.
Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Legislative Coordinating Commission 11/10/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- c> Coordinating with the Legislative Coordinating with the Legislative Coordinating Commission.<00
- <00:03:00.720>
offices <00:03:01.200>and joint legislative offices and joint legislative - manager with the legislative manager with the legislative coordinating<00:03:45.599>
commission - <00:04:38.560>
coordinating for the legislative coordinating for the legislative coordinating - referred to as the joint legislative referred to as the joint legislative offices<00:04:48.960><
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Transcript Highlights:
- commonwealth and the legislation of the other 49 states.
- So that's the first thing this legislation tries to ban.
- And so that's what this legislation simply does.
- And so that's what this legislation simply does. It kind of imposes this legislation simply does.
- In terms of problems I see in my research that are relevant to this legislation, current legislative
Summary:
The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information.
Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement.
Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Special Investigative Committee, February 26, 2026
House Special Investigative Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- legislative factf finding inquiry. legislative factf finding inquiry.
- Legislative procedures.
- lobbyist during this legislative lobbyist during this legislative session?
- other pending legislation? other pending legislation?
- legislation at all? legislation at all?
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- inexpedient to legislate. Representative inexpedient to legislate.
- legislative prerogatives. legislative prerogatives.
- inexpedient to legislate. Representative inexpedient to legislate.
- Our job as legislators is not to legislate fear.
- is inexpedient to legislate. is inexpedient to legislate.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Under this legislation, the attorney for the state would be able to... able to assert legislative privilege
- Privileged and what was not legislatively privileged.
- But my understanding is federal courts have ruled that with respect to legislative privilege, the legislator
- The privilege belongs to the legislator, and it's not necessarily the case that only a legislator who
- Legislation ensures accountability and transparency.
Bills:
HB346, HB1360, HB1510, HB1606, HB1804, HB1805, HB2156, HB2391, HB2767, HB3022, HB3044, HB3272, HB3293, HB3493, HB3809, HB3824, HJR110, HB2463
Keywords:
expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And the trouble with the legislative rule on this is legislative rules affect us as legislators.
- And the trouble with the legislative rule on this is legislative rules affect us as legislators.
- And the trouble with the legislative rule on this is legislative rules affect us as legislators.
- legislative rule on this is legislative legislative rule on this is legislative rules<01:11:06.440
- former legislators and not affect us as former legislators and therefore<01:11:12.520>
it <01:
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me do something real quick, just to clarify, one of our goals with the legislation is to give legislators
- So we had legislation.
- It's about providing legislators, you know, a solution to... look at what, you know, legislation is going
- legislation to go through.
- But in the last so many sessions ERS and TRS are commonly carved out of legislation. legislation purposely
Keywords:
health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Press Conference: Majority in the Middle 2025 State of Bipartisanship Report - 10/03/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Individual legislators also rose to the occasion. 192 of the 201 legislators carried at least one bill
- effort to legislators effort to legislators as<00:04:39.280>
best <00:04:39.600>or - want to be a true bipartisan legislator. want to be a true bipartisan legislator.
- to take a normal legislative process. to take a normal legislative process.
- state legislators. state legislators.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 16th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The AAPI Legislative Caucus honors the life and legacy of Dr.
- We got landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act.
- On behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus, and the Assembly Member from Moreno Valley,...
- Thank you, members, on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
- Thank you, members, on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call, then proceeded with prayer, the pledge, and routine motions. Members approved several procedural requests, including moving AB 362 to the inactive file and allowing the Natural Resources Committee to hear AB 34 on January 16. The chamber also recognized guests and paid tribute to retiring Republican caucus consultant Daryl Thomas, with remarks from multiple members praising his long service and legal analysis work.
The main floor action centered on ACR 116, a resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Members from several caucuses and both parties spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of civil rights, economic justice, nonviolence, and unfinished work. After opening the roll for coauthors, the resolution received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly then took up ACR 118, recognizing Korean American Day; members highlighted Korean American history, community contributions, solidarity with other communities, and the significance of Koreatown and Korean American civic life. That resolution also received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote.
The consent calendar was then adopted on a 64-0 vote, including ACR 115 on National Blood Donor Month. The chamber also held an adjournment in memory for former legislator David Kelly, with a tribute to his military service, agricultural background, and legislative work on water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Assembly announced the upcoming Martin Luther King Day recess and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 1 p.m.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health & Human Development Committee Meeting Jun 18th, 2026
Health & Human Development
Transcript Highlights:
- That concludes virtual public comment for this legislation. Thank you.
- That concludes virtual public comment for this legislation. Thank you.
- I am a past president and a co-legislative chair.
- That includes virtual public comment for this legislation.
- Thank you. virtual public comment for this legislation. Thank you.
Keywords:
Delaware Health Fund, healthcare access, preventive care, tobacco settlement, public health initiatives, grant program
Summary:
The House Health and Human Development Committee met and considered a series of health, human services, and related bills. The committee heard and advanced House Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 13, which standardizes hospital charity care and financial assistance statewide, and Senate Bill 296 with Senate Amendment 1, which restructures the Delaware Health Fund grant process with a more formal, transparent competitive rubric. Both measures received supportive testimony from DHSS, the Delaware Healthcare Association, and the Delaware Nurses Association, and both were released by committee on roll-call votes.
The committee also released Senate Bill 313 with Senate Amendment 1, which places a temporary moratorium on acquisitions of nonprofit acute care hospitals by for-profit entities and expands notice/review requirements for sales of hospital real estate; Senate Bill 340 with Senate Amendment 1, which requires long-term care facilities to carry specified liability insurance, with questions raised about the exemption for state-owned facilities; Senate Joint Resolution 20, which directs DHSS to study independent assessment tools for Medicaid home- and community-based services; and Senate Bill 341, which updates Delaware Health Information Network law and formally recognizes DIN as the state’s health data utility. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with some discussion on constitutional concerns, insurance coverage, and the rationale for the state exemption in SB 340.
Later, the committee advanced Senate Bill 257, which requires new animal shelters to be licensed and inspected before operating and removes a prior exception for certain rescue organizations; and Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 278 with House Amendment 1, which allows earlier pre-authorization for summer child care enrollment and lowers copays for half-day care. Public testimony on these measures came from animal welfare advocates, YMCA representatives, and other stakeholders, all largely in support. Each bill was released by committee, with several votes walked for absent members, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were addressed.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
Transcript Highlights:
- I filed the legislation to establish the commission, and she included it in a much larger piece of legislation
- I am grateful for the widespread support of this legislation.
- Is that accurate in this particular piece of legislation?
- We strongly support several provisions in this legislation.
- I'm the deputy legislative director at SEIU Local 509.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking.
A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation.
The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats.
Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, September 15, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation will save billions of This legislation will save billions of taxpayer<00:20:59.280><
- The resulting legislation is straightforward. The resulting legislation is straightforward.
- colleagues to support this legislation. colleagues to support this legislation.
- This legislation does so by life.
- all members to support this legislation. all members to support this legislation.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education (1-20-26)
Postsecondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- be no vote taken on this legislation be no vote taken on this legislation today.<00:16:36.240>
uh sort of a summary of the legislation uh sort of a summary of the legislation and<00:21:56.799 - We've not had that legislative fix.
- legislative session began legislation legislative session began except<00:57:32.640>
for <00:57 - about my legislation. Thank you. about my legislation. Thank you.
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education opened its first meeting with roll call, member introductions, and introductions of numerous interns from Kentucky colleges and universities. The chair reviewed committee rules for the 2026 session, including witness oaths, sign-up procedures, limits on testimony, and the deadline for submitting committee substitutes and amendments.
The committee then took up House Bill 96, sponsored by Chair Tipton, which would revise the membership and timing of the performance-based funding work group. Tipton said the bill would expand legislative participation from one House and one Senate member to five from each chamber, keep university and KCTCS presidents on the group, make the CPE president a nonvoting chair, and change the work group’s schedule from a fiscal year to a calendar year. He argued the changes would build institutional knowledge, allow university leaders to meet without creating quorum/open-meeting issues, and help the group develop recommendations for the next General Assembly. Members raised concerns about politicization and the even-numbered membership, while Tipton said he wanted consensus rather than a tied vote. The committee approved HB 96 on a roll call vote, with most members voting yes and Representative Willner voting no but saying she might change her vote later on the House floor.
The committee also heard House Bill 94 for discussion only, so no vote was taken. Representative Vanessa Gracel and CPE counsel Travis Pal described the bill as a transfer-pathways measure aimed at making two-year-to-four-year and four-year-to-four-year transfers more seamless in high-demand programs. They said the proposal would require CPE, public universities, and KCTCS to collaborate on statewide transfer pathways based on student and workforce demand, with institutions able to opt in or out of specific pathways but required to disclose nontransferable courses for transparency. Gracel argued the bill would reduce credit loss, lower time and cost to degree, improve completion rates, and help students and families understand transfer options; she also criticized some universities for not engaging in the process. No action was taken on HB 94 at this meeting.