Transcript Highlights:

• connections<00:12:01.920> on<00:12:02.079> the<00:12:02.160> testifier's<00:12:
• In the<00:12:04.240> event<00:12:04.480> of<00:12:04.640> a<00:12:04.800> network
• > to<00:12:06.480> reschedule<00:12:06.880> a<00:12:06.959> hearing<00:12
• <00:12:12.720> Please<00:12:12.959> avoid<00:12:13.600> uh<00:12:13.760>
• <00:12:26.160> the<00:12:26.399> ability<00:12:26.720> to rejoin.<00:12:30.079

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um Um Um to<00:12:05.120> to<00:12:05.360> his<00:12:05.560> point,<00:12:05.920
• not<00:12:07.680> know<00:12:07.839> that<00:12:08.000> we<00:12:08.160>
• Um I<00:12:11.160> I'd<00:12:11.320> be<00:12:11.520> surprised<00:12:12.000>
• if<00:12:12.680> I<00:12:12.880> I<00:12:13.000> think<00:12:13.280> our
• c><00:12:46.920> need<00:12:47.120> to<00:12:47.240> be<00:12:47.360> taken.

Bills: SCR56, SCR25, SCR79, SCR179, SCR181, SCR182, SR54, SR22, SR81, SR174, SR176, SR177

Keywords: lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, community wellbeing, Pohakuloa, condemnation, federal government, land sovereignty, Hawaii, native Hawaiians, public trust land, invasive species, octocoral, Pearl Harbor, environment, Navy responsibility, marine ecosystem, ecosystem preservation

Summary: The committee first heard SCR 56 and SR 54, which recognize open water lifeguards as first responders and acknowledge their role in emergency response and public safety. Testifiers from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Honolulu and Kauai Ocean Safety, and a junior guard all strongly supported the resolutions, describing lifeguards as often first on scene for drownings, cardiac arrest, spinal injuries, flooding rescues, and other emergencies. Several speakers said formal recognition would better reflect the work lifeguards already do and could improve training, support services, pay equity, and access to benefits such as retirement and trauma resources. Members asked about what legal or administrative changes would follow, and the discussion suggested the resolutions were a first step toward broader recognition and related policy changes. The committee then took up SCR 25 and SR 22, opposing federal condemnation or threats of condemnation to take control of Pohakuloa and other state land. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the resolutions, saying Pohakuloa has deep historical, cultural, genealogical, and ecological significance and that any future decisions should go through existing state legal processes with meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians. Members discussed the role of the governor’s advisory process, the need to follow DLNR/BLNR procedures, and concerns about environmental and health violations at the site. The committee also noted 14 written testimonies in support. Next, the committee heard SCR 79 and SR 81, urging the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for eradicating octocoral and other invasive species in Pearl Harbor waters, including West, Middle, and East Loch. DLNR supported the resolutions, and testimony focused on the spread of invasive coral, the difficulty of eradication, and the limited access state agencies have inside Pearl Harbor. Members raised concerns about contamination, responsibility for the problem, and whether the Navy should fund or carry out the cleanup; DLNR said it could not speak to broader contamination issues but supported the resolution as a way to encourage action. The committee then began discussion of SCR 179 and SR 174, which urge Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, with written support noted from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:01.959> reducing<00:12:02.399> the<00:12:02.519> number<00:12:03.320>
• correct the<00:12:08.440> timing<00:12:08.839> actually<00:12:09.000> is<00:12:
• let<00:12:14.440> me<00:12:14.600> just<00:12:14.839> add<00:12:15.000>
• > that<00:12:16.240> uh<00:12:16.360> the<00:12:16.480> CMS<00:12:17.040>
• :12:18.320> final<00:12:18.639> rules<00:12:19.079> that<00:12:19.240> came

Keywords: Due to a technical issue in the room, the quality of the stream will be diminished. We apologize for the inconvenience. Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:02:00 SB 61 Discussion Only 00:03:25 SB 13 Discussion Only 00:07:19 SJR 25 Discussion 00:25:33 SJR 25 Vote 00:28:40 SB 61 Discussion Only 00:29:44, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 61, relating to swimming pools, but initially had no representative from the governor’s office or cabinet available to explain the fiscal estimate. Senators questioned why the executive branch’s estimate was $4.25 million to $8.5 million while the committee’s internal fiscal note showed little or no impact. When Department for Public Health staff later joined, they explained their estimate was based on a roughly $85,000 cost for a large outbreak investigation, using a 2014 outbreak as a benchmark, and said the bill could increase workload and outside laboratory costs if private swimming pools became more common as rental properties. They reported 822 waterborne cases in 2024, with 8 tied to private swimming pools, and later corrected an earlier figure to 14 private-pool-related investigations over five years. Senators pressed on the discrepancy between those numbers and the projected 50 to 100 incidents, and staff said the higher figure was a ballpark estimate. The discussion also clarified that private pools are generally excluded by definition, while pools held out for rent may be treated as public pools under current definitions. No vote on SB 61 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then heard Senate Bill 13, concerning the reprocurement of managed care organizations for Medicaid. Department for Medicaid Services officials said the bill would require work on a new RFP, system changes, and oversight improvements, and estimated the cost at $2.8 million based on prior procurement spending of about $2.5 million in 2018-2019, with a 10% growth adjustment. They explained that the work is administrative and therefore matched at 50/50 federal-state funding, not the 80/20 rate used for benefits, and said the expense would be incurred whether the bill passed or not if the state proceeded with an RFP. Senators discussed possible savings from reducing the number of MCOs from five to three, but agency staff said those savings were hard to quantify and that provider and member disruption could create offsetting costs. The committee later moved on to Senate Joint Resolution 25, which would ask the Revenue Department to report on the cost of issuing farmers a wallet-sized tax-exempt card instead of a paper certificate. The resolution was adopted by roll call, with all members present voting aye, and it was reported favorably to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:05.120> can<00:12:05.280> be<00:12:05.440> let<00:12:05.720> off
• past the school<00:12:08.320> buses<00:12:09.200> with<00:12:09.360> stop<00:12
• 12:15.800> with<00:12:15.960> our<00:12:16.120> schools<00:12:16.880> and
• This<00:12:22.760> bill<00:12:23.040> passed<00:12:23.440> the<00:12:23.520>
• <00:12:31.120> This<00:12:31.320> is<00:12:31.480> a<00:12:31.560> very

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > court<00:12:13.920> order<00:12:14.639> saying<00:12:14.880> that<00:12
• <00:12:17.440> And<00:12:17.680> neither<00:12:18.000> would<00:12:18.240>
• says 48 hours ahead.<00:12:24.000> So,<00:12:24.160> if<00:12:24.320> he<00:12:
• We We We >> I<00:12:32.000> knew<00:12:32.160> he<00:12:32.320> was<00:12:
• >> Okay.<00:12:44.480> On<00:12:44.639> the<00:12:44.800> amendment,<00:12

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, February 2, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House took up House Bill 444, Public Safety, Immigration Enforcement Agreements Prohibition, which would end 287(g) agreements and related formal understandings with federal immigration authorities. The main debate centered on whether the bill would interfere with the transfer of detainees to ICE and whether counties should be required to give advance notice before release. The sponsor argued the bill should be amended to require 48-hour notice and transfer of convicted detainees, saying it would protect public safety while respecting detainee rights. Opponents said the amendment was unnecessary because notice is already given in practice and that the bill would not allow holding anyone beyond a court-ordered release time. Members discussed a recent news story about a Prince George’s County detainee who was released after serving time and later picked up by ICE, using it as an example of why clearer procedures were needed. The floor leader and other opponents responded that the person had been released by court order and that the proposed amendment would not have changed that outcome. A delegate from Prince George’s County said the county followed standard correctional procedures, checked for detainers, notified ICE, and could not lawfully hold the person once the judge ordered release. A delegate from Baltimore County argued that formal agreements and MOUs with ICE are necessary because informal arrangements are inconsistent and detainers are often ignored; another member cited Baltimore County detainer statistics to support that point. The first amendment to HB 444 was put to a roll call vote and failed, with 36 votes in the negative. After that, a second amendment was offered that would ban arrest quotas, drone use in law enforcement, warrantless unmanned aerial surveillance, and no-knock warrants. The sponsor described it as a civil-liberties measure aimed at preventing quota-driven policing and intrusive surveillance. The transcript ends while that second amendment is being introduced and explained, before any final action on it is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:14.240> Um,<00:12:15.200> and<00:12:15.680> if<00:12:15.920> if
• ><00:12:16.240> any<00:12:16.399> of<00:12:16.480> my<00:12:16.720> other
• <00:12:25.839> if<00:12:26.079> we<00:12:26.320> settle<00:12:26.560> on<
• we<00:12:27.519> could<00:12:27.680> take<00:12:27.839> that<00:12:28.000><
• and<00:12:36.959> we're<00:12:37.200> needing<00:12:37.519> to<00:12:38.079

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The meeting focused on resolving a House-Senate disagreement over funding for a new forestry/fire mitigation program. House members explained that their objection was not to the program itself, but to the Senate’s increase from the original $3 million level; they argued the program should start at the lower amount and be expanded later if needed. Senate members responded that the higher amount was based on forest health briefing information showing significant beetle kill, rising fire danger, and the need to act quickly while federal partners and current conditions made treatment work feasible. They cited recent large fire suppression costs and argued the added funding would have a strong return on investment by reducing future suppression expenses. After discussion of possible compromise amounts, including $4 million and then $3.5 million, House members said $3.5 million would be more acceptable to their chamber and suggested supplemental funding could be considered later if the program proved successful. The Senate agreed to the $3.5 million compromise. Members also noted that other amendments in the bill, including repeal of a sunset date and changes intended to speed contracting by removing an attorney general step, were important and appreciated by the House. The committee then took a voice vote on the compromise, and it passed unanimously. Members indicated they would take the agreement back to their respective chambers as part of the conference report and expected the bill to move forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:12:22.079> dues,<00:12:23.200> protocol<00:12:23.760> dues,<00:12:24.480><
• So, just want<00:12:30.959> to<00:12:31.120> remind<00:12:31.440> members<00:12:
• > a<00:12:38.560> lot<00:12:38.639> of<00:12:38.800> other<00:12:39.360><
• :12:47.120> list<00:12:47.279> that<00:12:47.440> I<00:12:47.600> forgot<
• 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Rabbi Deborah Wexler of Pikesville, and journalized the prayer without objection. The chamber also recognized several visitor groups, including Maryland Realtors Day, Maryland March for Change participants advocating for infant and maternal health, and students, faculty, and staff from Avalon School. Senators briefly highlighted upcoming committee meetings and caucus events, including a Legislative Black Caucus press conference, Aviation Day, and a reminder about protocol dues. On legislation, the chamber read Senate Bill 955 on real property, condominiums, and homeowners association election rules and referred it to the Rules Committee. Two Senate bond initiatives were also read and sent to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. Senate Bill 888 was announced as reassigned to the Rules Committee. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 46 concerning state veteran cemeteries, where Senator Simon offered a floor amendment. Senator from District 7 explained the bill was prompted by concerns about how caskets are moved at veteran cemeteries, describing a practice he found disturbing and saying the issue should be addressed separately from the bill. The amendment and the amended report were both adopted without objection, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. The Senate then handled a brief procedural exchange when a senator asked about speaking on the reassigned bill, and the presiding officer ruled the matter out of order because it had already been reassigned. After additional committee announcements, the Senate remained in session with 40 members present and then moved to recess until noon in the House chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• many farmers<00:12:06.560> uh<00:12:06.720> own<00:12:07.040> and<00:12:07.200>
• > them<00:12:12.639> with<00:12:12.959> up<00:12:13.200> to<00:12:13.440>
• :12:41.519> lease<00:12:41.760> rights<00:12:42.000> for<00:12:42.240> or
• <00:12:46.399> could<00:12:46.639> be<00:12:46.720> a<00:12:46.880> real<
• And<00:12:57.440> so,<00:12:57.920> uh<00:12:58.320> that's<00:12:58.560> what

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on Senate File 3687, a Minnesota bill that would expand school milk choices in the National School Lunch Program. The senator said the measure is modeled on recently passed federal legislation and would allow schools to offer whole milk, 2% milk, flavored milks, and non-dairy alternatives when requested, reversing what he described as the 2010 federal limits to skim and low-fat milk. He argued the bill is about choice rather than mandates and said it could reduce milk waste, increase student consumption, and support healthier decision-making. The senator said the bill has broad bipartisan support and only limited criticism, with the main concern in committee being whether schools would face added stocking burdens. He responded that schools would not be required to offer any specific milk and could adjust orders based on student demand. He also said the bill would benefit Minnesota dairy farmers and local economies by increasing demand for milk produced and cartoned in the state. The interview also touched on Senate File 3686, a separate proposal to create a pilot program for rotational grazing funded through the environmental trust fund. The senator described it as a small but meaningful effort to help beginning farmers, improve pasture management, and support conservation lands, with grants covering up to 50% of fencing or grassland establishment costs, capped at $25,000 per recipient. The segment ended with a lighthearted milk tasting, reinforcing the theme of offering more choices.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12:01.800> your<00:12:01.920> legacy<00:12:02.400> that<00:12:02.560> you're<
• <00:12:30.840> And<00:12:31.600> the<00:12:31.800> advisory<00:12:32.440>
• > to<00:12:41.200> make<00:12:41.360> sure<00:12:41.520> that<00:12:41.640><
• > of<00:12:42.280> the<00:12:42.400> county<00:12:42.760> are<00:12:42.839
• c> be<00:12:44.680> able<00:12:44.920> to<00:12:45.040> do<00:12:45.200>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4808, as amended by a DE3, a human services technology modernization bill. The author described the measure as a multi-year effort to modernize outdated county systems, improve data integration, and strengthen program integrity and fraud detection. The bill would create a Human Services Modernization Fund with a $50 million cap, establish an advisory council with strong county and tribal representation, and create a legislative commission to oversee the work and receive annual reports. It also includes a $10 million county-focused grant fund and a $15 million appropriation for the Office of Inspector General’s technology needs. Testimony from the Association of Minnesota Counties and related county groups strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for immediate modernization, the importance of county and tribal involvement, and the value of legislative oversight. Members from both parties echoed support, saying the bill would help county workers spend less time on outdated systems and more time serving clients, and that better system integration could reduce errors and fraud issues. One member suggested that audits should be considered in the future in addition to reporting requirements. The committee adopted the DE3 amendment without opposition. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to refer House File 4808, as amended, to the general register, and the motion passed on a voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• > need<00:12:02.560> to<00:12:02.760> have<00:12:02.880> you<00:12:03.360
• yourself<00:12:04.440> please<00:12:04.760> I'm<00:12:04.880> so<00:12:05.079><
• you<00:12:18.199> hear<00:12:18.320> me<00:12:18.440> sir<00:12:18.720>
• yes thank<00:12:19.480> you<00:12:19.800> Dr<00:12:20.040> Brad<00:12:20.279>
• :12:43.880> way<00:12:44.680> um<00:12:44.839> I<00:12:44.959> would<00:12

Keywords: 00:00 – Introduction 00:17 – Attendance Roll Call 02:09-- Discussion of SB 69 26:57 – Roll Call Vote, 958, all

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee met briefly and took up Senate Bill 69, a measure creating a certification path for non-veterinarians who perform equine dental work, especially floating teeth. Sponsor Sen. Robin Webb and supporters said the bill was the product of about two years of open meetings and stakeholder discussions, and that it would provide accountability, insurance access, and a way to grandfather in long-time practitioners with additional training. They framed it as a rural access and affordability issue, arguing that many horse owners, especially in remote areas, cannot easily reach or afford large-animal veterinarians and that the bill would preserve a long-standing husbandry practice while setting limits so certified providers could not perform surgery. Opposition came from equine veterinarians Dr. Brad Tanner and Dr. William Rainbow, who agreed there is a shortage of large-animal veterinarians and that floating teeth is necessary, but argued the bill’s scope goes beyond simple husbandry. They said the proposed authority would include procedures such as tooth removal and other work they consider surgery, which should remain within veterinary practice because of the need for sedation, pain management, and broader oral and physical exams. They also objected to the title “equine dental provider,” saying it could mislead owners into thinking the person has dentist-like training, and suggested a term like “equine teeth floater” would be clearer. Tanner cited a KVMA survey he said showed only 14 of 214 respondents supported indirect veterinary supervision in the bill. Members asked about continuing education, the “good moral character” licensing language, and whether people with past criminal records could be excluded. Supporters said continuing education would be required through certification programs and that character determinations would be handled case by case, with reference to broader second-chance licensing efforts moving through the legislature. Rep. Stalker asked for clearer terminology and educational guidance for consumers; the witnesses reiterated that the public should understand the difference between floating teeth and a full dental exam. After discussion, the committee moved to a roll call vote on the bill, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:12:02.519> 1st<00:12:03.399> 2025<00:12:04.399> this<00:12:04.560> marks
• <00:12:05.760> time<00:12:06.519> that<00:12:06.800> the<00:12:07.240> real
• > to<00:12:21.959> all<00:12:22.279> the<00:12:22.440> students<00:12:22.839
• /c><00:12:29.199> to<00:12:29.839> recognize<00:12:30.560> the<00:12:30.880>
• because<01:12:01.760> of<01:12:02.360> fracking<01:12:03.360> it<01:12:03.520><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, February 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 12:30.400> lend<00:12:31.000> out<00:12:31.440> to<00:12:31.560> businesses
• this is um<00:12:37.839> really<00:12:38.240> important<00:12:39.240> to<00:12:
• 00:12:53.000> this<00:12:53.320> guarantee<00:12:54.200> and<00:12:54.400> I<
• > don't<00:12:57.240> that<00:12:57.640> this<00:12:57.920> is<00:12:58.200
• So<01:12:00.080> I<01:12:00.240> don't<01:12:01.040> the<01:12:01.240> money<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:05.839> Chair,<00:12:06.079> I<00:12:06.240> move<00:12:06.399> to
• >> Seeing<00:12:21.920> none,<00:12:22.160> all<00:12:22.320> those<00:12:
• <00:12:26.880> The<00:12:26.959> eyes<00:12:27.200> have<00:12:27.360> it
• back<00:12:29.200> with<00:12:29.279> a<00:12:29.440> CA<00:12:29.839>
• >> Next<00:12:32.320> up<00:12:32.480> is<00:12:33.120> uh<00:12:33.760>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and adopted the consent calendar without objection. It then took up Department of Safety Rule 25161 on administrative license suspension forms. After discussion of a staff concern that the rule text should expressly require a defendant’s signature or refusal to sign, and the officer’s witness signature, the agency agreed to revised language. The committee voted to grant conditional approval with those edits. The committee next considered Department of Agriculture rule 192, concerning importation of bovines and domestic animals. Staff identified several issues, including an overly broad federal citation, an unclear definition of infection, a possible conflict between provisions on telephone-issued permits and documents that must be carried, and missing struck-through repeal language. Because the department had not proposed written fixes, members moved to postpone the item until next month, and the motion passed. A second Agriculture item, 25207, was discussed as a long-expired set of rules that the agency said were still needed to run its programs; the committee granted conditional approval. The Public Utilities Commission’s competitive natural gas supplier and aggregator rules prompted the most extensive debate. Staff argued the cited statutes did not clearly authorize the commission to impose fines on natural gas suppliers, while the agency responded that authority could be read from related Department of Energy transition language and general rulemaking provisions. Members discussed whether the issue reflected a statutory gap created when responsibilities were split between the Department of Energy and the commission. The committee ultimately voted to waive and postpone the item to next month so the attorneys could work out the authority question. The committee also postponed Department of Energy items 219 and 220 at the agency’s request, and it noted that the Liquor Commission’s emergency rule had been revised to reduce reporting from monthly to quarterly before being reissued, with the item also postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:07.720> So,<00:12:08.000> I<00:12:08.040> just<00:12:08.160> want<
• ><00:12:09.720> this<00:12:09.920> is<00:12:10.040> not<00:12:10.320> just
• <00:12:40.680> This<00:12:41.400> extra<00:12:41.800> 100%<00:12:42.320>
• <00:12:45.240> So,<00:12:45.440> like<00:12:46.120> any<00:12:46.800> uh<
• <00:12:53.640> was<00:12:54.000> uh<00:12:54.120> tax<00:12:54.400> fraud

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 5040, the “Take It Back Act,” presented by Representative Anderson. The bill, as amended by the DE1 amendment, would impose a 100% tax on amounts a person is convicted of stealing through fraud against Minnesota public programs, with the stated goal of recovering taxpayer dollars. Anderson said the measure is bipartisan, has many co-authors, and was developed with the Department of Revenue to ensure it could be administered without undue burden. Joanna Bears of the Department of Revenue testified in support of the bill’s administration and thanked the authors for working with the department. She explained that the bill has two parts: a conviction-based tax that would be assessed after a fraud conviction, and a penalty piece tied to fraud identified through the department’s existing review and tip processes. In response to member questions, Bears said the department already receives tips and information from other agencies, reviews them carefully, and would use the bill as another tool to address public fund fraud. Members also asked about timing, restitution, and whether the bill could be misused by bad-faith tips; Anderson and Bears said the conviction-based portion is not tip-driven and that the bill is intended to be administered legally and efficiently. Representative Smith asked about the relationship to the Fraud Restitution Fund and whether the bill would apply to private-sector tax fraud. Bears said restitution would likely be collected first depending on statutory priority, and clarified that the new 100% penalty would apply only to public fund fraud, not general tax fraud, and only to the fraudulent public-fund amount. Representative Witty and others expressed support for the bill as a tool to combat fraud. At the end of the hearing, Representative Anderson renewed her motion to lay over House File 5040, as amended, for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill, and the chair indicated that was the plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• Secondly,<00:12:06.520> Senate<00:12:07.200> uh<00:12:07.280> rule<00:12:07.600>
• > not<00:12:12.600> proceed<00:12:13.240> to<00:12:13.480> or<00:12:13.600><
• :12:22.080> doing<00:12:22.360> roll<00:12:22.520> call<00:12:22.760> votes
• Uh<00:12:29.480> so,<00:12:29.839> just<00:12:30.200> remember<00:12:31.000>
• <00:12:41.240> If<00:12:41.400> you<00:12:41.560> wish<00:12:41.800> to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In<00:12:02.720> return,<00:12:03.160> fungi<00:12:03.520> gain<00:12:03.839>
• This<00:12:07.520> partnership<00:12:08.120> is<00:12:08.280> vital<00:12:08.600
• Um you can see<00:12:17.960> I<00:12:18.000> got<00:12:18.160> a<00:12:18.240>
• I<00:12:24.360> found<00:12:24.760> numerous<00:12:25.240> of<00:12:25.360><
• That's<00:12:25.960> uh<00:12:26.360> me<00:12:26.560> holding<00:12:26.880>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:26 SB 343 Discussion: 01:00 SB 343 Voting: 02:25 SB 19 Discussion: 03:25 SB 19 Voting: 20:10, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met with a roll call showing members present, then first took up Senate Bill 343, which would extend the Workers' Compensation Funding Commission and preserve the independent funding mechanism for the Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims. The chair explained that the bill would keep the current assessment structure in place beyond its scheduled 2029 expiration and support the department’s independence and budgeting flexibility. The committee voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably. The committee then heard a presentation on Senate Bill 19, relating to a state mushroom. Senator Scott Madon and Representative Mitch Whitaker introduced students and a biology teacher from Letcher County Central High School, who presented research supporting the indigo milk cap (Lactarius indigo) as Kentucky’s state mushroom. The students described the mushroom’s blue color, ecological role, edible qualities, and possible educational and scientific value, and tied the proposal to Kentucky’s identity as the Bluegrass State. Senators praised the students’ presentation and the effort to involve young people in the legislative process, and one senator asked how to identify edible mushrooms, prompting advice that experience is important and that local mushroom groups can help. The committee then voted 11-0 to report Senate Bill 19 favorably. Before adjourning, members briefly discussed the presentation and the educational value of involving students, with comments noting the strong participation of young women in science. Senate Bill 324 was on the agenda but was passed over and held for one week. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :04.000> based<00:12:04.320> on<00:12:04.440> a<00:12:04.480> change<00:12
• Increase<00:12:08.080> salary<00:12:08.520> from<00:12:08.760> 3<00:12:09.160>
• with local<00:12:24.760> health<00:12:25.000> departments<00:12:26.000> to<00:12
• applicants.<00:12:36.040> 902<00:12:36.720> 8080<00:12:37.360> for<00:12:37.520
• limiting<00:12:45.600> date<00:12:45.920> for<00:12:46.040> the<00:12:46.160>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting’s minutes, and then reviewed a series of administrative regulations from multiple agencies. Most of the regulations were presented as technical updates or policy clarifications, and in each case the committee approved staff-suggested amendments without objection. The Department of Revenue regulation would delete a section on tax credits for trusts and estates to align with statute. The Kentucky Public Pensions Authority package updated definitions, sick leave credit rules, hazardous/non-hazardous employment participation, refund procedures, contribution limits, mortality table references, and incorporated federal tax references. The Board of Medical Licensure regulations addressed renewal and activation of inactive physician-assistant licenses and renewal/reinstatement timelines for athletic trainer licenses. The Fish and Wildlife regulations revised rules for Otter Creek and Peabody areas by deleting definitions and creating shooting-range permit exemptions. The committee also heard emergency vocational rehabilitation regulations that would clarify definitions, due process rights, federal compliance, service fees, in-state service preferences, and service-specific requirements; a workforce insurance regulation updating contribution/reporting rules for professional employer organizations; and a horse racing regulation adding license categories for allied animal health professionals, animal chiropractors, and equine dental providers, while updating fees, application timing, and special events licensing. Members asked questions about the horse racing licensure changes, and the agency explained they were responding to prior session changes and adding guardrails, including veterinarian sign-off for equine therapist licensure on the back side of a racetrack. The Department for Public Health package made several personnel and salary-related changes for local health departments, including salary ranges for new hires, probation and evaluation rules, salary increases after probation, and limits on certain leave payouts for employees who separate without proper notice or are dismissed for cause. The Office of Inspector General regulation added electronic prescription references and removed authority to create a new prescription number for partial dispensing of Schedule II prescriptions. The Department for Medicaid Services regulations updated provider group definitions, removed some service limits, required prior authorization for all genetic testing for non-MCO recipients, changed physician fee schedule updates from quarterly to annually, and added reimbursement for department-approved vaccines. Members asked detailed questions about genetic testing prior authorization and sleep disorder coverage; the agency said prior authorization is intended to take two to five days and that sleep disorder services generally involve sleep apnea-related treatments such as CPAP machines and sleep studies. The committee then adjourned and announced its next meeting for Tuesday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:19.360> Um,<00:12:19.760> the<00:12:20.000> briefing<00:12:20.320>
• :12:21.680> Zoom<00:12:22.560> and<00:12:22.800> panelists<00:12:23.360> will
• <00:12:25.120> DC<00:12:25.600> Water,<00:12:26.399> Maryland<00:12:26.880><
• ,<00:12:30.480> uh,<00:12:30.720> and<00:12:31.120> a<00:12:31.360> scientist
• <00:12:34.639> So,<00:12:34.880> please<00:12:35.360> join<00:12:35.600>

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, February 13, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 125 members present, heard a prayer and opening remarks, and then proceeded through the journal, committee assignments, and several consent calendars. Introductory House Bills 1358 through 1585 were read the first time and referred to the appropriate committees, along with bond initiatives 34 through 37 and Senate Bill 14. House Bill 1215 was later reassigned to Appropriations. The House also recorded quorum calls showing 129 and later 131 members present. On third reading and final passage, House Bill 28, concerning higher education and private career schools advertising, passed 128-0. House Bill 226, establishing Department of Disabilities housing programs and affiliated foundations, passed 122-6. House Bill 229, increasing the Maryland Transportation Authority revenue bond limit, passed 96-33. No debate was recorded on these bills before the roll calls. The remainder of the session consisted largely of committee, subcommittee, delegation, caucus, and personal announcements. Committees announced upcoming voting sessions or cancellations, including Appropriations, Economic Matters, Environment and Transportation, Health, Judiciary, Ways and Means, and Rules. Members also made numerous recognitions and invitations, including a briefing on the Patuxent River sewer interceptor breakage, district nights, a Tourism Day lunch, and several birthday and family announcements. The protocol chair led a Valentine’s Day recognition of House staff, and the House then recessed until Monday, February 16 at 8:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:12:16.240> In<00:12:16.480> the<00:12:16.560> event<00:12:16.720> of
• /c><00:12:19.680> schedule<00:12:19.920> a<00:12:20.160> meeting<00:12:20.320>
• Please<00:12:24.000> avoid<00:12:24.399> using<00:12:24.639> any<00:12:24.800>
• Such<00:12:29.600> behavior<00:12:30.000> may<00:12:30.160> be<00:12:30.320>
• 00:12:31.519> without<00:12:31.760> the<00:12:31.920> ability<00:12:32.240> to

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on April 16, 2025, and heard three resolutions. STR 57 SD1 urged Congress to create a national reinsurance program to address insurance impacts from catastrophic natural disasters; there was no public testimony, and the committee later recommended passage without amendment. STR 198 SD1 encouraged Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to pursue subrogation claims against polluters to reduce insurance costs for residents; again, there was no public testimony, and the committee recommended passage without amendment. The committee spent most of its hearing on STR 136 SD1/HD1, which would create a Hawaii State Energy Office nuclear energy working group to study advanced nuclear power technologies. The Public Utilities Commission and State Energy Office provided written testimony and answered questions. Testimony from 350 Hawaii, Energy Justice Network, and an individual witness opposed the measure, arguing nuclear power and small modular reactors are too expensive, unproven, slow to deploy, create unresolved safety and waste issues, and do not align with Hawaii’s renewable energy goals. Opponents also criticized the measure’s amendment process, saying it replaced the original contents without adequate public notice. During decision-making, the committee adopted the recommendation to pass STR 57 SD1 unamended and STR 198 SD1 unamended. For STR 136 SD1/HD1, the committee adopted a recommendation to pass the measure with amendments, including changing it to a one-year working group with an interim report in 2026 and a final report before the 2027 Legislature. The motion passed with one recorded no vote and some excused members, and the meeting adjourned afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• > so<00:12:07.440> thank<00:12:07.600> you<00:12:07.839> for<00:12:08.399>
• <00:12:14.680> it<00:12:14.800> to<00:12:14.959> us<00:12:15.600> uh<
• 00:12:18.399> as<00:12:18.720> most<00:12:19.000> would<00:12:19.199> say
• > and<00:12:51.000> uh<00:12:51.279> you<00:12:51.399> know<00:12:51.519>
• 52.480> bit<00:12:52.639> more<00:12:53.480> um<00:12:54.480> but<00:12:54.639

Keywords: 1183, house