Transcript Highlights:

• Payments would be made at their current rate versus those higher end-of-career rates.
• The payments are not considered compensation that could be applied towards their end of year.
• would be made at their current payments would be made at their current rate<00:14:44.000> versus<
• Um the payments<00:14:49.120> are<00:14:49.360> not<00:14:49.600> considered<00:
• 14:50.160> compensation payments are not considered compensation payments are not considered compensation

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:11 Legislative Proposal: Representative Blanton: 01:12 • House Bill 220 Approval of Minutes: 10:07 Legislative Proposal: Senator Nunn: 10:24 • Sick Leave Flexibility for School District Employees Adjournment: 34:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Representative John Blanton’s bill on pension spiking and Kentucky Public Pension Authority administration. Blanton said the measure would make a prior court-related pension-spiking fix retroactive to July 1, 2022, so employees who retired between that date and the court ruling would be treated the same as those covered by the earlier legislation. KPPPA staff said they did not think the bill would go beyond the Court of Appeals ruling, but noted it could prompt requests from people who retired before July 1, 2022. Members asked about how many retirees might be affected, whether the language was narrow enough, and whether the bill could open the door to additional claims; Blanton estimated roughly 1,000 retirees would need review, with fewer actually impacted. No vote was taken on the bill in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senator Matt Nunn and Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker present a proposal allowing school districts to offer teachers and other employees a voluntary payout for unused sick days. Supporters said the idea could improve attendance, reduce substitute costs and classroom disruptions, help retain younger teachers, and potentially lower long-term retirement-related costs because the payout would not count toward pension compensation. They emphasized the program would be optional for districts and employees, would require teachers to keep at least 15 sick days in reserve, and would be district-funded rather than a state cost. Members raised questions about budget impact, tax treatment, pension effects, and whether the incentive would actually change behavior; the bill sponsor and witnesses said the payout would be taxed like other compensation and would not affect TRS or CERS benefits. One member requested reporting on how the program would be used, and the sponsor said he would be open to adding that. The sponsor also noted a later committee-substitute change would allow use of accumulated sick leave for observance of religious holidays not otherwise on the school calendar, with a personal statement from the employee.

Transcript Highlights:

• single-family home, which makes an enormous difference to people trying to get a mortgage and make payments
• single-family home, which makes an enormous difference to people trying to get a mortgage and make payments
• prices aren't reasonable enough, you won't be able to afford the mortgage, even if you had the down payment
• The transparency requirement, requiring local agencies to post their code interpretations and amendments
• This bill requires recovery residences to adopt a written return-to-use policy, ensuring transparency

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we need to just be accountable and transparent in all areas.
• And if it's an EFA recipient, they should be accountable and transparent, too.
• I think we need to just be accountable and transparent in all areas.
• And if it's an EFA recipient, they should be accountable and transparent, too.
• the position of then making payments the position of then making payments directly<05:17:19.360>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on House Bill 1571, which would direct the Department of Education to review and revise statewide academic standards and curriculum and make an appropriation. Representative Kristen Noble, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to update outdated standards, especially in math, and to have the department create a list of high-quality curriculum and materials aligned to the revised standards. She noted she would likely amend the bill to change a requirement that districts “shall” select from the list to “may,” and said a misplaced crossed-out section would need to be restored and moved by amendment. She also said assessments would need to be updated to match any new standards. Testimony from Marie Banfield strongly supported the bill and the move away from a mandate, arguing that current standards are outdated and that Common Core and related standards have not improved student outcomes. She criticized the math standards for emphasizing multiple strategies and written explanations over computation, and said stronger standards would better support students, including those with learning or communication challenges. She also argued that New Hampshire should follow examples such as Massachusetts, which she said used rigorous standards successfully. Nate Green of the Department of Education did not take a position on the bill but explained that the bill would affect statewide academic standards, state assessments, and potentially federal compliance. He distinguished academic standards from minimum standards in statute, said any standards revision would require work with content experts, State Board approval, and then a corresponding assessment update that could take about two years. He estimated assessment development costs could range from about $200,000 to $500,000 for minor revisions and $1 million to $2 million for a wholesale new set of standards. He also said the bill would apply to public and charter public schools, not private or homeschool students, and that the department does not currently provide a statewide list of curriculum materials because curriculum decisions have historically been local.

Transcript Highlights:

• Imagine your own home mortgage or car payment jumping in price like this.
• We also need trust and transparency.
• A lot of those times those folks will be eligible for some kind of payment, though, too.
• <01:34:50.320> But<01:34:50.480> to some kind of payment though too.
• But to some kind of payment though too.

Bills: HF2103, HF4508

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA

Transcript Highlights:

• We feel like it's necessary for feel like it's necessary for transparency reasons as well as to help
• Two different $5,000 payments. And... Two different $5,000 payments. And there's many more.
• protections under that section. >> So, in other words, this language means... ...that there’s more transparency
• expand where banks may not be able to do that, and the state recoups that money in the form of loan payments
• So we are actually getting loan payments back, and you hopefully can see from our loan... audited every

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of our recent special Appropriations to actually continue to get the construction moving as a down payment
• We're also using a portion of it as an advanced down payment to do those projects in the town settlement
• The DCD remains committed to transparency and collaboration.
• On Section 4 regarding Procurement and how to process the NOO (Notice of Obligation) for Payment.
• I have an idea on a couple because they've been pretty transparent with me, and I know some of that too

Transcript Highlights:

• We also need to ensure meaningful price transparency.
• As a senator noted, the passenger car market has transparency.
• This transparency gap has real-world consequences for affordability.
• But the framework supporting this transition must be fair and transparent.
• Including price transparency requirements for our heavy-duty vehicle incentive programs will help ensure

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee met first as a subcommittee due to the lack of a quorum, then later obtained a quorum and took up several bills. The committee heard SB 1064, which would reduce the frequency of Clean Truck Check testing for low-use heavy-duty vehicles; supporters said it would ease burdens on rural agricultural businesses, while clean air advocates opposed it as weakening an important emissions program. The bill was approved and sent to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The committee also heard SB 1174, which would give Caltrans bid preferences to construction firms with employee stock ownership plans; supporters argued it would build worker wealth and improve project quality, while contractor groups opposed it as likely to raise costs and reduce competition. That bill was approved and sent to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The consent calendar items SB 607, SB 962, and SB 990 were also approved. The committee then heard SB 1279, which would allow Long Beach to place additional speed safety cameras on Pacific Coast Highway. Long Beach officials and several safety and advocacy groups supported the bill, citing high fatality rates and repeated pedestrian crashes on that corridor, while some members raised concerns about fines, affordability, and whether cameras would address pedestrian-related collisions. The bill passed as amended to the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. SB 1213, the Clean Truck Transportation Act, would require more price transparency for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission truck incentives and direct agencies to explore alternative financing tools; supporters said it would improve affordability and competition, while one manufacturer and the trucking association raised implementation concerns. It passed to the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. The committee also heard SB 1013, which would tighten rules for automated license plate reader use by limiting retention to 30 days, requiring audits and training, and restricting access and hot list use. Privacy advocates supported the bill as overdue accountability, while law enforcement groups argued the retention limit would hinder investigations and that some technical definitions needed work. The bill passed to the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. SB 1315, dealing with advanced driver assistance systems, would prevent automakers from disabling a consumer’s ability to drive their own vehicle through software updates and would encourage DMV testing questions about ADAS responsibilities; after amendments, industry opposition softened and the bill passed to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Finally, SB 1246, on autonomous vehicle emergency response, would require U.S.-based remote drivers, quicker on-scene response, and better coordination with local agencies; first responders and labor groups supported it, while AV industry groups remained opposed unless amended. The bill passed to the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee. The transcript ended as the committee began hearing SB 1250, a planning bill to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation asset management, with the sponsor and supporters explaining it would improve safety and habitat planning without mandating specific projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also need to ensure meaningful price transparency.
• As a senator noted, the passenger car market has transparency.
• This transparency gap has real-world consequences for affordability.
• But the framework supporting this transition must be fair and transparent.
• Including price transparency requirements for our heavy-duty vehicle incentive programs will help ensure

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As Texans, we believe in transparency, fairness, and ensuring that the people have a voice in the decisions
• This simple change will ensure a smoother, more consistent and transparent process.
• It's clear they highly care about the process and transparency for property owners. Thank you, Mr.
• However, we aim to provide the transparency that our taxpayers need to feel successful in this process
• This bill promotes fairness, transparency, and predictability for taxpayers and local governments alike

Bills: HB329, HB361, HB546, HB1547, HB1745, HB2786, HB3235, HB3370, HB3575, HJR83

Keywords: appraisal, property value, residential real estate, tax code, appraisal review board, property owners, property tax, homeowners, property owner rights, property appraisal, taxation, Texas Tax Code, real estate, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, market value, condemnation, tax appraisal, open-space land, land use

Transcript Highlights:

• The first payment will be $640,240, and then 12 quarterly payments of $480,180.
• <00:07:11.360> of<00:07:11.680> $640,240 payment of $640,240 payment of $640,240 and<00
• <00:07:16.479> of and then 12 quarterly payments of and then 12 quarterly payments of $480,180
• quarterly payments quarterly payments >> and<00:07:47.360> they're<00:07:47.680>
• We want transparency.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call. The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items. Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was not transparency or a public input process.
• I'm still making a mortgage payment on the left, whatever the other part is, but not over the $50,000
• Yes, I think that the difference between this and existing down payment assistance programs is a few
• Some down payment assistance programs are actually interest-bearing and amortizing, so they may reduce

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This would include $30 million to be added to the Special Revenue Fund to ensure that aid payments would
• distribution, the 10% would not be included in fiscal year 26 as a reimbursement through a 10% cleanup payment
• which is for fiscal year 27 that we're going to be doing this summer, will also then have a cleanup payment
• So we're responsible for ensuring these laws are enacted accurately, transparently, and consistently.

Bills: HF2430, HF2433

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation

Transcript Highlights:

• DNR's general fund dollars are passed on to other entities, including payments to tribal nations in accordance
• with treaties and payments to counties for payment in lieu of taxes.
• I think it actually makes it more transparent for Minnesotans who are paying that fee.

Transcript Highlights:

• PROCESS FOR THE CERTIFICATION AND CHALLENGE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT WITH A GOAL TOWARD PROVIDING TRANSPARENCY
• Grall: THIS AMENDMENT MAKES A TECHNICAL CHANGE AND CLARIFIES THE PROHIBITION ON PAYMENT SCHEMES THAT
• IDENTIFIED THAT PEOPLE ARE SEEKING PEOPLE TO WORK AND COLLECT PETITIONS ON THIS IS THE INCENTIVE PAYMENT
• Grall: THIS AMENDMENT ADJUSTS THE PROCESS FOR SUPERVISORS TO RECEIVE PAYMENT AND BEGIN VERIFYING ADDITIONAL

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There have been inadequate payments, and in Act 226 in 2022, thank you to Senator Donovan De La Cruz
• and in act 226 in payments and in act 226 in 2022<00:32:11.360> um<00:32:11.600> thank
• annual payment from 15.1 million<00:32:18.639> to<00:32:18.919> 21.5<00:32:19.919>
• This is a necessary and long overdue measure to bring transparency, accountability, and justice to the
• on rent but in AAR of any back payment on rent but also<01:15:33.239> um<01:15:33.639> you

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1233, relating to storm management systems, which would add safety and maintenance requirements for detention and retention ponds. Supporters, including Alison Schafers of the Ki Injury Prevention Coalition and Kristen Herstead of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, said the measure is needed because poorly maintained ponds can become hidden drowning hazards, especially for children, and argued that fencing, signage, and life-saving equipment would have minimal cost. Schafers described the death of her daughter in a detention pond and said the bill reflects recommendations in the Hawaii Water Safety Plan. Members asked about whether the issue should be handled at the county level; testifiers responded that a statewide standard is needed, though counties would likely handle permitting. No vote was taken on the bill during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HB 867, relating to recreational facilities, which would require accessible playgrounds. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it submitted comments and that state parks do not generally have recreational facilities affected by the bill, while most such facilities are under county jurisdiction. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Communication Access Board, and the Disability Rights Center all supported the bill’s intent but recommended changes, including replacing the term “special needs” with “accessible,” focusing the requirement on new and renovated playgrounds, and specifying wheelchair-accessible swings. Testifiers emphasized that accessible play spaces promote inclusion for children with disabilities and benefit all children. No final action or vote was reported. The committee also took up HB 1358, relating to a public land trust working group. DLNR supported the measure and said it had provided written comments, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the bill and described longstanding problems with incomplete land inventories, self-reported revenue data, and disputed public land trust payments. OHA said an audit it funded suggests the state owes more than current payments reflect, and other supporters said the bill is needed for transparency, accountability, and a complete inventory of public trust lands, including submerged lands. Committee questions focused on how the public land trust information system is maintained, who updates it, and how revenue reporting works; DLNR said the system is older, has limited dedicated IT staffing, and relies on agency self-reporting rather than independent verification. No vote or final committee action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislation prohibiting taxpayer-funded lobbying, including the use of tax dollars to hire lobbyists in payment
• HB 8 by Buckley relating to public school accountability and transparency, including the implication

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:18:39.280> for to the Department of Education for to the Department of Education for payment
• payment. Uh so we need to look at that. payment. Uh so we need to look at that.
• Um, and that third party would bill and receive payment from Medicaid. two, the question being asked
• <00:22:07.600> from would bill and receive payment from would bill and receive payment from
• And there are masks, probably most people have seen them, with transparent, sort of nose-mouth pieces

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's basically a better transparency mechanism to make sure that if a defendant is in more than one court
• Yes, we're trying to get full transparency in the criminal justice system so that everyone who's making
• Under this law, certain payments are considered trust funds, ensuring contractors. and suppliers are
• SB 402 by Paxton, relating to the payment of certain ad valorem tax refunds.
• Members, SB 1951 provides more transparency for taxpayers and accountability for appraisal districts

Bills: SB664, SB40, SB9, SJR1, SJR5, SB27, SB207, SB2938, SB1901, SB1227, SB1248, SB912, SB1321, SB2143, SB2145, SB1497, SB1239, SB2180, SB1388, SB1762, SB1662, SB1951, SB1537, SB493, SB378, SB1020, SB1018, SB992, SB958, SB920, SB1350, SCR25, SB687, SB1332, SB2185, SB552, SB664, SB40, SB9, SJR1, SJR5, SB458, SB482, SB927, SB984, SB651, SB1620, SB2124, SB2448, SB841, SB843, SB402, SB2662, SB2053, SB2332, SB2112, SB745, SB1247, SB1789, SB27, SB207, SB2938, SB1901, SB1227, SB1248, SB912, SB1321, SB2143, SB2145, SB1497, SB1239, SB2180, SB1388, SB1762, SB1662, SB1951, SB1537, SB493, SB378, SB1020, SB1018, SB992, SB958, SB920, SB1350, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40, HCR118, HR559, HCR59, HCR135, HCR141, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10, SCR25, HB2525, HB142, HB140, HB29, HB451, HB3809, HB3307, HB 1130, HJR1, HB9, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB2308

Keywords: Texas courts, judicial officers, associate judge, magistrate, master, referee, hearing officer, court administration, Government Code Chapter 54, Government Code Chapter 54A, bail training, Article 17.024, Article 15.17, local administrative judge, State Commission on Judicial Conduct, Office of Court Administration, county courts, criminal justice, criminal jurisprudence, judicial qualifications

Transcript Highlights:

• We also wanted to increase transparency for participants and providers.
• <00:12:13.839> for<00:12:14.399> participants<00:12:14.920> and transparency for
• participants and transparency for participants and providers<00:12:16.880> lots<00:12:17.079>
• and all transparency just showing what<00:18:00.120> the<00:18:00.240> Benchmark<00:18
• So it used to be, but then when we did the directed payments, and those directed payments are paid through

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met with a quorum still coming together and first handled roll call and minutes. The main presentation came from the Department for Medicaid Services, with Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beckle giving an overview of Kentucky Medicaid, its federal-state financing structure, and the department’s 1915(c) home- and community-based waiver programs. They explained FMAP funding levels for traditional Medicaid, administration, IT, expansion adults, and CHIP, and noted the size of the program, including more than 600,000 Kentucky children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, about 485,000 expansion adults, over 69,000 enrolled providers, and $18.5 billion in 2024 expenditures. A major focus was the waiver system, including the acquired brain injury waivers, model waiver, independence waiver, Michelle P. waiver, and Supports for Community Living waiver. The department said these waivers are intended to keep people with physical or developmental disabilities in home and community settings rather than facilities, and that many services are not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance. Officials described participant-directed services, interagency administration, and eligibility rules, including that some waiver programs use the child’s income only rather than family income. They also reported an unduplicated waiver wait list of 13,930 people and said the General Assembly had added waiver slots in the last budget, including 650 ABI slots and 1,275 more to be allocated July 1, 2025. The department also discussed a waiver rate study conducted by Guidehouse, explaining that CMS requires a defensible rate methodology because there is no Medicare or commercial benchmark for many waiver services. They said the study used cost and wage surveys, provider and stakeholder input, and aimed to improve transparency, provider stability, and rate parity. Officials reviewed prior COVID-era Appendix K rate increases and budget-driven increases, and said the budget ultimately funded rates at about 70% of the benchmark study, while preserving higher existing rates where needed so no provider would be cut. They highlighted larger differences in behavioral support and case management rates, and said a public report is available. Members asked several questions about the potential impact of federal FMAP changes, especially possible reductions in the enhanced match for expansion adults and Medicaid IT/admin activities. DMS said any FMAP reduction would require more state general fund dollars, estimating about $75 million for each 1% drop in the expansion match, while impacts on administrative IT funding would depend on the systems being built or implemented in a given year. Members also pressed for clarification on waiver wait-list procedures, funded versus filled slots, and what happens when someone on the wait list is later found ineligible. DMS said people on the wait list may not yet have been assessed, can be reevaluated if conditions change, and are still eligible for regular Medicaid state-plan services if they qualify, even if they are waiting for waiver services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Protecting their personal information does not diminish transparency or accountability in government,
• You talked about payments to deceased individuals, bots.
• You talked about payments to deceased individuals, bots.

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee first heard SB 410, which would add current and former licensed private investigators, and their spouses and children, to the list of people whose home address, phone number, date of birth, photographs, and related family information are exempt from public records disclosure. Sponsor Senator Trunow said the exemption is meant to protect investigators who work on sensitive matters such as fraud, missing persons, human trafficking, and abuse cases and may face retaliation. After a technical amendment was adopted, the committee heard testimony from a private investigator describing threats and safety concerns, then voted to report the bill favorably as CS/SB 410. The committee then took up SB 216 on reemployment assistance eligibility verification. Senator McClain said the bill is intended to combat unemployment fraud by requiring claimants to contact five prospective employers per week, appear for scheduled interviews, and undergo regular identity, immigration, employment, and incarceration checks, with fraud information shared among agencies and published annually. Opponents, including labor advocates and representatives of construction and rural workers, argued the bill would add barriers for legitimate claimants, worsen Florida’s already low recipiency rate, and create problems for seasonal, rural, and transportation-limited workers. Supporters said the system needs stronger fraud controls and that employers and taxpayers bear real costs from noncompliance. The committee reported SB 216 favorably after debate. In routine open-government sunset review business, the committee approved two committee bills. SPB 7014 extends for five years a public records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations of a social media standards law, with staff noting the exemption has not been used because of ongoing constitutional litigation. SPB 7016 preserves a public records exemption for certain financial information held by an economic development agency when administering state or federally funded small business loan programs; supporters said the exemption protects applicants from fraud and harassment, while Senator Smith said he would vote no to remain consistent with his prior opposition. Both measures were submitted as committee bills and reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.