Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we'll reset so that we can switch them out. Following the meeting, back to order.
• device, you know, and mix that in to use as the filler for the device, because really what you need is fuel
• :43:33.760><c> you</c><00:43:33.920><c> need</c> need is you you you need need is you you you need fuel
• 36.359><c> rapidly</c><00:43:36.839><c> or</c><00:43:37.000><c> the</c><00:43:37.160><c> explosive</c> fuel
• to burn rapidly or the explosive fuel to burn rapidly or the explosive material<00:43:37.880><c> to<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard budget testimony first from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Director Tommy Johnson outlined short-term goals to reduce overcrowding, improve living and working conditions, fill vacancies, expand mental health services, and update the correctional master plan. He said the department is still dealing with severe overcrowding at facilities such as OCCC and HCCC, with 947 people at OCCC against a design capacity of 628, and noted 938 inmates are currently housed on the mainland because of temporary repairs at Halawa. He also reported progress on staffing, saying the correctional officer vacancy rate has dropped from 34.3% to 24% through expanded recruitment. The department’s major budget request was $30 million for planning and design for a new Old Triple C project, along with other requests for re-entry services, identification documents, security systems, radios, sink-toilet modules, and trauma-informed care. Members asked about the timing and scope of the OCCC project, courtroom space in new facilities, and the department’s plan to use the funding to improve re-entry and reduce recidivism. The committee then heard from the Department of Law Enforcement on a wide range of priorities. The department described requests to expand agricultural crime enforcement, traffic enforcement, illegal fireworks enforcement, and facilities such as a police building at the DKI airport, a state training center, and new police facilities in central and Leeward Oahu. It also discussed a major IT request for a statewide law enforcement and critical infrastructure notification platform, plus funding for grants management, the Wahiawa Civic Center and court complex, the prescription monitoring program, narcotics enforcement operations, and the narcotics lab. A significant portion of the discussion focused on a proposed traffic enforcement program for commercial vehicle inspections, speeding, and DUI enforcement, which the department said would be funded with federal dollars and would operate concurrently with county police. Committee members questioned whether the effort duplicated county jurisdiction and how the program would be trained and staffed. Members also pressed the department on salary disparities for deputy sheriffs and related vacancies, and the department said the administration was working on a supplemental agreement and placeholder funding to address the issue. Additional discussion covered agricultural crime staffing, the Silver Alert program, and expansion of the forensic lab to handle explosives, firearms, and related evidence. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the meeting moved from the corrections presentation to the law enforcement budget review with questions and answers throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the bill that puts us on daylight savings time all the time; it doesn't switch back and forth.

Bills: SB 18, SB 34, SB82, SB1807, SB2254, HB119, HB130, HB581, HJR98, SB1988

Keywords: Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water permit, water appropriation, dam permit exemption, reservoir, flood control, floodwater control, erosion control, sediment control, watershed protection, flood prevention, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, USDA, local sponsor, district, authority, water infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• That allowed us to switch our daughter into a different school.
• That allowed us to switch our daughter into a different school at last.
• I could tell you all the reasons why we chose to make that switch, how after a great public elementary
• She was on Louisiana Believes before they switched over to L.A. Gator.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is a fair compromise to switch the refund program for the reduction in the registration
• I think this is a fair compromise<00:54:37.760><c> to</c><00:54:38.000><c> switch</c><00:54:38.240><c
• > the</c><00:54:38.480><c> refund</c><00:54:38.880><c> program</c> compromise to switch the refund program
• compromise to switch the refund program for<00:54:39.359><c> the</c><00:54:39.599><c> reduction</c><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sure there are people that were looking for a different product and have switched over to the concentrated
• Some of them switch to 7-OH.
• Some of them switch to 7-OH.
• Some of them switch to 7-OH.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I might be switching in and out. So, thanks to the administrators for running the Zoom.
• I might<00:02:52.080><c> be</c><00:02:52.239><c> switching</c><00:02:52.480><c> in</c><00:02:52.640><
• </c><00:02:52.959><c> So,</c> might be switching in and out. So, might be switching in and out.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2145, which would establish a statutory right for the public to record law enforcement activities in public. Supporters, including the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and the ACLU of Hawaii, said the bill would clarify First Amendment protections, reduce confusion, and provide a private right of action if the right is violated. Most written testimony was in support, while the Maui Police Department and Honolulu Police Department submitted opposition. A senator asked about existing court cases, and the ACLU witness said courts have consistently recognized a right to record officers in public so long as recording does not obstruct police activity. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2151 on emergency management. Testimony from the Office of Information Practices and HEMA focused on proposed changes to Chapter 127A, including limits on emergency powers and a two-thirds legislative override. Earthjustice and other supporters argued the bill was needed after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s Nakoa decision, which they said read emergency powers too broadly and could allow suspension of laws for long-term policy issues rather than true emergencies. HEMA opposed the restrictions, saying emergency managers need flexibility to respond to unknown, statewide crises such as tsunamis, hurricanes, war-related threats, and large disasters, and objected especially to limits on the governor’s ability to suspend public records requirements during emergencies. Several witnesses, including the Public First Law Center, said the bill was a step in the right direction but suggested amendments to better define emergencies and make clear the changes respond to the Nakoa decision. Committee members questioned whether the proposed limits would hinder disaster response and whether the legislature already has tools to override emergency proclamations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• As our presenters switch at the table, next we will have Representative Nancy Tate, another... um, a
• 00:27:19.200><c> As</c><00:27:19.520><c> our</c><00:27:19.919><c> presenters</c><00:27:21.279><c> switch
• As our presenters switch &gt;&gt; Thanks so much.
• As our presenters switch at<00:27:21.840><c> the</c><00:27:22.000><c> table,</c><00:27:22.400><c> next

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:12 Roll Call: 00:00:21 Visit Jessamine - Making an Impact: 00:03:15 Fort Knox Update & Impact: 00:27:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the September minutes and heard two presentations focused on tourism and economic development. First, Visit Jessamine and local winery representatives described Jessamine County’s tourism branding, visitor center renovation at the old jail in Nicholasville, wayfinding signs, kiosks, murals, and the Jessamine Wine and Spirits Trail. They said Kentucky tourism generates more than $1 billion in taxes and $14.3 billion in economic impact statewide, and that Jessamine County tourism generates about $6.2 million in taxes and $87 million in economic impact. They emphasized that the wine trail and related events, including the Kentucky Wine and Vine Festival, draw repeat visitors, support surrounding counties, and attract visitors from across the country and overseas. Committee members praised the presentation and discussed local events such as Halloween activities in Nicholasville and Wilmore and the Great Jessamine Pumpkin event. The committee also received prepared comments on Fort Knox from Lance O’Brien of the Knox Regional Development Alliance after a Fort Knox representative could not attend because of the federal government shutdown. The remarks highlighted Fort Knox’s role as a military installation, economic engine, tourism draw, and workforce partner. The presentation cited an estimated $5.6 billion in annual output, about $1.3 billion in payroll, more than 60,000 retirees and veterans in the surrounding area, and roughly 11,000 to 13,000 soldiers stationed there at a time. It also noted major tourism-related activity such as Cadet Summer Training, the National Raider Challenge, and the George Patton Museum, along with more than $484 million in small-business contracts in fiscal year 2025 and Fort Knox’s role in IT and cybersecurity. Members discussed the importance of tourism revenue, out-of-state visitors, and the broader economic impact of both Jessamine County and Fort Knox.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, I'm switching.
• We are now going to switch to our second panel, and we're going to be discussing market rate and mixed-income
• Oh, I'm switching.
• We are now going to switch to our second panel.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine California’s housing finance system, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for practical recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Co-chairs described the committee as an educational and problem-solving forum focused on financing housing production, first-time homeownership, mixed-income developments, and affordability across the income spectrum. Witnesses from state agencies and the development sector were invited to explain how housing is financed and where the system is breaking down. Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Tax Credit Allocation Committee/State Treasurer’s Office, CalHFA, and Related outlined the “capital stack” used to finance affordable housing, stressing that projects typically rely on multiple public and private sources, including federal and state low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental income. Speakers noted that affordable housing rents generally cannot support full project costs without public subsidy, and that recent federal changes—especially the expansion of the 4% and 9% tax credit programs and the reduction of the bond financing threshold for 4% credits—should allow California to finance substantially more units. CalHFA also described its homeownership programs, including My Home, Dream For All, and disaster-related mortgage assistance, as well as its multifamily lending and bond issuance programs. Several witnesses and committee members emphasized that the system remains too complex, too slow, and underfunded. They pointed to the need for more state funding, a housing bond, a permanent funding source, and better coordination among agencies, while also citing recent streamlining efforts such as AB 434’s SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency reorganization. Members raised concerns about equity, access, missing-middle housing, gender and racial disparities, and whether current programs adequately serve extremely low-income households and those at risk of homelessness. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing; the discussion ended with committee members and witnesses agreeing that both funding and administrative reform are needed to increase production and improve affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we switched it and started talking about the stories behind the distilleries, when we talked about
• </c><00:20:58.320><c> When</c><00:20:58.559><c> we</c><00:20:58.720><c> switched</c><00:20:58.960><c>
• When we switched it and 100 bars here."
• When we switched it and started<00:20:59.520><c> talking</c><00:20:59.679><c> about</c><00:20:59.840>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% Tourism Meeting and Convention Marketing Fund. Officials said Kentucky tourism is a $14.3 billion industry that welcomed more than 80 million travelers last year, supports nearly 97,000 jobs, and uses the fund solely for tourism marketing and promotion, not capital projects. They noted the fund received additional appropriations in the enacted budget and also supports several designated tourism-related initiatives. Commissioner Mike Manet described how the fund is used for paid media, public relations, international marketing, cultural heritage promotion, website content, regional matching grants, research, trade shows, and travel expenses. He said the department spent $10.8 million on paid media in 23 markets in 2024, focused on seven tourism pillars, and used research and advertising ROI studies to guide spending. He reported 180 PR placements, 3.2 billion earned impressions, 3% growth in international visitation, and 12% growth in international spending to $257 million. He also highlighted the African-American Heritage Trail and said the regional matching funds program distributed $2 million to 87 local tourism commissions. Members asked about the rise of AI in search results, how domestic and international visitor data are collected, how ad agencies are selected, and how regional matching funds are allocated. The commissioner said the department uses GPS-based and federal data, including National Travel and Tourism Office figures, and that ad agencies are chosen through an RFP process. Representative McDaniel raised concerns about bourbon tourism and Canadian visitation; the commissioner said Canadian travel is down significantly, bourbon-related visitation has softened, and the department is shifting more spending toward in-state and closer drive markets while emphasizing bourbon’s heritage story. Representative Fugate asked about eastern Kentucky tourism and ATV trails, and the commissioner said those trails are included in advertising, social media, and earned media efforts. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• adults who get that promise upfront when they move in, that they can stay in their home, they can switch
• they can stay in their home,<00:20:55.679><c> they</c><00:20:56.000><c> can</c><00:20:56.240><c> switch
• ><00:20:56.480><c> to</c><00:20:56.720><c> elderly</c><00:20:57.120><c> waiver</c> home, they can switch
• to elderly waiver home, they can switch to elderly waiver when<00:20:57.679><c> they</c><00:20:57.919

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That switch gears hard. What about the site and building utilities bid package?
• obtain them as as you might<00:26:41.080><c> imagine</c><00:26:41.559><c> that</c><00:26:42.000><c> switch
• </c><00:26:42.279><c> gears</c><00:26:42.600><c> hard</c> might imagine that switch gears hard might
• imagine that switch gears hard right<00:26:43.039><c> now</c><00:26:43.279><c> oh</c><00:26:43.480><c

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:05 Capitol Renovations Update 00:00:40 Damage from Recent Disaster Discussion 00:33:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its third meeting of the session and received an update on the Capitol renovation project from Finance and Administration Secretary Holly Johnson and State Budget Director John Hicks. They reported the project budget remains $291.52 million, with Messer Construction as construction manager, and said the temporary legislative chamber completion has slipped into 2025 because of wiring, voting machine, KET camera, and canopy work. They outlined the current bid schedule: site and utility bids due February 27, 2025; roofing and fourth-floor structural work due April 24; major renovation bids due May 23; bid review in late May and early June; roofing and fourth-floor work beginning in late June; and overall construction starting July 7, 2025. A major focus of the discussion was the project contingency, which officials said is only $10.8 million for an older building with significant unknown conditions. They explained that earlier investigations led to about $60 million in value engineering cuts, including more than $40 million tied to unexpectedly extensive terrace damage on the north, south, and east sides. The terraces were originally expected to need only minor work, but officials said investigations showed reconstruction would eventually be necessary and could not be handled by simple restoration. They also said the mechanical equipment plan changed from a basement location to a vault under the east parking lot, and that the west terrace will still see some ADA-related work. Committee members questioned why the terrace work was not included in the current budget, whether doing it later would cost more, and why bids and construction planning had taken so long. Officials said the terraces were left out because of cost, that future work would likely be more expensive because of market escalation, and that the timing reflected extensive investigation needed to produce reliable bids. Members also raised concerns about scaffolding and the temporary chambers; officials clarified that the scaffolding discussed was for the separate Capitol Dome project, not the chamber project, and said the Dome scaffolding is part of that project cost and is expected to come down in early 2027. They said the temporary chambers are expected to be used for three sessions, through the 28th session, with a return to the Capitol planned for the 29th session, and that public tours of the Capitol would likely end around June depending on the bid results and construction schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of our hotels have already switched to reusable containers, and it has been very cost efficient
• :20:16.919><c> hotel</c><00:20:17.640><c> have</c><00:20:17.840><c> already</c><00:20:18.440><c> switched
• </c><00:20:19.520><c> to</c><00:20:20.640><c> um</c> of our hotel have already switched to um of our
• hotel have already switched to um reusable reusable reusable containers<00:20:25.400><c> and</c><00:20

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, if it's not working or not reaching the levels we want, we switch messaging.
• Uh, if it's not working or not reaching the levels we want, we switch messaging.
• Uh, if it's not working or not reaching the levels we want, we switch messaging.
• Uh, if it's not working or not reaching the levels we want, we switch messaging.

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore full meeting 00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:14 Approval of Minutes 01:40 Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 27:44 Department of Parks 59:23 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. Members then heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% tourism marketing fund. Witnesses explained that the fund supports statewide tourism promotion, advertising, research, regional marketing, and matching grants to local tourism commissions, and that it cannot be used for capital construction. They reported that the General Assembly and governor increased appropriations in the 2024 session, adding $3 million in FY25 and $7 million in FY26, and set aside funding for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative. Tourism officials emphasized that Kentucky tourism is a major economic driver, citing 2023 figures of $13.8 billion in economic impact, 79.3 million visitors, $9.7 billion in direct spending, more than 95,000 jobs supported, and nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. They said the department now uses targeted digital and over-the-top advertising in selected domestic and international markets, with 62% of media placements digital and 80% of the budget spent out of state. Members asked about market selection, how the department measures return on investment, and what attracts visitors from places such as Dallas, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.; officials said research shows a mix of family visits, outdoor recreation, and varied Kentucky offerings, and that 81% of overnight visitors are repeat visitors. They also discussed the potential impact of tariffs and trade tensions on bourbon-related tourism and international visitation, especially from Canada, and officials said they were monitoring the situation with U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA. The committee then heard from Kentucky State Parks officials on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. They said they are providing quarterly project reports and have been meeting regularly with the Finance Cabinet’s engineering and contract staff. The presentation focused on campground utilities, broadband, and structural upgrades, including $40 million for campground improvements across the park system, with completed bathhouse renovations at Barren River and Nolin Lake and additional projects underway or in planning. Officials said the work is based on camper survey feedback, such as requests for better Wi-Fi, sewer and electric upgrades, frost-free spigots, and improved site layouts, and noted that the My Old Kentucky Home campground project is under construction and expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Switching gears a little bit, the MDH budget proposes a 54% increase in fees for our assisted living
• Switching gears a little bit, the MDH budget proposes a 54% increase in fees for our assisted living
• Switching gears a little bit, the MDH budget proposes a 54% increase in fees for our assisted living
• Switching gears a little bit, the MDH budget proposes a 54% increase in fees for our assisted living

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Today my insurance is my third-highest business expense, next to labor and fuel expenses.
• I'm out of fuel. I'm out of labor.
• I'm out of fuel. I'm out of labor.

Bills: HB185, HB378, SB28, HB400, SB155, HB312, HB185, HB378, SB28, HB400, SB155, HB312

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, judicial system, funding, state budget, Pickens County, local act, vehicle tag fee, registration fee, issuance fee, motor vehicle registration, license plate, replacement tag, transfer tag, renewal fee, county revenue, earmarked funds, ambulance service, emergency medical services, EMS

Transcript Highlights:

• bill singles out LGBTQ+ visibility under the guise of so-called neutrality, but in action, it would fuel
• singles out LGBTQ plus visibility under the guise of so-called neutrality, but in action, it would fuel
• just... ...committee, maybe bring it another time when it won't give the appearance of just adding fuel

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We strengthened our community and ultimately we fuel Florida's economic growth.
• Our goal is to take our strategic plan and implement, which will fuel technology and engineering to a
• Let him free fuel. Raise your right hand.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Social media not only fueled<00:10:23.920><c> his</c><00:10:24.240><c> depression</c><00:10:24.640><c
• > and</c><00:10:24.880><c> anxiety</c><00:10:25.600><c> but</c> fueled his depression and anxiety but
• fueled his depression and anxiety but also<00:10:26.160><c> played</c><00:10:26.399><c> a</c><00:10:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When we switched last year to the budget hearing notice, I received a handful of phone calls.
• Representative, Dr., we have recently switched software vendors, so we're not with Tyler.
• Is there a reason why you switched vendors to make it more user-friendly, or?
• I will switch here.
• Is that possible to be done and we switch from a 5% discount plan to a 5% penalty plan?

Summary: The subcommittee of the Tax Reform and Relief Committee met to begin its study of the feasibility and desirability of revising the content of the real estate tax statement to improve property tax transparency. Legislative Council staff reviewed the study directive under House Bill 1176 and the statutory requirements for tax statements, including required line items such as true and full value, mill levy, legislative tax relief, primary residence credit, and the Legacy Fund portion of that credit. The Tax Department then explained how the current uniform statement is prescribed and approved, and noted that changes are typically driven by statute and implemented collaboratively with counties and vendors. County officials from the North Dakota Association of Counties described the full annual tax cycle, from county budgeting and valuation notices to budget hearing notices, levy certification, cap calculations, and final tax statement mailing. They emphasized that counties and auditors do extensive coordination with taxing districts and neighboring counties, and that the process is labor-intensive and often manual. Members discussed the limited public response to budget notices and tax statements, the difficulty of explaining the legislative tax relief line, the 3% cap and valuation issues, and whether more frequent assessments or different timing would improve understanding. Several members and witnesses noted that many taxpayers only engage when they receive their final bill, and that clarity may be more important than adding more detail. NDACO also presented a rough cost survey from eight counties, estimating an average tax statement cost of about 74 cents and a statewide total near $600,000 for printing and mailing tax statements alone, with outsourcing generally cheaper than in-house printing. Witnesses noted that House Bill 1176 added other mailings and notices, increasing county workload and cost beyond the statement itself. The committee then heard from software vendors, who explained how their systems handle tax billing, budget notices, valuation notices, primary residence credit processing, and tax levy calculations, and they identified the 1600/1685 primary residence credit and discount interaction as a current programming challenge. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on gathering testimony and identifying issues for possible future recommendations or bill drafts.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, what we're going to do first, we're going to do a little bit of switching up in the order.
• And now we're going to switch gables here. >> Yes. Do you want me to move?
• ><00:28:55.440><c> now</c><00:28:56.240><c> we're</c><00:28:56.399><c> gonna</c><00:28:57.360><c> switch
• And now we're gonna switch gables Duran.
• And now we're gonna switch gables here.<00:28:58.880><c> Yes.

Bills: HF4075, HF3826, HF3825, HF3827, HF3459, HF3711, HF4200, HF3908, HF3712

Keywords: firearm restrictions, domestic violence, public safety, court orders, criminal convictions, identity theft, subpoena authority, fraud, statute of limitations, financial crime, victim notification, expungement, criminal justice, plea agreements, minor victims, identification protection, stalking, crime data, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, law enforcement grants