Transcript Highlights:

• servicec><01:28:06.320><c> typec><01:28:06.520><c> fundedc> of a fee for service type funded of
• a fee for service type funded organization<01:28:07.920><c> soc><01:28:08.159><c> that'sc><01:28
• :29:35.440><c> orc><01:29:35.639><c> housingc><01:29:36.000><c> typesc><01:29:36.360><c> require
• c><01:29:37.199><c> thisc><01:29:37.520><c> typec> homes or housing types require this type homes
• or housing types require this type of<01:29:37.920><c> inspectionc><01:29:38.480><c> singlec><01

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It likely would be<00:07:15.360><c> somec><00:07:15.520><c> typec><00:07:15.680><c> ofc><00:07:
• be some type of a renewable liquid fuel be some type of a renewable liquid fuel to<00:07:18.319><c>
• /c><00:12:27.680><c> typec><00:12:27.839><c> ofc> on and ultimately uh some type of on and ultimately
• uh some type of renewable<00:12:28.480><c> fuel.
• c><01:38:18.400><c> withc><01:38:18.560><c> somec><01:38:18.800><c> typesc><01:38:19.040><c>

Bills: SCR48, SCR28, SCR74, SCR62, SCR60, SCR89, SCR147, SCR179, SCR182, SCR59, SCR54, SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Transcript Highlights:

• Ic><00:12:58.160><c> willc><00:12:58.440><c> tryc><00:12:58.600><c> toc><00:12:58.720><c> make
• c><00:12:58.839><c> surec><00:12:59.199><c> thatc><00:12:59.320><c> wec><00:12:59.440><c> move
• c><00:14:17.600><c> andc><00:14:17.759><c> asc><00:14:17.880><c> Ic><00:14:18.040><c> likec
• of focused on nonprofit specific types of agencies<00:18:53.440><c> soc><00:18:53.720><c> thosec
• ><c> uhc><00:52:41.520><c> excessc><00:52:42.119><c> typec> all uh excess type all uh excess type

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held its first hearing of the 33rd Legislature and heard several measures, beginning with HB 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain purposes and direct the Office of Information Practices to adopt uniform rules. OIP supported the bill, saying it would help researchers access government records, while DLNR questioned whether the bill was necessary, raised concerns about costs and exemptions, and suggested a definition change regarding media. The Public First Law Center and other supporters said the bill would not remove existing exemptions or create new disclosure requirements, but would simply authorize rulemaking to create a clearer process for research access. Common Cause Hawaiʻi raised concern about including news media in the measure. The chair emphasized that the rulemaking process would allow agencies and the public to work through details, and the committee moved on without a recorded vote in the transcript. The committee then heard HB 411, which would create uniform administrative penalty procedures under the state ethics code and lobbyist law, and HB 412, which would expand lobbying definitions to cover certain communications with high-level executive officials about procurement and make some contracts voidable if awarded through unethical lobbying. The Ethics Commission supported HB 411 as an efficiency measure that would streamline the charge process without changing substantive rights, while HB 412 was described as a narrow transparency measure modeled on other states. The State Procurement Office warned that voiding contracts could cause delays, warranty issues, third-party complications, and higher reprocurement costs. The Ethics Commission responded that any contract revocation would be at the Attorney General’s discretion and likely reserved for egregious cases, and that the threat of voiding a contract would help deter noncompliance. The committee also heard HB 413, which clarifies that lobbyist campaign contribution prohibitions apply during periods when both houses of the Legislature are in session; the Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission both supported the bill and the Ethics Commission requested amendments to clarify jurisdiction between state and county lobbyist enforcement. Finally, the committee took up HB 149, which would require domestic and foreign corporations to report independent expenditures and political contributions to shareholders. The only testimony noted in the transcript was written comments from Matson, which said the requirement would be expensive and cumbersome and that the information is already publicly available through existing campaign finance reporting websites. No votes or final committee actions on the bills were recorded in the provided transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• 17.760><c> gatec><00:02:18.239><c> toc><00:02:18.440><c> justc><00:02:18.640><c> talkc><00:02
• ><c> youc><00:02:22.239><c> guysc><00:02:22.360><c> havec><00:02:22.480><c> hadc><00:02:22.599
• :34.040><c> withc><00:02:34.200><c> thatc><00:02:34.480><c> uhc><00:02:34.599><c> membersc><00
• 02:39.120><c> 984c><00:02:39.720><c> arec><00:02:39.840><c> youc><00:02:39.959><c> readyc><00
• ><c> Benc><00:05:29.080><c> uhc><00:05:29.160><c> ifc><00:05:29.240><c> youc><00:05:29.400><c

Bills: HF984, HF921, HF922

Keywords: education funding, nonpublic schools, counseling services, guidance services, transportation for students, HF921, tax increment financing, TIF, excess tax increment, school district aid, levy adjustment, property tax levy, education finance, Minnesota education aid, decertification, local government finance, school funding formula, state aid reduction, referendum equalization aid, debt service equalization

Transcript Highlights:

• :49.760><c> thisc><00:21:49.960><c> typec><00:21:50.120><c> ofc><00:21:50.279><c> officec> that
• I think the uh this type of office that I think the uh this type of office it<00:21:51.000><c> absolutely
• allowingc><00:30:00.640><c> thec><00:30:00.840><c> samec><00:30:01.240><c> typec><00:30:01.880
• ><c> ofc><00:30:02.200><c> uhc><00:30:02.360><c> peracec> know allowing the same type of uh perace
• know allowing the same type of uh perace of<00:30:03.039><c> Ic><00:30:03.120><c> wouldc><00:30:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:22.159><c> thec><00:19:22.360><c> typec><00:19:22.520><c> ofc><00:19:22.640><c> thingc
• ><00:19:22.840><c> thatc><00:19:22.960><c> canc><00:19:23.120><c> resetc> that's the type of thing
• to be harder to get this<00:45:58.480><c> typec><00:45:58.800><c> ofc><00:45:58.960><c> anc><00
• :45:59.160><c> emergencyc><00:45:59.760><c> protectivec> this type of an emergency protective this
• type of an emergency protective order<00:46:00.599><c> andc><00:46:00.760><c> keepc><00:46:00.960

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:02 HB 446: 00:01:44 HB 456: 00:07:08 Discussion in Opposition to HB 456: 00:15:20 HB 10: 00:26:18 HB 96: 00:36:54 HB 399: 00:56:31 HB 465: 01:03:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 446, as amended by committee substitute, which would expand third-degree assault protections to cover judges and justices of the Court of Justice and public transportation drivers. Supporters said the bill responds to violence and threats against judges and would extend protections already given to other public servants. Members generally supported the bill, though several suggested broadening it further to include circuit clerks or all officers of the court. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 446 on an 18-0 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 456, a DUI-related cleanup bill sponsored by Representative Patrick Flanery and presented by County Attorney Joe Ross. The bill would add fentanyl, Flexeril, and clopene to the per se DUI list, treat driving on a suspended license as an aggravating circumstance, revise implied-consent notice language, and make changes to ignition interlock rules, including suspension periods and fees. Representative Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, warning that some interlock violations and fees could unfairly extend suspensions and discourage participation, while members and the sponsor said the bill would strengthen DUI enforcement and that non-listed substances could still support DUI charges under other provisions. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 456 by a 16-0 vote with one pass. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 10, relating to the rights of real property owners, sponsored by Representatives Maryanne Proctor and Emily Callaway, with testimony from a Pacific Legal Foundation representative and a Boone County Sheriff’s Office staff attorney. The sponsors said the bill is intended to address squatting by defining squatters and improving property-owner remedies, and noted support from sheriffs and realtors. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full presentation or any committee action on HB 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> withc><00:00:50.000><c> thec><00:00:50.480><c> Quamc><00:00:51.120><c> Nadauc> going to
• > havec><00:01:20.560><c> thisc><00:01:20.720><c> typec><00:01:20.960><c> ofc><00:01:21.040><
• c> ac> 49th state to have this type of a 49th state to have this type of a program<00:01:21.600><c>
• :02:59.119><c> typec><01:02:59.359><c> ofc><01:02:59.680><c> employeec><01:03:00.160><c> that
• c> that if you're the type of employee that that if you're the type of employee that has<01:03:00.640

Bills: HF2048, HF2360, HF2006, HF950, HF912, HF3140, HF2931

Keywords: individual income tax, retirement contributions, tax corrections, annuity contracts, tax year attribution, tax credit, economic development, community investment, data disclosure, Minnesota regulations, tax increment financing, municipal authority, job creation, transferred increment, public hearing, nonresident employees, income tax exemption, Minnesota taxation, employment duties, tax withholding

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> toc><00:01:51.840><c> turnc><00:01:52.000><c> itc><00:01:52.240><c> overc><00:01:52.399>
• c><00:01:58.640><c> So,c><00:01:58.799><c> thankc><00:01:58.960><c> youc><00:01:59.200><c> for
• ><c> ofc><00:02:49.920><c> goc><00:02:50.000><c> overc><00:02:50.640><c> uhc><00:02:51.200><c
• of uh um do a variety of different types of uh um uh<01:18:20.880><c> there'sc><01:18:21.679><c> a
• ><c> typesc> uh there's a variety of different types uh there's a variety of different types of<01:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:35.200><c> Withc><00:03:35.360><c> mec><00:03:35.519><c> isc><00:03:35.599><c> myc
• ><c> itc><00:04:08.799><c> overc><00:04:08.959><c> toc><00:04:09.120><c> myc><00:04:09.280><c
• c><00:05:33.600><c> Thisc><00:05:33.919><c> typec><00:05:34.080><c> ofc><00:05:34.240><c> actuarial
• ><c> typec><00:32:16.480><c> plans.
• c><00:32:17.760><c> Policec><00:32:18.000><c> andc><00:32:18.159><c> firec> member uh type plans

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 10.840><c> wec><00:06:11.000><c> wouldc><00:06:11.240><c> allc><00:06:11.639><c> benefitc><00
• that'sc><00:06:16.039><c> whatc><00:06:16.199><c> Ic><00:06:16.280><c> wasc><00:06:16.440><c>
• ><c> 25c><00:07:18.560><c> soc><00:07:18.720><c> ifc><00:07:18.879><c> wec><00:07:19.039><c>
• ><c> typesc><01:19:57.960><c> ofc><01:19:58.159><c> purposesc> for the for the same types of purposes
• for the for the same types of purposes it<01:19:59.280><c> maybec><01:19:59.880><c> umc><01:20:00.000

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the lapse extensions in the back of House Bill 25, which governs capital budget appropriations and bonding. Members were walked through how the bill is structured: section 1 covers general, federal, and other funds; section 2 covers highway fund appropriations; later sections authorize borrowing, restrict spending to the stated purposes, and explain why community colleges and the university system operate through their boards of trustees. The chair also explained that lapse extensions are needed because capital projects can span multiple years, and that appropriations normally expire at the end of the biennium unless extended. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how to identify unspent balances and whether they should be extended, repurposed, or allowed to lapse. Members discussed that if a project is complete or an agency confirms it no longer needs the money, the remaining balance can be reused for another project or, if not needed, lapse back. The committee also reviewed the meaning of bill references and chapter numbers, and how to read prior-year appropriations and extensions in the worksheet. One example discussed was a 2023 Department of Administrative Services courthouse generators item, and members noted that some agencies may rely on encumbered balances rather than explicit lapse extensions, though the chair said he prefers including the extension for flexibility. The committee identified at least one specific change: the Jeffrey Ringe CTE renovation was removed from the governor’s recommended budget because the required local match was not approved, freeing about $18.5 million for possible reuse. Later, the chair noted that lapse extension 49 on the worksheet was no longer needed and could be removed, leaving an unspent balance of $81,500 available for repurposing. The discussion also referenced a Department of Transportation item, Caroline Stratford Freight Rail Improvements, which the agency asked to keep alive through a lapse extension so the funds would not expire on June 30. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:31.240><c> toc><00:01:31.520><c> promotec><00:01:31.960><c> orc><00:01:32.759><c> go
• :34.320><c> thingc><00:01:34.600><c> Ic><00:01:35.000><c> Ic><00:01:35.159><c> justc> referendums
• :15.000><c> arrayc><00:15:15.519><c> ofc><00:15:15.759><c> startupc><00:15:16.320><c> typec>
• whole array of startup type whole array of startup type responsibilities<00:15:17.759><c> thatc><00
• that we think about type of discussions that we think about with<01:14:31.280><c> apprenticeshipc>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:46:13.839><c> Soc><00:46:14.160><c> thec><00:46:14.480><c> wec><00:46:14.720><c> hadc
• ><c> ofc><01:52:42.239><c> typec><01:52:43.280><c> onec><01:52:43.760><c> diabetes.
• c> about it in terms of type one diabetes. about it in terms of type one diabetes.
• So, we're talking about it in terms<01:52:47.840><c> ofc><01:52:48.080><c> typec><01:52:48.400><c
• type two diabetes for which terms of type two diabetes for which some<01:52:50.639><c> peoplec><01:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a liquor-related amendment correcting an earlier drafting error that had accidentally removed enhanced penalties for death-related over-service from the statute. Members explained that the language had already been enacted briefly before being deleted by mistake, and the amendment simply restored the prior penalty provisions. The committee voted unanimously in favor. A second liquor amendment followed, concerning VFW and similar veterans’ clubs. The revised language would allow a veteran or member to sign in a limited number of under-21 guests, with testimony emphasizing that this was meant for small events and would mirror existing restaurant rules requiring a parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse. There was extended debate about whether private clubs were sufficiently public, whether towns could tighten liquor rules locally, and whether enforcement would be effective. Liquor enforcement testified that municipalities must approve licenses, only four minors could be signed in at once under a member’s signature, age-restriction signage remains required, and clubs often report violations themselves to protect their licenses. The amendment was ultimately approved unanimously, and the subcommittee then moved into executive session. In executive session, HB 186, relating to cannabis legalization, regulation, and appropriations, was recommended ought to pass on a 10-7 vote, with a minority report noted. HB 241, relating to treatment alternatives to opioids, was then supported with amendment 2990 and recommended ought to pass as amended; the bill was described as expanding access to non-opioid, non-surgical, and non-medication pain treatments, while the amendment clarified Insurance Department procedures and educational materials. That bill was placed on the consent calendar unanimously. HB 297, concerning access by self-funded employer health plans to claims data, was also recommended ought to pass with amendment 2987 and then ought to pass as amended unanimously; supporters said it would let employers opt in to deidentified claims data, improve transparency, and preserve privacy. It too was placed on the consent calendar unanimously. The committee then considered HB 312, dealing with student-athlete name, image, and likeness compensation, and voted to send it to interim study. Members said the issue remained too uncertain because of ongoing federal and NCAA developments, and that interim study would keep the committee’s options open without killing the bill. The motion was supported as a way to continue monitoring the issue for future action.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:15.440><c> Uhc><00:03:15.760><c> nextc><00:03:15.920><c> upc><00:03:16.080><c> isc
• c><00:03:47.920><c> Um,c><00:03:48.239><c> ac><00:03:48.400><c> classc><00:03:48.720><c> Ac
• ><c> Cc><00:23:44.240><c> tookc><00:23:44.960><c> tookc><00:23:45.200><c> ac><00:23:45.360><c
• c><00:36:06.079><c> specifiesc><00:36:06.560><c> thec><00:36:06.720><c> typesc> biological evidence
• , specifies the types biological evidence, specifies the types of<00:36:07.040><c> casesc><00:36:07.280

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:25.800><c> Umc><00:03:26.800><c> linec><00:03:27.360><c> 49c><00:03:28.080><c> isc
• c><00:03:34.239><c> Umc><00:03:34.640><c> thatc><00:03:34.879><c> isc><00:03:35.040><c> ac>
• :19:49.600><c> proposalc><01:19:50.080><c> ofc><01:19:50.320><c> anyc><01:19:50.560><c> typec
• 02.239><c> ac><01:20:02.480><c> typec><01:20:02.640><c> ofc><01:20:02.719><c> energyc> that we're
• purchasing a type of energy that we're purchasing a type of energy at<01:20:03.199><c> ac><01:20:03.360

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> ourc><00:01:07.159><c> studentsc><00:01:08.040><c> wec><00:01:08.200><c> knowc><00:01:08.560
• :11.560><c> ourc><00:01:11.840><c> studentsc><00:01:12.360><c> andc><00:01:12.520><c> ourc> um
• c> andc><00:01:45.680><c> Ic><00:01:46.040><c> Ic><00:01:46.119><c> hopec><00:01:46.280><c> they're
• <c> soc><00:02:56.840><c> we'vec><00:02:57.040><c> gotc><00:02:57.159><c> ac><00:02:57.319><c
• ><c> coursesc><00:39:22.319><c> forc> The mission for adult education is to provide any type of skill

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :24.480><c> Ac><00:42:24.600><c> orc><00:42:24.720><c> Bc><00:42:24.960><c> typec> cuz we're
• more of an A or B type cuz we're more of an A or B type analysis.<00:42:26.560><c> So,c><00:42:26.840
• 35.240><c> anyc><00:42:35.960><c> typec><00:42:36.280><c> ofc><00:42:36.400><c> situationc><00
• :42:37.040><c> andc><00:42:37.160><c> Ic> can navigate any type of situation and I can navigate any
• type of situation and I think<00:42:37.440><c> that'sc><00:42:37.680><c> ac><00:42:38.200><c> testament

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas. The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente. In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thec><00:06:36.960><c> billc><00:06:37.280><c> oughtc><00:06:37.360><c> toc><00:06:37.520
• c> notc><00:08:20.080><c> findc><00:08:20.400><c> outc><00:08:21.599><c> hc><00:08:22.319><c>
• c><00:09:46.640><c> Soc><00:09:47.040><c> itc><00:09:47.279><c> saysc><00:09:47.519><c> anc
• <00:13:54.959><c> typec><00:13:55.120><c> ofc><00:13:55.279><c> situationc><00:13:55.760><c> again
• c><00:13:56.320><c> So,c><00:13:56.959><c> um,c><00:13:57.199><c> Ic> this type of situation

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:03:09.120><c> bec><00:03:09.200><c> presentingc><00:03:09.840><c> SBc><00:03:10.879><c>
• c><00:03:55.440><c> Um,c><00:03:55.920><c> Ic><00:03:56.159><c> wantc><00:03:56.239><c> toc
• c><00:06:08.160><c> ofc><00:06:08.479><c> allc><00:06:08.720><c> ofc><00:06:08.880><c> thec>
• :14.720><c> teamsc><00:21:15.120><c> orc><00:21:15.520><c> otherc><00:21:15.760><c> typesc> related
• to athletic teams or other types related to athletic teams or other types of<00:21:16.400><c> teams.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Education Committee met to consider Senate Bill 181, which revises Kentucky’s new law on traceable school communications between adults in positions of authority and students. Senator Lindsey Tichenor explained that the bill was originally enacted earlier in the year to prevent private electronic communications that could facilitate grooming, but implementation revealed problems that prompted a committee substitute. She said the revised bill broadens and clarifies definitions, including family member and qualified school volunteer, narrows the law to students enrolled in the same district, and adds exemptions for virtual instruction, translation services, parent-provided phone numbers, public social media, commercial communications, secure healthcare messaging, and emergencies. It also changes parental consent rules, limits mandatory reporting to situations involving a reasonable belief of an unreported violation, and makes disciplinary action against employees or volunteers permissible rather than mandatory. The committee adopted the substitute by voice vote after a motion and second, and the bill was then opened for public testimony. Laura Wills Coppelman testified in support of the bill’s purpose but urged more attention to what happens after a concern is raised. She said her own experience and those of other survivors showed that internal school processes can fail students and that parental notification alone is not enough if investigations remain inside the institution. She suggested that when an internal investigation ends without discipline, parents should receive a written explanation so decisions affecting student safety are documented and reviewable. Senators asked about coach-athlete communications, parental notice, commercial contacts, and possible remaining issues involving school resource officers and designated school personnel. Tichenor said public social media interactions and parent consent forms would allow needed coach communications, schools would inform parents of violations and outcomes, and commercial or second-job contacts were addressed in the exemptions. Several senators spoke in support of the revised bill while acknowledging concerns and unintended consequences from the original law. Senator Reed emphasized parental empowerment and asked about recruiting-related coach communications; Senator Neal asked how parents would be informed and was told the school would notify them; Senator Higdon said the bill was a thoughtful revisit and noted possible future amendments for DPSs and SROs; and Senator Meredith and others said the changes addressed unintended consequences rather than a flawed policy goal. Senator Thomas framed the measure as a matter of boundaries, and Senator Williams said the bill may need continued monitoring as technology changes but that it had already helped identify potential abuse cases. The committee then voted on the bill, with members explaining their votes before the meeting moved toward final action on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

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• onc><00:02:14.640><c> thec><00:02:14.800><c> subc><00:02:15.360><c> ifc><00:02:15.480><c> you
• thec><00:02:17.040><c> subc><00:02:17.480><c> doesc><00:02:18.160><c> andc><00:02:18.280><c>
• same type<00:09:58.680><c> ofc><00:09:58.839><c> treatmentc><00:09:59.560><c> orc><00:10:00.160
• ><c> pursuingc><00:10:00.600><c> thec> type of treatment or pursuing the type of treatment or pursuing

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:13 HB423 Discussion: 01:38 HB423 Vote: 12:30 HB415 Discussion: 13:50 HB415 Vote: 15:13 HB390 Discussion: 16:30 HB390 Vote: 21:48 HB3 For Discussion Only: 23:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 423, a prior authorization reform measure sponsored by Representative Kim Moser. A committee substitute was adopted to clarify that the bill’s prior authorization exemption program does not apply to Medicaid. Supporters, including the Kentucky Medical Association, said the bill would reduce red tape, improve transparency, and let providers spend more time on patient care. The bill would create a framework for insurers to establish a gold carding or waiver program for certain health services, exclude prescription drugs, prohibit retrospective reviews based solely on an exemption, and require annual reporting by the Department of Insurance and the Department for Medicaid Services. After questions about how exemptions would work and whether the bill addressed repeat prior authorizations, the committee voted to pass HB 423 with favorable expression. The committee then considered House Bill 415, sponsored by Representative Pollock and supported by AFLAC representatives. The bill was described as clarifying that health insurance coverage mandates are generally intended to apply only to primary major medical policies. With no substantive opposition or questions, the committee voted to pass HB 415 with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 390 from Chair Meredith, presented with support from multiple insurance industry representatives and the Department of Insurance. The bill would move motor vehicle insurance verification data from the old system to the CAVIS database and shorten the reporting turnaround from 30 days to a ceiling of seven days, with the possibility of a shorter period by regulation. After brief discussion and no objections, the committee voted to pass HB 390 with favorable expression. The committee also heard House Bill 3 for discussion only, sponsored by Representative Neighbors and supported by the Kentucky Pharmacists Association. The bill would require Kentucky Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for covered clinical services they already provide, aligning Medicaid with existing commercial insurance policy. Supporters argued it would improve access, especially in underserved areas, and could reduce emergency room use and improve outcomes; the bill was not voted on during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

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• ><c> andc><00:01:15.280><c> uhc><00:01:15.439><c> I'vec><00:01:15.560><c> beenc> questions and
• :01:16.799><c> thatc><00:01:17.000><c> peoplec><00:01:17.240><c> knowc><00:01:17.479><c> Ic><
• ><c> thatc><00:19:49.760><c> typec><00:19:49.919><c> ofc><00:19:50.240><c> informationc><00:19
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Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:34 Economic Development Cabinet 27:51 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum, so the minutes from the last two meetings were not approved. Secretary Noel of the Cabinet for Economic Development then gave a broad overview of the cabinet’s work and an update on the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPD), with Deputy Secretary Katie Smith and General Counsel Matt also present. He said the cabinet’s strategy is to focus on high-wage job creation, especially in automotive transformation, business and financial professional services, tourism, logistics, agri-tech, aerospace, and other high-tech sectors, while also supporting small and medium-sized businesses and existing employers. Noel highlighted several program results and examples, including average incentivized wages approaching $27 per hour, 877 jobs and $346 million in investment through hub operations, $90 million through Commonwealth Ventures, help for hundreds of companies through the Kentucky Intellectual Property Alliance, work with 220 companies through the Kentucky Science and Technology Council, nearly 3,000 students in Advanced Kentucky, and more than 1,100 participants in Kentucky Valor. He also cited 35,000 workers trained through Bluegrass State Skills, 177 businesses helped by the small business tax credit, and 77 entertainment incentive transactions totaling about $200 million and 7,400 jobs. On the grant side, he said the cabinet had approved 155 projects under a federal grant program, committing $99 million, with outreach aimed at smaller communities and all 120 counties. The main focus of the second half was KPD. Noel described it as a program that requires more than basic due diligence, emphasizing community readiness, local vision, title and mineral-rights review, sewer validation, and consultant review. He said 109 projects had been awarded in the earlier rounds, and in 2024 there were 45 requests for information seeking $81 million against $35 million in available funding, showing strong demand. He also said the cabinet has worked with local economic developers through five regions aligned with area development districts, and that the secretary, deputy secretary, or commissioner of business development must attend the regional meetings, with 100% attendance reported for the key three last year. In response to questions, he said Jefferson County’s lack of KPD projects so far likely reflects where local land and development strategies are in the process rather than a lack of interest, and he said the cabinet has not heard that Kentucky’s occupational safety and health rules are clearly helping or hurting competitiveness, though he offered to look into it further.