Video & Transcript Research : 'Interstate 35'
Page 175 of 500
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Feb 27, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 23
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- > and<00:35:03.160>
we <00:35:03.280>need <00:35:03.440>to <00:35:03.760> - <00:35:15.720>
let's <00:35:15.920>move <00:35:16.119>on <00:35:16.280>to - <00:35:17.160>
report <00:35:17.920>Madam <00:35:18.119>speaker <00:35:18.400> - 35:26.839>
madam <00:35:27.079>speaker <00:35:27.320>I'd <00:35:27.400>like - :35:31.480>
and <00:35:31.839>um <00:35:32.520>I <00:35:32.599>just <00:35 - :35:31.480>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Gov. Tim Walz's tax policy proposals heard in House Taxes Committee 4/23/26
Transcript Highlights:
- :01.480>
to <00:35:01.600>the <00:35:01.720>state, <00:35:02.640>uh <00:35 - the state,<00:35:11.160>
so <00:35:11.240>we <00:35:11.359>think <00:35:11.600>< - c> there<00:35:11.800>
can <00:35:11.920>be <00:35:12.000>a <00:35:12.040> - Briefly,<00:35:15.280>
I <00:35:15.400>also <00:35:15.600>want <00:35:15.760> - Finally,<00:35:27.920>
I <00:35:27.960>would <00:35:28.080>like <00:35:28.200>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House File 5055, the governor’s supplemental tax budget. Commissioner of Revenue Paul Marquart outlined the proposal as a balanced budget package that would leave a positive bottom line in the current biennium and beyond. He emphasized family-focused tax relief, especially a new refundable young child credit for children ages 0 to 4, which would provide up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more, benefit about 104,000 families, and phase out at higher incomes. He also described federal conformity changes, including updates to business interest deductions, dependent care credits, and Section 179 expensing, along with omitted federal items such as research expensing and opportunity zones due to cost and policy concerns.
Marquart also defended broader tax modernization proposals, including expanding the sales tax to selected consumer services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services while lowering the statewide sales tax rate, and creating a social media tax on consumer data collection that would fund an AI readiness special revenue fund rather than the general fund. He said these changes would make the sales tax less regressive and better aligned with the modern economy. Additional provisions mentioned included a gun-related gross receipts tax on firearms and ammunition, cannabis tax technical changes, historic structure rehabilitation conformity, and added auditors for tax compliance.
Testimony from outside groups was mixed. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project supported the governor’s approach as a response to federal tax and spending changes, praised the decision not to conform to opportunity zones or federal no-tax-on-tips/overtime provisions, and urged even stronger revenue measures. Brian Lake of the Minnesota State Bar Association strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on consumer legal services, arguing it would burden low- and middle-income people in sensitive cases and create unfairness when individuals litigate against the state. Tanner Fritsinger of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the sales tax base expansion and the social media tax as ways to broaden revenue without raising the base rate. The committee chair thanked the commissioner and then began hearing public testimony, with additional testifiers queued up.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (03/26/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- people from<00:35:01.800>
getting <00:35:02.079>addicted <00:35:02.440>to <00:35 - <00:35:09.800>
to <00:35:09.920>nip <00:35:10.160>in <00:35:10.280>the <00:35:12.920>- <00:35:10.920>
they <00:35:11.079>go <00:35:11.320>very <00:35:11.560>far into <00:35:13.280>offices <00:35:13.720>of <00:35:13.880> - <00:35:10.920>
- they have set<00:35:23.760>
themselves <00:35:24.079>up <00:35:24.280>as <00:35:
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:35:36.480>
In <00:35:36.720>law <00:35:36.880>enforcement, <00:35:37.440> - <00:35:44.640>
to <00:35:44.800>I'm <00:35:45.040>going <00:35:45.119>to< I <00:35:46.880>I <00:35:47.200>would <00:35:47.359>provide <00:35:47.680- :35:50.320>
the <00:35:50.560>work <00:35:50.720>we're <00:35:51.040>doing - :35:14.880>
you <01:35:15.040>know <01:35:15.120>if <01:35:15.280>we <01:35 - :35:14.880>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (02/18/2025)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:35:09.640>
employers <00:35:10.119>are <00:35:10.320>paying <00:35:10.640>- in per employee<00:35:11.800>
is <00:35:12.400>$85 <00:35:13.400>and <00:35:14.040- >
at <00:35:14.160>the <00:35:14.280>end <00:35:14.480>of <00:35:14.839>- >
contributing <00:35:20.040>more <00:35:20.720>do <00:35:20.880>you <00:35- <00:35:22.320>
figure <00:35:22.560>out <00:35:22.960>what <00:35:23.800>um - in per employee<00:35:11.800>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >
introduce <00:35:21.240>your <00:35:21.400>name <00:35:21.560>for <00:35 bill <00:35:31.000>for <00:35:31.119>a <00:35:31.280>great <00:35:31.520>- <00:35:40.160>
of <00:35:40.280>Minnesota <00:35:41.079>and <00:35:41.480> - /c><00:35:51.319>
even <00:35:51.720>Olympic <00:35:52.160>gold <00:35:52.800> - :53.920>
we <00:35:54.119>adapt <00:35:54.359>to <00:35:54.480>the <00:35:
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:35:01.920>
based <00:35:02.240>on <00:35:02.400>economic <00:35:02.880>- <00:35:05.040>
is <00:35:05.200>the <00:35:05.359>third <00:35:05.520>bar - >
the <00:35:16.240>top <00:35:16.480>15%, <00:35:17.040>the <00:35:17.200- Um<00:35:32.160>
these <00:35:32.400>are <00:35:32.560>the <00:35:32.720>- kit is $35. kit is $35.
- <00:35:05.040>
Keywords:
school supplies, sales tax exemption, use tax, sales and use tax, back-to-school, classroom supplies, education tax relief, tax holiday, retail exemption, Minnesota sales tax, school materials, binders, calculators, notebooks, pencils, backpacks, book bags, local tax revenue, taxable sales base, income tax
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- by<00:35:26.320>
the <00:35:27.040>2021 <00:35:27.920>energy <00:35:28.320>< - It only requires<00:35:41.839>
one <00:35:42.079>of <00:35:42.240>several <00:35: - So, I could<00:35:46.160>
go <00:35:46.240>on <00:35:46.480>debunking <00:35:47.040 - >
the <00:35:52.720>public <00:35:52.960>about <00:35:53.280>energy <00:35 - 35:07.600>
chain <03:35:07.840>of <03:35:08.000>the <03:35:08.160>future.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Each dropoff<00:35:14.560>
site <00:35:14.880>must <00:35:15.119>coordinate <00:35 - :22.640>
takeback <00:35:23.040>day <00:35:23.280>to <00:35:23.440>a <00:35 - ><00:35:44.240>
with <00:35:44.320>the <00:35:44.480>adoption <00:35:44.800>of - Seeing<00:35:53.599>
none, <00:35:54.400>House <00:35:54.640>Bill <00:35:55.200>< - <02:35:16.000>
So <02:35:16.160>we're <02:35:16.240>back House Bill 35.
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, and handled several ceremonial and introductory matters before moving into committee reports. The chamber welcomed the doctor of the day, recognized an intern and a guest in the gallery, extended birthday wishes to Senator Chris West, and received remarks from the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Andre Moraru, who emphasized Romania’s strategic partnership with the United States, NATO cooperation, investment ties, energy projects, and support for Ukraine. Senators also briefly noted Maryland’s military and diplomatic ties to Romania. The ambassador’s remarks were journalized, and members were given time to meet with him off the floor.
The Senate then took up a series of second-reading bills, mostly from the Finance Committee, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the measures advanced were Senate Bill 39 on behavioral health reimbursement rate methodology and a work group for certified community behavioral health clinics and outpatient mental health centers; Senate Bill 605 directing the Public Service Commission to study broadband and VoIP oversight; Senate Bill 721, Ralph’s Act, providing expedited DDA/Medicaid eligibility for certain recently relocated individuals; and Senate Bill 891 on perinatal mental health screening, coverage, training, and reporting. Each was amended in committee and ordered printed for third reading.
The Senate also advanced several House bills, including House Bill 427 extending the task force on responsible use of natural psychedelic substances and adding an HBCU representative; House Bill 480 requiring transportation network companies to maintain written deactivation policies; House Bill 532 requiring overtime pay for firefighters employed by governmental units after 168 hours in a 28-day period; House Bill 816 reducing the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund assessment cap from 3% to 1% and authorizing an affordability program; House Bill 829 requiring human trafficking awareness training for certain for-hire and rideshare drivers; House Bill 862 requiring a two-person crew for certain freight rail operations in shared corridors, contingent on similar action in neighboring states; and House Bill 999 revising Class 9 limited distillery license rules and production limits. Most of these bills were reported favorably, with no objections, and were ordered to third reading or passed for third reading as applicable.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- >
um <00:35:31.440>uh <00:35:31.960>they <00:35:32.079>spoke <00:35:32.400 - >
do <00:35:34.359>not <00:35:34.480>have <00:35:34.640>any <00:35:34.800> - :35:36.320>
any <00:35:36.560>questions <00:35:36.839>that <00:35:37.000>you< - SI are there any<00:35:39.560>
members <00:35:39.839>of <00:35:40.040>the <00:35 - <00:35:43.920>
seeing <00:35:44.200>none <00:35:44.480>and <00:35:44.640>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:35:22.120>
that <00:35:22.280>I'd <00:35:22.400>like <00:35:22.640>to - c><00:35:23.400>
uh <00:35:23.720>I <00:35:23.840>had <00:35:24.000>a <00: - <00:35:26.880>
the <00:35:27.120>uh <00:35:27.160>Senate <00:35:27.640>HHS - ><00:35:38.760>
people <00:35:39.120>I <00:35:39.200>work <00:35:39.480>for. - 35:50.480>
the <01:35:50.560>past <01:35:50.840>6 <01:35:51.040>months. - ><00:35:38.760>
Keywords:
HF4401, Minnesota Medical Assistance, dental reimbursement, dental rates, critical access dental providers, Medicaid dental, MinnesotaCare, managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, fee-for-service, oral health access, safety-net clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Indian health services, state-operated dental clinics, low-income patients, children's dental care, provider reimbursement, dental access
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 34 (2-25-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.079>
I <00:35:00.320>was <00:35:00.480>glad <00:35:00.640>that <00:35: - :01.200>
me <00:35:01.359>to <00:35:01.440>be <00:35:01.599>his <00:35:01.760 - So<00:35:03.040>
I <00:35:03.280>certainly <00:35:03.599>encourage <00:35:04.480> - I<00:35:05.359>
think <00:35:05.440>it's <00:35:05.599>a <00:35:05.839>great< - Passage of House<00:35:11.680>
Bill <00:35:12.079>141 <00:35:12.560>is <00:35:12.720
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 96 members present. The chamber excused absent members, suspended rules to allow bill and resolution co-sponsorship and vote modifications, approved the previous day’s journal, and received Senate messages announcing passage of Senate Bills 101, 129, 162, and 170. The clerk then reported second-reading bills and favorable committee reports, which were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar.
The House then took up several bills on third reading. House Bill 521, relating to stalking, was presented as a modernization of Kentucky’s stalking laws and passed 95-0 after debate; a motion to reconsider was tabled. House Bill 220, relating to pension spiking in the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority systems, was amended by House floor amendment 1 to move the effective date back to July 1, 2021 to capture additional employees, then passed 95-0 and the clincher was applied. House Bill 510, relating to organ donation safety, passed 97-0 after explanation that it would require a pause and restart if anyone in the process believed there were indications of life.
House Bill 467, relating to real property, passed 96-0 after adoption of a committee substitute; it creates a process for local governments to identify abandoned or underutilized state-owned property and sets procedures for review, notice, and disposal. House Bill 190, relating to licensed child care centers, passed 96-0 after a committee substitute that adjusts square-footage calculations for certain school-aged child care areas and excludes infants and toddlers. House Bill 141, relating to type 1 diabetes, passed 96-0 after a committee substitute removed an annual distribution requirement and instead made informational materials available in school offices; members spoke in support, including one describing a family experience with the disease.
House Bill 518, relating to collection of local business taxes and fees, passed 91-3 after a committee substitute that allows electronic filing while preserving local control, creates an advisory committee, and phases in implementation through July 2029. House Bill 497, relating to post-secondary tuition waivers, was explained as addressing waiver costs to universities and was amended with House floor amendment 3 to expand and clarify eligibility, including up to 128 hours for eligible students and additional provisions for certain groups; discussion was underway when the transcript ended. The meeting also included committee reports on bills covering wildlife depredation, light pollution, limited commercial driver’s licenses, prison educational programs, civil rights, respiratory care, dietitians, temporary structures, controlled substances prescribing authority, the Athletic Trainer Compact, children of military families, local boards of education, youth health services, and class sizes for exceptional children and youth.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Human Services - 02/12/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.119>
we <00:35:00.240>have <00:35:00.400>work <00:35:00.560>to <00:35: - work to do to figure<00:35:01.240>
out <00:35:01.480>how <00:35:01.560>to <00:35 - c><00:35:04.079>
upped <00:35:04.359>our <00:35:04.520>provider <00:35:04.920> - 35:09.199>
way <01:35:09.520>so <01:35:09.760>that <01:35:09.880>we <01:35 - 35:37.840>
we <01:35:38.080>have <01:35:38.360>had <01:35:38.520>in <01:35
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 9, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The question<03:35:01.359>
is, <03:35:02.000>will <03:35:02.239>the <03:35:02.399 - <03:35:07.920>
Those <03:35:08.160>in <03:35:08.319>favor <03:35:08.720>say - <03:35:11.359>
In <03:35:11.520>the <03:35:11.680>opinion <03:35:11.920>of - The<03:35:15.680>
bill <03:35:15.840>is <03:35:16.000>passed <03:35:16.239>and - For<03:35:24.880>
what <03:35:25.040>purpose <03:35:25.359>the <03:35:25.520
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/24/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- :09.120>
expanded <00:35:09.640>it <00:35:09.760>to <00:35:09.880>be <00:35 - Um and so that<00:35:13.800>
is <00:35:13.960>what <00:35:14.120>the <00:35:14.400 - disclosure<00:35:50.560>
of <00:35:50.760>certain <00:35:51.240>elements <00:35: - >
a <00:35:53.800>data <00:35:54.080>center <00:35:54.400>is <00:35:54.600 - is<00:35:58.880>
posted <00:35:59.320>at <00:35:59.480>least <00:35:59.760><
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cost-benefit analysis requirement 3/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.560>
with <00:35:00.720>a <00:35:00.960>bill <00:35:01.359>that <00:35 - <00:35:21.599>
I <00:35:21.760>I <00:35:22.079>don't <00:35:22.160>know <00:35:49.200>- I I don't know what<00:35:22.480>
they <00:35:22.640>do <00:35:22.800>and <00:35:- more
money <00:35:50.079>than <00:35:51.200>um <00:35:52.160>- <00:35:53.680>
I <00:35:53.920>can't <00:35:54.079>say <00:35:54.160>that - I I don't know what<00:35:22.480>
Summary:
The committee took up House File 936, an author’s bill requiring cost-benefit analysis before agencies move forward with major rulemaking. Chair Nash moved the bill, the A2 author’s amendment was adopted, and the bill was then discussed as amended. The sponsor said the goal was not to eliminate rulemaking, but to require agencies to “show their work” by analyzing costs, benefits, and assumptions before rules are adopted.
Supporters, including representatives from Americans for Prosperity and the Pacific Legal Foundation, argued the bill would improve transparency, uniformity, and accountability in rulemaking. They cited federal and other state models, especially Virginia, and said similar requirements already exist in several states. They also pointed to public support for requiring cost-benefit analysis and said the bill could help agencies avoid costly or poorly thought-out regulations, reduce litigation risk, and improve legislative oversight through notice to committees and publication of preliminary and final analyses.
Several members raised concerns. Representative Luger Nikolai said cost-benefit analysis is already part of existing law through SONARs and that the legislature, not agencies, should be the first line of review; she also worried the bill would force dollar valuations on qualitative factors such as accessibility. Representative Craft said the bill could allow unelected officials to negate policy choices already made by the legislature if benefits do not exceed costs. Representative Fryberg said the bill appears to require full analysis even for minor housekeeping rules and may overemphasize dollar-based benefits. Chair Nash and supporters responded that the bill is meant to impose a uniform check on agencies and that many current rules already operate without sufficient legislative oversight. The discussion ended with members expressing both support and opposition, and a roll call was requested, though no final vote was included in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/03/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:35:04.680>
most <00:35:04.880>of <00:35:05.040>St <00:35:05.240>Louis - :35:19.640>
four <00:35:20.040>tribal Nations<00:35:24.320>the <00:35:24.480> - agency<00:35:25.000>
is <00:35:25.160>funded <00:35:25.599>by <00:35:25.760> - <00:35:30.079>
on <00:35:30.320>each <00:35:30.520>ton <00:35:30.800>of - are produced the tax<00:35:33.640>
is <00:35:33.880>paid <00:35:34.160>by <00:35 - are produced the tax<00:35:33.640>
Summary:
Explore Minnesota Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty gave the committee an agency overview focused on the state’s tourism, livability, business attraction, film, and outdoor recreation promotion work. She highlighted record 2023 tourism results, including 80.2 million visitors, $4.1 billion in economic impact, more than 180,000 hospitality jobs, and $2.3 billion in state and local taxes, and said tourism sales, hotel occupancy, and other metrics continued to improve. She also described the agency’s marketing strategy, including a new campaign centered on authentic Minnesota stories, expanded domestic and international advertising, and a strong emphasis on winter, diverse markets, and accessibility.
McGinty reviewed several one-time-funded programs launched or expanded in the last year, including Explore Minnesota for Business, the tourism recovery grant program, the first Tribal Nations Grant program, and the outdoor recreation industry partnership with IRRR, DEED, and DNR. She said the recovery grants had distributed $1.15 million to 110 grantees, the tribal grant program had spent $1.4 million with eight tribal nations, and outdoor recreation was estimated at $13.5 billion annually with 10.5% growth. She also noted strong media and social media results, including a viral Timberwolves-related campaign, high video completion rates, and increased website traffic.
In response to committee questions, McGinty said the workforce and business attraction campaign is aimed at showing why people choose to live and work in Minnesota, using stories from newer residents and businesses, and that it is performing well in markets such as Silicon Valley, Boston, and Seattle. She said the agency is investing more in winter advertising to promote Minnesota as a winter destination and is working with partners to highlight activities beyond outdoor cold-weather recreation. Members also discussed the agency’s new film program, resident retention efforts, and a planned music-themed tourism ad tied to Prince and Bob Dylan. No votes or formal actions were taken.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 20 January, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- end<00:35:20.720>
therefore <00:35:21.119>I <00:35:21.280>think <00:35:21.359 - <00:35:33.359>
some <00:35:33.599>of <00:35:33.680>you <00:35:33.839>know - used<00:35:34.720>
to <00:35:34.880>work <00:35:35.200>for <00:35:35.440> - President,<00:35:39.920>
if <00:35:40.160>there <00:35:40.240>are <00:35:40.400>< - <00:35:42.640>
uh, <00:35:42.800>we <00:35:42.960>do <00:35:43.200>advise
Summary:
The Mississippi Senate convened with a quorum present and began the day with an invocation by Dr. Ben Bernett of William Carey University, followed by the pledge and national anthem performed by William Carey students. The chamber then handled routine motions to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and welcomed numerous guests, including youth court judges, medical professionals, and representatives from Women for Progress of Mississippi, which was recognized for its 48th anniversary and its work in civic leadership, education, advocacy, and community empowerment. Angela Stewart spoke about the organization’s founder, Dorothy May Thompson Stewart Samuel, and the group’s mission to promote informed citizenship, strong education, and economic opportunity.
The Senate also confirmed Senate Nomination 74, Michael Barry Nelson of Madison, to the Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women for a four-year at-large term beginning July 1, 2025, after Senator Kirby explained that the commission-repeal bill had not yet become law. The chamber then suspended the rules to take up items 2 through 9 in block and adopted a series of resolutions honoring Warren Central High School’s swim team, recognizing the cultural connection between Quebec and Mississippi, commending the Terry High School boys track and field team, expressing support for Beth Israel congregation after an arson attack, recognizing Dr. Charles McLullen’s impact on the SWAC, commemorating Mississippi College’s bicentennial, honoring Alexander and Friends of Mississippi Veterans, and congratulating Brookhaven High School’s football team. All of these items passed by voice vote or use of the morning roll call.
Later, senators announced committee meetings and other events, including Finance, Appropriations subcommittees, a Rules Committee meeting, and a government structure meeting. Senator Turner Ford also moved to hold Senate Bill 2017, the “Various Obsolete Commissions Repeal,” on a motion to reconsider. The session ended with the Senate entering recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect a return at 10:00 a.m. the following morning.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU, HOU-HHS, HOU DEFER Public Hearings 02-10-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And<00:35:03.520>
this <00:35:03.680>is <00:35:03.800>a <00:35:04.160>typical - on<00:35:15.040>
the <00:35:15.160>down <00:35:15.560>payment <00:35:16.000>< - <00:35:25.480>
would <00:35:25.640>be <00:35:26.600>or <00:35:26.880>even - <00:35:38.160>
Again, <00:35:38.360>it's <00:35:38.480>just <00:35:38.680> - And<00:35:42.400>
it's <00:35:42.520>a <00:35:42.600>1% <00:35:43.160>simple<
Summary:
The Committee on Housing, meeting jointly with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on Senate Bill 2787, which would expand use of the rental housing revolving fund to provide loans or grants for purchasing rental units, and Senate Bill 2957, which addresses tenant displacement and relocation protections, as well as Senate Bill 2866, which would make the state rent supplement program for kupuna permanent and appropriate funds for it. Testimony on SB 2787 included support from DHHL, HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, and others, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying language and standards for grants, and the Tax Foundation questioned whether grants fit the revolving-fund structure. On SB 2957, supporters including OHA, PACT, medical-legal advocates, and tenant representatives emphasized relocation hardships from the KPT redevelopment, language access, and the need for clearer minimum safeguards; the Attorney General suggested defining “comparable units” and correcting a drafting error. On SB 2866, HPHA, Catholic Charities, AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the kupuna rent supplement program permanent to prevent homelessness among low-income seniors.
During discussion on SB 2957, members questioned HPHA and tenant counsel about the KPT low-rise relocation process and what “comparable housing” meant in practice. HPHA said all tenants were relocated, but counsel described disputes over comparability, disability and family-size issues, and at least one offered unit that was not livable. For SB 2787, members questioned DHHL about why it sought funding from the rental housing revolving fund rather than other sources; DHHL said it was still exploring options and had mostly used its funds for infrastructure, with only a small portion used as revolving funds. The chair expressed concern about relying on scarce housing funds and urged more efficient use of DHHL’s existing resources.
In decision-making, the committees voted to pass SB 2957 with amendments and SB 2866 with amendments. For SB 2957, the amendments would replace the bill with a working group on tenant displacement and relocation, include a blank appropriation and defective date, and request $75,000 for the working group; the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator Favela excused. For SB 2866, the amended version would include a blank appropriation, defective date, and committee report language noting requests for $110,160 for two HPHA public housing specialist positions and $2.16 million for the state rent supplement program; this motion was also adopted, with Senator Favela excused. After the joint hearing adjourned, the committee returned to the housing-only agenda and continued discussion of SB 2787 before moving on to SB 3089, which would amend the down payment loan assistance program for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers; testimony on SB 3089 was beginning when the transcript ended.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Services (3-3-25)
Transcript Highlights:
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Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 132, a health care conscience-protection measure. Supporters said the bill would protect health care professionals from being forced to participate in procedures or services that violate sincerely held religious or ethical beliefs, while explicitly excluding emergency care. They argued it would help recruit and retain providers, preserve ethical integrity in medicine, and has worked in several other states. Supporters also emphasized that the bill is aimed at procedures or services, not at denying care based on who a patient is, and noted that the bill includes a civil cause of action to give it enforcement teeth.
Several supporters described personal experiences. A nurse said lack of conscience protections affected her career choices and limited her path into women’s health. Dr. Warman said he had requested not to perform anesthesia for abortions and later chose non-narcotic pain management because he objected to heavy opioid prescribing, saying conscience protections allow professionals to practice responsibly. Senators asked about examples, the bill’s scope, whether it could be used to discriminate, and which states have similar laws; Mississippi, Florida, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, and Arkansas were named. Questions also focused on the bill’s civil enforcement provisions and whether it could be used against patients based on identity or religion.
Opponents warned the bill was overly broad and could allow refusals of care by a wide range of health workers, including clerks, ambulance drivers, pharmacists, nurses, and physicians. Dr. Karen Abrams said it could lead to denial of birth control, Plan B, blood transfusions, and other care, especially in rural areas with few alternatives, and could worsen Kentucky’s provider shortages. David Conway said the bill lacked patient protections, could increase delays and discrimination, and could prevent reassignment of objecting staff. The chair noted there were seven people signed up in opposition, limited testimony to two minutes each, and said the committee would return to the bill after hearing additional opposition and other pending bills.