Transcript Highlights:

• We need to act now.
• We need to act dollars in special education and loss productivity. We need to act now.
• We need the mic on.
• conspicuous, they need to be clear, they need to be accessible, and QR codes just don't provide that
• Conspicuous, they need to be clear, they need to be accessible, and QR codes just don't provide that.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > to cover those losses, but we also need to cover those losses, but we also need to work<00:10
• It needs to be actionable.
• <00:53:46.319> to folks need to feel like they need to folks need to feel like they need to
• It needs to plan that that is effective. It needs to be<00:54:38.160> actionable.
• <00:57:20.319> to it needs to function and it needs to it needs to function and it needs to

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The interim task force on disaster prevention and resiliency met for its fourth meeting and focused heavily on insurance markets, affordability, and mitigation. Cochairs noted they are working toward recommendations for a later fall meeting. The main presentation came from David Snyder of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, who said the insurance industry sees itself as part of the problem and part of the solution because it ultimately pays for losses created by natural conditions, development choices, and construction practices. Snyder described rising losses from natural catastrophes, inflation-driven increases in rebuilding and repair costs, more development in disaster-prone areas, wildfire exposure, severe convective storms, hail, and roof damage. He argued that Kentucky should avoid the mistakes he attributed to California, where regulatory responses contributed to a strained insurance market and greater reliance on the FAIR Plan. He said Kentucky’s private market appears to be functioning better, with relatively few FAIR Plan policies, and urged lawmakers to preserve that market through risk-based rates and policies that do not worsen availability. He recommended a broad mitigation strategy involving stronger building codes, land-use decisions, stormwater infrastructure, public access to risk data, and incentives for resilient construction. He highlighted programs such as the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, fortified-home standards, wildfire-prepared community practices, and examples from Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida showing that mitigation can produce quick returns and insurance discounts. He also suggested catastrophe savings accounts, flexible coverage options, and a whole-of-government approach that includes the insurance department, building-code agencies, first responders, FEMA, NFIP, and NOAA. In questions, a legislator asked about the prognosis if carriers continue exiting markets and if nothing is done to address affordability and accessibility. Snyder said he could not predict market exits but stressed that regulators should monitor the market closely, use available data, and focus on loss prevention and mitigation. He said insurers want to do business in Kentucky and that the long-term solution is coordinated action among public and private stakeholders to reduce risk and keep coverage available.

Transcript Highlights:

• So represent Applebee needed.
• So, they don't need to exist anymore.
• <00:38:14.000> to this forward and that we all need to this forward and that we all need to
• sponsor recognized that the bill needs sponsor recognized that the bill needs some<00:42:19.760>
• <00:53:52.960> and that there's even more time needed and that there's even more time needed

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met to consider eight bills, beginning with HB 443 on the terms of appointment for members of the Higher Education Commission. Department of Education Director Steve Applebee explained that the commission supported a language change to address a holdover issue, but members raised concerns that the bill did not solve the problem of inactive members and might not address the broader question of whether the commission should continue to exist. The committee agreed to retain HB 443 for further work and voted 18-0 to do so. The committee then voted on HB 137, which would allocate excess statewide education property tax funds for local school and municipal purposes. Supporters of ITL argued that using the statewide property tax to reduce the state’s school funding obligation could create a slippery slope and shift more burden to property taxpayers. The committee voted 15-3 to ITL the bill, with a minority report to be written. HB 237, which would prohibit the use of special education and differentiated aid funds on students not receiving special education services, was also ITL’d after members said federal law already governs how IDEA-related funds may be used and that the bill was unnecessary. That motion passed 16-0, with some members not voting because they were out for medical reasons. The committee next advanced HB 354, creating alternative certification pathways for career and technical education instructors. Members said the bill could help recruit qualified tradespeople and retirees to teach in CTE programs, and it was approved 18-0 and placed on the consent calendar. HB 491, establishing a committee to study alternative public education funding methods and reduce reliance on local property taxes, was retained for further study after members said the committee or a subcommittee could continue the work over the year; it passed 18-0. HB 656, concerning local school districts’ authority to accept federal grants, was also retained after discussion focused on transparency, grant conditions, and the need to avoid delays in services; it passed 18-0. The committee then moved on to HB 729, an appropriation for an attorney to recodify education laws, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we need more time. Uh, that's cases. So, we need more time.
• need when and where they need it most. need when and where they need it most.
• You need that relationship. You need May<03:51:56.960> I?
• needs.
• needs.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you just tell us, share with this committee, are we doing what we need to do as far as rapid DNA?
• Are we doing what we need to do? Yes, sir. We are. So we have a CODIS section.
• I was hoping that we were right where we needed to be, that we were extremely involved with it.
• “Are we pretty well staffed now that will be needed at that facility?
• Are we going to be needing to broaden that any?

Summary: The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an update on operations, staffing, technology, and major projects. Crime lab officials said the new facility is on schedule and under budget, with completion expected at the end of July next year and phased move-in beginning around August 1. They described the current building as overcrowded and outdated, and said the new lab will expand workspace, improve workflow, double morgue autopsy tables, and allow new technologies such as 3D firearms microscopy, improved drug testing for emerging synthetic drugs, and enhanced fingerprint visualization. Officials also said the lab has been able to hire positions tied to the 2023 overdose-autopsy law and that recruitment for medical examiners and fellows has improved, including two new medical examiners starting in August and a successful new fellowship program. Members asked about rapid DNA, CODIS, forensic genealogy, sexual assault kit backlogs, and staffing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas one of the first states to do so. Officials explained that CODIS is used routinely, with DNA profiles from qualifying cases uploaded automatically and audited regularly, and cited it as a key investigative tool. On forensic genealogy, they said Arkansas currently relies on private labs such as Othram, Bode, and DNA Labs International, and is exploring whether to bring that capability in-house in the future. They reported that the sexual assault kit backlog from around 2016 has been cleared and that the lab is now meeting the statutory 60-day turnaround time, with kits tracked through a barcode-based system for transparency. The committee also discussed overdose data and confidentiality. The lab said a new overdose dashboard is being developed with the Office of State Technology and should go live by the end of the year, using newly available reporting data to help public health and law enforcement target prevention efforts. Members praised a recent law allowing toxicology information to be shared with the state drug director and another law protecting coroner records and toxicology reports from public release during criminal investigations; lab officials said both changes have been very helpful. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions on the crime lab items, and the chair announced an August site visit to the Lake Conway dam project.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need one more member to establish a quorum, and we also need any of the authors of the three bills
• During this period, the clinical need is clear.
• The child needs more support, and his caregivers need more support in order to keep him safe.
• The child needs more support and his caregivers need more support in order to keep him safe.
• I need your vote. Hey, I need your vote. Hey, I need a vote. Yeah. I need the course, Waba.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to have accessible systems.
• We need to have accessible systems.
• But um it is need to be corrected.
• <01:10:06.640> to makers need to do better and we need to makers need to do better and we
• We need to do a better job levels.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need help. We need support.
• We need help. We need support.
• We know it lowers need for lowers crime. We know it lowers need for SNAP.
• bring us food and whatever we need. bring us food and whatever we need.
• But again, it needs to be across the board, not just looking at one specific need.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:24.000> to falls in um I think you and I need to falls in um I think you and I need
• is a Minnesota need.
• But if we need to make that clear, we need to figure out what that language is and then we need to insert
• <01:32:45.199> to we need to make that clear we need to we need to make that clear we need
• She needs to be on this one, too.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a need that there needs as is we do see a need that there needs to<00:12:11.279> be<00:12:11.600
• But I would need to check. We did >> right? But I would need to check.
• I need this much money.
• I need this much money.
• <01:37:30.080> I of, "Well, I need this. I need this. I of, "Well, I need this.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance. County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing. Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we need some money to do it.
• We need to start doing that.
• We really need to work on this. So, thank you.
• So we need to do whatever we can do.
• I think I need a lot more detail, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• When they assume that their child needs medical, if their child needs medical attention, there will be
• when they need it.
• when they need it.
• Okay, okay, come on baby. it's okay it's okay we need to go we need to go No, no. No. No. No. No.
• You're saying you just need more time.

Bills: HB367, HB497, HB549, HB983, HB 1188, HB 1290, HB1368, HB2243, HB2310, HB2849, HB3099, HB3546, HB3629, HB3627

Keywords: education, absences, severe illness, life-threatening, school policy, verification, healthcare, insurance, affordability, coverage, patient rights, school health, respiratory distress, airway clearance devices, medication training, public health, HB 983, Texas Education Agency, TEA, educator privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• :34.080> organizations<00:31:35.039> over need to choose some organizations over need to
• We need to be consistent. We need to be fair and equitable. We need to be constitutional.
• We need to be consistent. We need to be fair and equitable. We need to be constitutional.
• So, I think we just need to needed.
• If you need an example as to why we need this bill passed, here is one.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the state's correctional facility needs. the state's correctional facility needs.
• Thank you. needs each year. The estimated unmet needs each year.
• need to their crisis administrator. need to their crisis administrator.
• That's the help they need.
• That's the help they need. difference. That's the help they need.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The court still needs to look at the need of the person requesting alimony and the ability to pay for
• <00:34:11.760> I meet their basic needs and safety. I meet their basic needs and safety.
• need to amend it amend. need to amend it amend.
• Well, what you would need is you<03:13:59.040> would<03:13:59.200> need<03:13:59.359>
• They don't need money. my parents. They don't need money.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I actually think we need market-rate housing. We also need luxury housing.
• And also, we need to ensure we're putting the tax dollars right where they're needed.
• Housing that's needed.
• And so needing more of that.
• The needs in Roswell and Artesia are different than the needs in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and when it needs to be done?
• We need that aspect.
• We need that aspect.
• We need litigation. We need to get aggressive. We need to change the paradigm there.
• Thank you, and I'll be available for any questions if needed. If needed.

Bills: SB66, SB79, SB108

Keywords: environment, cleanup, contamination, uranium mining, abandoned sites, state funding, mosquito control, public health, surveillance, prevention funds, local government grants, food security, agriculture, food bank, regional program, appropriation, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• short of what's needed.
• DOT needs certainty.
• DOT needs certainty.
• The needs are large.
• We need bonding and we need a cash infusion.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard TRIP’s annual New Mexico transportation report from Carolyn Boniface Kelly, which described deteriorating roads and bridges, congestion, safety concerns, and a large transportation funding gap. The report said more than half of major roads statewide are in poor or mediocre condition, over 170 bridges are rated poor, congestion costs drivers significant time and money, and traffic crashes and road conditions impose billions in annual costs. Members broadly agreed the report underscored the need for more stable transportation funding, with several noting the state’s recurring underinvestment and the safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2, a transportation bonding and revenue package. Senator Gonzales and Governor’s office and NMDOT representatives said the bill would authorize about $1.5 billion in additional bond debt for ready-to-go highway projects, while also increasing certain motor vehicle excise, registration, weight-distance, and EV-related fees to help support debt service and transportation funding. Supporters, including contractors, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, the Department of Finance and Administration, and transportation officials, argued the bill would improve safety, economic development, project delivery, and funding stability, and help preserve federal dollars. Opponents, including the Rio Grande Foundation and some committee members, objected to the tax and fee increases, argued the state should use existing surpluses or other funds instead, and raised concerns about impacts on families, businesses, and local governments. Committee members questioned how projects would be selected, how the new fees were calculated, how EV surcharges would work, and whether local government distributions would be affected. NMDOT said the projects would be reported to the legislature annually, selected using crash data, asset management, and project readiness, but bond approval would remain with the State Transportation Commission. After debate, Representative Romero moved do pass on SB 2 as amended, Representative Hochman-Vigil seconded, and the committee approved the bill 7-2, with Representatives Brown and Dow voting no and several members expressing reservations despite supporting the need for transportation investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to ensure that this doesn't happen.
• It will not be easy, but if we're serious, it needs to be done.
• Within the classes and add additional ones if they need to.
• That's all I need. Senator Iso. Mr.
• And we don't need to go too far as we look into Martinez-Yazi and the attention that we need to draw

Bills: SB29, SB64

Keywords: SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening, mathematics screening assessment, mathematics difficulty, support plan, multilevel support, intervention

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sure every department agency needs help with that.
• We need it to mitigate our risk and prevent vulnerability.
• Can I just list off the ones that I think we need to just look at?
• And that total that we would need is over 2,000.
• But the community needs to meet with you.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a presentation on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion. Agency leaders outlined major requests for AHCA, APD, DCF, DOEA, DOH, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including behavioral health redesign, Medicaid rate changes, developmental disability services, child welfare and opioid programs, senior services, cancer research, public health initiatives, and veterans’ facility and technology needs. The committee also received an overview of the overall state budget, which was described as $117.4 billion, up 1.1% from the current year. AHCA’s presentation focused on $71.6 million for a Medicaid behavioral health redesign, including funding for residential treatment, a serious mental illness waiver, and higher inpatient psychiatric rates for youth, plus $7.1 million to raise private duty nursing reimbursement in fee-for-service Medicaid, $2.5 million for the background screening clearinghouse, and $124.4 million for the Health Care Connection System (FX). APD requested funding to continue moving people off the pre-enrollment list and to support developmental disability centers, a new forensic facility, an electronic health record system, and higher operating costs. DCF highlighted $81.9 million for eligibility and system integrity, $187.5 million for opioid prevention and treatment, $35.5 million for community-based care lead agencies, and $72.7 million to expand behavioral health bed capacity, including 474 new beds at state hospitals. DOEA sought additional funding for Alzheimer’s services, home care, and community care for the elderly. DOH emphasized $278 million for cancer research and innovation, $5 million for food and product safety testing, $5 million for the Florida FIRST blood-on-ambulance initiative, and $5.7 million for a public lab feasibility study. Veterans Affairs requested funds for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management equipment. Members asked detailed questions about several items, especially the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which would reduce eligibility and the number of people served. Senators and public witnesses criticized the lack of transparency and urged the department to pause the changes and work with stakeholders; the Surgeon General said the issue was driven by funding constraints and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and that the agency was exploring alternatives. Questions also addressed the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, the Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, the cancer research funding structure, and the timeline and cost of the FX system. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP, with speakers warning that thousands could lose medication access and calling for community involvement and a review of the program’s finances. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions, with no votes taken on the budget items during this meeting.