Transcript Highlights:

• like what I ask my tenants to do, give me six months so I can find a replacement for you for that space
• "No, because it should provide more opportunity, more options for them to then fill that space with,
• However, we have had conversations about leases in particular when there is a business in a space and
• , to the question or concern about centers in particular where there might be several large spaces where
• But generally speaking, attorneys are, I would say, in terms of the attorneys experienced in this space

Bills: HB2229 , HB2274 , HB2294 , HB1269 , HB1078

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: professional engineers, registration act, licensing, engineering practice, state regulations, email regulation, commercial communications, consumer protection, data privacy, electronic mail, consumer access, real property, food security, medicine access, restriction, pawnbroker, fees, interest rates, financial regulation, pet insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• That's our safe spaces, gun-free zones, schools, et cetera?" "Through you, Mr.
• That's our safe spaces, gun-free zones, schools, et cetera? "Through you, Mr.
• specifically whether there is any designation that impacts Article 265 of the Penal Law, the safe spaces
• specifically whether there is any designation that impacts Article 265 of the Penal Law, the safe spaces
• AND IN OTHER SPACES AS IT RELATES TO POLL WORKERS, WHO ARE STATUTORILY REQUIRED TO >> And through you

Summary: The Senate met briefly, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report that advanced a large package of bills, mostly Election Law measures, along with several bills in other subject areas. The chamber then moved through a supplemental and controversial calendar focused primarily on election administration, campaign finance, and voter access. Senators also announced committee meetings and later filed majority committee assignments in the journal. On the supplemental calendar, the Senate passed several Election Law bills. One measure by Senator Gianaris aimed to curb foreign influence in New York elections by restricting foreign-influenced corporations; Senator Walczyk argued it was too narrow and ignored dark money, while Senator Gianaris said it was needed to address foreign meddling. Senator May’s bill creating short-term early voting sites passed after debate over whether pop-up sites would confuse voters or improve access, especially in rural areas; supporters said it would help bring voting closer to where people are, while opponents called it costly and confusing. Senator Myrie’s bill establishing standardized training for elections commissioners also passed, with supporters citing the need for uniform training and opponents calling it an unfunded mandate. On the controversial calendar, the Senate passed Senator Myrie’s bill allowing additional early voting locations and clarifying that a voter’s intent can determine residency for voting purposes, including in some cases a second or vacation home. The most debated measure was Senator Gonzalez’s bill creating civil remedies and confidentiality protections for election officers who are threatened or intimidated; supporters said it responds to rising threats against election workers, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate questioning at polling places and create vague liability. Several senators explained their votes on both sides, and the bill passed despite significant opposition. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• order for us to prepare our undergraduates and graduate students to be able to change kind of the space
• that we live in, we need to do a lot of work at the K-12 space.
• And so in the K-12 space, what we're trying to do is make sure that kids have the preparation and the
• And so it's important for us to think: how do we address these issues in the K-12 space?
• In terms of the research, In terms of the research in the space, there is a lot of research.

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 met to hear a panel discussion on artificial intelligence in K-12 education. Dr. Maya Israel of the University of Florida gave an overview of AI literacy, the benefits of AI for personalized learning and teacher support, and the risks involving data privacy, overreliance, hallucinations, and misuse. She described the Florida K-12 AI Task Force, which published statewide guidance in March and is now providing professional development, case studies, surveys, and resources for teachers and families. She also noted that teacher preparation programs and microcredentials are being developed, but there is not yet a statewide baseline standard for teacher AI training. Superintendents Van Ayers of Hillsborough County and Kevin Hendrick of Pinellas County described district policies and implementation efforts. Hillsborough adopted an AI governance policy, created an implementation guide, and set rules barring generative AI use for students in pre-K through 7th grade while allowing limited, teacher-approved use for older students with district-vetted tools. Pinellas emphasized digital responsibility, parent transparency, data-use agreements, and a governance process for approving tools. Both districts said AI is being used for lesson planning, tutoring, reading-level adjustments, scheduling, and other administrative tasks, but they do not yet have reliable evidence that AI is improving academic performance. They also discussed teacher training, stipends, and certification efforts, including partnerships with universities and vendors such as Microsoft, Google, Magic School, and Gemini. Drew Allen of FSU Inspire offered an industry-focused perspective, arguing that AI is not new but that education must adapt more quickly to industry needs. He described Inspire’s workforce and research mission, its AI and robotics training for teachers, and the need to build teacher comfort and confidence through incentives and applied training. Committee members raised concerns about student dependence on AI, academic integrity, mental health, moral decision-making, data privacy, and whether schools should return to more paper-based testing. The panel generally agreed that AI should be used with strong guardrails, human oversight, and a balance between technology use and traditional learning. No legislation was considered, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• These communities have built thriving. businesses and vibrant cultural spaces.
• As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we must commit to building inclusion in every space.
• Especially in spaces of power, influence, and decision making.
• As many of you know, I've worked extensively in this space over the past few years.
• . districts and open space districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• To others, safe communities look like spaces with well-developed and maintained infrastructure.
• ><00:01:06.240><c> like</c> others, safe communities look like others, safe communities look like spaces
• and spaces with well-developed and maintained<00:01:08.760><c> infrastructure.
• I've been working in this space since I prosecuted driver's license revocations at the attorney general's
• </c><00:15:47.839><c> driver's</c> space since I prosecuted driver's space since I prosecuted driver's

Transcript Highlights:

• He is also the president of the Oklahoma State Air and Space Forces Association.
• And whereas Chiefulla's key assignments included Superintendent of Nuclear and Space Security Headquarters
• Air Force Space Command, where he developed and implemented security requirements for 550 land-based
• honors include the Meritorious Service Medal with five devices in recognition as Headquarters Air Force Space

Bills: HR1041 , SB137 , SB1255 , SB1226 , SB1238 , SB1258 , SB1325 , SB1460 , SB1543 , SB1730 , SB1921 , SB1733 , SB1216 , SB1256 , SB1061 , SB1534 , SB1873 , SB1653 , SB540 , SB1948

Keywords: Oklahoma, House Resolution, HR1041, Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, Department of Energy, DOE, advanced nuclear, nuclear energy, small modular reactors, SMRs, microreactors, energy innovation, advanced energy, energy security, economic development, job creation, workforce training, research and development, nuclear supply chain, clean energy

Transcript Highlights:

• How do you make space for that in that language? There are two completely different things.
• abortion how<00:05:30.560><c> do</c><00:05:30.639><c> you</c><00:05:30.800><c> make</c><00:05:31.039><c> space
• for</c><00:05:31.600><c> that</c><00:05:31.759><c> in</c><00:05:31.919><c> that</c> how do you make space
• for that in that how do you make space for that in that language<00:05:32.840><c> there</c><00:05:33.000

Transcript Highlights:

• In this space. So I did want to ask one specific question.
• I did want to ask one specific question. question that is because it was referenced in this space.
• How much parkland per, how much open space and parks do you want?
• How much parkland per, how much open space and parks do you want for a resident?
• This created opportunity for several emerging resilience in a vacant retail space.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to make sure that we hold space for those comments, and we will take them at the end of the hearing
• I had an office in that space. I got kicked out. That was 2021.
• I had an office in that space. I got kicked out. That was 2021.
• I know working in this space is an extremely difficult space.
• I know working in this space is an extremely difficult space.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an area where, with the absence of federal leadership in the climate space, there is a real void
• So while we're occupying this space, which is familiar to us, it is also a growing space for us.
• We're seeing quite a bit of progress in this space.
• So that's sort of the way that I see us focusing in this space first and foremost.
• So that's been something that's been very challenging in the environmental justice space.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:46:18.319><c> Um,</c><00:46:19.040><c> Senator</c> the uh space of medicine.
• Um, Senator the uh space of medicine.
• And I think because that's kind of a new thing in the recovery space, they're just trying to make that
• And I think because that's kind of a new thing in the recovery space, they're just trying to make that
• That's kind of a new thing in the recovery space. They're just trying to make that work.

Summary: The committee met on October 23, 2025, approved the September 25 minutes, and heard several informational presentations on occupational licensing and workforce access. The first major topic was the dietitian licensure compact, presented by Rep. Vanessa Gracel, Whitney Duddy, and Caitlyn Bison. They said the compact would be revenue-neutral, improve licensure portability, support military families, expand telehealth and rural access, and preserve state regulatory authority. Testimony noted that 15 states had joined the compact, including Ohio and Tennessee, and that Kentucky would have a seat on the compact commission if it enacted the measure. Members asked about bordering states and possible telehealth competition concerns; witnesses said they had not seen evidence of harmful effects in other compacts and described the compact as expanding access rather than displacing local providers. The committee then heard testimony on music therapy licensure, with Chris Millet, Laura Elliot Buckner, and Dr. Kimberly Cinemore speaking in support of Senate Bill 42. They described music therapy as a clinical, board-certified profession requiring formal education, supervised training, and national certification, and argued that state licensure would protect the public, clarify scope of practice, and help retain Kentucky-trained professionals. Witnesses said the bill would not require new state funding, could be administered through a self-sustaining licensing structure, and would not prevent others from using music in their work. In response to questions, they said licensure could help open doors to insurance, waiver, and HSA reimbursement, but would not guarantee coverage. Finally, the committee heard testimony on expanding physician access through a provisional licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians. Adam Meyer of the Cicero Institute said Kentucky faces a severe physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued that qualified international physicians should not have to repeat residency if they meet strict criteria, including an employment offer, prior training and experience, good standing, U.S. exam passage, and a three-year provisional period before full licensure. Rapender Carr of Baptist Health supported the concept, saying it could help fill hard-to-recruit positions across the state and improve access in rural markets. No votes were taken on these policy topics during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• You... ...will work with opposition and find some middle ground in this very complex space.
• But I will also note the inequity and injustice in, you know, this public policy space.
• And you owe an apology to this space of respect. I apologize to everybody.
• And you owe an apology to this space of respect. I apologize to everybody.
• We know you have done so much work in the space, and thank you for leading the way on this policy.

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to water, wildlife, wildfire preparedness, and local governance. AB 362, by Assembly Member Ramos, would add tribal water uses as a protected beneficial use and strengthen tribal consultation in water planning; tribal witnesses strongly supported it as a long-overdue correction, while water agencies, farm groups, and business groups opposed or opposed unless amended, citing concerns about CEQA, regulatory uncertainty, and Bay-Delta plan deadlines. After discussion about ongoing stakeholder meetings and the need to keep tribes at the table, the bill passed on a vote of 9-1-1 and was sent to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 1089, by Assembly Member Carrillo, would expand local permitting authority under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to include commercial and industrial projects. The author and the City of Adelanto argued it would reduce delays and support housing and economic development, while conservation groups opposed, saying it was premature and would weaken protections before the current system had been tested. The committee raised questions about Fish and Wildlife’s discretion, but the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1024, also by Carrillo, would require a regional plan to address escalating black bear conflicts in the San Gabriel Valley; Sierra Madre officials described a sharp rise in bear intrusions and supported the measure, and it passed unanimously to Appropriations. AB 846, by Assembly Member Connolly, would streamline permitting for local wildfire preparedness and vegetation management in local responsibility areas by creating a faster review process and better mapping coordination. Supporters from cities, fire chiefs, counties, and agriculture said it would reduce delays while preserving environmental review, and there was no opposition; it passed unanimously to Natural Resources. AB 263, by Assembly Member Rogers, would extend emergency minimum-flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers for up to five years or until permanent rules are adopted. Supporters, including the Yurok Tribe and conservation groups, said the measure protects salmon, tribal subsistence, and the fishing economy while permanent regulations are developed; opponents argued it bypassed normal administrative and CEQA processes and would harm farmers and water rights holders. The bill passed 9-2-1 to Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 1044, which would create a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency for undistricted lands in the Tule Subbasin after other agencies broke away, with the county saying it needed the structure to comply with SGMA and manage overdrafted groundwater. The bill passed unanimously to Local Government. The transcript ends as Assembly Member Caloza begins presenting AB 1426, which would establish the Diablo Range Conservation Program.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've got a long way to go in this space, too.
• </c><00:44:00.160><c> for</c> to invest in training in this space for to invest in training in this space
• So I mean, I think we just have to continue to learn and be creative in this space.
• So what are you guys doing in that space?
• </c> what are you guys doing in that space? what are you guys doing in that space?

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” efforts. Chair Funky Fromm opened by describing a recent foot injury from a road hazard and used it to emphasize the importance of infrastructure, nutrition, sleep, and activity as part of a broader wellness culture. The main witnesses were Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Holly Harris of Appalachian Regional Health Care (ARH), and Jim Muser of the Kentucky Hospital Association. Shell and Harris described a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and hospitals such as ARH to connect local farmers with hospital cafeterias, farmers markets, CSA-style subscription food boxes, and medically tailored meals. Harris said ARH serves a large region with 14 hospitals, more than 95 clinics, about 6,700 employees, and 1,300 medical staff, and that the system began by improving employee food options because hospital workers often have limited access to healthy meals during shifts. They reported examples such as a local-protein burger, parking-lot farmers markets, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and plans for container gardens at some hospitals. The witnesses said the program is intended to improve health outcomes, reduce readmissions, support chronic disease management, and also increase rural prosperity by expanding demand for Kentucky farm products. Shell said more than 40 hospitals had already been onboarded into the food-is-medicine program, with measurable outcomes being studied through pilots such as one at Russell County Hospital. He also noted that some systems, including CHI St. Joseph Health, Taylor Regional, and UK King’s Daughters, have formally embedded food-as-medicine goals into strategic plans. Members and witnesses also discussed barriers, especially the lack of reimbursement, fragmented short-term funding, and regulatory or purchasing hurdles that make it difficult for small farmers to participate. Shell said the goal is to make the model scalable and easier for hospitals and farmers to navigate, while Harris emphasized that ARH has been funding its efforts without reimbursement because of its mission. No votes or formal policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• or their restaurant space.
• </c><00:15:27.079><c> or</c><00:15:27.240><c> their</c> their in their uh retail space or their their
• in their uh retail space or their restaurant<00:15:27.839><c> space</c><00:15:28.160><c> and</c><00:
• and so the the um restaurant space and so the the um options<00:15:30.160><c> that</c><00:15:30.279>
• we have a very go on what shell space we have a very robust<00:15:40.560><c> um</c><00:15:41.199><c>

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, they rent spaces to small biotech companies, they rent spaces to retailers and other entities, but
• They rent spaces to small biotech companies, they rent spaces to retailers and other entities, but a
• the Boston Business Journal, it said we have the second most, second only to Cambridge, of new lab space
• As national leaders in the fleet electrification space, having deployed more than 1,000 electric school

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 17 late-file and miscellaneous bills, with testimony focused on several local tax and fee proposals. The first major item was H. 4687 for Watertown, which would permanently continue a special property tax classification allowing the city to maintain a 50% residential minimum factor and a 175% commercial shift. Watertown officials and local legislators said the measure is needed to prevent an estimated 18% residential tax increase when the current temporary authority expires, arguing that the city’s commercial growth and 1988 tax rules have created an unintended burden on homeowners, especially seniors. Committee members asked about the regional business impact, whether major taxpayers might leave, and why a permanent change was sought instead of another short extension; Watertown officials said the policy had not deterred commercial growth and that the city’s fiscal planning and stabilization funds were being used for schools, infrastructure, and bond rating support. The committee also heard H. 4435 from Charlemont, which would authorize a local tax on commercial recreation services. Town officials described Charlemont as a small rural community with a large visitor burden from skiing, rafting, and other recreation, saying police, fire, and EMS costs rise sharply during peak seasons and that the tax would help shift some of those costs to visitors rather than local residents. A committee member questioned the legal structure of taxing recreation services versus goods, but the town said the proposal was modeled on the meals and rooms tax and had local business support. Finally, testimony was taken on H. 4722, promoting fair tax treatment for zero-emission vehicles, especially electric school buses and Class 3-8 trucks. Supporters, including EV advocates, a school transportation company, and Rep. Gentile, said the bill would cap sales and excise taxes on EV vehicles at the level of comparable diesel vehicles to remove an unintended tax penalty, keep revenue neutral, and support the state’s climate goals while helping school districts and private bus operators manage higher upfront costs. Rep. Gentile also spoke in support of H. 4755, which would amend Sudbury’s means-tested senior property tax exemption so the town would not need new special legislation if the program is renewed again in the future. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded after public testimony and committee questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• have them processed, have them shipped to our warehouses, and we can put them in our cold storage space
• So we've looked at additional warehouse space.
• What this will do is buy these commodities because the We've looked at additional warehouse space.
• And again, we're getting, now we're talking about the lack of freezer space.
• That's the kind of the triad that we're now working on, but we desperately need cold storage space for

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met with a quorum, adopted the minutes from its October 3, 2024 meeting, and Chairwoman Butler noted that HCR 82 would be voluntarily deferred in favor of continuing work on HCR 77 related to a pilot program for landscaping and crawfishing. The committee then considered HCR 205, which urges the USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Representative Kerner and Commissioner Mike Strain described the shrimp industry’s low prices, full cold storage, and the need for urgent federal action to support shrimpers and move product into schools, nursing homes, and food banks. Members discussed domestic sourcing rules, enforcement against imported seafood, and marketing challenges; HCR 205 was reported favorably without objection. The committee also took up HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill provision that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs. Chairwoman Butler and Commissioner Strain explained that the concern centered on vague language in a farm bill section that could be interpreted to restrict hunting dogs used for tracking or field trials. Members agreed the language should be removed if it remained in the bill, and HCR 188 was reported favorably without objection. The committee then heard a presentation from Orlando McMeans of the Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture, along with Dr. Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, extension, and academic programs, including enrollment growth, dual-enrollment efforts, 1890 scholars, JAG Stars scholarships, beef cattle and aquaculture research, viticulture, precision nutrition, and food access initiatives. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed disaster-safe shelter. Members asked about butcher training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s potential uses, and the committee adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• about, and I'll just call it out, about did we move too far towards prevention in the child welfare space
• And the counter to that is a focus on safety... ...the child welfare space.
• interventions focused uniquely on how do we shore up our child welfare workforce because that's our space
• borrow from what pediatrics was doing or nursing was doing and try to fit it into a child welfare space
• borrow from what pediatrics was doing or nursing was doing and try to fit it into a child welfare space

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, as part of the zoning requirements in Salem, they require a certain number of parking spaces,
• So, every time I go before them, they ask me how many parking spaces I currently have. >> Follow-up,
• Again, as part of the zoning requirements in Salem, they require a certain number of parking spaces,
• So, every time I go before them, they ask me how many parking spaces I currently have. >> Follow-up,
• We can tear that up without having to get permission for a number of parking spaces we have in our parking

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• the acquisition of some lands that are not part of the state fairgrounds, and for 10 acres of green space
• , water and sewer infrastructure, green space, water and sewer infrastructure, and then traffic calming
• Senator, you had mentioned 10 acres of green space.
• Chairman and Representative, the plan is to take the current green space.
• Chair, and the, you know, green space and whatnot.

Bills: HB248 , HB309 , HB332 , SB48

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• People in the energy space have long known the price of gas sets the price of electricity statewide.
• And I agree with their findings, we've, you know, people in the energy space have long known.
• We've, you know, people in the energy space have long known.
• But to your point on the private properties, it's a challenge in the space actually because for a long
• And we have more to do, but we've done a lot in that space, and I'm proud of the work that we've all

Committee: Senate Energy And Telecommunications

Summary: The Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications met under Chair Senator Kevin Parker and considered several bills related to clean energy, transmission, storage, schools, and microgrids. Bill 1456, which would require certain watercraft, aircraft, and trains to be zero-emissions and direct NYSERDA studies and incentives, was discussed as technology-neutral and advanced with one no vote to the Finance Committee. Bill 286, increasing statewide energy storage capacity, drew concerns about battery safety, fire risk, and volunteer fire department training, but was advanced to the floor with two no votes. Bill 2482, the Go Green Schools Act, would let schools convert to renewable energy and keep savings for school operations; it advanced to the floor despite concerns about siting solar on school grounds. Bill 2485 on expanding electric transmission lines and Bill 5510 directing NYSERDA to develop microgrid recommendations were both advanced to the Finance Committee, each with one no vote. The committee then heard testimony from Marguerite Wells, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. She argued that wind, solar, storage, and transmission have made New York a leader in clean energy and said renewable energy is increasingly cost-competitive, with much of recent bill increases driven by grid upgrades and gas prices rather than renewables. She also said clean energy helps hedge against volatile fossil fuel prices, pointed to community solar and offshore wind as savings and reliability tools, and said the state’s permitting and interconnection processes have improved. Members questioned Wells about farmland use, decommissioning, recycling of solar and wind equipment, battery storage safety, local control, and misinformation. Wells said utility-scale projects require decommissioning plans and financial assurances, farmland must be restored under agricultural guidelines, and recycling capacity is developing. On battery storage, she said New York has rigorous codes and monitoring requirements, that not all storage is lithium-ion, and that state-level permitting is appropriate for large facilities. Several senators raised concerns about fires, contamination, winter performance, and siting projects in densely populated areas or on farmland, while others emphasized farmland protections and the value of renewable projects to host communities.