Transcript Highlights:

• Please support this bill to keep our children safe.
• I represent myself, and I'm here today to support House Bill 2112.
• And great, we have a supportive Attorney General now.
• We strongly support the goal of keeping children safe...
• We strongly support the goal of keeping children safe online.

Bills: HB2112

Keywords: age restrictions, online content, digital media, youth protection, cyber safety, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Freedom, safety, support, and inclusion — that's what the state aims to provide people living with disabilities
• [Music] Freedom, safety, support, and services — freedom, safety, support, and inclusion.
• both urban and rural that support both urban and rural communi<00:14:29.360><c> and</c><00:14:29.519
• Classrooms are being evacuated due to violent or other unsafe behavior.
• There were also questions around the OIG's ability to prosecute criminal behavior.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will not accept disruptive behavior or behavior that incites or threatens violence.
• Here to speak in support of the bill, I have Kim Lewis on behalf of CENIC, the Corporation for Education
• I respectfully ask for your I vote and here to speak in support of the bill.
• Are there any other witnesses in support of this bill? Good afternoon, Madam Chair and members.
• Christina DeCaro, representing the California Library Association, and very strong support of the bill

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is support-support, and I respectfully request an aye vote.
• This bill is support-support, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• Support, support, support bills. Our support, support bills.
• Support, support, support bills. Our support, support bills.
• I ask you to support AB 2704, the Student Access to Behavioral Health Act, that will help us fund behavioral

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and proceeded through a large House of Origin floor file, with the Speaker repeatedly urging members to be at their desks and keep support bills brief. Early actions included dispensing with the journal, re-referring AB 2285 to the Banking and Finance Committee, and then taking up dozens of third-reading items, with many bills passed by voice or recorded vote and others passed temporarily or retained on file. The floor debated and passed a wide range of measures on land use, housing, labor, public safety, health care, utilities, taxation, and consumer protection. Among the bills approved were measures on land surveyor review (AB 1933), nurse midwife access for pregnant and postpartum patients (AB 1696), historic-district transit zoning flexibility (AB 2415), EV charging infrastructure fees and timelines (AB 1820), foreclosure bidding protections (AB 1957), tribal cannabis commerce (AB 2506), outdoor advertising permitting (AB 2024), commercial building permit timelines and third-party plan checkers (AB 2418), DUI penalties (AB 1685 and AB 1687), utility rate transparency (AB 1715), CalWORKs work-penalty changes (AB 1755), dynamic electricity rates (AB 1787), interior designer licensure (AB 1796), compost labeling and contamination rules (AB 1812), modular housing standardization (AB 1815), small claims limits for businesses (AB 1827), Native American Day as a paid state holiday (AB 1841), hospital staffing and maternity access bills (AB 1868 and AB 1882), protective orders tied to release dates (AB 1889), and a series of public health, missing persons, and teacher credentialing measures later in the file. Several high-profile bills drew extended debate. AB 2624, expanding Safe at Home privacy protections to immigrant service providers, prompted sharp disagreement over free speech and alleged limits on online posting, but supporters said it protected workers facing threats and doxing; it ultimately passed 49-19. AB 2023, creating a framework for regulating AI chatbots used by children, was framed as a child-safety measure after testimony about chatbot-related harms and suicide risks, and passed 58-8. Other notable votes included AB 2208 on Medi-Cal protections against federal cuts, AB 2299 on CalFresh/SNAP losses, AB 2115 apologizing to California Native peoples for historic state harms, and AB 2311 on public hospital physician employment; the transcript ends as the Assembly continues working through the remaining file.

Transcript Highlights:

• I supported it then, the concept, and I would support it today.
• So I I would not support it. citizens. So I I would not support it.
• I just couldn't support it. My district wouldn't support it.
• I just couldn't support it. My with it. I just couldn't support it.
• I support that concept. I support that concept.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today in support of S.J.
• I urge my colleagues to support S.J.
• I rise today in support of S.J.
• behavior behavior if if if if<03:43:25.920><c> conducted</c><03:43:27.000><c> committed</c><03:43:28.000
• </c><03:59:50.439><c> law</c> stand and applaud for supporting law stand and applaud for supporting law

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Safe, confidential support matters.
• We have green cards in support.
• Lindsay Truay, present in support with the Jefferson Parish DA's office, Darren Alamon, present in support
• These are dollars that could instead support prevention, education, support interventions, alternatives
• We have green cards in support, no red cards. We have green cards in support, no red cards.

Bills: HB36, HB52, HB56, HB68, HB92, HB119, HB140, HB147, HB160, HB171, HB289, HB351, HB552, HB784

Keywords: HB 36, Act 780, Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District, juvenile justice, juveniles, Evangeline Parish, regional district, board of commissioners, commission membership, Louisiana juvenile law, R.S. 15:1109, R.S. 15:1109.1, parish governance, district boundaries, local government, HB 52, Act 192, Louisiana criminal procedure, misdemeanor jury trial, six-person jury

Transcript Highlights:

• are trying to earn a living and support their family.
• Everybody may phone call and support this bill, which has expressed support for safer and more responsible
• Senator McGee was a big supporter as well at the time.
• I support, and the Friends of Natick Trails supports, Senate 3077.
• You're supporting micromobility, bicycles.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act (S 3077), a micromobility bill based on recommendations from last year’s Special Commission on Micromobility. Administration witnesses from MassDOT and the MBTA said the bill is needed because current laws are outdated and inconsistent, and they emphasized a new speed-based framework that would classify devices by maximum speed rather than by device name. They said the bill would set statewide rules, clarify enforcement, require safety equipment and age limits, restrict unsafe modifications, improve crash-data collection, and create a working group to address future issues such as registration, licensure, insurance, and emerging technologies. Committee members asked about crash reporting, battery safety, enforcement on shared-use paths, commuter rail access, and how the bill would apply to off-road vehicles. Several witnesses and legislators supported the bill’s general approach but raised concerns about whether the speed tiers should be tied more directly to actual operating speed on paths, whether higher-speed devices should be registered, and how police would distinguish between similar-looking devices. Representative and commission witnesses also urged more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets and Spaces, and some suggested adding default speed limits on shared-use paths and automated enforcement tools. Public testimony was mixed. Pediatric emergency physicians strongly supported the bill but urged amendments for a minimum age to operate powered devices and a universal helmet requirement, citing rising severe injuries and deaths among children. A police chief and other safety advocates backed clearer rules and better data collection, while some moped riders objected that the bill would treat low-speed gas mopeds too harshly and should better account for mopeds as vulnerable road users. UL Standards and AAA supported the bill’s safety and clarity goals, with UL recommending tighter language on battery certification and equivalent standards. No vote was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• “It would also harm those who visit there and support your travel economy.
• Yeah, certainly a change in consumer behavior. The other, Ms.
• And yet the current system does not support us. It only takes from us.
• It supports jobs. It strengthens our communities.
• It supports jobs. It strengthens our communities.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The commission met to continue studying credit card payments, interchange fees, fraud, chargebacks, and the impact of card processing costs on small businesses, especially restaurants and retailers. Members heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, restaurant owners, payment-industry representatives, and an airline trade group. Supporters of reform argued that swipe fees are a major and rising expense, that businesses are paying fees on sales tax and tips that are merely pass-through amounts, and that merchants have little negotiating power. Several restaurant and retail witnesses described thin margins, higher costs for card-not-present transactions, and chargebacks that they said usually favor cardholders and leave merchants absorbing losses and fees. Witnesses from the Cooperative Credit Union Association cautioned that state-level interchange regulation could reduce revenue used for fraud prevention, compliance, and member services, and could lead to higher rates or reduced access. Retail and restaurant representatives countered that fees have risen sharply, that statements are difficult to decipher, and that rewards programs and card-network pricing are subsidized by merchants and ultimately by all consumers. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association and independent operators urged legislation to bar fees on tax and tip portions of transactions and to allow businesses to pass along card fees if they choose, saying this would improve transparency and fairness and help keep small restaurants open. Other testimony came from the National Restaurant Association, which supported interchange reform and said modern point-of-sale systems can already separate tax and tip amounts, and from a payments-industry group that emphasized the broader economic benefits of digital payments and warned against state-by-state rules. Airlines for America opposed changes that could undermine airline credit card rewards programs. Commission members asked detailed questions about fee structures, card types, chargebacks, POS systems, and whether consumers paying cash are also affected. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm grateful to be here today in support and presenting House Bill 58.
• So I support a due pass recommendation on House Bill 58. Thank you.”
• that we maintain a high standard in support of our youth’s education.
• I support House Bill 58 because it aligns with how we already operate.
• Thank you for allowing us to be here and give voice today in support.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Education Committee first approved minutes from prior meetings, then heard RS 3327 on Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA). Representative Petsky said the proposal would reduce state funding for several areas he described as scope creep or double funding, including private school and homeschool enrollments, virtual school enrollments, LaunchPad literacy, urban custom sections, and a limit of three enrollments per student per year. He said the changes would save about $9 million, with homeschool savings unknown, and argued the bill would preserve IDLA’s core gap-filling mission while right-sizing its budget. Several members raised concerns about impacts on rural districts, the three-enrollment cap, and whether the bill addressed double dipping fairly. The committee voted to send RS 3327 to print. The committee then introduced RS 33027, a moment-of-silence bill for schools. Representative Skog said the measure, modeled on laws in other states, would require 60 seconds of silence in schools and could include prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection. Members debated whether the silence should be required at the beginning of the school day or left to teacher discretion. An amended substitute to give teachers more flexibility failed on a roll call vote, as did a substitute motion removing the time-of-day language. The committee then approved the original motion to introduce RS 33027. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 588 and related RS 33283 on virtual education and Idaho Home Learning Academy (IHLA). Representatives Pickett and Galaviz said the bill would align rules for virtual programs in districts and charters, require board approval of contracts with education service providers, require Idaho-certified teachers, maintain residency verification, and place oversight of supplemental learning funds at the local school or charter level with State Board guidance on eligible expenses. Supporters from several districts and IHLA said the bill would improve transparency and preserve innovation and local control while keeping standards aligned. Some testimony warned the bill could reduce flexibility or overemphasize process and testing. After discussion, the committee agreed to hold HB 588 in committee and then introduced RS 33283, a clarifying amendment defining supplemental learning funds more explicitly as funds determined by a district or charter to enhance educational services and support learning outside traditional classrooms.

Transcript Highlights:

• But thank you for your support. Thank you for rising. Thank you for your support.
• I rise in support and strong support of this bill.
• I rise in support of SB 1024.
• I support reliability, I support affordability, I support honest long-term planning, and while I absolutely
• I support reliability, I support affordability, I support honest long-term planning, and while I absolutely

Summary: The Senate began with a roll call, a moment of silence for the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The body then moved through gubernatorial appointments, confirming Julia Montgomery as General Counsel for the Agricultural Labor Relations Board and reappointing Dr. Cynthia Glover Woods, Dr. Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez to the State Board of Education, and George Cardona as Chief Trial Counsel for the State Bar. The Senate also heard a guest introduction welcoming Cal Lutheran University students, faculty, and staff to the gallery. The chamber then took up several resolutions, including SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Phobia, and Transphobia; SCR 129 designating part of Highway 152 as the Rusty Arraes Highway; SCR 169 proclaiming October 2026 as Women's Small Business Month; and SCR 173 designating May 2026 as California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month. All of these resolutions passed, with members speaking in support of Arraes, women-owned businesses, and the public safety and community roles of fairgrounds. The Senate also passed a series of policy bills. These included SB 1154 on best-value procurement for community college public works, SB 1369 on judicial recall safeguards, SB 1106 shortening the data broker deletion timeline under the Delete Act, SB 1417 increasing transparency for mutual water companies, SB 1408 authorizing a future Contra Costa transportation sales tax measure, SB 1172 adding guardrails to local tax sharing agreements, SB 1383 protecting locally adopted labor standards in density bonus projects, SB 1371 barring waste haulers from suspending service during lawful labor disputes, SB 908 streamlining residential window replacement permits, SB 1361 limiting actions taken solely to avoid transit-oriented housing standards, SB 1014 requiring early fee and improvement estimates for housing projects, SB 1272 giving homeowners more time to fix preexisting code violations, SB 1406 targeting the Montana tax loophole, SB 1238 increasing HOA transparency and oversight, and SB 868 creating a plug-in solar framework. Most passed on largely party-line votes, with some Republican members objecting to labor-related or regulatory measures. Later in the day, the Senate approved additional health, education, privacy, and AI measures, including SB 950 on early-onset Alzheimer’s treatment coverage, SB 874 on Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment oversight, SB 1049 on correcting health plan claims, SB 1067 on early math screening, SB 1202 on Medi-Cal outreach amid federal changes, SB 944 on acupuncture coverage, SB 957 on notice for federal subpoenas to social media companies, SB 998 on discrimination prevention coordinators, and SB 1000 on AI content transparency. The final item shown, SB 1056 on protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims, was introduced with the author noting ongoing work on amendments, but the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health—support evidence-based programs.
• This can help support pilot programs there, food access, caregiving support, and some care transition
• The foundation is supporting stipends there in San Juan County, and Quorum is supporting that.
• Yes, so New Mexico Care not only provides financial support, it also provides training and support to
• support of your budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• of developmental disability centers, $50 million to support workforce development for direct support
• behavioral health information.
• behavioral health information.
• So I'd appreciate your support.
• So I'd appreciate your support.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill). The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> they supported um uh they supported they supported um uh they supported wages<00:13:56.000><c> for
• </c> support of SF2480. support of SF2480.
• </c> behavior instead of as a sign of a UTI. behavior instead of as a sign of a UTI.
• We support them all.
• We support them all.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Jennifer Guy, waves in support. Any debate on the amendment?
• So with that, I ask for your favorable support. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Very good.
• Florida waves in support.
• Lieutenant Mike Crabb from the sheriffs also waves in support of the bill.
• And Anna Reagan from the Florida Sheriff's Association waves in support of the bill.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard and advanced several measures. SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement was presented as a comprehensive cleanup of camera-based enforcement for red lights, school zones, and school bus violations. The sponsor said the bill aims to improve consistency, transparency, privacy limits, and due process, including clerk fee retention, virtual hearings, recordkeeping, limits on data use, school district approval for bus cameras, and reporting requirements. An amendment clarifying reporting and liability-transfer procedures was adopted without objection. Members raised questions about information sharing, facial recognition, school-zone flashing lights, private school buses, and bus stop safety; the sponsor said those issues were either already covered in statute or outside the bill’s scope, though he was open to future clarification. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 1080, which received a delete-all amendment concerning FDOT direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and takeover agreements with sureties. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. A block of appointments to various boards was then considered together and reported favorably after a single confirmation vote. Later, SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters was substantially revised with a strike-all amendment. The new version keeps pedestrian-yield and audible-signal rules, adds a 10-mph limit when pedestrians are within 50 feet, creates an e-bike task force, and requires crash data collection and reporting. Members discussed whether the speed rule applies to shared-use paths, how it would be enforced, whether licensing or speedometers should be required, and whether the bill could create barriers for seniors or others who rely on e-bikes. Supporters emphasized safety, data collection, and the need for stakeholder input; the bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 684, which allows electronic signatures in connection with total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 880, creating a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate. The meeting ended after all bills and appointments were approved and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Green cards are in support, red cards are in opposition.
• Well, I'm very supportive of this bill.
• And I support this bill wholeheartedly, Mr.
• And I support this bill wholeheartedly, Mr.
• You know, I'm majorly supportive of pregnancy centers.

Bills: SB237

Keywords: child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews, confidentiality

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the May 13 minutes. The committee quickly reported several bills favorably, including SB 1224, which requires DCFS review when a pregnancy involves a child under 17 and makes children under 12 a child in need of care; SB 1100, which repeals an old statute on unenriched bread; HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify certain provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners; HB 1231, clarifying that continuous glucose monitoring is covered through Medicaid for any insulin-dependent diabetic, including gestational diabetes; and HB 198, setting reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures. The committee also adopted a personal privilege welcome for physicians on White Coat Day and repeatedly noted that several bills were being advanced with the understanding that further work might continue before floor debate. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1160, which would create a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical school graduates, especially for rural and shortage areas. Committee members pressed the Board of Medical Examiners about delays in promulgating rules under an earlier 2024 law and objected to rule language they said went beyond the statute. Board representatives acknowledged a misunderstanding about the original bill’s intent and said the program had been operating, but members warned against agencies writing rules that contradict enacted law. Despite the criticism, HB 1160 was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably HCR 67, which creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children, following emotional testimony from the sponsor about her son’s death and the lack of appropriate care options. The committee then approved HCR 27, calling for a coordinated statewide evaluation of autism services by the Department of Health and Department of Education, with testimony emphasizing rising diagnosis rates, rural provider shortages, and the need for better data and coordination between medical and school-based services. HCR 28, which would study school nurse orientation and training, was also reported favorably after school nurses described the lack of standardized onboarding for new graduates and the risks of placing them alone in schools without adequate supervision. HB 469, which would have allowed pharmacy license renewal fees to be directed to Xavier University’s pharmacy school as well as public schools, was deferred after concerns about diverting funds from public institutions and the absence of testimony from affected schools. The committee also took up HB 223, which recreates DCFS, and adopted an amendment shortening the sunset date and requiring law enforcement reports to be accepted through a secure web-based platform; the bill was then reported favorably as amended. Another major discussion centered on HB 457 and HB 616, both tied to homelessness. HB 457, establishing minimum standards for shelters and related facilities, was reported favorably as amended after sponsor testimony and support cards. HB 616, which would allow the legislative auditor and local officials access to records and databases for audits of homelessness initiatives, drew extensive debate over privacy, federal funding, and accountability. Supporters cited a 2025 audit showing more than $216 million in federal homelessness spending in New Orleans and argued that auditors need access to performance data to detect waste and abuse; opponents warned about client privacy and the impact of funding cutoffs. The committee adopted an amendment changing permissive language to mandatory language for enforcement and then continued hearing testimony, with the discussion still centered on balancing oversight with confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her support and the support of so many women like those in the Links makes possible a public service
• Her<00:36:07.840><c> support</c><00:36:08.359><c> and</c><00:36:08.480><c> the</c><00:36:08.560><c> support
• </c><00:36:09.000><c> of</c><00:36:09.120><c> so</c><00:36:09.320><c> many</c> Her support and the support
• of so many Her support and the support of so many women<00:36:10.000><c> like</c><00:36:10.240><c> those
• Mental and behavioral health clearly.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and excused absent members. The chamber received second readings of several bills and resolutions, including measures on ad valorem taxes, planning and zoning, tax-dollar restrictions, provisional medical licensing, Medicaid oversight, environmental regulations, municipal financial reporting, nuclear workforce development, and county law libraries. Committee reports advanced bills on economic development, education, judiciary, and veterans/public protection, and the body also received a list of newly filed bills and resolutions covering topics such as rural revitalization, athletics, SNAP eligibility, diaper tax exemption, domestic violence, middle school math, pedestrian bridges, constitutional amendments, education, and several honorary resolutions. The Senate then took up House Bill 314, which would reorganize the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (Kentucky Wired) by moving it under the Commonwealth Office of Technology, restructuring its board, and adding members representing cities and counties. Supporters said the bill was an administrative change, not a funding measure, intended to focus the network on students, teachers, and public users while awaiting an audit. Critics argued the project has been a costly taxpayer burden and called for stronger oversight. The bill passed final passage 32-6. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 157, which aligns Kentucky law with federal mortgage rules so that certain rate buy-down payments do not count against borrower fee caps, with supporters saying it would help housing affordability and reduce costs for borrowers. Senate Bill 214 also passed unanimously; it allows the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to accept non-federal funding for grants without routing those funds through the Department of Finance. The Senate later adopted several resolutions, including Senate Resolution 61 recognizing Links Incorporated Day, Senate Resolution 114 commemorating the 80th Southern Legislative Conference, and Senate Resolution 118 honoring Joseph H. Mattingly Jr. Additional remarks highlighted a Black History Celebration event and a lengthy floor speech criticizing the Kentucky Hospital Association’s reserves and urging investigation, followed by consideration of Senate Resolution 55 on Profound Autism Day in Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• and I can support.
• So, thank you support and I can support. So, thank you very<00:22:40.400><c> much.
• </c><00:30:18.960><c> was</c><00:30:19.279><c> not</c> communitywide support was not communitywide support
• </c><00:31:34.880><c> and</c> which will add in community support and which will add in community support
• And I will gladly support this do so. And I will gladly support this measure.<01:02:19.280><c> Mr.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it would be... and we stand in support of Hospital 280.
• I hope we'll have good support.
• I completely support that.
• Like people have mentioned, I totally support the victims. I think we supported putting funding...
• I totally support the victims. I think we support putting funding. My concern is the caps.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 97, which would appropriate funding to the Department of Health for updated shaken baby syndrome, now called abusive head trauma, prevention training and educational materials, including baby models used in demonstrations. Testimony from the sponsor and the New Mexico Injury and Violence Prevention Coalition supported the bill and emphasized that the materials had not been updated since 2016. Members noted the budget already included about $167,000 for this purpose, and the bill was tabled without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 280, creating a Youth Internship Pilot Project to support paid internships for youth as a workforce development tool. Supporters from New Mexico Voices for Children said the bill would provide mentorship and relevant work-based learning, while members questioned what occupations would qualify, whether the program would focus on trades and high-demand jobs, and how schools, employers, and Workforce Solutions would participate. The bill was tabled, with Representatives Duncan and Pettigrew recorded in opposition. The main item of the meeting was House Bill 151, as substituted by the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. The bill would create a compensation fund and commission for survivors of childhood sexual abuse involving public entities, while also allowing a three-year lookback window for claims and preserving private civil claims for private entities. The sponsor explained that the substitute removed a forward-looking statute-of-limitations change, set a $700,000 cap tied to the Tort Claims Act, used an administrative eligibility process with a "more likely than not" standard, and included reporting, confidentiality, and referral provisions. Supporters described the measure as a survivor-centered way to provide compensation while limiting state exposure, but members raised concerns about attorney fees, fund solvency, private versus public liability, rural impacts, and whether the state should pay for claims involving public institutions. After public testimony in support, the committee adopted the substitute but then voted on the bill itself and ended in an 8-8 tie, so the measure remained in committee and was not advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• So respectfully, we ask for your support.
• So respectfully, we ask for your support.
• </c> pool list with Facilities and Support pool list with Facilities and Support Services<00:51:39.760
• So, there's actually two different programs that are supported through this.
• </c> children and and less behavioral things. children and and less behavioral things.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 10 minutes and then moved through a large agenda of contract reviews, including a deferred Kentucky Transportation Cabinet item tied to Louisville bridge tolling and RiverLink. Transportation officials explained that the contract was part of a bi-state arrangement with Indiana: Indiana Finance Authority held the main contract with HNTB, while Kentucky needed a mirror contract to pay its 50% share under the bi-state management agreement. Members questioned why the work was treated as effectively no-bid, how much input Kentucky had in vendor selection, RiverLink’s collection performance, and when tolls might end. Transportation said Kentucky had equal representation in selection, HNTB served as a toll services advisor, collections and customer service had improved, and tolls are expected to remain until debt obligations are paid off in 2058. Several members criticized the company’s past performance and voted no as a statement of concern, but the contract still moved forward. The committee then deferred a Kentucky State University item because the vendor was not registered with the Secretary of State. It also approved the overall agenda and contract review lists. A Board of Optometric Examiners contract drew significant discussion: board representatives said they had previously relied on the Public Protection Cabinet for legal services, but that office lacked staff and advised them to seek outside counsel. Some members argued the committee could not approve a contract that appeared to conflict with statute, while others said the board should not be left without legal counsel and that the Attorney General should be brought in to resolve the issue. The committee ultimately voted to defer the optometric contract for one month and requested the Attorney General appear at the next meeting. Finally, the committee reviewed an Administrative Office of the Courts amendment for the Court of Appeals building project. Staff explained that the General Assembly had authorized the project, the design contract had already gone through multiple approved phases, and the current item was only an administrative correction to a prior modification amount. Members approved the amendment, with one member noting appreciation that the project costs had been reduced when an error was found.