Transcript Highlights:

• of 24 he shut down litigation in October of 24 he shut down fraudulent<00:33:40.360><c> debt</c><00:
• In October of ’24, he helped secure tens of millions of dollars in refunds for EXL Energy customers.
• And in October of ’24, he reached a data breach settlement with Marriott, in which Marriott agreed to
• </c><00:35:52.760><c> of</c><00:35:53.400><c> 24</c><00:35:54.400><c> he</c> customers and in October
• of 24 he customers and in October of 24 he reached<00:35:54.920><c> a</c><00:35:55.079><c> data</c><

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 7-0, House Bill 2508 is voted do pass consent.
• By your vote of 7-0, House Bill 2586 is voted do pass consent.
• By your vote of 7-0, House Bill 2586 is voted do pass consent.
• By your vote of 7-0, House Bill 1963 is voted do pass consent.
• By your vote of 7-0, House Bill 1963 is voted do pass consent.

Committee: House Consent and Procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• A little over $7 million is projected.
• Their fiscal year is October 1 through September 30. So, Senator DeSigley, you are recognized.
• We have about a 7 percent or so overhead and administrative costs.
• The cooperative funding project applications come in October.
• We evaluate them from October until April.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from the Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida water management districts for FY 2026-2027. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and priorities within the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Common themes included reduced budgets from the prior year due to completion of major projects, continued reliance on state appropriations and ad valorem revenue, rising construction and maintenance costs, and the need to maintain aging infrastructure while advancing alternative water supply, springs restoration, flood control, and land management projects. Committee members repeatedly asked how much of each district’s budget and personnel were devoted to the core missions, how maintenance and operating projections were developed, and how projects were selected. The districts generally said most spending was tied to core responsibilities, with administrative overhead relatively small, and explained that budgets are built through a mix of staff analysis, governing board direction, strategic basin planning, and cooperative funding with local, state, and federal partners. Several districts highlighted specific projects, including Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Taylor Creek Reservoir improvements, Crane Creek, Everglades restoration, and various springs and watershed projects. The districts also noted challenges from hurricanes, inflation, cybersecurity, and aging water control structures. South Florida Water Management District’s presentation focused on Everglades restoration and the large-scale infrastructure needed to move, store, and clean water in South Florida. The director said the district’s $1.05 billion preliminary budget is largely for flood control, water supply, ecosystem restoration, and maintenance of extensive canals, levees, pumps, and reservoirs, and emphasized that recent restoration investments are producing measurable water quality and salinity improvements. No votes were taken on the district budgets, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• A little over $7 million is projected.
• Their fiscal year is October 1 through September 30. So, Senator DiCeglie, you are recognized.
• We have about a 7 percent overhead and administrative cost.
• The cooperative funding project applications come in October.
• We evaluate them from October until April.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work. Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions. Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's October 1, 2027. change to the way that SNAP is funded.
• So that's October 1, 2027.
• And then secondly, you know, I know this is on schedule for October 1, 2027.
• The second phase ran October 24 through of 2024 to relaunch the pilot.
• In October 2025, 16% of CalWORKs applicants identified as homeless.

Transcript Highlights:

• So beginning October 1.
• So beginning October 1.
• So that's October 1, 2027.
• And then, secondly, you know, I know this is on schedule for October 1, 2027.
• In October 2025, 16% of CalWORKs applicants identified as homeless.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services opened its first hearing of the year with a discussion centered on CalFresh, the Department of Social Services, and related anti-poverty and immigrant services programs. Chair Jackson framed the hearing as a response to the “historic and enormous challenges” created by H.R. 1, emphasizing that the committee’s goal was to minimize harm to vulnerable Californians. No votes were taken in the hearing. The first major topic was the impact of H.R. 1 on CalFresh eligibility and administration. CDSS estimated major federal funding reductions, with hundreds of thousands of Californians potentially losing benefits under new time limits and work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, and additional losses among certain non-citizen groups. County welfare directors, eligibility workers, SEIU, and other advocates argued that counties are underfunded and understaffed to implement the new rules, and urged release of the previously authorized $20 million General Fund, a county match waiver, and an additional ongoing workforce investment. LAO and the Department of Finance said they were reviewing the administration’s proposals and emphasized the need to use existing data, automation, and statutory direction to reduce administrative burden and improve implementation. A second panel addressed county administrative backfill and the broader fiscal effects of H.R. 1. CDSS explained that the law shifts more administrative costs to the state and counties beginning in federal fiscal year 2027 and could also create future state benefit costs tied to payment error rates. County and food bank representatives warned that many counties will struggle to absorb the higher match and that penalties tied to payment error rates could worsen budget pressure. Members pressed Finance and CDSS for clearer timelines, written responses, and more detailed workload assumptions, while Finance said it was still analyzing the federal guidance and county resource needs. The final major topic was the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and possible state responses for people losing federal CalFresh eligibility. CDSS said CFAP remains limited by statute and by the federal structure it currently uses, but that the planned expansion to Californians age 55 and older regardless of immigration status remains on track for October 1, 2027, subject to funding. Immigrant advocates urged the state to fold newly excluded humanitarian immigrants into CFAP and to invest in outreach and administration, while Western Center on Law and Poverty proposed a broader state-funded anti-hunger response for people cut off by H.R. 1. LAO noted that the CFAP expansion is difficult to estimate and that further policy and technical work would be needed to assess costs and implementation options.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Arkansas, 7% of 6th graders and 22% of 8th graders have already tried vaping.
• Back in October, our governor put forth a portal asking for ideas around rural health transformation.
• by October 30th of this year.
• So. must be spent by the end of the next federal fiscal year, so by October of 2027.
• by October 30th of this year.

Summary: The committee heard extensive public testimony from youth advocates and public health speakers urging action on vaping. Witnesses said flavored products and social media are driving youth use in Arkansas, described nicotine addiction and health harms, and asked lawmakers to prohibit vaping in public indoor spaces, align vape rules with smoke-free laws, and expand prevention efforts. Committee members thanked the speakers and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation. The main presentation was an overview of Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded through CMS. State officials said Arkansas received about $209 million for the first year and may receive roughly $1 billion over five years if performance is strong. They emphasized that the program is intended for targeted, locally driven transformation rather than general operating support, debt relief, or new construction, and outlined four initiatives: Heart, PACT, Rise, and Thrive, focused on prevention, access and coordination, workforce development, and technology. Officials said applications would open in the spring, with a reimbursement-based process and a goal of launching all four initiatives by June. Members asked detailed questions about eligibility, rural definitions, school gardens, faith-based and nonprofit partnerships, mobile clinics, EMS, behavioral health, residency slots, and whether urban providers serving rural patients could apply. Officials said the program would favor regional collaboration, could support targeted renovations and expansion of existing programs, and would allow residency growth and some equipment or infrastructure purchases, but not food purchases or permanent new construction. They also said a committee of state health and finance officials would review applications, with heavy technical assistance and an expectation of quick turnaround. The committee also reviewed two DHS/Health Department rules. One implemented Medicaid and CHIP coverage and care coordination for eligible incarcerated youth before and after release, including targeted case management and screening services, with no public comments received. The other updated audiology licensing rules to reflect recent acts expanding scope of practice and changing the renewal deadline. Both rules were reviewed without objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Chamber of Sacramento, Thursday, May 7, 2026.
• I do rise to present ACR 197, recognizing the month of October as Italian American Heritage Month in
• Of course, it is not October, but we're not here in October, so that's why we're doing it now.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved procedural motions, and then moved through guest introductions and floor items. Members welcomed students from Futures High School’s Hydrogen Car Grand Prix team, family members and visitors from their districts, and former legislator George Runner. The chamber also took up several ceremonial resolutions recognizing Portuguese Heritage Month, Italian American Heritage Month, congenital cytomegalovirus awareness month, and World No Tobacco Day. ACR 185 by Assembly Member Macedo was adopted by voice vote after 51 co-authors were added, honoring Portuguese Heritage Month and the contributions of Portuguese Californians. ACR 197 by Assembly Member Stephanie was also adopted after 54 co-authors were added, recognizing Italian American Heritage Month and Italian American contributions to California. ACR 205 by Assembly Member Lackey was adopted after 55 co-authors were added, designating June as CMV Awareness Month, and SCR 177 by Assembly Member Connolly was adopted after 49 co-authors were added, proclaiming May 31, 2026, as World No Tobacco Day and reaffirming California’s anti-tobacco efforts. The session also included adjournments in memory for John Wesley Finney, Jr., a longtime educator and public servant, and Deputy Levi Vargas of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Assembly observed a moment of silence for Finney. The body then announced upcoming committee and floor schedules and adjourned until Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Chamber of Sacramento, Thursday, May 7, 2026, the Assembly met at 9 a.m., the Honorable Josh
• I do rise to present ACR 197, recognizing the month of October as Italian American Heritage Month in
• Of course, it is not October, but we're not here in October, so that's why we're doing it now.

Transcript Highlights:

• The task force will end by October 1, 2026.
• By October 15, 2026, each sheriff's office and police department should submit the reports to Department
• The department should then submit by October 31, 2026, a summary report to the Governor of the Senate
• voucher program in line with study recommendations by adjusting the ages from four and under to be 1 to 7

Transcript Highlights:

• The task force will end by October 1, 2026.
• By October 15, 2026, each Sheriff's Office and Police Department should submit the reports to the Department
• The Department should then submit a summary report by October 31, 2026, with the government. of the Senate
• This voucher program in line by study recommends adjusting the ages from four and under to be 1 to 7

Transcript Highlights:

• In October of last year, the Black and Latino Caucus... ...toured the Plymouth County Correctional Facility
• This is Amendment Number 7. Mr.
• This is Amendment No. 7. Mr.
• As of October 2025, after the passage of the budget, As of October 2025, after the passage of the big
• aide, Kevin Chrism, who's here today, who follows me each and every day and found out the cops work 24-7,

Summary: The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a birthday resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It also advanced two local bills: one authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, and another relative to the town administrator of Carlisle. Both bills were amended by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading or engrossed as amended. The chamber also passed a memorial-marker bill for fallen law enforcement officers in Milton and Canton. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 5305, the “Protect Act,” which was presented as a measure to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, restrict ICE access in courthouses and other sensitive locations, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, and expedite U and T visa certifications. Supporters, including members of the Black and Latino Caucus and other legislators, argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, preserve public trust, and keep local police focused on criminal matters. They cited courthouse arrests, fear in immigrant communities, and the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal authority. Several amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of H.5305. An amendment to strike Section 4 was rejected, as were amendments seeking to alter the courthouse enforcement provisions and to recognize immigration judge warrants. Other amendments were adopted, including one clarifying sheriff-related provisions, one expanding language around release dates, one adding protections related to school settings, and one expediting U visa certification for family members aging out. A roll call was taken on the bill and on multiple amendments, with the House ultimately adopting the amendments described and continuing consideration of the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Terry, didn’t we pass this bill on the Senate version, and didn’t we put the date is October, I think
• Yeah, we are planning to submit it, um, submit the report by the end of October or sooner.
• Effective 7/1/3000, okay. Good evening. To testify, P.J. for Public Charter School Commission.
• James Gashel continued: This committee passed the Senate Bill back on February 7 with an SD1, and the
• with the language and Senate version, Senate Bill 1390 SD1, and basically it defects the date to October

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'd like to introduce on District 7.
• We'll most likely do it in October, early October. We are going to execute all 17 retain bills.
• My intent is to have it early in October.
• Um, so somewhere between October 1st and October 5th.
• So, I'm going to shoot for some time between October 1st and 5th.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 219, which would revise the renewable portfolio standard by changing several class definitions, eliminating Class 2, lowering the utility obligation for Class 1 thermal renewable energy certificates from 2.2% to 1.7%, and adjusting alternative compliance payments. Representative Vose said the bill would save ratepayers an estimated $5.7 million annually, arguing that Class 2 is already saturated and that the changes would not materially affect renewable energy development. Members questioned the fiscal impact, with an amended fiscal note cited as showing a $1.2 million reduction in general fund revenue, and some members raised concerns that the bill could weaken one of the remaining incentives for renewable investment. The committee also reviewed the bill’s history, including that it had been added to HB 2 and then removed in conference committee. No vote was taken in the work session. The committee then heard House Bill 164, concerning local records retention and the creation of a local records manager position. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the position has existed in statute for years but has never been funded, and said the need has grown as records management has become more digital and ADA accessibility has become more important. He described the bill as a way to help towns preserve and digitize records, especially for smaller communities with limited resources, while keeping records locally when possible. Members asked about the fiscal note, the potential cost of a public website and storage system, and whether the state could start by funding the position alone; the secretary said the staffing cost estimate remained accurate but that storage costs could rise over time. Several members expressed support and suggested further discussion with the Department of Information or other agencies. The work session was then closed without action. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 365, which would provide proof of U.S. citizenship assistance for indigent voters. Secretary Scanlan said the bill is intended to help voters comply with the new voter registration documentation requirements by allowing the state to verify eligibility through federal, private, and other state databases, and by providing vouchers to cover the cost of obtaining documents such as birth certificates. He compared the proposal to the earlier voter ID law, which he said was successfully implemented with accommodations for voters lacking acceptable ID. Members asked how “indigent” would be defined and how the process would work for out-of-state-born applicants; the secretary said indigency would likely be based on a voter’s statement of inability to pay and that the state would help identify where to obtain records and, if necessary, verify them through outside databases. The discussion continued as the transcript ended, with no vote recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, I met Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday mornings at 7:30 with a group of kids that was really
• And they went from California to Oklahoma to Texas... ...October.
• So our contracted time is 7:45 to 4:30.
• August, September, October last year for K-2.
• The first allocation report showed that public school districts and charters spent over $7 billion in

Summary: The committee approved the March 9 and 10 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Arkansas Department of Education on the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, featuring three third-grade teachers from Cabot, Poyen, and Drew Central who are also teacher merit pay recipients. The teachers described the fellowship as a year-long Zoom-based collaboration with about 23 educators statewide, focused on sharing classroom strategies, data use, and professional support. Members asked about the teachers’ experience, how they share what they learn with their districts, the range of grades represented in the fellowship, and the relationship between the fellowship and merit pay. The teachers emphasized building relationships with students, using data to drive instruction, early intervention, and collaboration across grade levels, while the secretary said the program is intended to identify and elevate high-performing teachers and spread their practices. A major portion of the discussion focused on third-grade reading, retention, and the new ATLAS testing system. Teachers and the secretary said students are screened and progress monitored throughout the year, families are notified early if students are at risk, and schools are using interventions, tutoring, and individualized reading plans. They said ATLAS results are now available much faster than in the past, often within 24 hours or a few days, allowing teachers and parents to respond quickly. Members asked about the impact of poverty, trauma, foster care, DHS involvement, IEPs, and critical shortage areas; teachers said relationship-building, small-group instruction, and coordination with counselors and special education staff are key. The secretary said the fellowship is a small subset of a broader merit pay program, that participation was voluntary, and that the state is trying to build a coherent system with literacy coaches, high-impact tutoring, and clearer standards rather than teaching to the test. Members also discussed broader policy issues, including the need for more positive public messaging about public education, teacher input in decision-making, and support for early childhood education. Several legislators asked whether the state should expand funding for early learning and whether more literacy or academic coaches are needed in districts that improve and then lose eligibility for state support. The secretary said the state has committed literacy coaches to D and F schools and is still working through how to sustain support as schools improve. He also said the administration would look at data and return on investment before supporting additional funding, and he encouraged legislators to help recruit eligible teachers into future fellowship cohorts. After the teacher panel concluded, the committee moved on to the adequacy resource allocation study, where Bureau of Legislative Research staff began a presentation on state and local education funding sources, categorical funds, and district spending patterns.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 7, SB 1234. The motion is due pass as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
• Okay, let's go to File Item Number 7. Do we have to add anyone from? No.
• Okay, let's go to File Item Number 7, SB 1234. The current vote is 5 to 0. Jackson? Aye.
• Aye. 7 to 0. Sanchez? Aye. 7 to 0. That bill is out. All right, vote changes.
• So since October of 2024, CDSS has reported there have been 28 FFA site closures.

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• fund appropriation for expenses incurred due to the treatment of quagga mussels in September and October
• one-time dedicated fund appropriation for expenses incurred to treat quagga mussels in September and October
• The office assumed full financial and legal obligation for public defense on October 1, 2024.
• October 1, 2024. They've been operating now for about 18 months.
• We will meet at our 7:15 time up on the fourth floor. Unless there's anything further?

Summary: The committee first considered Idaho Transportation Department budgets. It approved additional dedicated and federal funding for Transportation Services, Division of Motor Vehicles, Highway Operations, and Contract Construction and Right-of-Way Acquisition, including money for deferred maintenance, airfield improvements, replacement items, IT hardware, roadside tree removal, highway operations, and a capital transfer for right-of-way and construction. The committee also adopted several pieces of language, including reappropriation authority and accounting-correction language for ITD, and all of these items received due pass recommendations. The Department of Agriculture budget was then reviewed. The committee approved a FY 2026 supplemental for invasive species/quagga mussel treatment and a separate deficiency appropriation for pest monitoring and control. It also approved FY 2027 enhancement funding for replacement items and IT hardware, along with reappropriation language for the Resilient Food Systems Grant. The State Liquor Division budget followed, and the committee approved funding for inflation adjustments, replacement items, and IT/security equipment, but rejected proposed language directing the division to report on energy and utility rebates after the Senate failed to support it. Next, the committee took up the Secretary of State’s budget. Members debated a substitute motion that would have reduced the office’s base budget and added a voter pamphlet appropriation, but that substitute failed. The original motion then passed, funding a one-time voter pamphlet appropriation and an internal personnel transfer, while leaving out the office’s IT replacement request. The Secretary of State testified that additional cuts would slow business filings and election-related work, noting the office had already absorbed a significant rescission. Finally, the Office of the State Public Defender budget was considered. The committee approved funding for six additional trial attorney positions, data migration and storage, ITS replacement items, and health benefit costs, with the agency explaining that its recent transition and high fill rate made the standard health-benefit calculation inaccurate. The meeting concluded with notice of the next day’s budget-setting agenda and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we're going to be back on our bills, and we'll start with tab 7, SB 382, electric bicycles, scooters
• The task force will end by October 1, 2026.
• By October 15, 2026, the sheriff's offices and police departments shall submit their reports to the Department
• The task force will end by October 1st of 26.
• And by October 15th of 2026, the sheriff's office and the police department shall submit their reports

Bills: S0382 , S0654 , S0684 , S0880 , S1080

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Transportation Committee met with a quorum and first took up SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement, which would standardize procedures for red-light, school-zone speed, and school bus camera enforcement. The bill would allow clerks to retain 10% of penalty revenue, permit virtual hearings, require records retention, limit surveillance/data use, tighten school-zone flashing-light requirements, and add school board approval and reporting requirements for school bus camera programs. An amendment clarified reporting periods and which entity receives liability-transfer affidavits. Members raised questions about information-sharing, facial recognition, school-zone warnings, and school bus stop safety, but the committee accepted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 1080, which was amended by a delete-all to address FDOT direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and takeover agreements involving sureties and replacement contractors. The amended bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved a slate of appointments in tabs 1 through 6 by one vote. Next, the committee heard SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters. A strike-all amendment shifted the bill away from immediate enforcement changes and instead created an e-bike task force, required crash data collection and reporting, and retained rules requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, provide audible signals, and limit speed near pedestrians. Members discussed enforcement practicality, access concerns for riders who rely on e-bikes, and the need for public education and transparency. The amended bill was reported favorably. The committee then reported favorably SB 684, which removes certain signature requirements for electronic odometer disclosures in total-loss vehicle and vessel insurance transactions, and SB 880, which creates a new license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association. The meeting ended after all items were approved and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, Amendment 7, offered by Senator Robinson.
• A fiscal note for Amendment 7 is not available.
• I move adoption of Amendment 7 by Senator Robinson.
• It's been moved and seconded that we adopt Amendments 7.
• Amendment 7 is adopted.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on March 10, 2026, and first reviewed engrossed House Bill 2487, which concerns taxes imposed on insurers. Staff explained the bill’s B&O tax exemption changes, the advanced computing surcharge adjustments, and the preliminary fiscal note. Amendment 1 had been withdrawn before action. The committee then considered and rejected Amendment 2, which would have further lowered the surcharge cap; Amendment 4, which would have removed retroactivity for tax payments; and Amendment 5, a striking amendment that would have conformed the B&O exemption to a court decision and removed the advanced computing surcharge provisions. The committee then advanced HB 2487 to the Rules Committee with a due pass recommendation. The committee next took up Substitute House Bill 2689 on the Working Connections Child Care Program. Staff described the bill’s changes to attendance-based reimbursement, rate-setting, and eligibility, with an estimated four-year savings of $565 million. Amendment 6, offered by Senator Wilson, was adopted and changed the market rate survey response threshold by delaying the 65% requirement and allowing validity with lower response rates under certain conditions. Amendment 7, offered by Senator Robinson, was also adopted and revised the attendance reimbursement tiers, with staff indicating it would increase projected savings to about $770 million over four years. The amended bill was then moved to the Rules Committee with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered engrossed House Bill 2681, which raises annual issuance and renewal fees for cannabis producer, processor, and retail licenses by $400. Staff said the bill would increase deposits to the dedicated cannabis account by about $866,000 per year, or $2.6 million over four years. With no amendments offered, the committee approved HB 2681 and sent it to the Rules Committee with a due pass recommendation. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• counties can use these alternatives. ...notice posting ads on an official government website available 24/7
• There have been no regular minutes or agenda for city of Stamping Ground commission meetings since October
• There have been no regular minutes or agenda for city of Stamping Ground commission meetings since October
• 52.000><c> commission</c><00:23:52.480><c> meeting</c><00:23:52.960><c> since</c><00:23:53.559><c> October
• </c> sville commission meeting since October sville commission meeting since October 28th<00:23:54.720

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up four bills. House Bill 131, sponsored by Representative Meredith, would give former second-class city fire departments more flexibility in firefighter scheduling. Meredith explained the committee substitute would allow a hybrid “1323” schedule while preserving existing collective bargaining agreements and affecting only 13 cities. There was no opposition or public testimony, and the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill with a favorable expression. House Bill 256, sponsored by the chair, was presented by Representative Flry and Kentucky Land Title Association President Eric Case. The bill sets a 40-year statutory limit on certain dormant title interests to clear old encumbrances and make titles more marketable, while not specifically excluding coal and mineral interests. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed the bill with a favorable expression. House Bill 290, sponsored by Representative Wilson, would update county law library funding rules to allow local bar associations to use library funds for online legal services, addressing unused balances in some counties. The chair and others said the change would better use the resource for attorneys and the public. The committee approved the bill with a favorable expression. House Bill 368, sponsored by Representative Decker, would let smaller counties and local governments use the same alternative public notice methods already available in larger counties, such as posting notices on government websites after a brief newspaper notice. Supporters from county and city groups said the change would save money, improve efficiency, and help with transparency, while Kentucky Press Association Executive Director David Thompson said newspaper publication costs are relatively small and urged the legislature to set standards for government websites before expanding online notice options. The transcript cuts off during Thompson’s testimony, and no final committee action on HB 368 is shown.