Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:08.719> of<01:12:08.880> a<01:12:09.040> member<01:12:09.280> to
• Are<01:12:12.640> there<01:12:12.800> any<01:12:13.040> no<01:12:13.280> votes
• Minority<01:12:17.760> Leader<01:12:18.800> Kirk<01:12:19.199> Meyer<01:12:20.480
• c><01:12:50.000> 19<01:12:50.560> eyes,<01:12:50.960> 16<01:12:51.280> no,
• <01:12:52.239> and<01:12:52.480> zero<01:12:52.719> excused,<01:12:53.520> the

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another<00:12:00.280> $2<00:12:00.560> million<00:12:00.880> for<00:12:01.640>
• <00:12:16.640> for<00:12:17.120> the<00:12:17.240> Macalester<00:12:17.880><
• :12:38.280> that<00:12:38.480> sets<00:12:38.800> aside<00:12:39.960> um
• <00:12:48.720> And<00:12:48.960> that<00:12:49.160> is<00:12:49.280> done
• <00:12:51.839> 5%<00:12:52.440> that<00:12:52.640> is<00:12:52.760> in

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• value<00:12:34.839> exclusion<00:12:35.360> which<00:12:35.519> I<00:12:35.600>
• > rely<00:12:37.199> on<00:12:37.839> so<00:12:38.120> I<00:12:38.279>
• be<00:12:39.240> clear<00:12:39.519> that<00:12:39.800> the<00:12:40.199
• <00:12:46.240> result<00:12:46.760> of<00:12:47.240> a<00:12:47.399> property
• <00:12:52.720> um<00:12:52.839> by<00:12:52.959> the<00:12:53.079> fact

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 633, which would provide property tax relief for in-home family child care providers. An amendment was adopted first that converted the bill from a state-paid credit into a 50% market value exclusion. The author explained the bill as a way to reduce property tax burdens on family child care homes, stabilize a shrinking sector, and help preserve child care capacity, especially in rural areas. He cited declining numbers of licensed providers, rising costs, and long-term losses in family child care slots. Public testimony was generally supportive. A family child care provider’s relief provider described rising costs for utilities, insurance, and taxes, and said home-based care remains important for families who do not want center-based care. A representative from Leading Care Public Policy said family child care is in crisis, emphasized the continuity and community connection of home-based care, and supported the bill as a way to equalize support for providers. Members also discussed the policy choice between a credit and an exclusion, with some arguing a credit would be more targeted and equitable, while the author said the exclusion was the most practical way to move the bill forward. House Research explained that because the bill is structured as an exclusion, most of the benefit would be shifted to other local taxpayers rather than paid by the state, though there could be a small state cost through increased property tax refunds. Members raised concerns that the exclusion would interact with homestead exclusions and might favor higher-value homes, while supporters argued it would directly lower costs for child care providers and could help expand capacity. The committee closed testimony and voted to re-refer House File 633, as amended, to the Committee on Taxes, where the motion prevailed.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:18.959> to<00:12:19.200> do<00:12:19.600> and<00:12:19.839> I'm
• There's<00:12:29.839> an<00:12:30.000> amendment<00:12:30.320> at<00:12:30.480><
• The clerk<00:12:31.360> will<00:12:31.600> report<00:12:31.839> the<00:12:32.000
• Niska<00:12:34.880> moves<00:12:35.120> to<00:12:35.279> amend<00:12:35.600>
• The<00:12:37.440> amendment<00:12:37.760> is<00:12:37.920> coded<00:12:38.399>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > in<00:12:09.000> Statute<00:12:09.600> in<00:12:10.079> RSA<00:12:10.839
• and special<00:12:31.079> duty<00:12:31.680> pay<00:12:32.680> well<00:12:32.800
• it just<00:12:36.800> it<00:12:36.920> just<00:12:37.199> changes<00:12:37.600>
• :12:56.040> make<00:12:56.120> sure<00:12:56.320> I'm<00:12:56.440> on<00
• <00:12:57.920> on<00:12:58.120> page<00:12:58.320> seven<00:12:58.600> of

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee reviewed selected House Bill 2 provisions, focusing first on the group two pension reform language and whether it matched prior legislation and the fiscal note. Members discussed two main issues: the treatment of extra and special duty pay in the pension calculation for employees hired before 2011, and the annuity multiplier after 15 years of creditable service. Several members said the HB 2 language was intended to restore prior law and protect against pension “spiking,” while others worried the draft and fiscal note may not have fully reflected current law, potentially affecting the cost estimate. The discussion repeatedly emphasized the need to avoid underfunding or double counting and to make sure Finance had the correct actuarial assumptions. No vote was taken; the committee agreed to flag the issues for Finance and to clarify the fiscal note. Members also discussed the vested-rights language, which was described as an explicit definition of vesting and a restriction on future legislative changes to compensation calculations after three years of service. Some viewed it as a policy protection with no immediate fiscal impact, while others noted it had been included in prior legislation and should be clearly understood before the bill moved forward. The committee also briefly referenced prior pension legislation, including House Bill 436 and House Bill 727, and noted that HB 2 was being used to carry forward related pension repair provisions. The committee then turned to an OPLC-related section transferring building, plumbing, electrical, and fuel gas inspector positions from OPLC to the Department of Safety’s Fire Marshal’s office. Testimony explained that the nine inspector positions are funded from the licensing fund, and that the move was justified as a public-safety function better aligned with the Fire Marshal’s mission because the inspections are statewide code-enforcement work rather than facility-specific licensing work. The discussion ended with a note that the remaining HB 2 changes run through 2034 and a brief announcement about memorial arrangements for C.J. Gerard.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:12:09.560> I<00:12:09.600> would<00:12:09.760> also<00:12:10.040> add<
• note that<00:12:12.640> sort<00:12:12.800> of<00:12:12.880> says,<00:12:13.200>
• 00:12:14.760> this<00:12:14.960> this<00:12:15.120> may<00:12:15.320> add
• And um<00:12:20.240> when<00:12:20.400> this<00:12:20.520> bill<00:12:20.680>
• , federal<00:12:21.960> rule<00:12:22.160> making<00:12:22.480> was<00:12:22.640

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing<01:12:13.440> none,<01:12:14.080> House<01:12:14.400> Bill<01:12:14.719><
• >> House<01:12:19.040> Bill<01:12:19.440> 945,<01:12:20.320> delegate<01:12
• ><01:12:26.400> vice<01:12:26.560> chair<01:12:26.640> of<01:12:26.800> the
• law,<01:12:47.120> MDH<01:12:47.760> must<01:12:48.080> consult<01:12:48.400>
• <02:12:01.679> on<02:12:01.920> a<02:12:02.079> job,<02:12:02.320> but<02

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 13, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on the final day of session, heard an invocation, recognized guests and pages, and outlined a tentative plan for multiple sessions and breaks through the day. The chamber then took up several messages between the Senate and House, including a refusal to concur in House amendments to Senate Bill 311 on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the appointment of conferees, as well as a House message on House Bill 9007 establishing a conference committee on third-degree assault. The Senate also considered a series of second-reader bills. House Bill 6, requiring MHEC to collect data on pregnant and parenting students, was amended to exempt Maryland Global Campus and limit certain provisions to public senior higher education institutions and community colleges before being ordered to third reading. House Bill 182, concerning replacement of faithless electors, was amended to conform with Senate Bill 237 and then passed. House Bill 575, creating excused absences for student civic engagement, drew the most discussion; senators asked about the definition of civic engagement, county discretion, and whether students could use the bill for repeated protests. The floor leader explained that county boards would retain discretion and that the bill would not require weekly absences. The bill’s two amendments were adopted and it was sent to third reading. Additional measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 640 revised boards, commissions, and reporting requirements; House Bill 1335 required an independent study of IT and cybersecurity staffing and pay; House Bill 587 created a work group to review transportation procurement procedures; House Bill 854 established a nonpublic special education school renovation program; and House Bill 898 adjusted economic development provisions, including VLT proceeds and film tax credit language, after questions about the general fund impact. The Senate also advanced House Bill 1247 on Prince George’s County tax increment financing for an immersive entertainment venue, with amendments making it an emergency bill and addressing zoning and outdoor advertising issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:02.240> We<00:12:02.360> do<00:12:02.560> feel<00:12:02.840> that<
• :12:07.280> funding<00:12:07.760> and<00:12:07.880> this<00:12:08.000> is
• is important that<00:12:08.680> it's<00:12:08.840> in<00:12:08.960> there<00:12:
• <00:12:11.760> But<00:12:11.920> we<00:12:12.160> we<00:12:12.320> can
• :12:58.440> that<00:12:58.680> if<00:12:58.839> we<00:12:59.000> do<00:12

Bills: HB1890, HB1888, HB1676

Keywords: teacher pay, teacher salaries, salary step increase, annual increment, longevity step, public school teachers, public charter school teachers, collective bargaining, Hawaii Department of Education, teacher retention, teacher recruitment, cost of living, educator compensation, public employee bargaining, appropriation, salary schedule, school staffing, teacher shortage, HB1888, Hawaii

Summary: The committees heard three measures, beginning with HB 1890 HD3, which would provide automatic step increases and a COVID-era retention bonus for teachers. Supporters included HSTA, the Democratic Party’s Education Caucus, and a student who said higher pay and predictable salary growth would help retain teachers in Hawaii. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked that the bill be expanded to cover all department employees. The Attorney General’s office said the draft needed clarification to avoid conflict with Chapter 89 and to make clear any funding was subject to legislative appropriation. The Office of the Public Defender and B&F testified in opposition, and committee members questioned whether the step increases were already in the current contract and whether the bill was needed. HSTA said the current contract includes automatic step increases subject to funding, but argued the bill was still needed because funding is not guaranteed and the measure would codify the policy. HSTA also said the COVID bonus would apply only to active teachers who worked during the pandemic and estimated the total cost at roughly $150 million to $200 million over four years. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1888 HD3, which would require DOE and charter schools to report harassment incidents and strengthen penalties for harassment of educational workers from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. DOE supported the bill and suggested narrowing language about assisting workers with temporary restraining orders, saying that function would be better handled through the Attorney General’s pilot program. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the harassment language was overly broad, vague, and potentially unconstitutional, and that existing assault and terroristic threatening statutes already protect educational workers. HSTA, the State Commission on the Status of Women, and several individual testifiers supported the measure, describing increased intimidation and harassment of teachers and other school staff, especially since COVID. The Special Education Advisory Council opposed the bill’s language on “disrupting and interfering” with school functions, saying it could chill parents of students with IEPs from advocating for their children. Testimony was split, with the chair noting 20 in support and 16 in opposition in the portion shown. A final witness, Michelle Pestana, testified in opposition based on her family’s experience with special education services, describing alleged seclusion and restraint of her daughter and expressing concern that DOE testimony in prior hearings had targeted special education parents. Her remarks were cut off as time expired. The transcript ends before any committee action or vote on HB 1888 was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:15.320> addresses<00:12:15.720> are<00:12:15.920> not<00:12:16.240> on
• > our<00:12:20.839> home<00:12:21.079> address<00:12:21.440> is<00:12:21.560
• the papers<00:12:22.360> that<00:12:22.480> are<00:12:22.720> filed<00:12:23.079
• :48.440> form<00:12:48.839> for<00:12:49.040> the<00:12:49.160> same<00:12
• :12:52.800> more<00:12:53.160> people<00:12:53.360> to<00:12:53.519> be<00

Keywords: Consideration of HB 684 02:30 Consideration of HB 699 19:10, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum and considered two election-related bills. The committee first took up House Bill 684, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Decker, and adopted a committee substitute. Decker described the bill as a “continuous improvement” measure developed with election officials, clerks, legislators, and citizens. She walked through provisions addressing precinct officer staffing in vote centers, notice to school districts when schools are used as voting centers, absentee ballot replacement when a ballot is not received, retention and disposal timelines for election-related video surveillance, permanent voting assistance certifications, write-in candidate deadlines and posting restrictions, candidate filing details, witness requirements, public posting of candidate information, felony voting language, and school district closure rules for voting locations. Members discussed the school-related provision, the handling of mail-in ballots, and a committee-substitute change removing credit cards and debit cards as acceptable voter ID. Supportive comments emphasized election integrity and the collaborative drafting process. The committee then voted to report HB 684 favorably. The committee next considered House Bill 699, sponsored by Representative DJ Johnson, which would add a pre-certification verification process for candidate filings. Johnson said the bill was intended to prevent ineligible candidates from appearing on the ballot by requiring election officials to verify that a candidate’s residence is in the correct jurisdiction and, in partisan races, that the candidate is registered with the party sought, with appeals going to circuit court. He argued the current system relies on costly legal challenges after filing errors occur. During discussion, Representative Hancock voted no, saying the bill would create an unnecessary administrative burden and that filing paperwork should remain a basic responsibility of candidates, while other members voted yes. The committee ultimately reported HB 699 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• .; Juscowski, 12:30 a.m. to 12:35 and 12:50 to 1:00 a.m.
• <00:12:28.880> to<00:12:29.040> do<00:12:29.120> in<00:12:29.279> the the
• :12:30.320> you<00:12:30.480> very<00:12:30.720> much,<00:12:31.040> Mr.
• And<00:12:33.519> Senator<00:12:34.160> Murphy<00:12:34.880> has<00:12:35.120>
• <00:12:38.880> President,<00:12:39.519> I<00:12:39.760> move<00:12:40.000>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• tell<00:12:12.639> I'll<00:12:12.800> ask<00:12:12.920> you<00:12:13.000
• um please know that<00:12:15.440> we<00:12:15.560> do<00:12:15.720> have<00:12:
• testimony<00:12:17.920> um<00:12:18.160> because<00:12:18.639> this<00:12:18.760
• to<00:12:23.680> testify<00:12:24.600> in<00:12:24.760> that<00:12:24.920><
• > note<00:12:25.680> that<00:12:25.800> your<00:12:25.920> written<00:12:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism and Water and Land was held on March 20, 2025, on SB 1396 SD3 HD1, which would raise transient accommodations tax revenues beginning in 2027, impose a $20 per-night tax on stays booked through loyalty or rewards points, and dedicate funds to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. The Office of the Governor, DLNR, DBEDT, the Hawaii State Energy Office, Tax Department, Hawaiian Home Lands, HI-EMA, the Climate Advisory Team, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HCDA, the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resource Legacy Fund, KUA, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority all testified in support or with comments, generally emphasizing the need for dedicated funding for environmental stewardship, resilience, wildfire and climate preparedness, and community-based projects. Several supporters cited polling showing broad visitor willingness to pay additional fees to protect Hawaiʻi’s resources, and DLNR and the Attorney General noted the bill aligns with broader state land-management and fire-safety priorities. Opposition came from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill unnecessarily raises the TAT, places more burden on visitors and visitor-dependent businesses, and could harm Maui’s still-recovering economy. The Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi initially marked opposition but then said it had misunderstood the bill’s relationship to another measure and asked to resend testimony. Expedia Group did not oppose the TAT increase itself but raised operational concerns about the new tax on loyalty-point redemptions, calling it novel and difficult to administer. The American Hotel Lodging Association and Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance were listed as having no comments present. Testifiers also suggested amendments, including dedicating the revenues to a special fund, ensuring community grants, and clarifying administrative provisions. One testifier urged the bill be used to fund hurricane shelters and stronger building standards, while another emphasized that the measure should support people and disaster resilience as well as environmental protection. During questions, members asked for the polling methodology and for a breakdown of current TAT allocations; staff indicated they could share the survey memo and began identifying existing statutory remittances. No vote or final committee action was taken during the excerpted portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• too for those here<00:12:00.880> that<00:12:01.839> are<00:12:02.160> in<00:12:
• :12:18.240> and<00:12:18.399> look<00:12:18.560> at<00:12:18.800> here<00
• Do you all<00:12:22.959> have<00:12:23.120> a<00:12:23.279> copy<00:12:23.519>
• There's<00:12:25.839> also<00:12:26.720> a<00:12:27.040> sheet<00:12:27.440>
• :31.680> and<00:12:32.079> gone<00:12:32.320> over<00:12:32.560> by<00:12

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission to study the cost of special education met, confirmed a quorum, introduced members and guests, and approved the minutes from the October 29 meeting. Members noted the commission’s mandate under Senate Bill 57 and emphasized the need to focus on recommendations and findings by July 1, 2026. The chair also distributed additional handouts, including materials related to the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program and administrative rules tied to differentiated aid and disability determinations. The main discussion centered on how students qualify for differentiated aid under the EFA program. Matt Sutherton of the Children’s Scholarship Fund explained that the organization, which contracts with the state to administer EFAs, accepts either school-district/IEP documentation or a medical certification of disability (MCD) from a licensed medical professional. Members questioned how this process relates to the state’s special education rules and whether the school-district examiner standards in ED 107/1107.04 apply to EFAs. Sutherton said the MCD form, created with the department, requires the medical professional to sign that they are qualified to make the determination and to identify the disability. Several members expressed concern that the EFA process is less rigorous than the school-district IEP process and may be inflating disability counts. One member argued that the administrative rules cited are primarily for school districts, not EFAs, and said the Department of Education may not know how many of the roughly 890 EFA students receiving differentiated aid came through school-district documentation versus the MCD pathway. Another member said the EFA system appears more generous than the school system and raised concerns about oversight, auditing, and whether the program’s data are accurate. Sutherton said the organization reviews signed documentation, credentials, and diagnosis information, and may request additional records to help adjudicate expenses. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:08.240> through<00:12:08.440> the<00:12:08.600> bcrb<00:12:09.440> we<
• a<00:12:10.360> minute<00:12:11.240> so<00:12:11.800> this<00:12:12.120>
• :12:18.800> and<00:12:19.079> permits<00:12:19.760> and<00:12:20.399> all
• <00:12:28.279> I<00:12:28.440> I<00:12:28.519> mean<00:12:28.680> you
• we<00:12:51.079> go<00:12:51.199> on<00:12:51.360> to<00:12:51.519> just<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 428, with Philip Sherman of the Building Code Review Board presenting a detailed amendment intended to reorganize building-code statutes and limit local changes. He said the proposal would move code-related provisions into RSA 155-A, preserve municipalities’ ability to adopt and administer local enforcement mechanisms and additional non-state codes such as housing or property maintenance codes, but prohibit technical amendments to the State Building Code. He also explained that local administrative functions like permits, fees, certificates of occupancy, plan review, and staffing would remain local, while any local ordinance would still need BCRB confirmation. Members discussed the distinction between administrative and technical amendments, the need to keep fire-code provisions separate, and a date error in the draft’s submission deadline; Sherman suggested the effective-date language should be corrected to reference July 1, 2024. The committee did not vote on the amendment and instead agreed to circulate the draft and revisit it in a later subcommittee meeting before bringing it to the full committee. The discussion then shifted to fire-code issues, with State Fire Marshal Sean Tumi explaining that fire-code-related provisions should be cleaned up in the fire-code statutes and that the state should restrict technical local amendments while possibly allowing limited administrative local standards for transparency and operational consistency. He gave examples such as driveway access, sprinkler connections, key boxes, and other fire-system details that could benefit from local standardization if clearly disclosed. He noted that a separate Senate bill, SB 94, may be a more appropriate vehicle for some of the fire-code language. The chair again emphasized the need for further review and scheduled another subcommittee meeting before the matter would go to the full committee. The committee then began HB 244, and Sherman introduced it as a cleanup of the older municipal-building-code provisions scattered through the RSA 67X series. He said the bill would consolidate and update those references, continuing the effort to align municipal enforcement and appeals provisions with the statewide building-code structure. The transcript cuts off before any further action or vote on HB 244.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2000<00:12:07.560> 2500<00:12:08.240> points<00:12:08.520> on<00:12:08.640>
• Um<00:12:09.680> and<00:12:09.800> a<00:12:09.839> lot<00:12:10.000>
• of<00:12:10.080> that<00:12:10.200> is<00:12:10.280> being<00:12:10.440>
• <00:12:12.000> Um<00:12:12.320> we've<00:12:12.560> seen<00:12:12.920> it
• threaten<00:12:28.240> to<00:12:28.360> enable<00:12:28.680> corporations<00:12

Bills: HF3951, HF4005, HF962, HF4585, HF3870, HF4542, HF3893, HF4293, HF4075, HF4057, HF3809

Keywords: submetered utility service, tenant rights, digital payment, eviction protection, housing policy, biometric data, consent, data protection, civil penalties, privacy laws, HF4585, Minnesota, harassment restraining order, HRO, restraining order, temporary restraining order, petitioner notice, service of process, law enforcement notification, sheriff

Transcript Highlights:

• > you'd<00:12:07.920> see<00:12:08.000> at<00:12:08.160> a<00:12:08.320><
• There's<00:12:09.360> a<00:12:09.519> safety<00:12:09.839> and<00:12:10.079>
• Um, and I think<00:12:13.760> that's<00:12:14.079> served<00:12:14.320> us<00:12
• <00:12:43.120> Um<00:12:44.160> the<00:12:45.120> BFA's<00:12:46.240> statutory
• nonprofit<00:12:50.880> or<00:12:51.120> I<00:12:51.279> should<00:12:51.440>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• buildings<00:12:28.720> and<00:12:28.959> we<00:12:29.200> have<00:12:29.279>
• > an<00:12:34.000> increased<00:12:34.480> amount<00:12:34.720> for<00:12
• :12:41.440> in<00:12:41.680> terms<00:12:41.839> of<00:12:41.920> a costs
• :12:48.639> state<00:12:48.880> and<00:12:49.040> quality<00:12:49.360> of
• <00:12:52.880> The<00:12:53.040> Hail<00:12:53.279> College<00:12:53.600>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met without a quorum and postponed approval of the minutes. The committee first heard from Northern Kentucky University President Katie Short Thompson, who highlighted NKU’s enrollment growth, student success metrics, national recognition for value, lower student debt, and new programs tied to regional workforce needs, including AI, cybersecurity, supply chain analytics, cardiovascular perfusion, and the Norse Network Hub for employer access. She asked for a $5 million recurring base funding adjustment to align NKU’s general fund support with peer institutions, along with support for tuition waivers with FAFSA requirements, continued debt collection authority through the Department of Revenue, inclusion of fire and tornado insurance premiums in base funding, inflation and performance-funding support, and increased asset preservation funding. She also outlined capital priorities for the Hail College of Business building, Nunn Hall, and the MEP building, and requested $5.4 million to match private support for the Young Scholars Academy, a dual-credit program serving first-generation and low-income students. Representative Tipton questioned NKU about the number of older students using tuition waivers and whether the university could continue the program without a statutory age-based mandate. Thompson said the number of students over 65 using the waiver was small, that some students pursue degrees while others audit classes, and that external fundraising could potentially support the program if state funding changed. Tipton also confirmed NKU’s requested priorities and the $5.4 million match for the Young Scholars Academy. The committee then heard from University of Kentucky representative Dr. Cavallo, who framed UK’s request around accountability, workforce development, research, and health care impact. He described a patient story to illustrate UK’s medical mission, cited growth in enrollment, degrees awarded, hospital patients treated, and research grant revenue, and emphasized UK’s role in extension services and disaster response. He said UK is consolidating services for efficiency and is focusing on future workforce needs, especially artificial intelligence, noting the launch of the state’s first AI bachelor’s degree and a partnership with Microsoft to expand AI tools and training across campus and the Advancing Kentucky Together network. He also discussed demographic challenges, the need to retain graduates in Kentucky, and the importance of aligning programs and funding with long-term state needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:07.600> Get<00:12:07.839> to<00:12:08.000> a<00:12:08.160> net
• <00:12:13.760> Uh,<00:12:14.240> it's<00:12:14.720> the<00:12:15.200> it's
• <00:12:39.440> I<00:12:39.680> will<00:12:39.760> not<00:12:39.920> I
• Chair.<00:12:41.519> I'll<00:12:41.680> get<00:12:41.760> back<00:12:41.839>
• <00:12:58.079> So,<00:12:58.240> at<00:12:58.240> least<00:12:58.480> we<

Bills: HF2135, HF776, HF1581, HF1158, HF2226

Keywords: child welfare, fiscal analysis, third-party consultant, program evaluation, Minnesota, HF776, Minnesota Family Assets for Independence Initiative, family assets for independence, FAI, asset-building, matched savings, financial literacy, family savings, economic mobility, children youth and families, general fund appropriation, family support, low-income families, financial stability, budget bill

Transcript Highlights:

• 12:33.199> for<00:12:33.440> the<00:12:33.600> total<00:12:33.959> for<00
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Keywords: 1187, senate, all

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Keywords: 1189, house, all

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Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Commonwealth’s Attorneys, County Attorneys, Prosecutor’s Advisory Council 00:00:18 Approval of Minutes 00:20:09 State Treasurer 00:20:33, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with testimony from representatives of the Prosecutor’s Advisory Council, including county and commonwealth attorneys, on their proposed budget. They described the scope of their work in district and circuit court, juvenile and dependency cases, specialty courts, guardianship, involuntary hospitalization, and the Rocket Docket program. The witnesses emphasized that their budgets are overwhelmingly personnel costs and warned that proposed cuts could lead to layoffs, reduced retention, and loss of recently added positions. They also said the General Assembly’s recent salary classification plan had improved recruitment and retention, and that underfunding could reverse those gains. A major topic was the Rocket Docket program, which they said speeds lower-level cases through the system, reduces jail costs, and saves money for both counties and the state. They reported that in one circuit, average jail time for certain cases dropped from about 50 days to about 6 days. They also raised concerns that the Rocket Docket line item may not be clearly included in the committee substitute and asked for clarification on how the budget would treat it. In response, the chair said the intent was to move some of those items into the base budget, though the exact structure was still uncertain. The presenters also discussed a 2022 subsidy for county attorney employees tied to retirement contributions, saying it totals about $1.3 million and should not be reduced because the obligation remains. They said the budget would need to support the salary classification plan extensions, House Bill 8 subsidies, and a new case management system that they described as essential to modernizing operations and improving communication with victims and law enforcement. The chair thanked them for the testimony and indicated the committee would continue reviewing the budget. The committee then heard from Deputy State Treasurer Russell Weber, who reported that the treasury has now returned more than $90 million in unclaimed property to Kentuckians. He said the office faces ongoing fraud issues and requested funding for a dedicated legal counsel and a fraud investigator, along with outreach money to educate the public about unclaimed property. He also outlined several capital requests, including the final year of a printer-system lease and replacement of HVAC equipment in the treasury building. Members briefly joked with him about a mineral-rights bill and coal, but no votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning the meeting.