Transcript Highlights:

• So this has been a major trend in my area of consumer protection across many states, and blue states
• I'm the founder of State Armor, here to speak in favor of this bill.
• of Texas, so states can kind of get in front of this.
• We want to protect our state, and I appreciate that.
• Shaitanis from the State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Bills: HB2121, HB2134, HB2451, HB2700

Keywords: modification, electronic equipment, consumer rights, OEM restrictions, civil penalties, intellectual property, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, Arizona Space Commission, strategic plan, aerospace, economic development, space industry, education, workforce training, assistive technology, disability services

Transcript Highlights:

• stability, and the future of this state stability, and the future of this state and<00:03:48.080
• exemption for captive insurance procured exemption for captive insurance procured by<00:14:48.360
• So that's why they're often formed either out of country or out of state.
• <00:18:19.200> of registered here in the state of registered here in the state of Maryland
• <00:21:32.720> to that we are not obligating the state to that we are not obligating the state

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 26, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with 39 members present and a quorum. The session opened with an invocation by Bishop Antonio Palmer of Kingdom Celebration Center, whose remarks were journalized. The President and members also welcomed several guests to the chamber, including former Delegate Sean Terrence, students from Charles H. Flowers High School and Garrison Forest School, Dr. Lee Snyder as doctor of the day, and Dr. Barbara Ann Palmer in recognition of Women’s History Month. The President also noted that the next day would be pro forma and that some scheduled items would be moved to the following week. The Senate considered Executive Nominations Report No. 6, covering gubernatorial nominees for boards and commissions including the State Board of Education, MEDCO, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. On motion of the committee chair, the report was special ordered to Tuesday, with members asked to review the list for recusals or related issues. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 890, which concerns an insurance premium receipts tax exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems. On SB 890, the Senate adopted the committee amendments and then adopted a floor amendment offered by the bill sponsor. The amendment was described as replacing the bill’s earlier approach with a two-year moratorium on collection of any related liabilities, followed by a Maryland Insurance Administration report back on ongoing investigations. One senator raised concern that the amendment’s language could require the state to refund taxes already paid by hospitals and others, potentially costing millions, and asked for more time to review it; the motion to special order the bill was defeated. After discussion, the amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. At the close of the floor session, committee and delegation announcements were made, including Finance, Triple E, Judicial Proceedings, Budget and Tax, Executive Nominations, and several county delegations. A senator from District 6 also spoke about the anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse and thanked colleagues for bipartisan work on related legislation and recovery efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's good for the providers and it's good for the state.
• Additionally, of course, we focus on efficiency and state budget predictability.
• AdventHealth delivers about one in eight babies in the state of Florida.
• Advent Health delivers about one in eight babies in the state of Florida.
• because their child needs to be seen out of state.

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion focused on how Florida health care organizations are working to improve access, quality, and affordability. Panelists from Florida Community Care/Independent Living Systems, Sunshine Health, AdventHealth, UF Health, and Nemours described their approaches, including Medicaid managed care, value-based contracting, community partnerships, mobile screening units, smart-room technology, telehealth, and specialized programs for maternal health, children, and complex chronic conditions. Several speakers emphasized that managed care and coordinated care can improve outcomes while reducing unnecessary utilization and costs. Members asked about the impact of Medicare’s V28 changes, mobile cancer screening, urgent care versus emergency room billing, pediatric specialty access, complaint resolution, Black maternal mortality, provider shortages, network adequacy, and the use of AI in prior authorization. Witnesses said V28 has affected providers and revenue, UF Health’s mobile screening program is expanding beyond a few cancer types, and its urgent care model bills patients at the appropriate level rather than both urgent care and ER rates. Nemours said it reduced specialty wait times through scheduling changes, telemedicine, and registry tools, while AdventHealth described postpartum coordination and maternal heart programs to reduce maternal complications and mortality. On complaints and access problems, panelists said their organizations use patient/member advocates, care managers, call centers, and escalation processes to resolve issues, and Sunshine Health specifically discussed a transportation complaint that was addressed with its vendor and the family. Sunshine Health also said it is not using AI for prior authorization, though it is exploring responsible uses elsewhere, and Florida Community Care said it is not using AI in utilization management. In closing, panelists identified workforce shortages, provider burnout, and high-cost drugs as the biggest ongoing challenges. The meeting ended with thanks to the panel and adjournment after Representative Brackett moved to rise, without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• that are made by immigrants to our communities, to our state, and to our nation.
• If we will please welcome these extraordinary caregivers from SEIU 2015 to the State Assembly.
• You guys broke a state championship. I am so proud of you all.
• Assembly Bill 1054 is no burden to the taxpayers of the state of California.
• And that is why I think it is a good idea to take state action.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors, community college delegations, students, caregivers, a retired Assembly staff member, and a championship high school football team. Members also observed an adjournment in memory for Alex Preddy, a VA nurse killed in Minnesota, and later for Kathy Wooten and Rowena Ramos. The chamber then moved through the daily file and third reading file, with several items passed, retained, or continued. Among the bills taken up, AB 34 on renewable portfolio standard exemptions for publicly owned utilities passed 55-0; AB 35 to accelerate implementation of Proposition 4 climate resilience funds passed 62-0; AB 52 on food and agriculture equity passed 50-6; AB 72 creating an EV economic opportunity zone passed 58-0; AB 96 removing a diploma requirement for Medi-Cal peer support specialists passed 55-0; AB 230 extending Pierce’s disease control programs passed 64-0; AB 277 requiring background checks for behavioral health employees passed 59-0; AB 647 clarifying a county RV disposal pilot passed 54-0; AB 664 authorizing limited bachelor’s programs at Southwestern Community College passed 60-1; AB 673 creating a support grant for unaccompanied homeless youth passed 55-1; AB 710 on dynamic electricity pricing passed 54-0; AB 748 streamlining pre-approved housing plans passed 65-0; AB 767 expanding protections around sexually violent predator placements near schools and daycares passed 65-0; AB 883 protecting officials’ personal information from data brokers passed 66-0; AB 946 expanding 30x30 conservation efforts to urban areas passed 65-0; AB 1054 creating a deferred retirement option program for CHP and Cal Fire passed 61-1; AB 1070 on missing middle housing code simplification passed 66-0; AB 1159 strengthening student data privacy passed 54-4; AB 1204 revising the Local Control Funding Formula passed 54-1; AB 1265 extending the historic building tax credit passed 64-0; AB 1349 banning speculative ticketing passed 61-0; AB 1359 allowing seniors 80+ to opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note passed 67-1; AB 643 on organic waste procurement credits passed 48-4; AB 685 creating a small business resiliency fund passed 63-0; AB 714 tightening oversight of commercial driving programs passed 65-1; and AB 805 establishing a youth apprenticeship bridge program passed 66-0. Several other items were passed and retained or continued without debate. Debate on AB 1054 drew the sharpest disagreement, with opponents warning about pension costs and supporters arguing it would help retain experienced CHP officers and firefighters. AB 767 also prompted strong comments about public safety and placement of sexually violent predators in rural communities. On AB 1349, supporters from both parties backed the anti-speculative ticketing bill as consumer protection, while AB 664 drew support from members emphasizing access to higher education in underserved regions. The Assembly then adjourned until January 29, 2026, after announcing upcoming session dates and recording a few vote changes from the dais.

Transcript Highlights:

• one of only two therapists for the state one of only two therapists for the state in<00:25:29.760
• So that's just the state, right?
• >> that's the state now that I just threw >> that's the state now that I just threw that<
• The just that's just the state, right?
• Many states it's around 10%.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 13 and heard several bills, with most testimony focused on House Bill 2340, an emergency appropriation for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui Health Registry. Supporters described the program as a critical, community-based response to the Maui fires that provides health screenings, mental health support, referrals, and workforce training. Testifiers said the study has identified serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heavy metal exposure, high blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia, and several emphasized that the program has saved lives and should be expanded to reach more children and underserved residents. Committee members also noted broad written support from medical, public health, and community organizations. The committee then heard House Bill 65, HD1, on human and community resilience, which would fund development of a Human and Community Resilience Institute. The dean testifying for the University of Hawaii said the institute would take a data-driven, community-based approach to food and nutritional security, especially given Hawaii’s high food insecurity rate and the loss of SNAP-related positions. House Bill 6005, also on the agenda, drew testimony in support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others, though the transcript excerpt does not include the bill’s full description. The committee also heard House Bill 1605, HD1, expanding the Hawaii National Guard state tuition assistance program to graduate degrees; the Department of Defense, Hawaii Army National Guard, and University of Hawaii supported it, and members clarified that it is a state program separate from the federal GI Bill, though it may sometimes be combined depending on eligibility. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1967, HD1, on permitting workforce development, which would implement recommendations of the speed task force by creating a permitting workforce pipeline with community colleges and coordinating with state and county permitting agencies. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the University of Hawaii supported the measure. House Bill 2139, HD1, on invasive species, would fund research on treatment methods for the Queensland Longhorn Beetle; DLNR, the Farm Bureau, CGAPS, University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers, farmers, and others supported it, citing damage to native trees, culturally important plants, and crops such as cacao, and noting promising early results from nematode biocontrol trials. The final bill heard was House Bill 2383, HD1, establishing a statewide workforce PELL grant framework for short-term training programs; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Workforce Development Council, and the University of Hawaii testified, and a committee discussion followed about how responsibilities would be divided among DIR, WDC, and the governor’s certification role. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that we've studied this compared to other states. To other states.
• A real-life example in 2015 in a different state.
• the fourth-highest energy prices of any state in the U.S.
• But you see all 50 states, or all states that have energy-efficiency programs.
• Well, specifically, we don't get the state-by-state comparisons.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on the value of Mass Save, with opening remarks emphasizing that despite past criticisms the program has delivered major energy, cost, climate, and equity benefits. The chair cited large avoided system costs, strong benefit-cost ratios, and recent legislative changes that set emissions goals, restricted fossil-fuel equipment incentives, and increased focus on low- and moderate-income households. Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney testified that Mass Save has weatherized hundreds of thousands of homes, reduced bills, avoided emissions, and that the current plan includes budget controls after the DPU ordered $500 million removed from the approved budget. She said the governor’s proposal to have only electric utilities administer the program was intended to reduce administrative costs and align with current implementation trends. Members questioned Mahoney about what counts as marketing and administration, and she said the category includes traditional advertising as well as community-based outreach, customer resource centers, and other customer engagement work, much of it in low- and moderate-income communities. She said administrative and marketing costs are under 5% of the budget, while more than 80% goes to incentives and direct program delivery. Several witnesses then focused on workforce and contractor impacts. Dave Betcher of Abode Energy Management and Rick Taglienti of Rogers Insulation said Mass Save sustains small businesses, creates careers, and supports thousands of jobs; both warned that budget cuts would reduce hiring, training, and work in homes and businesses. They also described a broad ecosystem of suppliers, trainers, and service providers that depends on stable program funding. Other witnesses addressed cost-effectiveness, affordability, and emissions. Anna Johnson of ACEEE said Massachusetts remains a national leader, with Mass Save returning about $2.80 per dollar invested, reducing peak demand, and lowering bills for participants, especially through weatherization and heat pumps. Kyle Murray of Acadia Center said the program is statutorily required to be cost-effective and has avoided billions in supply and infrastructure costs for all ratepayers, including nonparticipants, by lowering overall demand and peak prices. Amy Boyd-Rabin of the Environmental League of Massachusetts argued that efficiency is the cheapest way to meet climate targets and that cutting the budget would force more expensive power generation. The hearing also featured testimony on equity and housing: Mary Wampo described historic under-service to renter-heavy and lower-income communities and said recent reforms, including designated equity communities and performance incentives tied to equity, are helping correct that imbalance; Brian Biot and James Collins of LEAN/ABCD described low-income delivery systems and wraparound services; Barney Heath and John Nannari said Mass Save incentives are essential to affordable housing, passive house construction, and keeping projects on time and on budget. The final witnesses highlighted Connected Solutions and electrification: Sunrun’s Bronte Payne said the virtual power plant program saved more than it cost and helps avoid peaker plants and grid upgrades, and Highland Electric Fleets’ Ben Sondaga said electric school buses can provide similar grid benefits while lowering transportation costs for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, what you have there is the state appropriation for state funding.
• That's showing the state appropriations that were taken out of the state appropriations and the state
• appropriations that were taken out of the state appropriations and the state funding that's going with
• from state funds to the Department of Agriculture.
• And I’m talking about the 440,000 other kids in this state.

Summary: The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request. Office representatives said they wanted to move the office to the state pay plan to better align salaries with other constitutional offices and remain competitive, noting that OPM had approved the positions and grades. Senators questioned the size of the requested increases and the office’s workload, and after discussion the motion to adopt the proposal failed on an 8-8 tie. The committee then voted to expunge that vote and returned to the regular agenda. The committee approved a series of Governor’s letters involving position transfers and appropriation adjustments across several agencies. These included changes for AETN, the Department of Health and Nursing Board/Dietetics Board, multiple DHS divisions, DFA shared services and budget management, and the Department of Public Safety shared services division. Most of these items involved moving positions and associated salary appropriations between divisions, with no major opposition and motions passing. A lengthy discussion followed on the transfer of child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture. Education and DFA officials explained that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the funding and commodities are tied to USDA programs, and they clarified that both state and federal funding and all related positions would move. Senators raised concerns about the math in the letters, the split between state and federal funding, and whether all program resources were being transferred. After the explanation, the committee approved the Education side of the transfer and then approved the Agriculture companion letter. The committee also discussed the Educational Freedom Account program budget. Officials said the $309 million request matched current participation and included a $70 million reserve in case applications increase. Several senators expressed concern about the program’s growth and its effect on public education funding and adequacy, while others noted that the program’s rules and funding levels could be adjusted through the State Board and future legislative action. The committee then approved a Public Safety classification change and a member amendment changing a title at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor, with no change in positions or appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, what you have there is the state appropriation for state funding.
• And so you're reflecting both state and federal on that side.
• appropriations that were taken out of the state appropriations and the state funding that's going with
• from state funds to the Department of Agriculture.
• And I’m talking about the 440,000 other kids in this state.

Summary: The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request to move that office onto the state pay plan and increase salaries for its positions. Office representatives said the request was intended to make pay competitive with other constitutional offices and state agencies, that OPM had approved the grades, and that the office did not plan to max out any positions. Members questioned the size of the increase and the office’s workload. A motion to adopt the proposal failed on a tie vote, and the committee then voted to expunge the vote before moving on. The committee then approved a series of Governor’s letters and related personnel transfers, including cuts for Arkansas Educational Television Network, transfers within the Department of Health and several DHS divisions, and a DFA shared services reorganization. The committee also approved moving child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture, with department officials explaining that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the grants come from USDA and the transfer would include the positions and funding tied to the programs. Members raised questions about how the appropriations and positions were split between state and federal funding, and about the broader implications of the transfer, but the committee ultimately approved both the Education and Agriculture sides of the move. The meeting also included extended discussion of the Educational Freedom Account program. Members questioned the $309 million appropriation, whether it matched current participation, and whether future demand could require additional funding. Department officials said the amount covered current participation and that the governor had set aside an additional $70 million in case applications increased, but that any amount beyond the appropriation would require returning to the committee. Some members argued the program’s growth could threaten funding for public schools and adequacy, while others noted that the program is governed by rules under the LEARNS Act. The committee also approved a technical title change at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor.

Transcript Highlights:

• program employment and training state program employment and training state plan. plan. plan.
• :56.440> has<00:09:56.640> met State Local Government Committee has met State Local Government
• and the districts across the state and the districts across the state should<01:52:33.080> have
• And this bill states that the current state<01:52:45.520> of<01:52:45.640> affairs<01:52
• And had in this state uh in the past.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• amongst state, local and federal law enforcement.
• it to every single school district in the state, as well as a lot of state agencies.
• We're moving to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
• But we need a criminalist at the lab for that project, one procurement officer, a procurement officer
• We did the surrounding states.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to use OMES, the central purchasing body of state government.
• They've built a state-of-the-art quality assurance reference lab in their state, and they've been excellent
• But as I stated before, when we received the funding in 2024, we started jumping through all the procurement
• Bobby Grambling is out of state.
• We assisted state agencies 13 different times.

Summary: The Executive Advisory Council met without a quorum, so no votes were taken, but the meeting proceeded with public comment and agency updates. Public commenters focused on medical marijuana issues including transparency in OMMA proceedings, delays and accreditation at the OMMA quality assurance lab, THC potency inflation, recall and embargo procedures, and the need for more public data and patient safety protections. One commenter also urged consideration of allowing first responders access to cannabis off duty, while another praised OMMA staff professionalism during inspections and enforcement actions. OMMA leadership responded with updates on the QA lab, saying the agency has been building the lab since receiving authority in 2023 and funding in 2024, and that validations and accreditation are being phased in. They reported current accreditation for pesticides, flower, potency, oils and concentrates, with additional validations for terpenes, water activity, filth and foreign material expected by the end of the month, and heavy metals, mycotoxins, residual solvents, and microbial testing to follow. Officials also said a website page will be launched to provide ongoing lab transparency. Compliance and enforcement updates included 779 inspections, 83 investigations, 65 administrative actions, and the hiring of a recall coordinator. The council also discussed legislative developments. OMMA said seven bills affecting the agency remain active, including HB 4454 on clearer THC labeling and child-resistant packaging, HB 3143 and HB 3144 on extending the grow-license moratorium and capping grow licenses, and amended bills SB 640, SB 1242, SB 1501, and SB 3 addressing cleanup, training, vendor standards, and THC products outside dispensaries. Members asked about access to METRC data, recall timing, inspector training, body cameras, and whether OMMA considers itself a public health agency. OMMA said METRC data is used internally and is confidential under state law, recalls are handled through a combination of agency notice and industry action, inspectors do wear body cameras under policy, and the agency is still building out its public health and education functions. The next meeting was announced for July 17 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I was graduating from Florida State with my master's back in 2015, I talked to several case managers
• I did research and found that 46 states had a working component to Medicaid for people with disabilities
• We have a very military-intensive state, and as a consequence, there are some youth in foster care who
• procure all contracts over $35,000.
• This grants authority for an area agency on aging to directly provide core services during a state of

Bills: S1002, S1016, S1030, S1594, S1630

Keywords: child welfare, substance abuse, neglect, parental rights, drug exposure, Medicaid, disabilities, employment, healthcare access, income eligibility, veteran benefits, minor clients, financial assistance, education services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health, aging services, disability assistance, long-term care, Alzheimer's support

Summary: The committee considered several bills affecting children, disability services, aging, recovery residences, and foster youth benefits. SB 1016 codified the working people with disabilities program for Medicaid waiver recipients, with amendments removing automatic enrollment and improving information sharing between agencies; advocates testified that the program helps people with developmental disabilities work while keeping needed care, though they raised implementation and training concerns. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1002, as amended, clarified that evidence of acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect in child welfare cases and allow court intervention and treatment requirements; it was also reported favorably. SB 1594 would preserve veterans’ benefits for foster youth for postsecondary education or aftercare rather than using them as reimbursement to the agency, and it passed favorably. SB 1630 modernized aging and long-term care statutes, expanded emergency service authority, updated oversight of area agencies on aging and guardianship, and permanently established the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence; after two amendments, it was reported favorably. SB 1030, on recovery residences/substance abuse services, was amended with a substitute that narrowed transfer definitions, sped licensure for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident records; members noted it remained a work in progress, but it was reported favorably. The committee also held confirmation hearings. Robert Astellos, nominated as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, described efforts to reduce the pre-enrollment list, improve transparency and customer service, expand family involvement, and streamline agency processes; multiple advocacy groups appeared in support, and the committee recommended his confirmation. The committee then unanimously recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name for the record and proceed. that that happens and also in a way that that that
• Please<00:04:15.599> state<00:04:15.840> your<00:04:16.000> name<00:04:16.479>
• > for<00:04:16.720> the<00:04:16.880> record Please state your name for the record
• Please state your name for the record and<00:04:17.359> proceed.
• in procurement in Boston.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 3966, a bill authorizing transit agencies and local governments to use bus-mounted cameras to enforce existing rules against illegally parked or stopped vehicles in bus lanes, bus stops, and bike lanes. Representative Jones, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to protect transit investments, improve bus speed and reliability, and keep lanes clear for riders. The bill was amended with the A1 author’s amendment before testimony began. Testimony was generally supportive. A representative from the City of Minneapolis said bus and bike lanes are frequently blocked, citing repeated blockages at 7th Street and Nicollet Mall and Lake Street at Lyndale Avenue, and said the city was working with the author on technical details. A representative from Hayden AI also supported the bill, describing automated enforcement systems used in other cities and arguing they improve safety, accessibility, and transit performance. She said the system only captures violations, deletes other footage, uses human review before citations, and does not use facial recognition. Members raised questions about cost, privacy, who receives citations, and whether the cameras could capture other data or non-vehicle obstructions. The author and testifier said the bill is limited to parked or stopped vehicles, that data protections mirror existing camera laws, and that citations go to the vehicle owner or lessee, with appeals available for stolen vehicles or other defenses. A proposed oral amendment to delete an appropriation section was discussed but not pursued. After debate, the committee voted on the motion to re-refer House File 3966, as amended, to the Judiciary, Finance, and Civil Law Committee; the motion failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• in this state. in this state.
• in this state. in this state.
• procurement or procurement using exceptions in the law. ...state through the RTHF to go through a regular
• to the state through rural health transformation funds for regular procurement process statute, but
• half of the state? half of the state?

Keywords: MS House Floor - 4 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the pledge, established a quorum, dispensed with reading the journal and bill introductions, and then moved through announcements recognizing visitors in the galleries, including cancer advocacy groups, Mississippi Math and Science School students, a gospel choir, Leadership Greater Jackson, and other guests. Members also made several commendations, including recognition of Elena Johnson’s softball accomplishments and a student’s appointment to West Point. On the general calendar, the House passed House Bill 1076, the SAVE Act of 2026, by a vote of 122-0. The bill is described as a consumer protection measure for veterans that prohibits pay-to-refer arrangements, tightens standards for paid claims assistance, requires written agreements and limits upfront or nonrefundable fees, and adds privacy and disclosure safeguards. The House also passed House Bill 223, designating a segment of Highway 537 as the Sergeant John Howard Tanner Memorial Highway, by 122-0. The chamber then passed House Bill 1112, which revises state aid road division laws to expand purchasing authority, increase authorized vehicles, and allow unused county road funds to be reallocated after a period of time, by 120-1. House Bill 737, with an adopted amendment, allows Medicaid providers to repay certain non-fraud overpayments in installments when immediate repayment would cause hardship and aligns the repayment timeline with federal law; it passed 116-0. The House also passed House Bill 479 on marriage and family therapy and psychology licensure changes, adopting an amendment that extends the time to verify credentials for out-of-state applicants and provides a temporary license, by 121-0. Additional bills passed included House Bill 991 on third-party registration systems for used motor vehicle parts dealers and scrap metal processors (118-0), House Bill 1072 creating voluntary portable benefits accounts for independent contractors (119-0), House Bill 1137 revising CPA licensure education and experience requirements (118-1), House Bill 571 extending the foreign-national contribution ban to ballot measures (111-1), House Bill 630 allowing certain county electors to serve as municipal poll managers in small municipalities (113-4), House Bill 858 requiring election equipment internet connectivity to be disabled on election day (116-1), House Bill 788 changing how affidavit ballots can update voter registration information, with an amendment adopted, (115-3), and House Bill 908 tying Mississippi’s mail-ballot counting rule to the outcome of pending federal litigation so state and local races would be treated the same if the current federal-race rule is struck down (the bill was under discussion at the end of the excerpt).

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes clarifications on state procurement law, requiring submission of annual charter school
• <01:41:10.280> procurement<01:41:10.800> law clarifications on state procurement law
• clarifications on state procurement law requiring<01:41:11.920> submission<01:41:12.320> of
• requiring state requiring state employees<01:43:14.639> requiring<01:43:15.400> state<
• state government programs while state state government programs while state agencies<01:47:58.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the states have caps on how much money the state will spend on it.
• So the state has changed state rules.
• But it also has a state cap on what the state is going to spend on special education aid.
• But it also has a state cap on what the state is going to spend on special education aid.
• But it also has a state cap on what the state is going to spend on special education aid.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission to study special education costs under SB 57 met for its second meeting, with members introducing themselves and reviewing background materials on New Hampshire special education identification rates, NAEP results, and a Wall Street Journal article about the rise in autism diagnoses. The chair explained that the commission is examining special education aid formulas, including how New Hampshire’s current catastrophic aid threshold works and how changes to that threshold might affect school districts, but noted that the needed data on how many students would shift into the aid system at lower thresholds is not yet available. The main testimony came from Henry Litman of HHS on Medicaid reimbursement in schools. He explained that school-based Medicaid funding is tied to health-related services, not all special education services, and that federal rules are changing in state fiscal year 2027. Under the new approach, schools will move away from an in-kind methodology to a certified public expenditure model that may also allow recovery of some overhead costs, such as support staff time. He said the state won a federal grant to help build the new system, hired a vendor, and is setting up training and a help center for districts. Members asked about why Medicaid claims have declined and whether districts are leaving money on the table. Litman said claims are down about 25% from pre-pandemic levels, with declines tied to federal and state rule changes, documentation requirements, provider qualification rules, and the end of temporary pandemic flexibilities. He said some districts adapted better than others depending on local medical-provider access and administrative capacity. He also said the new federal legislation does not directly affect schools, while New Hampshire’s return to pre-pandemic eligibility rules has reduced enrollment somewhat. No votes were taken, and the discussion ended with agreement that the commission needs better data to determine how much special education spending is truly Medicaid-eligible and whether additional legislation is needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• President Kentucky State AFL CIO. President Kentucky State AFL CIO.
• It's a wide variety of states.
• Usually, a state in the United States.
• Many of those are state licenses, the Kentucky State Plumbing license, the HVAC license.
• Many of those are state licenses, the Kentucky State Plumbing license and the HVAC license.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:04 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:29 Approval of Minutes: 00:01:50 Kentucky Buy American Act: 00:02:08 Earn As You Learn: KY Building Trades Apprenticeship: 00:30:42 Worker Misclassification in the Construction Industry: 01:02:00 Investing in KY’s Future Workforce Through the Good Business Initiative: 01:20:44 Adjournment: 01:28:28, 958, all

Summary: The committee met on October 23, 2025, approved the September minutes, and heard testimony on a proposed “Kentucky by America” procurement preference bill. Representative Patrick Flannery described the concept as giving preference in public construction and public works contracts to iron, steel, aluminum, and other manufactured goods made in the United States, while emphasizing he wanted to avoid excessive taxpayer costs and was open to changes. Chad Connley of the United Steelworkers and Dustin Reinsteller of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO supported the idea, arguing it would strengthen domestic manufacturing, keep tax dollars in the local economy, and support jobs; Connley said the bill would include waivers for items not made domestically and noted Kentucky has opted out of the GPA trade agreement. Mike Buckington of Metals Innovation Initiative, testifying virtually, also supported the concept and said Kentucky’s metals sector has seen significant investment and can supply most construction needs, while stressing supply-chain reliability and national security concerns. Members generally expressed support but raised questions about implementation. Representative Branscum asked who would grant waivers and how contractors would know the rules during bidding; Flannery said he was open to revising the language and process. Representative Gentry supported the concept but said the bill would likely need editing to avoid harming businesses or markets. Senator Nun suggested aligning the bill’s definition of a U.S. good with industry country-of-origin standards to make compliance easier. Representative KC Carney asked for data on the impact of similar laws in other states, and Connley said he could provide numbers later but did not have them on hand. Senator Boswell supported the concept and asked about the cost threshold for waivers; Connley said the federal standard is a 25% cost increase, while the prior Kentucky version used 10%, and that the threshold is a key detail. The committee then shifted to an informational presentation on building trade apprenticeships. Eric Elie of the Kentucky State Pipe Trades Association, Nick Brown of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 502, and retired IBEW training director Steve Willinghurst explained how union apprenticeship programs work. Brown described earn-while-you-learn training, with apprentices placed on jobs by signatory contractors and attending classes two nights a week for five years. He outlined the work of plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and HVACR technicians, emphasizing that these trades support construction, industrial facilities, distilleries, and other critical infrastructure. No votes or formal actions were taken on the policy topics beyond approval of the prior minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This talented group recently earned the 250ssAA6A 1 act play state championship along with the outstanding
• They also have three speech and debate state champions.
• expand housing opportunity, benefiting homeowners, neighbors, employers. and communities across the state
• I am honored to have this team that went 33-8 and won their state's very first state championship in
• Though trans people make up less than 1% of our state, we've spent at least one day in this building

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

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, medical parole, compassionate release, incarcerated, medical conditions, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Of Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Roberts State University, University of Oklahoma, Northeastern
• She is a three-time state qualifier for golf.
• She is a three-time state qualifier for golf.
• She was a freshman state qualifier for tennis.
• She is a two-time 5A state champion for cheerleading.

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

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, medical parole, compassionate release, incarcerated, medical conditions, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation

Bills: HB1163, HB2113, HB2333, HB2411, HB2583, HB1613, HB1614, HB2590, HB1950, HB1603, HB1707, HB1832, HB2119, HB2155, HB2594, HB2595, HB1929, HB2015, HB2207, HB1619, HB1667, HB1984, HB2140, HB2097, HB1957, HB2503, HB2581, HB1520, SCR55, SR53

Keywords: commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, Kainahola Stream, flood prevention, vegetation removal, appropriation, natural resources, transportation, airport special districts, penalties, Hawaii, aeronautics law, public safety, workforce development, sector partnerships