Transcript Highlights:

• And in Judaism, we teach a birthday is proof that God has a purpose for you.
• And in Judaism, we teach a birthday is proof that God has a purpose for you.
• And in Judaism, we teach a birthday is proof that God has a purpose for you.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, then established a quorum and approved the journal from January 13, 2026. Committee reports were received and several bills were advanced on first reading, including Senate Bills 38, 29, 49, 10, 51, 7, 28, and 30, along with Senate Concurrent Resolution 9. New measures were introduced covering credit union financial services (SB 87), protection from extreme weather (SB 88), and resolutions recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day (SR 38), Kentucky member mentorship month (SR 39), and Burn Awareness Week (SR 40). The chamber then recessed for committee meetings and later received a Committee on Committees report referring bills to Education, Judiciary, Veterans/Military Affairs/Public Protection, and placing Senate Resolutions 33 and 34 on the floor calendar. Members also made several announcements and co-sponsorship requests. Senator from Shelby highlighted Transportation Committee approval of Senate Bill 7 by a unanimous 9-0 vote and described it as priority legislation to return driver’s license renewals to local county offices. The Senate also heard that the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee would meet the next morning, the Economic Development Committee would not meet that week, and legislators were invited to a breakfast reception hosted by Kentucky credit unions. Additional co-sponsorships were requested for various bills, including SB 7, SB 38, SB 39, SB 46, SB 51, SB 57, SB 76, SB 77, SB 86, SB 101, and SB 3851. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 32, honoring the life of Tatum Elizabeth Dale, a Kentucky public servant and congressional staff member, after several senators spoke in support and shared personal remembrances. The resolution expressed sympathy to her family and directed that a copy be delivered to them. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 28, honoring Charles William Kennedy. No floor amendments were introduced, and the Senate adjourned until 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have great programs in engineering, aeronautical, teaching medical legal and most importantly, making
• I currently and teaching in Pensacola at Pensacola, Christian College is an adjunct professor of been
• there for 5 years teaching in Korea law and in criminal justice.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We found it highly effective.
• duplicate the level of effectiveness for gamma radiation.
• To me, that's not an effective way to manage this situation.
• As someone who used to teach telehealth at Texas A&M, and has been able to teach telemedicine, and has
• And then we would effectively enforce what we are directed to do.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the bill and I'm so sorry if I missed it, but I didn't see that spelled out, um, because it said effective
• I just want to ensure that the effective, you know, the process could take effect July 1st, 2026, but
• <00:19:07.200> I effective July 2026. July 1st, 2026. I effective July 2026.
• I just want to ensure that the effective, you know, the process could take effect July 1st, 2026, but
• In the evening, I am adjunct faculty at San Jose State, teaching graduate classes and archives.

Bills: HB2436, HB2438, HB2532, HB2566

Keywords: arts integration, fine arts education, public schools, cultural education, student engagement, school coordinators, Hawaii education, Hawaii Cultural Trust, income tax credit, arts funding, cultural preservation, charitable contributions, HB2532, Hawaiian flag, Ka Hae Hawaiʻi, flag display, condominium, condo association, planned community association, cooperative housing corporation

Summary: The committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures related to arts funding, administration, and access. Testimony was largely supportive across the agenda. For HB 2218 and HB 1815, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the bills, and members discussed transition timing and administrative support, including the need for an additional year in one measure and a temporary administrative position to help with the transfer. HB 1764, the music accessibility pilot program, drew broad support from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Hawaii Public Library System, Hawaii Youth Symphony, and others, with testimony emphasizing library-based music programming, community access, and economic benefits. HB 2117, which would create an arts data mapping task force, also received extensive support, though witnesses suggested narrowing the initial scope, adding representatives from independent and charter schools and neighbor island arts programs, and ensuring adequate funding and a realistic timeline for the work. The committee also heard HB 2436 on arts integration in public schools, HB 2438 on the Hawaii Cultural Trust, and HB 2532 on the Hawaiian flag. HB 2436 and HB 2438 received support from SFCA, while the Cultural Trust bill prompted a lengthy explanation from the chair about how the proposed tax credit would work and amendments to clarify that donations to the trust and to qualifying cultural nonprofits must be made in tandem, with eligible organizations listed and updated annually by SFCA and OHA. HB 2532 drew testimony from Dr. Adam Jansen in support of protecting the Hawaiian flag as a historical and cultural symbol; he said the flag should continue to be used for solidarity, protest, inclusion, and identity. At the decision-making portion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered. HB 2118, HB 764, HB 1815, and HB 2117 were passed with amendments, including date deferrals and technical changes; HB 764 also had its appropriation blanked out. HB 2436 was passed with amendments, and HB 2438 was advanced with substantial clarifying amendments to the cultural trust structure. The chair indicated that HB 2117 would include an interim report due in 2027 focused on music and dance, with a final report due in 2029 on arts education more broadly.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this has a trickle-down effect of impacting access to the polls, not just for the people who are going
• We help improve state systems to work more effectively.
• We help improve state systems to work more effectively with and for tribes and American Indian and Alaska
• It was in effect under the Reagan administration since the 1980s.
• is a program where we put prime contractors with smaller contractors to help them gain capacity and teach

Summary: The committee heard a work session on voting access on tribal lands, beginning with a presentation from Dr. Chelsea Jones of the Brennan Center. She described barriers affecting Native voters and voters on tribal lands, including long travel distances to polling places and drop boxes, nontraditional addresses, unreliable postal service, language access, and limited broadband. Citing research, she said turnout on tribal lands trails turnout off tribal lands by about 10 percentage points nationally and about 10% in Washington, with larger gaps in some convenience voting measures. Members asked about the meaning of “lost votes,” the role of tribal leadership and community trust, and whether outreach by election officials and candidates could help; Dr. Jones emphasized that the study measured missed voting opportunities, not missing ballots, and that partnerships with trusted community leaders are important. The University of Washington Elections Database then presented data on voter registration, turnout, signature challenges, curing, and ballot rejection for voters whose addresses fall within tribal reservation boundaries. The presenters said registration on reservations increased from about 107,000 in 2010 to 137,000 in 2024, turnout on reservations remained about 8 to 9 percentage points lower than outside reservations in recent general elections, and signature-challenge and rejection rates were generally low but somewhat higher in off-year elections. They reported that about 60% to two-thirds of signature-challenged ballots are cured, with cure rates similar inside and outside reservations, and that late return is the most common reason for primary ballot rejection while signature mismatch is the leading cause in general elections. A question was raised about USPS postmarking issues and how those might affect future data; the presenters said they plan to track return method and cure timing more closely. The committee also received an overview of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. Staff reviewed the office’s history, the Centennial Accord, the Millennium Agreement, and related state-tribal frameworks, and GOIA Director Tim Rainan described the office’s role as a bridge between the state and tribal governments, including consultation, policy coordination, training, and convening work groups. He said GOIA now has six positions, is part of the governor’s executive cabinet, and is working on a statewide tribal relations training module and consultation handbook. In response to a question, he said tribal voting is not a major topic at the Centennial Accord but is discussed more extensively through ATNI. The committee then shifted to contracting equity, hearing from WSDOT, DES, OMWBE, and the Office of Equity. WSDOT described its race-neutral small business and veteran goals, mentorship and support programs, and its response to the federal suspension of the DBE program; DES discussed statewide contracting spend, the EDGE pilot for small construction firms, and efforts to improve procurement access; OMWBE reported growth in certified firms and about $371 million in state spend with certified firms in the most recent year, while noting ongoing impacts from federal DBE changes; and the Office of Equity outlined its broader work on agency consultation, dashboards, and systems change. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• of money our hospitals will be receiving is a shorter-term impact, even though it doesn't go into effect
• That goes into effect next October.
• And that goes into effect in 2029.
• A lot of the SNAP requirements went into effect immediately, and we have no guidance from the federal
• government about what to do and what changes to make around that, but they still went into effect.

Summary: The committee first received an update on the effects of HR1 and related federal Medicaid and marketplace changes from Governor’s Office and Health Care Authority staff. Presenters said the most immediate coverage losses are expected in the individual market beginning in January, with premium increases and an estimated 80,000 people potentially unable to afford coverage. They warned that larger Medicaid impacts will follow over the next year and beyond, including tighter eligibility checks, work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, new cost-sharing, and changes affecting certain non-citizen adults. They also said the state plans to seek a waiver or extension for work requirements and will continue to analyze impacts, including on rural providers and Planned Parenthood-related services. Members asked about the effect on nursing homes, rural hospitals, and how the state can help providers and enrollees navigate the new requirements; staff said timelines and a state-specific implementation chart are being developed. The committee then heard a report on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Testimony described the clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation assessment tool, grant funding for IMG support organizations, and a new hardship waiver process enacted this year. National presenters said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but Washington and Tennessee are among the few states that have actually issued licenses so far. They recommended clear guardrails, an employment offer before application, ECFMG certification, supervised practice, and data collection to avoid exploitation and protect patients. Members asked about state-to-state variation, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue dedicated residency or preceptorship options; presenters said the key next step is moving successful participants from supervised experience to a durable long-term license. The final topic was implementation of Washington’s Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles highlighted the state’s $3,500 per-birth Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of the hub for referrals, training, and billing. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled in Apple Health, 287 unique clients served, and 641 claims paid so far. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in improving birth outcomes, reducing unnecessary interventions, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health, while noting that implementation is still early and ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The plus factors we've identified most commonly would be a stable clinical workforce, effective management
• Addressing debt could be an effective strategy for improving physician distribution and access to care
• We think it's crucial to focus on the effect this is having on workers and the worsening dynamic in the
• Stanford is an academic medical center and a teaching hospital.
• As we invest in the growing workforce, we must also ensure that they can do their jobs effectively.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They even have an AI as they are even teaching AI to students. And what are we doing here?
• They even have an AI as they are even teaching AI to students. And what are we doing here?
• It is now in effect.
• It is now in effect. two years ago. It is now in effect.
• All against. safely or in a cost-effective manner. safely or in a cost-effective manner.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Understanding the realities of diabetes is crucial for effective management and a healthier life.
• Understanding the realities of diabetes is crucial for effective management and a healthier life.
• Thank you for sharing the stories about the severe effects that diabetes can have on people.
• the stories about the severe effects the stories about the severe effects that<01:15:42.000>
• And finally, effective dates: page six, line 26.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 552, which would remove the “full-time student” requirement for children ages 19 to 25 covered under the state retiree health insurance plan. The prime sponsor said the change would align retiree coverage with state employee and ACA plans, would not cost taxpayers because retirees pay the premiums, and could even reduce administrative burden and possibly state costs. The chair noted the bill simply removes the words “if full-time student” from statute and said the proposal affects very few retirees and has no cost to the state. No opposition was presented, and the chair closed the hearing on HB 552 after no further testimony. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 648, which would require commercial insurance coverage for glucose monitoring devices and supplies for people with diabetes. The prime sponsor, a retired dietitian and diabetes educator, gave extensive testimony describing diabetes as common, costly, and serious, and argued that continuous glucose monitoring is important for managing type 2 and gestational diabetes, preventing hypoglycemia, and improving safety and decision-making. She said CGMs can alert users to dangerous blood sugar changes, help people understand how food, activity, and medication affect glucose, and save lives while offering a strong return on investment. During questions, a committee member asked whether the bill should specify that the monitoring be tied to prescribed treatment, and the sponsor agreed that adding “prescribed” would be appropriate. The member also asked about the proper threshold for coverage and whether the bill should be tied to fasting-test diagnosis; the sponsor responded that A1C is only one measure of control and does not show daily fluctuations, and said she was not prepared to recommend a specific threshold but could provide clinical guidelines later. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the sponsor indicated support for the bill’s general approach to broader CGM access.

Transcript Highlights:

• I teach animal law at the University of New Hampshire School of Law.
• I teach animal law at the years.
• Yeah, there's a big effect on it. But you know what? I am a survivor.
• <01:43:00.400> But Yeah, there's a big effect on it.
• Sandy Harbor, something to that effect. Sandy Harbor, something to that effect.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those really won't come into effect if there's no tax pursuant to Prop 35.
• And those really won't come into effect if there's no tax pursuant to Prop 35.
• We have 2026 uniform dollar rate increases that will go into effect.
• It goes into effect October 1, 2026. A governor's budget... Made this change.
• It goes into effect October 1, 2026.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay so and you had mentioned several times that there have about adverse effects.
• So if there's an adverse effect, what would be an adverse effect?
• Yeah, I mean, to be honest, the most. common side effect or adverse effect we talk about is just a sore
• So with the serious adverse effects, who will be liable?
• required to report those adverse effects?

Bills: HB 3772, HB 1656, HB 4504, HB 1896, HB 4420, HB 4421, HB 4076, HB 3708, HB 2806, HB 3540, HB 1586, HB 5459, HB 4553, HB 4535, HB 3811, HB 3749, HB 4255, HB 4051, HB 5098, HB 3554, HB 4539, HB 5274

Keywords: e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians

Transcript Highlights:

• 10:35.040> this<00:10:35.160> new<00:10:35.360> Department<00:10:35.920> effective
• can make this new Department effective can make this new Department effective and<00:10:36.600><
• of Inspector General; programs from the Department of Human Services; programs from the Office of Teaching
• Paul are really worried and asked Commissioner Brown to speak to what the effects might be, particularly
• They said that, as someone who used to work in teaching at Red Wing Correctional Facilities way back

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Going back to the fact that at junior guards, they teach you to be the first responders on land and sea
• at junior Going back to the fact that at junior guards,<00:07:06.240> they<00:07:06.440> teach
• c> to<00:07:07.080> be<00:07:07.200> the<00:07:07.360> first guards, they teach
• you to be the first guards, they teach you to be the first responders<00:07:08.480> on<00:07:

Bills: SCR56, SCR25, SCR79, SCR179, SCR181, SCR182, SR54, SR22, SR81, SR174, SR176, SR177

Keywords: lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, community wellbeing, Pohakuloa, condemnation, federal government, land sovereignty, Hawaii, native Hawaiians, public trust land, invasive species, octocoral, Pearl Harbor, environment, Navy responsibility, marine ecosystem, ecosystem preservation

Summary: The committee first heard SCR 56 and SR 54, which recognize open water lifeguards as first responders and acknowledge their role in emergency response and public safety. Testifiers from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Honolulu and Kauai Ocean Safety, and a junior guard all strongly supported the resolutions, describing lifeguards as often first on scene for drownings, cardiac arrest, spinal injuries, flooding rescues, and other emergencies. Several speakers said formal recognition would better reflect the work lifeguards already do and could improve training, support services, pay equity, and access to benefits such as retirement and trauma resources. Members asked about what legal or administrative changes would follow, and the discussion suggested the resolutions were a first step toward broader recognition and related policy changes. The committee then took up SCR 25 and SR 22, opposing federal condemnation or threats of condemnation to take control of Pohakuloa and other state land. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the resolutions, saying Pohakuloa has deep historical, cultural, genealogical, and ecological significance and that any future decisions should go through existing state legal processes with meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians. Members discussed the role of the governor’s advisory process, the need to follow DLNR/BLNR procedures, and concerns about environmental and health violations at the site. The committee also noted 14 written testimonies in support. Next, the committee heard SCR 79 and SR 81, urging the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for eradicating octocoral and other invasive species in Pearl Harbor waters, including West, Middle, and East Loch. DLNR supported the resolutions, and testimony focused on the spread of invasive coral, the difficulty of eradication, and the limited access state agencies have inside Pearl Harbor. Members raised concerns about contamination, responsibility for the problem, and whether the Navy should fund or carry out the cleanup; DLNR said it could not speak to broader contamination issues but supported the resolution as a way to encourage action. The committee then began discussion of SCR 179 and SR 174, which urge Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, with written support noted from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1899, and for 125 years our mission has been to study and educate the public about fungi, including teaching
• educate the public about<00:04:42.800> fungi<00:04:43.759> including<00:04:44.280> teaching
• about fungi including teaching about fungi including teaching identification<00:04:45.720> to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And certainly one of the things we’ve seen, and the OX has certainly been a leader in trying to teach
• And certainly one of the things we've seen, and the OX has certainly been a leader in trying to teach

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee met with ASL and CART interpretation, took roll call, and approved the prior meeting minutes by motion and second. The main discussion focused on a proposed apprenticeship-related presentation and outreach to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), including a draft letter and follow-up communication with Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Ram. Members said the draft looked good and discussed keeping trade partners informed, as well as the need to coordinate with the broader commission before moving forward. A substantial portion of the meeting centered on apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and how to frame the topic. Members discussed a recent Apprenticeship Week event, noting employer interest, Governor Healey’s goal of expanding apprenticeships to 100,000, and concerns raised by employers about a $250 annual fee and the complexity of the registration process. Participants also discussed the need to include people with disabilities in apprenticeship conversations, challenge stereotypes about suitable jobs, and possibly involve the Commission for the Blind, higher education partners, and behavioral health apprenticeship models. The subcommittee generally agreed to focus first on child care and home health as initial apprenticeship fields, with direct support, house managers, and program managers also identified as important workforce roles. Members discussed inviting trade representatives and state liaisons, but emphasized that scheduling should not become overly complicated. They leaned toward a Zoom-only format, likely around 90 minutes, and agreed to continue coordinating offline on dates, format, and outreach before the next step.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I know we need to teach them responsible use of devices in life because they're going to leave school
• So I believe that we are teaching them how to be smart users of the technology, and during school, which

Keywords: House Committee Room A, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All you got to do is have 18 hours in a subject and you can teach. Anybody can teach.

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:15:31.760> It<00:15:32.079> teaches<00:15:32.800> it<00:15:33.040> reaches
• It teaches it reaches into our halls.
• It teaches it reaches into our classrooms,<00:15:34.800> robs<00:15:35.360> students<00
• students, teach all of our Minnesota students, our law enforcement in St.
• students, teach all of our Minnesota students, our law enforcement in St.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Even the best ideas get scarred and bloodied when put in effect in harsh reality.
• But thank you for teaching me about Tulsa and you know, living in a town with you know, a stoplight.

Bills: SB1287, SB1983, SB1796, SB1806, SB1558, SB2135, SB483, SB1198, SB1265, SB2154, SB2139, SB1552, SB2118, SB1775, SB259, SB1344, SB1380, SB2007, SB1572, SB2074, SB1423, SB1425, SB1502, SB1503, SB1833, SB1561, SB1555, SB2044, SB1749, SB904, SB1565, SB1500, SB667, SB1484, SB1562, SB1644, HR1045, SB227, SB1627, SB1475, SB1966, SB2049, SB1531, SB80, SB1734, SB1630, SB1894, SB1975, SB1432, SB1437, SB1812, SB346, SB710, SB1489, SB1614, SB2045, SB1250, SB1304, SB1501, SB1946, SB592, SB65, SB1257, SB444, SB640, SB2178, SB1242, SB1642

Keywords: abstraction, licensing, Oklahoma Abstractors Board, criminal background, good moral character, SB1983, foster care, resource family partner, resource family partners, Department of Human Services, DHS, child welfare, foster homes, foster children, placement data, data sharing, de-identified data, aggregated data, sibling groups, placement disruptions