Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:12:13.399> the<00:12:13.560> next<00:12:13.800> couple<00:12:14.040> of
• pots um as we<00:12:23.399> do<00:12:23.800> that<00:12:24.800> I<00:12:24.920>
• :43.399> see<00:12:43.720> that<00:12:44.600> what<00:12:44.720> we<00:12
• <00:12:47.519> they<00:12:47.680> typically<00:12:48.480> are<00:12:48.639><
• <00:12:58.240> fill<00:12:58.519> out<00:12:59.199> as<00:12:59.279> it

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee received an overview from Chris of the Legislative Budget Assistance Office on how it will estimate unrestricted revenues for the General Fund, Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He explained that the committee’s work is based on current law, not pending bills, and that the estimates will feed into a House resolution and an amendment to House Bill 1, the operating budget. He also described the broader budget process, including how House and Senate estimates are reconciled, how surplus statements account for revenue changes from enacted bills, and how a committee of conference could resolve differences later in the session. No votes were taken. Members then asked about why the Education Trust Fund was running below plan. Chris said the shortfall appeared to be driven largely by business taxes, including differences in the BET/BPT split and improved tax-processing systems that better track where business tax payments belong. Representative Orr also asked about tobacco tax collections and out-of-state sales; Chris said tobacco revenue was likely overestimated in 2023 based on COVID-era patterns, with more people smoking at home, and noted that e-cigarette tax revenue goes to the General Fund while cigarette taxes are split between the General Fund and Education Trust Fund. He said he did not have a specific estimate for cross-border sales. Commissioner Lindsay St. Pierre of the Department of Revenue then began a deeper dive into the department’s role and the taxes it administers. She reviewed the department’s mission, organizational structure, taxpayer services, and the tax policy and legislative analysis staff who prepare fiscal notes and testify on bills. She noted that the department administers about $2.9 billion in revenue across major taxes such as business taxes, meals and rooms, and utility property tax, and that the figures being discussed were preliminary because the annual report had not yet been issued. The discussion was informational only, with no formal action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:12:16.560> opposed<00:12:16.959> to<00:12:17.600> uh<00:12:17.760> the
• So it's<00:12:21.519> kind<00:12:21.680> of<00:12:21.760> a<00:12:22.560> a
• an in uh<00:12:26.240> to<00:12:26.639> uh<00:12:26.880> achieve<00:12:27.279><
• Um you<00:12:30.079> you<00:12:30.480> you<00:12:30.880> may<00:12:31.120> be
• Right.<00:12:52.079> So<00:12:52.320> it<00:12:52.480> needs<00:12:52.880> uh

Keywords: 9:00am HB 155 9:30am HB 1102 10:30am HB 1109 11:00am HB 1356 11:30am HB 1469 1:00pm HB 1323 2:00pm HB 1376, 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with unanimous committee approval of amendment 2026-2021S to HB 2. Senator Lang explained the amendment corrected a drafting error so that $2.5 million in state funds, matched with federal money for a total of $5 million, could be spent during the biennium rather than lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The money is intended to stabilize Medicaid per diem rates for county nursing homes, and members agreed without objection to adopt the amendment and continue working from the bill as amended by the Senate. The committee then discussed HB 155 and a proposed amendment, 2026-201H, dealing with the business enterprise tax. The House side described the proposal as a compromise that would raise the filing threshold from $250,000 to $375,000 and create a trigger that would reduce the BET rate by 0.05% for each $100 million in combined business tax surplus, down to a floor of 0.25%. Senate members opposed lowering the rate at this time, arguing that tax relief should focus on the filing threshold, which they said would remove filing burdens for about 3,500 small businesses, and that rate cuts should be considered in a budget cycle rather than an off-year. Concerns were raised that one-time revenues, such as tax amnesty receipts or federal repatriation-related surpluses, could unintentionally trigger reductions. Representative Sweeney later offered a revised approach by moving the effective date of the trigger mechanism to January 1, 2028, and said he was also willing to carve out tax amnesty revenues or adjust the effective date to avoid using one-time funds. The Senate remained unwilling to agree to a rate reduction, though it expressed openness to raising the filing threshold further. The committee ultimately did not resolve the business tax issue and recessed to continue discussions at a later time. The final item discussed was HB 1102, concerning an increase in the research and development tax credit paired with changes to state park fees. House members supported the R&D credit increase but opposed tying it to higher park fees, citing concerns about tourism, especially at border parks, and noting that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources had said it did not need the increase. Senate members defended the park fee changes as a fairness issue, arguing that New Hampshire residents should pay less than out-of-state visitors and that the department had not raised rates in many years. No vote was taken on this item during the discussion captured here.

Transcript Highlights:

• on<00:12:12.720> how<00:12:12.880> to<00:12:13.120> interview<00:12:13.600>
• What<00:12:19.200> is<00:12:19.600> unfortunate<00:12:20.399> is<00:12:20.639>
• <00:12:24.160> have<00:12:24.480> screening<00:12:24.959> tools<00:12:25.279>
• whether<00:12:26.160> the<00:12:26.639> the<00:12:26.880> victims<00:12:27.200>
• . 12%. 12%.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:01 Kentucky’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative – Domestic Violence: 00:02:00 Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act: 00:46:41, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary approved the minutes from its July 24, 2025 meeting and heard an announcement about a lunch sponsored by the Kentucky State Buildings and Trades Council on forming a blue-collar caucus. The main presentation came from the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center on the Kentucky Justice Reinvestment Initiative’s domestic violence work, which was described as a multi-year effort begun in 2023 to analyze data and interview stakeholders across the state. Presenters reported that domestic violence is widespread in Kentucky, with about half of adults experiencing some form of violence or stalking in their lifetimes, and that an average of about 22,000 IPV incidents occurred annually from 2018 to 2022. They said domestic violence is a major driver of violent crime, accounting for about 48% of person offenses over a six-year period, and is linked to significant shares of homicides, sex crimes, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and simple assault. They also said reported incidents and arrests have risen in recent years, that protective-order violations and convictions have increased, and that Kentucky ranks near the bottom among surrounding states in the share of victim compensation for domestic-violence-related claims. Law enforcement survey results showed strong adoption of model policies and guidance, but limited use of screening tools for serious injury risk. The presenters emphasized that domestic violence also places heavy demands on law enforcement, courts, and corrections, citing roughly 30,000 law-enforcement responses in 2022 and noting that more than a third of people entering DOC custody and nearly a third under supervision had DV-related histories. They said a small group of repeat offenders drives ongoing harm and that targeted interventions could reduce recidivism. They highlighted a North Carolina example in which focused intervention reduced IPV-related homicides and calls for service, and they referenced Kentucky’s 2020 assessment recommendations on training, language access, protective-order service, and coordination with victim services and batterer intervention providers. They estimated that a 25% reduction in reported DV incidents could prevent nearly 5,000 victimizations annually and reduce DOC commitments and costs substantially. Committee members asked about the relationship between civil domestic violence petitions and companion criminal cases, and the presenters said they would check whether the data could answer that question. Members also discussed recent Kentucky legislation, including Senate Bill 319 on crime victims compensation and House Bill 38, which made a third domestic violence offense a Class D felony. Several members thanked the presenters and advocates, and one member raised concerns about service of process and recent violent incidents involving domestic violence-related warrants, prompting discussion of dedicated service units in larger jurisdictions and the resource limits faced by smaller agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> be<00:12:08.720> done<00:12:09.079> by<00:12:09.680> 9:30<00:12:10.560>
• :12.800> so<00:12:14.279> um<00:12:15.279> with<00:12:15.480> regard<00:12
• > that<00:12:39.920> we<00:12:40.120> make<00:12:40.440> in<00:12:40.600>
• /c><00:12:48.480> a<00:12:48.600> big<00:12:48.880> issue<00:12:49.279> I
• <00:12:49.519> I<00:12:49.600> don't<00:12:49.959> believe<00:12:50.959> um

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Election Law Subcommittee met to review its report and vote on eight bills concerning voter registration, absentee voting, domicile qualifications, photographic identification, and related election procedures. The chair explained that the subcommittee’s mission was to consolidate and reconcile the bills, review constitutional and federal-law issues, and issue recommendations. Members thanked the chair, legislative staff, and outside contributors for the report and supporting materials, including research memos and testimony. The report was expected to be formally issued later in the week, with the bill recommendations finalized at the meeting. The subcommittee first voted on House Bill 27, relative to absentee ballots, where members discussed a proposed bipartisan follow-up bill to clarify language for voters in jail and correctional facilities. The bill was recommended ought to pass by a 3-2 vote. House Bill 289, on domicile qualifications for voting, and House Bill 323, requiring government-issued photographic identification to vote, were both retained by unanimous 5-0 votes. House Bill 385, concerning a prior voting law, was recommended inexpedient to legislate by a 3-2 vote after members cited constitutional concerns and cost. House Bills 418, 618, and 684 were each recommended inexpedient to legislate unanimously, with members saying the subcommittee was consolidating overlapping bills into one measure per topic. The final bill, House Bill 686, requiring identification when requesting an absentee ballot, was retained unanimously for further work over the summer and review by the full Election Law Committee in November. After completing all eight votes, members said the process helped them better understand the issues and that there was substantial bipartisan agreement on many principles, even where they differed on implementation. The meeting concluded with thanks and no further action beyond the subcommittee recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:04.120> on<00:12:04.240> my<00:12:04.360> mind<00:12:04.680> cuz
• /c><00:12:05.840> to<00:12:05.920> get<00:12:06.040> away<00:12:06.280> from<
• I<00:12:15.920> I<00:12:16.000> forgot<00:12:16.400> already,<00:12:16.800>
• <00:12:22.280> normally<00:12:22.880> I<00:12:23.000> get<00:12:23.200> a
• We<00:12:24.160> all<00:12:24.320> get<00:12:24.480> a<00:12:24.520> lot<

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:55 Bridge Improvement Program 18:56 County Priority Projects Program 38:10 Transportation Alternative Program 51:47 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for the first interim meeting of the 2025 Budget Review Committee on Transportation and heard from Bobby Jo Lewis, commissioner of Rural and Municipal Aid at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. She reviewed the new County City Bridge Improvement Program, created in the 2024 regular session, reporting that phases one and two are complete, 45 bridges have been funded so far, and about $18.45 million has been authorized. She said roughly $6.549 million remains for phase three in the current fiscal year, with about $26.445 million in bridge applications still pending. For fiscal year 2026, the program will again have $25 million and will use four application phases. She also described a training resource, Local Bridges 101, and said a new executive advisor, Greg Meredith, has been brought in to help with the bridge program. Members asked how rollover applications would be handled, whether they would be re-evaluated with new applications, how the program would account for bridge longevity and load posting, and how isolated communities would be prioritized. Lewis said applicants not funded in FY25 would be contacted and could choose to roll their applications into FY26, and all applications would be evaluated together at the end of each phase. She said preservation projects are assessed for how much they extend a bridge’s life, and isolated community access bridges or closed bridges with no detour access receive priority. She also said the department aims for equitable distribution across regions and plans to produce a map showing where funds have been awarded. Lewis then turned to the County Priority Projects Program and the Local Assistance Road Program established in House Bill 546 and related resolutions. She said the application cycle opened June 1 and closes October 1, with 106 memoranda of agreement being prepared for awards in House Joint Resolution 46. She described updated application and reporting forms, a scoring matrix, and a County City Pavement Evaluation Manual used to rate projects based on preservation of assets, average daily traffic, recent improvements, safety, cost, and district priority. She said projects must be rehabilitation projects designed to restore the original condition of the road, cannot exceed $500,000, and must use local match percentages tied to the economic development grant program formula. She also reported on funding status for prior road projects, including completed, partially completed, pending, and underrun amounts that may be reauthorized. Committee members asked about photo documentation, online access to project materials, how to measure whether projects truly restore roads to original condition, and what happens when project costs exceed estimates. Lewis said the department is still working on how best to store and share the large volume of photos, and that projects are certified through district offices and local sign-off after completion. She said overages are the responsibility of the applicant because the state does not have additional money beyond the awarded amount. No formal votes were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:37.760> And<00:12:38.000> again,<00:12:38.240> we<00:12:38.480> really
• >> Happy<00:12:43.760> to<00:12:43.920> answer<00:12:44.160> any<00:12:44.480
• <00:12:48.000> Not<00:12:48.240> seeing<00:12:48.480> any.
• 00:12:51.760> would<00:12:52.000> like<00:12:52.160> to<00:12:52.240> come
• and<00:12:52.639> speak<00:12:52.800> on<00:12:53.040> the<00:12:53.200>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:12:02.079> so<00:12:02.560> I<00:12:02.880> was<00:12:03.200> shocked<
• <00:12:07.680> That<00:12:07.920> is<00:12:08.000> what<00:12:08.160> we<
• And<00:12:10.000> so<00:12:10.320> I<00:12:10.639> was<00:12:11.279> um<00
• How<00:12:21.120> prominent<00:12:21.519> is<00:12:21.760> this<00:12:22.000>
• Because again<00:12:22.800> in<00:12:22.959> the<00:12:23.200> in<00:12:23.440><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:42.360> The<00:12:42.560> other<00:12:42.800> half<00:12:43.200> is
• /c><00:12:44.720> so<00:12:44.800> we<00:12:44.920> have<00:12:45.040> 1,100<
• > and<00:12:46.320> our<00:12:46.440> median<00:12:46.960> household<00:12
• So,<00:12:51.080> half<00:12:51.360> the<00:12:51.480> people<00:12:51.880> live
• We<00:12:55.280> can't<00:12:55.720> expand<00:12:56.280> and<00:12:56.440> add

Bills: HF4094, HF3390, HF3813, HF3583, HF3751, HF4324, HF4789, HF3596, HF4033, HF4424, HF4053

Keywords: Crosby, local sales tax, bonding authority, community projects, voter approval, Owatonna, use tax, special law, community center, municipal finance, capital project, sales and use tax, local option tax, city tax, public facility, general election, bond referendum, debt limit, levy limit, Minnesota local government

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:34.959> Add<00:12:35.519> adoption<00:12:36.079> of<00:12:36.360>
• Um are<00:12:38.240> they<00:12:38.399> one<00:12:38.560> of<00:12:38.720> the
• <00:12:38.880> same<00:12:39.040> or<00:12:39.360> we<00:12:39.600> are
• trying<00:12:40.000> to<00:12:40.160> unrun<00:12:40.720> something<00:12:40.959
• What uh how<00:12:43.279> did<00:12:43.440> that<00:12:43.680> terminology<00:12

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:12:03.000> recognize<03:12:03.560> that<03:12:03.800> the<03:12:03.920><
• :04.400> are<03:12:04.480> not<03:12:04.720> meat<03:12:04.960> are<03:12
• :12:22.480> uh<05:12:22.760> to<05:12:22.920> come<05:12:23.120> and<05:12
• So, I urge a yes vote on Amendment 12. 12. Uh that L012 12.
• . 12. 12.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > officials<00:12:04.240> AIO<00:12:04.680> is<00:12:04.800> the<00:12:04.920
• > I'd<00:12:14.040> like<00:12:14.199> to<00:12:14.279> start<00:12:14.480
• :34.320> help<00:12:34.519> us<00:12:34.760> add<00:12:35.079> extra<00:12
• > most<00:12:46.480> dollars<00:12:46.800> in<00:12:46.920> a<00:12:47.199
• and mandates and<01:12:16.199> the<01:12:16.360> impact<01:12:16.719> and<01:12

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.920> then<00:12:01.200> I<00:12:01.440> also<00:12:01.720> take<00:12
• :01.959> all<00:12:02.600> the<00:12:03.600> and<00:12:04.240> all<00:12:
• :05.040> and<00:12:05.200> I<00:12:05.360> create<00:12:05.639> the<00:12
• 00:12:26.560> assistant<00:12:26.920> for<00:12:27.120> all<00:12:27.240> the
• :08.760> on<01:12:08.880> the<01:12:09.000> floor<01:12:09.320> who<01:12

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory organizational session for the House Legislative Administration Committee. Chair Greg Hill and Vice Chair Vanessa Sheen welcomed members, introduced the new clerk and committee staff, and described the committee as generally nonpartisan and focused on bills on their merits. They also noted that many bills are handled on a consent calendar after discussion, and that the committee often works closely with staff, House counsel, and the House clerk on procedural matters. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on committee operations and expectations: how committee reports should be prepared and submitted, the use of electronic submissions, scheduling hearings, and the need for clear bill placards at the witness table for livestream viewers. Members discussed the committee’s calendar, including a proposed conflict with the governor’s budget address, and ultimately settled on moving the remaining hearings to February 19. The chair also emphasized advance notice for absences or amendments, and said executive sessions can be scheduled as time allows under current rules. House Clerk Paul Smith testified about his role as a nonpartisan officer and said he would be providing informational testimony on a bill affecting a law he sponsored years ago, as well as on a forthcoming PSLF-related bill for legislators. He also spoke about legislative customs, precedents, and the value of parliamentary procedure. The chair concluded with guidance on decorum: arrive on time, avoid interruptions during testimony, keep food out of the room, use electronic devices discreetly, and route questions through the chair for clarification rather than debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:12:30.200> I<00:12:30.280> think<00:12:30.440> the<00:12:30.560> chief
• That's<00:12:34.400> a<00:12:34.440> greater<00:12:34.760> problem<00:12:35.200>
• <00:12:39.240> um<00:12:39.600> a<00:12:39.680> pretty<00:12:39.920> high
• > of<00:12:40.640> our<00:12:40.720> calls<00:12:41.080> depending<00:12:
• ><00:12:48.200> at<00:12:48.240> least<00:12:48.560> measure<00:12:48.960> it

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:01.519> zoning<00:12:01.920> regulation<00:12:02.480> that<00:12:02.880>
• :04.000> I'll<00:12:04.240> make<00:12:04.480> one<00:12:04.720> up<00:12
• <00:12:16.079> We<00:12:16.320> would<00:12:16.480> be<00:12:16.560> up
• should I break at 12 12:30? should I break at 12 12:30?
• 12:40.720> but<03:12:40.880> it<03:12:41.120> is<03:12:41.200> a<03:12:41.359

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So<00:12:37.560> I<00:12:37.600> think<00:12:37.839> at<00:12:38.000>
• > a<00:12:38.080> high<00:12:38.240> level<00:12:38.600> as<00:12:39.080>
• c> table<00:12:42.360> you<00:12:42.440> know<00:12:42.760> there's<00:12:43.680
• know maybe<00:12:46.320> this<00:12:46.520> weekend<00:12:46.839> I<00:12:46.920
• 12:48.280> will<00:12:48.520> be<00:12:48.640> able<00:12:48.839> to<00:12

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House and Senate capital investment leaders held a public discussion focused primarily on lead service line removal and the need for a new bonding bill. Rep. Fue Lee and Chair Jeff Franzen said Minnesota’s existing state and federal lead-line funds will be exhausted by the 2026 construction season, warning that without action there would be no lead removal program in 2027. They framed the issue as a bipartisan public health and infrastructure priority, emphasizing that no amount of lead is safe and that regular capital investment is needed to keep communities moving forward. Testimony from Raquel Vasquez of St. Paul Regional Water Services, Bradley Peterson of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, and Joel Smith of LiUNA Minnesota and North Dakota described the scale of the problem and the progress made so far. Vasquez said St. Paul’s pilot program is working, with costs coming down and about 6,000 of roughly 26,000 local lead service lines expected to be replaced by the end of the season, but warned that 18,000 to 20,000 would remain without more funding. Peterson said there are about 100,000 known lead service lines statewide and more than 200,000 still being assessed, with replacement costs averaging $10,000 to $15,000 per line. Smith stressed that funding gaps would stall momentum, leave at least 90,000 lead pipes in the ground, and cost the state thousands of union jobs. In response to questions, Sen. Sandy Pappas said she supports including $100 million in appropriation bonds for lead service lines in the Senate bonding proposal, while acknowledging the need is closer to $250 million. House leaders said they were discussing the size and contents of the bonding bill and were considering both general fund cash and appropriation bonds, with affordability for homeowners a key concern. The chairs also discussed broader bonding priorities, including other water, sewer, road, and facility projects, and noted that decisions would depend on whether leadership can reach agreement on a final bonding package before the end of session.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the<00:12:01.680> worker<00:12:02.000> to<00:12:02.160> try<00:12:02.320>
• > to<00:12:02.480> turn<00:12:02.720> around<00:12:03.120> and<00:12:03.519>
• <00:12:14.000> I<00:12:14.079> hope<00:12:14.160> that<00:12:14.320> was<
• So, there's nothing<00:12:22.959> in<00:12:23.200> here<00:12:23.360> that<00:12
• I just I<00:12:28.240> just<00:12:28.399> want<00:12:28.560> to<00:12:28.639>

Bills: HF1918, HF2305, HF897, HF2191, HF2617, HF2551, HF2137

Keywords: HF1918, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, child welfare, foster care, out-of-home placement, permanency planning, relative search, noncustodial parent, kinship care, family preservation, African American Child and Family Well-Being, racial disproportionality, maltreatment reporting, educational neglect, truancy, school attendance, Great Start compensation, child care provider payments, TEACH early childhood program

Transcript Highlights:

• c> deal<00:12:32.800> and<00:12:32.959> that<00:12:33.040> was<00:12:33.199>
• 12:34.399> made<00:12:34.600> sense<00:12:34.839> to<00:12:35.279> to<00:
• 00:12:37.839> of<00:12:38.120> us<00:12:39.040> together<00:12:39.440> want
• <00:12:42.320> the<00:12:42.519> spending<00:12:42.959> and<00:12:43.199>
• :47.320> we<00:12:47.399> don't<00:12:47.600> have<00:12:47.720> a<00:12:

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House DFL leaders announced that they had reached a power-sharing agreement with Republicans to organize the Minnesota House and begin the session. They said the deal seats Rep. Brad Tabke, sends election contests to the Ethics Committee, requires 68 votes to create a vacancy, and provides for Republican committee chairs while moving to co-chairs and equal membership once the chamber is tied. They also said the agreement includes limits on the speakership, shared control of rules and conference committees, and a GOP chair for the Oversight Committee; members were to be present in the chamber that day to establish a quorum, with committees starting work Monday. Leaders framed the agreement as protecting the will of voters in Shakopee and statewide, and said Democrats had denied quorum to stop what they described as an attempted Republican power grab. They said the deal was essentially the same as an earlier offer, including conceding the speakership, and thanked negotiators from both parties. In response to questions, they said the breakthrough came after the Minnesota Supreme Court’s quorum ruling and that Republicans had not been ready to seat Tabke or share power before then. During the question-and-answer portion, leaders described the agreement as constraining the speaker’s powers, requiring bipartisan support for bills leaving committee and for floor action, and limiting unilateral procedural control. They said the arrangement would force both sides to be present and negotiate, with no bill reaching the floor without bipartisan cooperation. They also said the House would proceed that afternoon with the election of Speaker Lisa Demuth, followed by implementation of the power-sharing agreement, and that they expected the session to move forward under the new framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:08.200> on<00:12:08.360> site,<00:12:09.320> um<00:12:09.600> but<
• <00:12:10.040> distinct,<00:12:10.839> and<00:12:11.280> there's<00:12:11.560
• :12.280> for<00:12:12.480> youth<00:12:13.040> um<00:12:13.200> and<00:12
• :12:35.000> residential<00:12:35.680> units,<00:12:36.400> off<00:12:36.640>
• Uh<00:12:45.280> moving<00:12:45.600> on<00:12:45.760> to<00:12:45.880> slide

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: Division Three of the Finance Committee met in work session on April 20, 2026, to consider Senate Bills 481, 603, and 663, with the discussion focused primarily on SB 481, relative to the sale of the Sununu Youth Services Center property. The chair explained that the bill was advisory only and that the committee’s recommendations would go to full Finance on April 27. For SB 481, members reviewed conflicting provisions in the prior budget law about whether sale proceeds should go to the general fund or the Youth Development Center Claims and Administration Settlement Fund, and the bill was described as a compromise that would direct proceeds to the general fund before June 30, 2027, and to the settlement fund after that date. It was noted that the settlement fund had originally received about $20 million and had roughly $10 million remaining. The committee also received an extensive update from DCYF Director Marie Noonan on the new Youth Development Center in Hampstead. She reported that construction remained on schedule, with major structural and interior work complete, substantial completion expected in late summer or early fall 2026, and occupancy anticipated in early 2027. The presentation highlighted the facility’s design features, including single-occupancy bedrooms, sensory rooms, an education wing, medical and clinical suites, visitation space, a gym, and multiple outdoor courtyards, all intended to support a trauma-informed setting. Members asked about the facility’s funding, square footage, fencing, and scanner; staff said the building is about 34,000 square feet, funded entirely with federal ARPA state recovery funds to date, and that the scanner is on site but not yet operational pending policy and staff training. Committee members also raised concerns about the facility’s design and security. In response, DCYF said some concrete walls are required for structural and safety reasons, but they are being painted to maintain a brighter environment, and that the fencing will be about 15 feet high with privacy netting because the campus is shared with Hampstead. Officials said the new facility is legislatively limited to a maximum of 12 youth, while the current center can house 12 to 18, and emphasized that courts ultimately determine placements. No votes or final actions were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12:40.640> be<01:12:41.440> looked<01:12:41.760> at<01:12:41.920> much out
• So,<01:12:52.800> the<01:12:52.960> 85th<01:12:53.320> percentile<01:12:54.360><
• 12:55.640> done<01:12:55.800> in<01:12:55.880> the<01:12:55.960> 1960s<01
• Um but<03:12:10.400> this<03:12:10.560> isn't<03:12:10.760> the<03:12:10.840>
• type of bill and and<03:12:14.400> one<03:12:14.600> of<03:12:14.680> the<03:12

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: House Transportation opened public hearings on three Senate bills and discussed a fourth scheduling issue. On SB 499, which would change Traffic Safety Commission reporting requirements, the sponsor’s representative said the bill would require annual aggregated data on the causes of traffic collisions in New Hampshire and recommendations to address them. Members asked about the added Trauma Medical Review Committee seat, and a representative explained that it is a longstanding state board of emergency and trauma professionals; the bill had already been amended and passed unanimously earlier in the process. On SB 500, concerning restroom access for certain commercial motor vehicle operators, the sponsor and trucking-industry supporters said the measure arose from concerns raised by female truck drivers and was intended to require larger commercial facilities with available public or employee restrooms to allow truck drivers to use them when there are no public safety concerns. Supporters from the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said driver shortages make it important to recruit and retain women, and that lack of bathroom access is a significant barrier. Committee members asked about the scope of the problem and whether the issue affected male and female drivers differently. The committee then heard SB 559, which would reduce the minimum allowable speed limit on locally controlled roads. Supporters, including bicyclists and the Bike-Walk Alliance, testified that lower speeds improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, citing personal crash experiences and national guidance supporting lower urban speed limits where warranted by traffic or engineering studies. They emphasized the bill would not mandate lower limits statewide but would give towns local discretion. Members questioned whether the group would support 15 mph limits and how congestion and travel-time concerns were weighed. A Department of Transportation official testified neutrally, saying the agency had no formal position but had concerns about public perception and possible spillover to unnumbered state roads. The chair also noted an earlier scheduling problem that prevented immediate executive action on a bill until later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• In<00:12:07.600> the<00:12:07.680> event<00:12:07.839> of<00:12:08.000> a
• c> will<00:12:11.279> be<00:12:11.440> posted<00:12:11.760> for<00:12:11.920
• And<00:12:22.160> if<00:12:22.399> I<00:12:22.560> could<00:12:22.720> just
• c><00:12:22.800> ask<00:12:23.040> to<00:12:23.200> if<00:12:23.360> you're
• <00:12:30.079> So,<00:12:30.399> please<00:12:30.560> address<00:12:30.880><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.