Transcript Highlights:

• That's something we didn't definitively really answer during the audit.
• We'd be happy to answer any questions you have.
• We'd be happy to answer any questions you have.
• I'd be happy to answer any questions.
• I'm happy to answer any questions. Do we have any questions for Morgan?

Summary: The meeting began with JLARC’s biennial executive committee elections. After confirming a quorum, members unanimously elected Representative Pollet as chair, Senator Wagoner as vice chair, Representative Orcutt as secretary, and Senator Solomon as assistant secretary for the 2025-27 biennium. The committee also approved the May 14 meeting minutes unanimously. Chair Pollet then outlined a commitment to more member input on audit scope and coordination with the State Auditor’s Office. Staff presented a preliminary report on Washington State recreation boating programs. They reported that six agencies administer boating-related activities, that the state collected about $108 million in boating-related revenue in 2021-23, and that $86 million was spent, mostly on infrastructure and water access, environmental protection, boater safety, and marine law enforcement. Staff said Washington’s boating laws and programs are broadly similar to other states and noted that the final report is expected in September. JLARC then reviewed several tax preferences. For natural gas used as a transportation fuel, staff said the preferences reduce fuel costs but did not meet emissions-reduction targets because fewer vessels and vehicles converted to natural gas than expected; staff recommended continuing some exemptions and modifying reporting requirements. For travel agents and tour operators, staff said the preference continues to provide tax relief, but large beneficiaries’ savings are rising while small beneficiaries’ use is declining, leading to recommendations to continue the small-business rate and add or revise performance metrics. Staff also reviewed a nonprofit low-income housing property tax exemption, concluding it helps developers build homes as intended but that the performance metric should better reflect housing outcomes; they recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify it. Other reviews covered multipurpose senior citizen centers, disabled veteran adapted housing, trade convention attendance, agricultural fertilizer and seed wholesaling, hazardous substance tax treatment for pesticides, and silicon smelter energy preferences, with recommendations ranging from continuation to expiration depending on whether the stated objectives were met. The committee then adopted the final cannabis market study for distribution. Staff reported that Washington businesses produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023, and that inaccurate and incomplete reporting limits the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s ability to regulate the market. The board said it concurs with the recommendations, including developing a plan for a new data system and considering broader social equity options. Finally, staff presented the proposed final report on Department of Health oversight of hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints. Staff said DOH was late on most acute-care hospital inspections, had not fully verified third-party inspection standards, and did not adequately review adverse event correction plans or assess language access barriers in its complaint system. DOH said it concurs with all six recommendations and has already made some transparency improvements, including a public dashboard for adverse event reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there is an answer to that as well.
• Exposure is the key behind this bill. Would you agree? You recognize?
• So the answer is yes.
• Because of that law, I cannot get an answer to that question. This is not about money.
• After the pain eased, we were sent home with no answers.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. SB 398, by Senator Burgess, would create a statewide Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs, focused on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. Supporters said Florida has a large and growing Alzheimer’s population and that the campaign would help families and vulnerable communities; the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 714, by Senator Burton, which would create non-opioid advanced directives and add liability protections for providers in medical emergencies involving opioids. Supporters framed it as a patient-choice measure, while opponents argued it was vague and could interfere with appropriate pain treatment; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 756, which removes the current age-eight diagnosis requirement for autism-related insurance coverage and extends coverage beyond age 18 for those diagnosed with autism. Senator Burton said the bill would help families whose children are diagnosed later or whose needs continue into adulthood. There was brief discussion about existing lifetime benefit caps, but the sponsor said the bill did not change those limits. The committee then took up SB 734, a proposal by Senator Yarbrough to repeal Florida’s wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The sponsor and supporters described the current law as discriminatory and unjust, especially for families of older adults and disabled individuals, while opponents warned it would raise malpractice costs, increase premiums, and worsen provider shortages. The bill drew extensive public testimony from both grieving family members and health care/insurance representatives, and members debated whether caps or other safeguards should be added. No final action on SB 734 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• attended again in a similar fashion: you have local, state, and federal representation, and you also have key
• You have local, state, and federal representation, and you also have key critical infrastructure nodes
• As part of that, to answer your question, it is within the federal authority.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• So that kind of answers the question about whether it is immediate.
• With that, I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Any questions or comments?
• Okay, I don’t think you really answered my question.
• I’d be glad to try to answer any questions, but you’ve heard from the experts.”
• I'd be glad to try to answer any questions, but you've heard from the experts.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Local Government held a public hearing on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023, sponsored by Senator Justin Brown. The bill would expand the existing authority for certain public library districts to ask voters to approve a local sales tax, with county-specific provisions: St. Charles County would have to reduce property tax levies to offset sales tax revenue, and Cass and Johnson counties would be limited to a 0.33% rate and would eliminate property tax levies if the sales tax is adopted. The bill also includes a provision allowing circuit courts to collect a civil case filing surcharge of up to $15 for law library maintenance, and a Kansas City Public Library fiscal-year flexibility provision was also described. Supporters from several library systems and the Missouri Library Association testified that the bill would give libraries more flexibility to diversify revenue, reduce reliance on property taxes, and protect voter-approved library sales taxes from legal uncertainty tied to county reclassification. Witnesses from St. Charles County said the measure would let local voters decide whether to fund library services through sales tax, property tax, or a mix, while a Marshall Public Library representative said the bill would help preserve a voter-approved sales tax affected by unrelated litigation. A Kansas City Public Library representative said the fiscal-year change would improve budget timing. One committee member questioned the fairness of shifting library funding to sales tax, especially for nonresidents, while other members spoke in support of libraries and their community services. No one testified in opposition. The chair closed the public hearing and announced the committee plans to executive the bill on Monday at noon, with notice to be sent by email. A representative also criticized the tone of the senator’s response during questioning, but said he still supported the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• for that answer. for that answer.
• answer any questions. answer any questions.
• answer that. answer that.
• we have our answers back. we have our answers back.
• Answer<03:10:59.040> that. Answer that. Answer that.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He also was a key organizer of the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
• So, uh, you're asking your to answer So, uh, you're asking your to answer your<02:00:04.639>
• >> No, cuz I you you've answered that part of it by the address. You see what I mean?
• answered that part of it by the address. answered that part of it by the address.
• <02:16:56.479> prohibits >> Key policy changes here. prohibits >> Key policy changes

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber also recognized guests, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and employees of the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative. A senator then delivered a Black History Month-style presentation highlighting James Weldon Johnson, A. Philip Randolph, Jan E. Matzeliger, and Percy Lavon Julian for their contributions to civil rights, labor, industry, and science. The Senate received House messages referring two Archives and History board appointments to the Committee on Confirmations, then took up numerous committee reports. Several bills from Finance and Taxation, Judiciary, Education Policy, Agriculture, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Healthcare, Tourism, Veterans and Military Affairs, State Government Affairs, and Local Legislation received favorable reports, some with amendments or substitutes, and were advanced to second reading and placement on the next legislative day’s calendar. The chamber also recommitted Senate Bill 266 to the Tourism Committee. The Senate confirmed multiple appointments, including Llaya McNair to the Alabama Trust Fund Board, several members to the Credit Union Administration Board, and Elizabeth Smithart, Leslie Sanders, and Wayne Sers to the Alabama State Board of Human Resources. It then adopted several resolutions, including commendations and memorials, such as resolutions honoring Mary Francis Holland, the Stanhope Elmore boys bowling team, and Alicia Cannon for more than 50 years of service to the Alabama judicial system. The Senate also adopted a resolution creating the Study Commission on Artificial Intelligence and Children’s Internet Safety, after discussion about its purpose, membership, and duties; an amendment to the commission resolution was adopted before the resolution itself was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• bit program um and I'm happy to answer bit program um and I'm happy to answer any<00:11:00.600><
• Happy to answer any questions.
• <03:17:21.000> a<03:17:21.160> key vaccine Association is key a key vaccine Association
• is key a key component<03:17:21.880> of<03:17:22.359> our<03:17:22.600> state's
• things is how we visualize that answer things is how we visualize that answer well<04:04:51.520>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• across here that can present present Gentry here to Lamar to hear Gonzalez Pittman a cent griffis its keys
• I say all that to say to to answer question, why didn't I include that?
• So so the answer is no, it can't. It may only be with the county.
• I mean, I might sound like a chief answer. I don't mean it to be.
• I think the question's been answered by representative color. You can clarify vinita. >> Yeah.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have and request the chance to close.
• So, um, really, uh, appreciate your support for the bill, and I'm happy to answer any questions.
• Happy to answer any questions and reserve the right to close. Members, any questions?
• Um, so we're happy to be here to support, and I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Kate.
• One key HHSC recommendation was to require boarding homes to report specific data.

Bills: SB 2041, SB 1777, SB 1681, SB 2311

Keywords: child welfare, foster care, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, Family Code, conservatorship, placement selection, contract residential care, kinship care, relative placement, designated caregiver, best interest of the child, least restrictive setting, placement stability, child protective services, residential treatment, group home, family reunification, Texas foster system, residential care

Transcript Highlights:

• changes suggest a spirit of key changes suggest a spirit of adventure,<00:15:06.639> freedom,
• Be glad to answer any questions.
• Be glad to<00:43:27.599> answer<00:43:27.839> any<00:43:28.079> questions.
• to answer any questions. to answer any questions.
• Be glad to answer any questions.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Andrews will be the one to answer those.
• <00:07:47.360> to<00:07:47.680> building<00:07:48.160> our that is the key to
• building our that is the key to building our ecosystem. ecosystem. ecosystem.
• And I'm at a loss when I get these to try to get people honest answers.
• Now, there's a lot of honest answers.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 03:09 SB 57 Discussion 04:03 SB 57 Roll Call Vote 38:37 SB 172 Discussion 41:27 SB 172 Roll Call Vote 50:23, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a prayer, the pledge, recognition of an Energy and Environment Cabinet leadership academy group, a roll call establishing quorum, and approval of the previous meeting’s minutes. The main item was Senator Danny Carroll’s presentation of legislation to create a nuclear-ready site readiness pilot program in Kentucky. He said the bill is intended to help build a nuclear ecosystem in the Commonwealth by supporting early site permits, construction permits, or combined licenses, with the state contributing up to $25 million per project and a total of $75 million for up to three projects. He emphasized safeguards such as refundable funding if conditions are not met, legislative rather than authority-only selection of projects, and oversight by the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (NIDTA). He also described related provisions on cost recovery through the Public Service Commission, tax incentive eligibility for nuclear ecosystem projects, training and consultant support for the authority, and eligibility for fusion projects. Carroll and Rodney Andrews said the proposal is meant to attract utilities, developers, and large industrial users such as data centers, and to spread projects geographically, with particular attention to Eastern Kentucky and other rural areas. They said selection criteria would include site suitability, prior site use, regional economic need and impact, geographic diversity, additional investment, federal funding status, and whether a community has applied to be designated nuclear-ready. They stressed that communities would not be forced to host reactors and could choose which parts of the nuclear ecosystem to participate in. Carroll also said the bill could help Kentucky compete with states like Texas and Tennessee, and Andrews said industry contacts viewed the proposal as a signal that Kentucky is open to investment. Members generally expressed support for the bill and its goals, while asking about taxpayer exposure, site size, permitting, grid needs, national security, and reactor technology. Carroll said the state’s direct commitment would be capped at $75 million, with any additional cost recovery depending on PSC approval and project specifics. He said small modular reactor sites would be much smaller than traditional plants, and described a model in which a utility partners with a developer and a data center, with power contracts helping offset costs over decades. On security and technology, Carroll and Andrews said newer reactors would still be subject to the same standards as larger units, and Andrews explained that next-generation designs may use different fuels and materials such as TRISO and high-assay low-enriched uranium. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair noted time limits and that additional members still had questions, including one witness expected to speak against the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Related to key findings of the report, it is important to understand the tension that exists between
• Related<00:05:09.440> to<00:05:09.680> key<00:05:09.919> findings<00:05:10.400><
• c> of<00:05:10.560> the<00:05:10.800> report, Related to key findings of the report
• Happy to answer any questions.
• Happy to answer<00:59:20.160> any<00:59:20.400> questions.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee received an Office of Education Accountability presentation on student discipline data in Kentucky schools for the 2024 school year. OEA said the study used Safe Schools data, educator and student surveys, site visits to 12 schools, and principal surveys. The report found that about 1 in 10 schools have major behavior-related challenges and up to one-third have at least moderate challenges, with the most common concerns varying by level: high schools cited vapes, cell phone misuse, apathy, and tardiness; middle schools cited apathy, vapes, and cell phone misuse; and elementary schools reported more extreme classroom behaviors such as throwing objects, overturning furniture, and screaming. OEA also noted that 14% of students had at least one behavior event in 2024, but repeated events were rare, and event rates alone do not reliably measure the severity of behavior problems in a school or district. The presentation emphasized that many disciplinary consequences do not align consistently with statutes or local expectations. OEA said law violations made up 19% of more than 250,000 recorded behavior events, while most were board violations, and that some serious incidents resulted in minimal consequences. The report highlighted concerns about weapons, threats, and assaults: only 9.2% of weapon events led to expulsion or alternative placement, few threats resulted in those outcomes, and fewer than 10% of assaults led to expulsion or alternative placement, including some first-degree assaults. OEA also said the Safe Schools data do not identify victims, limiting analysis of assaults on staff or students, and recommended clearer statutory definitions and better data reporting. A major theme was the difficulty schools face in addressing chronic disruption and severe behavior while complying with federal protections for students with disabilities. OEA said principals reported the biggest challenges were federal limits on disciplinary removals and a lack of alternative placement options. The report described variation among districts in how they implement federal requirements, with some administrators discouraging alternative placements or avoiding discipline because of perceived legal risks. Site visits found that many schools lacked chronic-disruption policies, and teachers often reported frustration with minimal consequences and repeated classroom removals. OEA recommended that KDE collect more information from educators, identify promising practices for alternative instructional settings, and develop clearer guidance and training. In discussion, committee members said the findings showed reporting gaps and resource strains, and OEA staff clarified that some underreporting reflects local discretion, while law violations should still be reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh I'm just uh these are answers.
• And so while you're answering the chair's question, then if you could also answer the question, if you've
• And so while you're answering the chair's question, then if you could also answer the question, if you've
• And so while you're answering the chair's question, then if you could also answer the question, if you've
• And so while you're answering the chair's question, then if you could also answer the question, if you've

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's going to be available to answer questions here today.
• He's going to be available to answer questions here today.
• He's going to be available to answer questions here today.
• <00:21:59.280> here available to answer questions here available to answer questions here
• Um I guess that's a key reserve margins.

Bills: SCR48, SCR28, SCR74, SCR62, SCR60, SCR89, SCR147, SCR179, SCR182, SCR59, SCR54, SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Transcript Highlights:

• Happy to answer any questions. Thank you very much.
• The other thing, I don't know if anybody here can answer it.
• And we believe this program can be a key tool in advancing both of these.
• And with that, I'll answer any questions. >> Thank you very much.
• Equity Real Quick are just here to answer any question, Madam Chair.

Bills: HF4881, HF4867, HF4422, HF4223

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, regulation, financial institutions, prescription drug affordability, consumer protection, restitution account, financial compensation, attorney general, distributions, property insurance, homeowners insurance, fire and allied lines, hail insurance, appraisal clause, loss adjustment, alternative dispute resolution, insurance claims, claim valuation, actual cash value

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll let you answer that first.
• Moses, Mike, would you like to answer? Yeah, sure.
• Madam Chair, I don't know if anyone has the answer to that.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for that answer.
• You can answer them off mark.

Transcript Highlights:

• career, or military readiness, all disaggregated, which is a fancy word for separated and categorized by key
• At this time, I'd be happy to answer any questions and I reserve the right to close.
• facilitate a conversation with TRS and Representative Schoolcraft to get some of those questions answered

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your answer. Thank you.
• Okay, thank you for that answer. Well, I'll be happy to support the bill today.
• I would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions and strongly urge a no vote on this bill.
• I don't think we have an answer on that.
• It's hard stuff, and hard issues, societal-changing issues don't really have elegant, easy answers.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation safety, climate resilience, wildlife connectivity, parking enforcement, and EV charging reliability. AB 605 would create a pilot program allowing certain hydrogen internal combustion cargo-handling equipment at ports; supporters said it could help ports stay competitive while reducing emissions, while South Coast AQMD raised concerns about possible nitrogen oxide emissions and limits on future regulation. The bill passed on an 11-0 vote to the Natural Resources Committee. AB 1132 would require Caltrans to incorporate community resilience indicators, including socioeconomic factors, into climate vulnerability assessments; supporters from Greenlining, AARP, and others said it would better protect seniors, people with disabilities, and transit users during heat waves and disasters, while some members questioned the cost during a tight budget year. It passed 9-0 to Appropriations, with some members not voting. AB 382 would lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph and give local agencies more flexibility in how the limit is posted and enforced; supporters cited child pedestrian deaths and safety research, and the bill passed 11-0 to Appropriations. AB 902, as amended, would require transportation projects in wildlife connectivity areas to include wildlife passage features where feasible; supporters emphasized reduced collisions and habitat fragmentation, while the California Building Industry Association and COGs moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. It passed 9-1 to Local Government. AB 1014 would give Caltrans more discretion to lower speed limits on state highways based on local conditions rather than the 85th percentile rule; supporters said it would improve safety in rural and tourist areas, and the bill passed 13-0 to Appropriations. AB 1022 would end towing or booting vehicles solely for unpaid parking tickets, with supporters describing the practice as punitive and harmful to low-income drivers, while cities and parking groups argued it would weaken enforcement and create problems for out-of-state vehicles. The bill passed 9-3 to Appropriations. AB 1423 would require publicly funded EV chargers to meet reliability standards and allow enforcement of uptime requirements; supporters said taxpayers need functioning chargers, while charging-industry opponents objected to retroactive standards and possible conflicts with existing agreements. The bill passed 14-0 to Utilities and Energy. The committee also approved a consent calendar of five bills by voice vote and held roll calls open for additional members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the other key piece is that it does nearly nothing.
• Uh and the other key now about that.
• It's, I think, the key issue.
• It's, I think, the key issue.
• I would like to know the answer to that too. I don't have that in my head. >> Okay.

Bills: HF4236, HF4122, HF4377

Keywords: public utility, interim rates, utility rates, rate case, general rate case, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, PUC, rate increase cap, rate freeze, refunds, customer refunds, ratepayer protection, electric utility, gas utility, regulated utility, ratemaking, return on equity, rate base, test year, rate design

Transcript Highlights:

• Hope that answers your question. That does, that's good.
• So the answer to the question is with? That was the answer to the question.
• Senator, I will answer that question.
• Also, you answered Senator Creighton's questions.
• They’re here to answer questions about funding options.

Bills: SB 2

Keywords: 1185, senate, all