Transcript Highlights:

• The committee will have under consideration House Bill 668. Are there amendments to Section 1?
• We have also had under consideration House Bill 530, House Bill 627, House Bill 598, and House Bill 747
• Majority having voted in favor of House Bill 659, House Bill 659 has passed the House.
• The majority having voted in favor of House Bill 674, House Bill 674 has passed the House.
• The majority having voted in favor of House Bill 566, House Bill 566 has passed the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 3003, page 1, section 1, line 18, by deleting the year 2027, 303, page
• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 3004, page 1, section 1, line 18, by deleting the year 2027 and inserting
• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 3005, page 1, section 1, line 22, by deleting the year 2027 and inserting
• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 3006, page 1, section 1, line 18, by deleting the year 2027 and inserting
• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 3007, page 1, section 1, line 18, by deleting the year 2027 and inserting

Bills: HB3000 , HB3001 , HB3002 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB3005 , HB3006 , HB3007 , HB3008 , HB4319

Committee: House Administrative Rules

Summary: The committee met in a new room and took up a package of 10 bills, mostly sunset extensions. Chairman Kendrick explained that although the bills were drafted as one-year extensions, he moved committee amendments on each to change the sunset date from 2027 to 2031 so the agencies would stay on a five-year cycle and avoid having too many sunsets come due in the same year. The committee adopted the amendments, and the bills were then presented and advanced. The bills extended the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (HB 3000), Child Death Review Board (HB 3001), Commission on County Government Personnel Education and Training (HB 3002), Board of Chiropractic Examiners (HB 3003), Board of Examiners of Optometry (HB 3004), Oklahoma Climatological Survey (HB 3005), Oklahoma Advisory on Indian Education (HB 3006), Environmental and Natural Resources Advisory Councils (HB 3007), and Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence (HB 3008). HB 4319 was a separate policy bill changing the Administrative Procedures Act to require specific and explicit statutory authority, codifying a common-law requirement. Most bills passed unanimously after the amendments, with HB 3007 passing 9-2. After the bill votes, Chairman Kendrick returned to the chair and gave an update on administrative rules work, saying the committee was preparing multiple rules bundles and resolutions for floor consideration. He emphasized that fiscal analyses marked “unknown” are unacceptable under the Administrative Procedures Act and the Raines Act, and that agencies must provide a comprehensive analysis or use “zero” or “none” instead. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Communication No. 395 returns Senate Bill 108, House Draft 1, that passed third reading in the
• Bill 994, House Draft 1, relating to the offense of promoting pornography to minors.
• </c><00:10:47.040><c> Bill</c><00:10:47.320><c> 994</c> consent third reading of House Bill 994 consent
• House Bill 994, HD1, passes third reading.
• House Bill 1175 passes third reading.

Summary: The Senate convened with 24 members present and one excused, approved the previous day’s Journal, and heard several introductions. Senator Hashimoto welcomed a visiting Kukui Fellowship Program cohort from Maui, and Senator Chang delivered a tribute honoring the late University of Hawaii Professor Daniel W. Kwak, highlighting his scholarship in Asian studies, his teaching career, and the journalism fellowship and China seminar he founded. A late introduction also recognized retired UH communications professor Gerald Kato for his work in journalism policy. The chamber then processed messages and communications, including Governor’s nominations to boards and commissions, House communications returning Senate bills, and a Judiciary communication transmitting the nomination of Sonia H. Toma to the Family Court of the Second Circuit. The Senate adopted Standing Committee Reports Nos. 1369 and 1370, agreed to disagree with House amendments to Senate Bill 108, and received notice that conferees would be named later. House concurrent resolutions transmitted from the House were referred to committee. On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 994, HD1, relating to promoting pornography to minors, and House Bill 1175, relating to tax appeal procedures, both by unanimous consent with 24 ayes and no reservations. The Senate also granted a waiver of referral for a list of Senate concurrent resolutions and Senate resolutions so they could meet an upcoming deadline. The President thanked staff for the job fair and noted its value for employees whose service would end at adjournment. The Senate then adjourned until 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 31st.

Transcript Highlights:

• bills: House Bill 4746, House Bill 4515, House Bill 6043, House Bill 5570, House Bill 5571, House Bill
• 6043, House Bill 6074, House Bill 5570, House Bill 5571, House Bill 4062, House Bill 4063, House Bill
• House Bill 4824, House Bill 4187, House Bill 6043, House Bill 6074, House Bill 5570, House Bill 5571,
• House Bill 4062, House Bill 4063, House Bill 4064, House Bill 4746, House Bill 4350, House Bill 4697
• Bill 557, House Bill 557, House Bill 557, House Bill 557, House Bill 5570, House Bill 5571, House Bill

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, pledge, attendance, and a series of recesses and caucus calls. The chamber also recognized the retirement of Larry Horn of the Michigan Senate Police Department and later honored departing staff members Macy Maine, Maddie Cutler, and Julia Schmidt. Senator Geiss delivered a statement marking the 62nd anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, emphasizing its legacy and the need to protect and strengthen civil rights protections. The Senate received House messages on Senate Bills 870 and 878, with SB 878 sent to conference. It also introduced several new measures, including Senate Joint Resolution L and Senate Bills 1085 through 1091, plus House Bills 4833, 5152, 5153, and 5727, referring them to the appropriate committees. The chamber discharged multiple committees from further consideration of bills and suspended rules several times to move legislation onto the General Orders calendar and to allow committee meetings during session. On the floor, the Senate passed House Bill 4072 and Senate Bills 792, 793, 1013, and 947. SB 1013, dealing with the Insurance Code and price optimization, included a failed Tice amendment and passed 34-3. SB 947, concerning dam safety under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, drew supportive remarks from Senator McMorrow and a strong no-vote explanation from Senator McBroom before passing 22-15. The Senate also adopted a McMorrow substitute for SB 947 and later considered a large group of bills in Committee of the Whole, reporting many with amendments and others without amendment for third reading. The session ended with the Senate adjourning until Friday, July 3rd at 12:15 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so with that, we are going to start off with House Concurrent Resolution 181, House Draft 1.
• House Concurrent Resolution 181, House Draft 1.
• </c> temporary for 1 year. temporary for 1 year.
• </c> until 1 year. until 1 year.
• We passed it over to the House.

Bills: HCR122

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Hawaiian Affairs first took up HCR 122, which requests the University of Hawaii to allow an ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi E Pathway under the Niʻihau dialect. Testimony was generally supportive, and the chair noted agreement with the House author to mirror amendments already made in the Senate version, including technical, non-substantive changes and a micro-credential reference. Both committees voted to pass HCR 122 with amendments. The committee then heard HCR 181, affirming the legislative intent of HRS 302A-1116 regarding the Department of Education’s authority to create temporary positions. DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi testified that the department follows statutory requirements and consults with the Attorney General, while several members expressed concern that the department’s interpretation could allow repeated annual renewals and undermine the budget process. Members discussed the need to make the bill more explicit that temporary positions may not exceed one year. The committee ultimately adopted the proposed SD1 and passed HCR 181 with amendments. The committee also considered HCR 42 on recognizing cheerleading as a title sport, HCR 53 on a UH associate degree completion audit, HCR 110 on refining campus roles within the UH system, HCR 111 on clarifying UH system and campus responsibilities, and HCR 118 HD1 on strengthening menstrual health education and adopting a comprehensive menstrual cycle curriculum. HCR 42 and HCR 53 were passed with technical/non-substantive amendments, HCR 110 and HCR 111 were passed unamended, and HCR 118 HD1 was passed with amendments reflecting the Senate version. Testimony on HCR 118 strongly supported standardized menstrual health education, with speakers emphasizing student demand and existing school infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have House Bill 503.
• PHS 1 is adopted. We have before us for consideration House Bill 503 as amended by PHS 1.
• We have House Bill 651 and I do have a PHS 1. Motion on the sub. Have a motion. >> Second.
• We now have before us House Bill 651 as amended by PHS 1, Representative Bray. Thank you, Mr.
• I have a motion and a second pending on final adoption of House Bill 651 as amended by PHS 1.

Committee: House Appropriations & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll begin right at the top of the agenda with House Bill 2689, and we'll get a briefing from Jordan
• House Bill 2689 concerns the Working Connections Child Care Program. Mr.
• Turning to the proposed substitute, proposed substitute House Bill 2689, which is H-3601.2-26, offered
• The proposed substitute House Bill would result in equivalent savings since that expansion is removed
• The House recently passed a bill that would move $4 billion in pension money to the general fund.

Bills: HB2689 , SB5832 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5988 , SB6151

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: Working Connections Child Care, child care subsidy, subsidized child care, Washington DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, low-income families, child care providers, licensed child care centers, family child care, market rate survey, subsidy rates, income eligibility, state median income, SNAP, Basic Food, collective bargaining, provider reimbursement, daily payment, half-day care, partial-day care

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1.
• House Bill 1. Senator Wirth. Thank you, Madam President.
• Seeing none, House Bill 1 is now on today's calendar.
• I yield to Senator Munoz for House Bill 1 as amended.
• I move that House Bill 1, as amended, do now pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill printed for third reading. House Bill 275.
• House<00:14:11.279><c> Bill</c><00:14:11.600><c> 20.</c> House Bill 20. House Bill 20.
• House clerk will read the first bill. House Bill<00:15:45.279><c> 3.</c> Bill 3. Bill 3.
• The House Environment and Transportation Committee will meet at 1 p.m. for bill hearings.
• The House Judiciary Committee will be meeting at 1 p.m. for bill hearings. Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• 475, House of. 57, House Bill 429, House Bill 475, House Bill 253, House Bill 456, House Bill 388, House
• Bill 363 with House Amendment 1, House Bill 413, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 390, House Bill 343
• And the Senate passed House Substitute 1 for House Bill 200 with House Amendment 1 and Senate Amendment
• The House, excuse me, the Senate also passed House Bill 141 with House Amendment 1, House Bill 426, House
• I introduced a bill, House Substitute 1 to House Bill 8, to ensure that marriages like his, which are

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, opened with a moment of silence for Ted Williams, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then accepted the previous day’s minutes and moved into a series of recognitions, beginning with House Resolution 27 designating June 24, 2026 as Staff Appreciation Day. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the chamber spent much of the meeting honoring legislative staff across both caucuses, with members and staff introducing themselves and being recognized for years of service and behind-the-scenes work. The House also recognized staff member Justin, who is leaving for a position with the Delaware State Board of Education, and later gave farewell remarks for Representative Kevin Hensley and Representative Charles Postles, both of whom are retiring. Numerous members spoke in tribute to their service, constituent work, and personal character, and both Hensley and Postles offered remarks thanking colleagues, staff, and family. The House then received communications from the Senate, including several bills and resolutions passed and returned, and a notice of Senate concurrence on other measures. Representative Wilson-Anton made a brief statement explaining her vote on Senate Bill 100 and reaffirming support for marriage equality and related civil rights issues. The chamber also took up Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, which set the official revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027; both were read, called to roll, and passed by constitutional majority votes of 37-4 and 40-1, respectively. Finally, the House considered Senate Bill 335, the operating budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Representative Williams presented the budget on behalf of the Joint Finance Committee, describing major funding items including raises for state and education employees, health insurance and retiree benefit funding, developmental disability services, Medicaid growth, purchase of care, and maintenance of reserve funds. Several members praised the committee’s work, while Representative Shupe said he would vote no, citing concerns about the budget’s 6.3% growth despite appreciating the committee’s effort. After the budget presentation and comments, Leader Harris moved that the House recess for party caucuses, and the House stood in recess until the call of the bell.

Transcript Highlights:

• article 1 House A1 to House language article 1 section<00:30:44.279><c> three,</c><00:30:45.279><c>
• </c> 1, Senate sections 2 through 7, House 1, Senate sections 2 through 7, House section<00:50:02.160
• House sections 1 to 25, Motion to adopt House sections 1 to 25, Senate<00:52:55.680><c> section</c><
• c> six</c><01:23:49.600><c> of</c> adopt House sections 1 through six of adopt House sections 1 through
• of House Sections 1 through 10 adoption of House Sections 1 through 10 say<01:24:37.760><c> I.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Senate Bill 828, Senate Draft 1, House Draft 1, relating to workers' comp medical benefits.
• Up next, Senate Bill 1491, Senate Draft 1, House Draft 1, relating to departmental data sharing.
• Up next, Senate Bill 1491, Senate Draft 1, House Draft 1, relating to departmental data sharing.
• Up next, Senate Bill 1491, Senate Draft 1, House Draft 1, relating to departmental data sharing.
• Up next, we have Senate Bill 1491, Senate Draft 1, House Draft 1, relating to departmental data sharing

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for hearing Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 278 with House Amendment 1 today.
• We are going to House Substitute 1, House Bill 4, sponsored by Representative Pulaski, and an act to
• What is the pleasure of the committee for House Substitute 1 for House Bill 4?
• What is the pleasure of the committee for House Substitute 1 for House Bill 4?
• MSD strongly supports Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 1.

Bills: SB219 , SB9

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met to hear several bills, with members repeatedly reminded to focus on fiscal impacts rather than policy merits. The committee first considered SB 9 on freshwater wetlands, which would combine tidal and non-tidal wetlands programs into one permitting framework; supporters said the bill resulted from a two-year consensus process and that the governor’s office and DENREC would absorb a significant share of the cost. Public testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing flood control and ecosystem services, though one speaker opposed the spending. The committee voted to release SB 9. The committee then heard SB 278 on child care assistance, which would preauthorize summer camp for eligible school-age children and create a separate lower co-payment for half-day care. The sponsor and the YMCA of Delaware said the change would better align family co-pays with provider reimbursement and make before- and after-school care more affordable for working families. The committee also released SB 278, SB 168 on alcohol delivery for package stores, SB 120 on health insurance coverage for certain testing and treatment, and HB 4, a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools; HB 4 was described as having a near-$3 million fiscal note and a one-year implementation delay because it was not funded in the budget. Later, the committee approved SB 219, which gradually increases the military pension income tax exclusion from $12,500 to $25,000 over three years and includes related joint-filing and residency changes. Supporters argued it would help attract and retain military retirees and bring federal dollars into the state. The committee also released SB 1, a major primary care reform bill that would increase primary care spending and implement hospital payment reforms, with projected long-term savings to the state employee health plan, and SB 325, which expands background checks and wrap-back monitoring for fire service personnel and adds an investigator position for the Fire Prevention Commission. In each case, public commenters and committee members generally supported the bills, and all were released from committee by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second Substitute House Bill 2034.
• The bill creates a restated Left 1. in advance.
• Second Substitute House Bill 2034.
• The bill creates a restated left 1. and The bill creates a restated Left 1, and this is created in a
• The bill creates a restated Left 1 with the same Left 1 members.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 2172, do pass; House Bill 2500, do pass; House Bill 2500, do pass; House Bill 2500, do pass.
• House Bill 2573, an act amending sections 19-1-1?
• Secretary, record the vote: 20 ayes, 9 nays, 1 not voting. House Bill 2873 has passed.
• Secretary, record the vote: 22 ayes, 7 nays, 1 not voting. House Bill 2415 has passed.
• House Bill 1249, amending Section 1-06, it was advised, a statute relating to the Parents' Bill of Rights

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2028. House Bill 2028. House Bill 2028. House Bill 2028. To the Senate.
• House Bill 2174. And convey the bill to the Governor. House Bill 2174. House Bill 2226.
• House Bill 249. House Bill 249. House Bill 249.
• House Bill 2592, amending Title 18, Chapter 1, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding section 18-105, relating
• House Bill.

Summary: The House convened, approved the prior journal, received gubernatorial communications, and then moved into an additional Committee of the Whole to consider Senate bills on two calendars. In that committee, members adopted floor and committee amendments and reported SB 1100, SB 1160, and SB 1178 out as amended. On the second calendar, the committee considered SB 1200, SB 1560, SB 1627, and SB 1723, adopting amendments on SB 1200, SB 1627, and SB 1723 and reporting all four measures out, while SB 1725 was retained on the calendar. The House then adopted the committee reports and sent the amended bills to engrossing or third reading as appropriate. The chamber then took up a long series of third-reading votes. Several bills passed with recorded votes and some member explanations focused on public safety, parental rights, school safety, health care, local control, property rights, and wildlife management. Among the measures that passed were SB 1013, SB 1015, SB 1046, SB 1094, SB 1095, SB 1124, SB 1186, SB 1214, SB 1275, SB 1280, SB 1315, SB 1318, SB 1205 on reconsideration, SB 1327, SB 1416, SB 1418, SB 1582, SB 1613, SB 1662, SB 1664, SB 1670, SB 1711, SB 1741, SB 1821, and several concurrent memorials. A number of bills failed, including SB 1052, SB 1170, SB 1457, SB 1074, SB 1540, SB 1649, and SB 1663. Debate on several bills drew pointed partisan and policy disagreements. Members opposing health-related bills argued they targeted LGBTQ people or medical decision-making, while supporters framed them as protecting children or bodily autonomy. On SB 1170, members said the bill contained a drafting error that would create extreme penalties and strain prison capacity. On SB 1280, supporters and opponents split over Mexican gray wolf management and federal conservation efforts. On SB 1199, the Salt River horse herd bill, members discussed herd management, heritage, property impacts, and a required emergency clause; it passed with the needed two-thirds majority. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous House bills and passed several House bills on final reading, including HB 2013, HB 2016, HB 2028, HB 2086, HB 2118, HB 2140, HB 2170, HB 2226, HB 2244, HB 2248, HB 2249, HB 2327, HB 2379, HB 2380, and others, forwarding them to the Governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, our next bill is House Bill 259 by Representative DeWitt. Ms.
• All right, our next bill is House Bill 259 by Representative DeWith. Ms.
• All right, our next bill will be House Bill 220 by Representative Schlegel. Ms.
• All right, our next bill will be House Bill 220 by Representative Slagel. Ms.
• All right, next bill, House Bill 536 by Representative Coates.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 750 by Rep. Cox, the “Click to Cancel Act,” regulating automatic renewal contracts. After adopting technical and substantive amendments, members discussed easier cancellation methods, reduced notice requirements, shorter record-retention periods, a 30-day cure period, small-business exemptions, and limiting damages to actual damages. The bill drew support from consumer advocates and opposition cards from industry groups, and it was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 259 by Rep. DeWitt addressed damage to underground infrastructure during BEAD-funded broadband excavation projects, requiring notice before digging and making contractors repair or pay for damage before final payment is released. An amendment added pre-construction coordination, a point of contact, and fault-based liability language. Members discussed rural utility damage, broadband buildout, and the need to protect small water systems; the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 220 by Rep. Schlegel, which requires covered platforms to maintain an easy-to-use reporting mechanism for child sexual abuse material and exploitation. After technical and clarifying amendments, the sponsor and members discussed scope, nonprofit and small-business exclusions, AG enforcement discretion, and concerns about clear-and-conspicuous placement. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Next, HB 830 by Rep. Wright required proxy advisors to disclose when anti-management recommendations are not based on written financial analysis and to provide that analysis when it exists. After amendments excluding certain affiliates and 501(c)(3) charities, the sponsor and a witness argued the bill was about transparency and fiduciary duty, while LASERS testified in opposition, saying the measure could make proxy advice unavailable and create a hardship for its internally managed portfolio. The bill was nonetheless reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced HB 463 by Rep. McMakin, which raises the maximum local 9-1-1 service charge from $1.25 to $2.00, with an amendment requiring annual reporting and local governing authority approval; testimony explained the funding need for Next Generation 9-1-1, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee began HB 536 by Rep. Coates on wireless communication facilities near schools. After adopting technical and then lengthy substantive amendments narrowing the school proximity zone, adjusting setbacks, adding co-location and permit timing provisions, and clarifying uniform application, members raised concerns about whether the bill duplicated existing safety standards, could delay deployment, and whether it would apply only to new towers. The sponsor and a parent witness emphasized school safety and emergency planning, but discussion remained ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a committee substitute on House Bill 504.
• </c><00:02:53.640><c> Bill</c><00:02:53.880><c> 504,</c> Next up, we will take up House Bill 504, Next
• </c> There is a committee substitute on House There is a committee substitute on House Bill<00:03:01.280
• </c><00:05:20.360><c> Bill</c><00:05:20.840><c> 500,</c> Next, we'll take up House Bill 500, also known
• House Bill 900, much as the same was in the House, is an ongoing work in progress.

Summary: The Kentucky Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 503, the legislative branch budget, adopting a committee substitute and reporting it favorably. The chair said the Senate version fully funds defined calculations, provides 2% raises in each fiscal year for legislative employees, removes a paragraph on operating expense reductions, and includes $1 million in the first year for a judicial branch salary study. House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, was then amended and reported favorably; changes included 2% annual raises for judicial employees, revised operating expense language, $1 million each year for county current services, retention of Boyle County fit-up language, reporting requirements for smaller capital projects, full funding for nine judges added in 2022, and removal of furlough prohibitions and certain budget implementation language. Both bills passed the committee unanimously with favorable expressions to the floor. The committee then considered House Bill 500, the executive branch budget, adopting a committee substitute before hearing a lengthy summary of major spending and policy changes. The chair described statewide 2% annual employee raises, agency base reductions with many exemptions, increased school safety and 911 funding, veterans and military funding, local government and severance-related changes, attorney general and auditor funding, pension and retirement system support, education funding changes including SEEK, postsecondary and scholarship provisions, public safety and corrections funding, and multiple capital projects. The chair also highlighted Medicaid-related provisions, including added waiver slots, increased state-directed payments, a 2.5% reduction in managed care vendor payments for plan years 2027 and 2028 with savings redirected to fee-for-service rates, and additional funding for behavioral health and public health programs. The bill was reported favorably after members explained their votes, with several noting they had only recently received the full 228-page bill and wanted more time for detailed review. Finally, the committee adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 900, an appropriation measure for government agencies, and reported it favorably. The chair said the bill remains a work in progress and that one-time funding requests from across the Commonwealth and across party lines would continue to be addressed as the process moves forward. All measures considered during the meeting passed the committee with unanimous or near-unanimous favorable votes, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• All we are trying to do is, between House Bill 695 and another bill we have, House Bill 9, we are trying
• ><c> Bill</c><00:13:01.199><c> 1</c><00:13:01.480><c> from</c> uh House Bill six and House Bill 1 from
• uh House Bill six and House Bill 1 from 2024<00:13:02.680><c> serves</c><00:13:03.040><c> as</c><00:
• Representative Hart: Um, do you wish to record a vote on House Bill 537 as amended by PHS 1?
• Representative Brown: Do you wish to record a vote on House Bill 537, PHS 1?

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 537, as amended by PHS 1, which was described as a technical measure needed to ensure Kentucky can receive opioid settlement funds despite changes in bankruptcy court orders. The sponsor and Attorney General’s office explained that the bill does not change the settlement formula or substantive terms, but adjusts the mechanism for receiving the money. After brief discussion, the committee adopted PHS 1 and then passed HB 537 out favorably on a 17-0 vote, with one member recording attendance after arriving late. The committee then considered House Bill 695, also amended by PHS 1, a Medicaid stabilization bill. The sponsor said the measure is intended to hold the program steady while the legislature gathers more information and awaits work by a future Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. The bill would limit new waivers, state plan amendments, and coverage expansions; require reporting and record retention; create a Kentucky Medicaid Pharmaceutical Rebate Fund; direct certain behavioral health and managed care changes; and include an emergency clause. Members raised questions about the rebate fund, work requirements, and whether the bill could affect coverage or funding, while supporters emphasized transparency, data collection, and preventing new expansions until oversight is in place. Several members spoke in favor of the bill’s goals but expressed caution about micromanaging a complex program and about possible unintended consequences for beneficiaries. Representative Fleming stressed the need for stronger oversight and noted the potential fiscal impact of federal Medicaid changes. Representative Stevenson voted pass, saying the committee should let the new oversight board handle the issue, and Representative Gentry also passed, citing concern about overreach and the burden of data collection. The committee ultimately reported HB 695 favorably on a 16-1 vote with three pass votes. Afterward, members recorded additional yes votes on HB 537 for the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034 terminates the overfunded LEOFF Plan 1 and creates the
• The next bill is Substitute House Bill 2089.
• Starting with House Bill 2675. House Bill 2675.
• Chair: Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, concerning termination and restatement of Plan 1
• And next bill, House Bill 1376, which authorized tax pay And next bill, House Bill 1376, which authorized

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on March 2, 2026, and worked through two large groups of bills, hearing staff briefings, caucusing, and then voting each measure out to the Rules Committee. In the first group, the committee advanced bills on state accounts (HB 2675, with an amendment creating an adult day service facilities account), immigrant worker protections (2SHB 2105, after adopting a striker and Amendment 8 while rejecting amendments that would have changed enforcement and private rights of action), voting rights compliance (E3SHB 1710, with all proposed amendments rejected), AI content provenance and notices (E2SHB 1170, with Amendment 19 adopted to exempt state/local/tribal governments and certain video-game and technical uses), public official protections (2SHB 233, with a technical amendment adopted), WOTEC civil service coverage (HB 2249), JLARC work plan changes (HB 2120), LEOFF Plan 1 termination/restatement (E2SHB 2034, with several amendments adopted including creation of a pension surplus holding account and study directives, while proposals to redirect funds to the Climate Commitment Act or provide a lump-sum payment were rejected or withdrawn), supplemental retirement bargaining (HB 1069, with a striker adopted), port employee retirement exclusions (EHB 2179, with a striker adopted), local government revenue flexibility (ESHB 2442, with Amendment 72 adopted to remove a county public utility tax and other amendments rejected), wildfire mitigation funding (SHB 2089), and timberland REET changes (HB 1983). The committee also noted that it would not take action on some items in the packet, including SHB 1833. In the second group, the committee advanced bills on local housing tax remittance programs (ESHB 1717), renewable energy tax incentives and grants (E3SHB 1960, with a striking amendment adopted that adjusted rates, timing, and related provisions), nonprofit fundraising hall property tax relief (HB 2431), food bank sales tax relief (SB 6006), local tax increment financing (E2SHB 2451), temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health entities (SB 6297), school and child care-related sales tax exemptions (SSB 6351, with a substitute adopted and the competing amendment made out of order), behavioral health work group extension and leadership council creation (2SHB 2429), Working Connections Child Care changes (SB 6353, with Amendment 43 adopted), language access guidelines for state agencies (SHB 2475), unpaid wage recovery (2SHB 2479), firearms background check fee authority (HB 2521, briefed but not acted on in the portion provided), public employee information sharing (HB 2091, briefed but not acted on in the portion provided), and Office of Independent Investigations jurisdiction changes (ESHB 2508, briefed but not acted on in the portion provided). Throughout the meeting, members and staff discussed fiscal notes, implementation costs, and whether amendments would increase or reduce state impacts, with several amendments aimed at narrowing scope, delaying implementation, or shifting enforcement and funding responsibilities.