Transcript Highlights:

• 02:02.079><c> not</c><02:02:02.360><c> present</c><02:02:03.119><c> do</c><02:02:03.280><c> we</c><02
• 02:02:21.040><c> Sean</c><02:02:21.440><c> Wolf</c> okay<02:02:25.119><c> we</c><02:02:25.719><c> have
• </c><02:02:26.719><c> uh</c><02:02:26.880><c> Brian</c><02:02:27.239><c> Phillips</c><02:02:27.599><c
• um<02:02:37.040><c> do</c><02:02:37.239><c> we</c><02:02:37.480><c> have</c><02:02:37.880><c> Armani<
• ><c> my</c><02:02:50.599><c> name</c><02:02:50.800><c> is</c><02:02:51.119><c> armanu</c><02:02:51.960

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1215 by Representative Beham is an act in Title 25 relative to historical statutes and monuments
• , providing relative to the disposition of certain historical statutes.
• This is a careful modernization of Louisiana statute on intentional exposure to HIV and retains the core
• This is a Secretary of State bill, and it updates the misleading solicitation statute and subjects these
• It also adds several Lafayette-area high schools to the existing high school specialty plate statute.

Bills: SR113 , SR114 , SCR64 , SCR65 , SCR66 , SCR67 , SCR12 , HB59 , HB66 , HB79 , HB153 , HB165 , HB326 , HB387 , HB455 , HB513 , HB660 , HB719 , HB762 , HB802 , HB816 , HB833 , HB895 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1011 , HB1028 , HB1039 , HB1051 , HB1053 , HB1057 , HB1080 , HB1084 , HB1155 , HB1215 , HB1224 , HB1228 , HB1234 , HB1251 , HB1252 , HB1254 , HB1256 , HB221 , HCR11 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HCR60 , HCR64 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR78 , HCR81 , HCR58 , SB25 , SB250 , SB348 , SB444 , SB485 , HB22 , HB28 , HB33 , HB41 , HB47 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB195 , HB214 , HB217 , HB233 , HB283 , HB290 , HB316 , HB319 , HB324 , HB345 , HB362 , HB363 , HB368 , HB377 , HB380 , HB382 , HB386 , HB392 , HB406 , HB431 , HB441 , HB466 , HB503 , HB511 , HB514 , HB533 , HB559 , HB575 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB636 , HB655 , HB664 , HB685 , HB692 , HB707 , HB715 , HB732 , HB738 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB807 , HB822 , HB856 , HB860 , HB868 , HB887 , HB888 , HB896 , HB905 , HB908 , HB961 , HB980 , HB990 , HB992 , HB999 , HB1000 , HB1010 , HB1146 , HB1157 , HB1233 , HB1236 , HB1243 , SB29 , SB30 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB47 , SB84 , SB93 , SB113 , SB192 , SB199 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB241 , SB253 , SB255 , SB289 , SB292 , SB306 , SB314 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB424 , SCR9 , SB132 , SB35 , SB65 , SB135 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , HCR26 , HCR45 , HCR31 , HB238 , HB241 , HB242 , HB250 , HB260 , HB265 , HB275 , HB300 , HB320 , HB338 , HB339 , HB349 , HB379 , HB399 , HB427 , HB463 , HB464 , HB468 , HB545 , HB550 , HB551 , HB565 , HB588 , HB639 , HB725 , HB805 , HB808 , HB834 , HB847 , HB853 , HB858 , HB861 , HB883 , HB916 , HB937 , HB1012 , HB1027 , HB1044 , HB1054 , HB1091 , HB1117 , HB90 , HB127 , HB138 , HB150 , HB201 , HB268 , HB273 , HB285 , HB315 , HB354 , HB355 , HB360 , HB376 , HB445 , HB506 , HB606 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , HB23 , HB136 , HB17 , HB21 , HB51 , HB55 , HB74 , HB106 , HB108 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB168 , HB215 , HB226 , HB263 , HB296 , HB299 , HB322 , HB364 , HB519 , HB535 , HB538 , HB568 , HB571 , HB622 , HB635 , HB676 , HB772 , HB784 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1134 , HB1237 , HB1239 , HB62 , HB193 , HB203 , HB210 , HB220 , HB228 , HB246 , HB420 , HB475 , HB486 , HB574 , HB584 , HB750 , HB813 , HB815 , HB826 , HB870 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1045 , HB1092 , HB1151 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1177 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB36 , HB73 , HB119 , HB126 , HB129 , HB166 , HB211 , HB245 , HB271 , HB280 , HB337 , HB351 , HB677 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB728 , HB759

Keywords: condolence resolution, memorial resolution, sympathy, tribute, Martha Elizabeth Odom, Louisiana Senate, bereavement, obituary, student recognition, ballet, dance, softball, soccer, tennis, creative writing, theater, high school honors, Ascension Episcopal School, University of the South, Sewanee

Transcript Highlights:

• the</c><00:02:25.760><c> floor</c><00:02:25.920><c> is</c><00:02:26.080><c> yours.
• &gt;&gt; Thank<00:02:27.120><c> you,</c><00:02:27.360><c> Mr.</c><00:02:27.680><c> Chair.
• I'm Senator Greg Elkins<00:02:31.920><c> representing</c><00:02:32.400><c> the</c><00:02:32.879><c> uh
• Um Senate<00:02:37.440><c> Bill</c> Currently, the statute requires them to bury.
• <00:02:57.519><c> must</c><00:02:57.760><c> first</c><00:02:58.080><c> consult</c><00:02:58.400><c> with

Committee: Senate State & Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:02.319><c> number</c><01:02:02.960><c> and</c><01:02:03.200><c> the</c><01:02:03.440><c> full
• c> number</c><01:02:04.240><c> is</c><01:02:04.400><c> what</c><01:02:04.559><c> I</c><01:02:04.720><
• </c><01:02:34.160><c> So,</c><01:02:34.400><c> we</c><01:02:34.799><c> projected</c><01:02:35.520><c>
• &gt;&gt; Yeah.<01:02:40.480><c> But</c><01:02:40.720><c> keep</c><01:02:40.880><c> in</c><01:02:41.040
• ><c> mind</c><01:02:41.760><c> uh</c><01:02:41.920><c> when</c><01:02:42.079><c> you</c><01:02:42.240

Summary: The committee met to review tax expenditures, elect a chair and clerk, and hear updates on two credits due for periodic review: the career and technical education (CTE) center tax credit and the research and development (R&D) tax credit. Members first organized the meeting, then heard from Jennifer Ramsey of DRA, who explained the purpose of the tax expenditure review process and summarized the CTE and R&D credits. She said the CTE credit allows donations to CTE centers for a credit against business profits tax, is capped at 25% of a taxpayer’s liability, has a $500,000 aggregate limit, and was extended in SB 98 to fiscal year 2031. She also noted DRA could not provide detailed financial data because of statistical disclosure limits when too few taxpayers claim the credit. Committee members pressed for more historical and aggregate information, arguing they needed numbers to judge whether the credit is effective and worth continuing. The committee then heard from Chrissy Vanderhook of the Department of Education on the CTE credit. She described New Hampshire’s CTE system as serving 26 secondary centers and seven post-secondary centers, with industry partners providing internships, work-based learning, equipment, employee time, and other in-kind support that can qualify for the credit. She said the department reports annually to legislative leaders and that fiscal year 2025 credit activity was down about 48% from FY24, partly due to staffing changes and outreach issues. Members asked whether the program extends to community college-level programs, and she said it can, though she was not sure how broadly it is used that way. The committee also discussed a new Granite Patron of the Arts credit, which DRA said went into effect July 1 and is included in the tax expenditure report even though it is not yet listed in the statute. For the R&D credit, Ramsey explained that it offsets business profits tax and can carry forward to business enterprise tax, is based on incremental research spending, and currently has a $7 million annual aggregate cap. She said the cap has not yet been reached but could require proration as early as fiscal year 2026 if not increased. She noted there were 271 taxpayers claiming the credit in fiscal 2024 and that a proposal last session to raise the cap to $10 million and increase the per-company limit did not advance. Mark Liberty of BEA said the credit is an important recruitment and retention tool, especially for life sciences, aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing, but acknowledged BEA does not track direct revenue return. Andrea Hchvaria of New Hampshire Life Sciences argued the R&D credit is critical for startups and cited growth in applicants from 71 in 2008 to 248 in 2024, with qualified wages rising substantially over that period. Committee members repeatedly asked for more objective economic-impact data, but DRA said it only tracks who claimed the credit and the amount claimed, not broader business outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:33.440><c> his</c><00:02:33.680><c> favorite</c><00:02:33.840><c> team</c><00:02:34.000><c> is</c
• > Cardinals,</c><00:02:34.800><c> so</c><00:02:34.959><c> it</c><00:02:35.120><c> was</c><00:02:35.200
• :02:35.920><c> on</c><00:02:36.080><c> that</c><00:02:36.239><c> Yankees</c><00:02:37.040><c> uh</c><
• , but<00:02:38.080><c> he</c><00:02:38.319><c> did</c><00:02:38.480><c> well</c><00:02:39.120><c> and
• 02:48.319><c> down</c><01:02:48.559><c> as</c><01:02:48.799><c> to</c><01:02:49.040><c> the</c><01:02

Committee: Joint Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; What<02:02:02.159><c> I</c><02:02:02.400><c> don't</c><02:02:02.560><c> I</c><02:02:02.800><
• Who<02:02:04.639><c> wants</c><02:02:05.119><c> something</c><02:02:05.599><c> on</c><02:02:05.920><c
• </c><02:02:08.560><c> No,</c><02:02:08.800><c> I</c><02:02:09.040><c> I</c><02:02:09.119><c> I</c><02
• </c><02:02:18.000><c> legislation</c><02:02:18.880><c> for</c><02:02:19.360><c> a</c><02:02:20.159><c
• <02:02:47.440><c> ITL</c><02:02:48.480><c> 4</c><02:02:49.119><c> to</c><02:02:49.280><c> one.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So, basically, hepatitis<02:01:59.760><c> B</c><02:02:00.159><c> gives</c><02:02:01.280><c> um</c><02
• :02:02.400><c> most</c><02:02:02.639><c> of</c><02:02:02.719><c> the</c><02:02:03.119><c> most</c><02
• of the<02:02:03.599><c> folks</c><02:02:03.840><c> that</c><02:02:04.000><c> are</c><02:02:04.080><c>
• c><02:02:05.679><c> are</c><02:02:05.920><c> from</c><02:02:06.320><c> many</c><02:02:06.560><c> toxins
• are</c><02:02:07.280><c> included</c><02:02:07.520><c> in</c><02:02:07.679><c> the</c><02:02:07.840><

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• for</c><02:02:39.440><c> seating</c><02:02:39.760><c> on</c><02:02:40.000><c> a</c><02:02:40.239><c>
• </c><02:02:41.840><c> We're</c><02:02:42.080><c> waiting</c><02:02:42.239><c> for</c><02:02:42.400><c
• I'm<02:02:47.280><c> I'm</c><02:02:47.679><c> just</c><02:02:48.159><c> noting</c><02:02:48.880><c> that
• Well, thankfully<02:02:55.280><c> most</c><02:02:55.440><c> of</c><02:02:55.599><c> them</c><02:02:55.760
• </c><02:02:57.760><c> Those</c><02:02:57.920><c> are</c><02:02:58.080><c> the</c><02:02:58.159><c> ones

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed comparison documents and worked through a long list of House and Senate positions, agreeing on some technical or already-enacted items while setting aside others for later discussion. Early on, members agreed to delete a House Bill 2 section tied to a bill already passed into law, and a representative explained a technical amendment to the EFA provisions clarifying enrollment-cap repeal language and compulsory attendance rules for EFA students. That amendment was discussed but a vote was postponed because not all members were present. The committee also noted that the overall EFA budget numbers had already been settled separately. Several items were either agreed to or held for further negotiation. Members agreed to delete sections already covered by other enacted bills, including BTLA-related language, and to accept a technical amendment changing "municipalities" to "political subdivisions" in a section affecting funding eligibility. They also agreed on some items involving workers’ compensation second injuries, certain pilot-program language, and some sections related to state loan repayment and other technical corrections. In contrast, they set aside or disputed items involving site evaluation, lottery-related provisions, opioid abatement, the Commission on Aging, Granite Advantage premium costs, renewable energy/offshore wind funding, special education funding, and several education trust fund and unique-fund provisions. The committee spent substantial time on policy disputes. The House side argued against keeping money in dedicated Fish and Game funds rather than increasing the main Fish and Game fund, while the Senate side defended its approach and raised concerns about fee impacts, including one tied to the fishing license. The members also discussed a housing appeals board proposal, with one member suggesting a possible compromise that would preserve some function while shifting duties and possibly sunsetting the arrangement later; the contracts for the positions were noted as running through June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029. Another extended discussion concerned the child advocate records-access section, which one side wanted removed as policy that should go through the normal bill process, while another member asked to hold it and suggested a possible middle-ground, time-limited approach. Later, the committee agreed to remove sections already handled in other bills, including House sections 254 and 255, and discussed but did not resolve disputes over liquor licensing functions, cannabis-related language, cost containment, special education, and several fee and fund provisions. The Senate explained its position on the governor’s commission language, saying opioid abatement trust funds could not be used for that purpose and that the commission should continue to be funded through 5% of gross liquor profits; it also described renaming the body the Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention and expanding its scope to include problem gambling. The meeting ended with several major items still open for later negotiation.

Transcript Highlights:

• capital construction forecast to<02:02:02.280><c> be</c><02:02:02.440><c> saved</c><02:02:02.760><c>
• by</c><02:02:02.920><c> the</c><02:02:03.040><c> state</c><02:02:03.840><c> by</c><02:02:04.280><c>
• :02:56.360><c> we're</c><02:02:56.480><c> doing</c><02:02:56.760><c> is</c><02:02:56.880><c> we're</c
• doing is we're looking 3 years<02:02:58.000><c> out</c><02:02:58.240><c> now</c><02:02:58.480><c> in<
• /c><02:02:58.560><c> the</c><02:02:58.640><c> future</c><02:02:59.080><c> for</c><02:02:59.240><c> major

Committee: Joint Select Committee on School Facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:41.280><c> We</c><02:02:41.520><c> strongly</c><02:02:42.000><c> support</c><02:02:42.480>
• </c><02:02:44.400><c> just</c><02:02:44.560><c> want</c><02:02:44.719><c> to</c><02:02:44.880><c> add
• Um, as<02:02:48.239><c> we</c><02:02:48.400><c> took</c><02:02:48.800><c> a</c><02:02:49.040><c> more
• </c><02:02:49.199><c> careful</c><02:02:49.599><c> dive</c><02:02:49.920><c> into</c><02:02:50.239><c
• :23:54.640><c> statute</c> carrying out the pilot in statute carrying out the pilot in statute I<02:23

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:00:35.199><c> Thank</c> you.<02:00:41.360><c> No</c><02:00:41.599><c> one</c><02:00:41.760><c
• > else</c><02:00:41.920><c> has</c><02:00:42.159><c> signed</c><02:00:42.320><c> up</c><02:00:42.480>
• </c><02:00:45.040><c> Does</c><02:00:45.199><c> anyone</c><02:00:45.520><c> else</c><02:00:45.679><c>
• <02:00:48.080><c> Seeing</c><02:00:48.400><c> no</c><02:00:48.560><c> one,</c><02:00:48.719><c> I'm</
• </c><02:00:57.599><c> We</c><02:00:57.760><c> will</c><02:00:57.920><c> be</c><02:00:58.000><c> in</c

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• :04.399><c> came</c><00:02:04.560><c> over</c><00:02:04.799><c> to</c><00:02:05.040><c> you</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:05.840><c> Uh,</c><00:02:06.079><c> KDE</c><00:02:06.640><c> had</c><00:02:06.799><c> not<
• Uh, KDE had not reached<00:02:07.200><c> out</c><00:02:07.280><c> to</c><00:02:07.439><c> me</c><00:02
• Uh<00:02:09.280><c> but</c><00:02:09.520><c> we</c><00:02:09.679><c> went</c><00:02:09.840><c> to</c>
• c><00:02:14.319><c> what</c><00:02:14.400><c> the</c><00:02:14.640><c> sub</c><00:02:14.959><c> does<

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met with a quorum and took up several education bills near the end of session. House Bill 342, which would require a financial literacy course for Kentucky high school students, was presented by Rep. Michael Meredith and student advocate Patrick Reovi. Meredith explained that a committee substitute addressed Kentucky Department of Education concerns by making the course a required elective anywhere in high school rather than limiting it to junior or senior year, and by retaining flexibility on credit options. Reovi testified in support, arguing that many students lack basic financial knowledge and should graduate prepared to handle budgeting, credit, debt, and student loans. The substitute was adopted, and HB 342 passed the committee 10-0. The committee then heard House Bill 480, a teacher workload and bureaucracy reduction measure. Rep. Shane Baker described the bill as the product of a working group with educators and administrators and said it was intended to reduce redundant requirements and let teachers focus more on students. He said the bill would lengthen the evaluation cycle from every three years to every five, streamline professional development requirements, update continuous school improvement plan filing rules, and limit new reporting mandates. A committee substitute removed the CSIP provisions after discussion with KDE, and members noted concerns about implementation and federal funding implications for mentor training language. The substitute was adopted and HB 480 passed unanimously. House Bill 190, relating to advanced education opportunities, was presented by Rep. Robert Duvall. He said the bill would require districts to adopt policies on advanced coursework and accelerated learning for grades 4 through 12, with local flexibility. He also explained that the House committee substitute changed several provisions from mandatory to permissive, including automatic enrollment for students scoring distinguished and parent opt-out language. The bill passed unanimously. House Bill 430, on school bus safety training, was presented by Reps. Mike Clines and Emily Callaway, who said it would reduce regulations, improve bus safety, and fix regulatory issues arising from prior legislation allowing nine-passenger vans for school transportation. A committee substitute was adopted, the bill passed unanimously, and a title amendment was also adopted. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 208 on technology and public schools. Rep. Josh Bray, Rep. James Tipton, and Nick Spencer of the Family Foundation of Kentucky supported a policy requiring districts to prohibit student cell phone use during instructional time, with exceptions for disabilities, teacher-directed educational use, or incentives. They argued the bill would improve academic performance, reduce bullying and mental health problems, and limit social media access during school. The transcript cuts off during testimony on HB 208, before any committee action on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:02.159><c> we</c><02:02:02.280><c> were</c><02:02:02.520><c> kind</c><02:02:02.639><c> of<
• </c><02:02:04.760><c> to</c><02:02:04.840><c> sneak</c><02:02:05.119><c> it</c><02:02:05.239><c> in</
• /c><02:02:41.159><c> so</c><02:02:41.360><c> they</c><02:02:41.440><c> will</c><02:02:41.599><c> all<
• ><c> need</c><02:02:48.239><c> to</c><02:02:48.480><c> have</c><02:02:48.719><c> out</c><02:02:49.040
• <02:02:52.400><c> speak</c><02:02:52.679><c> it</c><02:02:52.840><c> in</c><02:02:53.040><c> on</c><02

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 provisions affecting the New Hampshire Retirement System, focusing on Group 2/Tier B retirement changes in pages 25 through 39 of the bill. NHRS Executive Director Jan Goodwin and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions and to HB 727, with the main difference being that the 2025 version does not include the earlier increase in the maximum benefit. They also said the fiscal note for HB 2 is based on earlier actuarial work and that an updated valuation was expected later in the week. A major topic was whether the bill accidentally removed an anti-spiking or special-duty compensation limit. NHRS said the omission appears to be a scrivener’s error caused by moving language between Group 1 and Group 2 definitions, and they planned to flag it in the fiscal note. Members also reviewed the bill’s intent to restore Tier B members to pre-2011 benefit rules, including changes to earnable compensation, average final compensation, and the comp-over-base rule. Some members questioned whether restoring those older rules was appropriate, arguing the 2011 changes were meant to curb pension spiking and that undoing them could be problematic. The committee also discussed the bill’s cost and funding assumptions. NHRS said the 2025 bill would reduce unfunded actuarial liability by about $98.2 million and would have a more favorable effect than the 2023 version, while employer contribution impacts would remain relatively small. Members noted the bill assumes annual appropriations of $27.5 million for 10 years, but House Bill 1 currently provides only $5 million in the first year, and NHRS had not yet analyzed the effect of that shortfall. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on clarifying the bill’s language, intent, and fiscal impact.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; We<00:02:49.599><c> have</c><00:02:49.680><c> a</c><00:02:49.840><c> quorum.
• &gt;&gt; Okay,<00:02:50.640><c> we</c><00:02:50.879><c> have</c><00:02:50.959><c> a</c><00:02:51.120>
• Ready to get started.<00:02:52.319><c> Clerk,</c><00:02:52.640><c> would</c><00:02:52.879><c> you</c>
• <00:02:52.959><c> call</c><00:02:53.120><c> the</c><00:02:53.280><c> first</c> started.
• &gt;&gt; HB<00:02:56.400><c> 329</c><00:02:57.200><c> by</c><00:02:57.440><c> Representative</c><00:02

Bills: HB329 , SB5 , HB329 , SB5 , HB43 , HB75 , HB396 , HB43 , HB75 , HB396

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, archives, history, board of trustees, vacancies, government control, computer science, education reform, digital literacy, high school graduation, teacher training, education, public schools, constitution amendment, national anthem, weekly broadcast

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:02:18.640><c> came</c><01:02:19.359><c> um</c><01:02:19.720><c> we</c><01:02:19.920><c> would</c>
• </c><01:02:27.279><c> that</c><01:02:27.480><c> when</c><01:02:27.640><c> we</c><01:02:27.799><c> come
• you</c><01:02:31.559><c> wish</c><01:02:31.680><c> you</c><01:02:31.760><c> we'll</c><01:02:31.880><
• c><01:02:36.039><c> for</c><01:02:36.160><c> the</c><01:02:36.279><c> delay</c><01:02:36.520><c> it</
• a lot<01:02:40.079><c> of</c><01:02:40.240><c> amendments</c><01:02:40.720><c> are</c><01:02:41.039>

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee opened by noting member absences and then reviewed the governor’s HB 2 trailer bill language creating a solid waste site evaluation committee. The chair explained that Finance would want the committee’s input on the proposal and also announced a temporary change to the committee’s schedule, with additional Wednesday meetings planned around school vacation. The committee then moved into a work session on several bills. On HB 150, Representative Ktoa offered a simple amendment changing food-processing language from “washed and rinsed” to “cleaned and sanitized” in the processing area. Members agreed the change better matched food safety practice, and the committee indicated support for advancing the bill. On HB 307, dealing with homestead food production areas, members discussed proposed amendment language that would add clearer sanitary requirements, including handwashing access, sanitary storage, sanitizable food-contact surfaces, and pest exclusion. The committee also discussed whether to replace “potentially hazardous food” with “time temperature control safe food,” but several members favored keeping the existing term because it is already well defined in food safety law. The bill was held for further amendment work rather than being executed immediately. The committee spent substantial time on solid waste legislation. For HB 479, members recalled a prior plan for a letter to the solid waste working group and agreed to proceed with the bill in executive session, with an offer of drafting help from Representative Bixby. For HB 77, which would require DES to establish site-specific setback distances for proposed new landfills, Representative Penza said his amendment was not ready yet but was close, and the bill was left for further discussion. The most detailed discussion was on HB 2115, which would require landfill permit applicants to submit a report on the project’s harms and benefits. Representative Germana explained an amendment that would replace section one, expand the list of benefits to include economic potential and infrastructure improvements, and set up a third-party review process in which the applicant submits a list of reviewers, DES screens the list, and the commissioner selects a reviewer if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked about who could serve as contractors, whether they had to be local, and how DES would judge qualifications; the response was that environmental engineering and similar firms could be used, local or outside the community, and that the process would remain somewhat flexible. Representative H. Haskins asked whether the legislature or subcommittee would be formally notified of preliminary review problems, and the chair said no additional notification process would be built in beyond existing practice. The committee planned to continue work on the bills in upcoming executive sessions, including after school break.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which<01:02:10.559><c> which</c><01:02:10.880><c> line</c><01:02:11.119><c> did</c><01:02:11.280><c>
• We<01:02:20.960><c> exceeded</c><01:02:21.440><c> through</c><01:02:21.520><c> all</c><01:02:21.680><
• Oh,<01:02:25.440><c> we're</c><01:02:25.599><c> on</c><01:02:25.920><c> 17</c><01:02:26.319><c> now.
• </c> So,<01:02:38.480><c> the</c><01:02:38.720><c> first</c><01:02:38.880><c> item</c><01:02:39.119><
• . statute. statute.

Summary: The committee of conference for HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed the side-by-side budget comparison and began working through agreed and disputed items. Members first confirmed that grayed-out items were already settled and discussed a process for making later technical and intent changes, especially to true up abolished positions after additional decisions were made. They then moved through several budget sections, including judicial branch reductions, retirement systems, the Department of Justice, the Human Rights Commission, liquor enforcement, corrections, and the Department of Information Technology. Several items were agreed to or treated as settled package items, including the judicial branch position, the Department of Justice reduction, the Human Rights Commission item being held until related HB 2 language is finalized, the Housing Appeals Board being moved into the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, and the Office of Child Advocate. The committee also agreed to update the House bill language as needed based on HB 2 decisions, and to keep certain IT support rows in place unless related boards and commissions are eliminated. The effective date remained July 1, 2025, with no change. The main unresolved discussion centered on the retirement systems budget, where the Senate defended a large increase for deferred IT security and investment-function improvements, while the House argued the increase was too large and favored a back-of-the-budget cut. The Senate said the funds would support strategic IT and investment changes and would remain in the trust if cut, while the House emphasized the size of the increase and suggested a compromise. The committee ultimately retained the Senate position on retirement systems for the moment and said it would return to the issue later. On corrections and liquor enforcement, the committee described a negotiated back-of-the-budget cut structure, including a $10 million cut for corrections with some restoration of POS offices and administrative aides, and a liquor enforcement cut that was treated as part of a broader package. The Department of Safety item related to commercial enforcement and motor vehicle inspections was held for later discussion. The meeting ended with several items agreed, several held for coordination with HB 2, and some major budget questions still open.

Transcript Highlights:

• :41.159><c> morning</c><00:02:41.720><c> and</c><00:02:42.000><c> uh</c><00:02:42.120><c> thank</c><00
• :02:42.280><c> you</c><00:02:42.360><c> for</c><00:02:42.519><c> the</c> good morning and uh thank you
• </c><00:02:43.360><c> here</c><00:02:43.519><c> today</c><00:02:43.879><c> my</c><00:02:44.000><c> name
• name is Lisa<00:02:44.680><c> Dennis</c><00:02:45.159><c> and</c><00:02:45.319><c> I</c><00:02:45.440
• <00:02:50.560><c> executive</c><00:02:51.120><c> adviser</c><00:02:51.519><c> with</c><00:02:51.680><

Summary: The committee met to hear the 2025 Social Services Block Grant preliminary plan from the Department for Community Based Services. Commissioner Lisa Dennis and Executive Adviser Mary Carpenter described DCBS’s mission and explained that the federal block grant, about $21 million annually, supports Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Home Safety Services, Juvenile Services, Residential Treatment Services, and staff training. They said most of the funding goes to staff and training, and that the department uses surveys, focus groups, program monitoring, funding availability, and historical data to set annual goals. They also noted that Kentucky uses the grant to fund direct services and that eligibility is generally limited to Kentucky residents or runaway juveniles based on need and available resources. Much of the discussion focused on child welfare data and the distinction between poverty and neglect. DCBS officials said Adult Protective Services investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, and that self-neglect cases have trended down in recent years, which they attributed in part to access to federal resources. For Child Protective Services, they reviewed intake and investigation numbers, noting that many calls screen out before meeting statutory criteria, while about 48,000 cases were assessed or investigated and about 8,000 were substantiated. Members raised concerns about how poverty can be mistaken for neglect, especially in rural areas, and DCBS said it has been working with the legislature, staff, and community partners to better define the difference and connect families to community supports when cases do not meet abuse or neglect criteria. Members also asked about the risk to federal funding and the impact on juvenile services. DCBS said it had not received notice that the $21 million block grant would be cut, but it is monitoring federal developments closely and would need to return to the General Assembly for a budget request if funding were lost. The department said about 30% of the federal share goes to juvenile services. Questions also covered the transition in staff training from Eastern Kentucky University to a broader statewide model, and the agency said it is expanding training opportunities and modernizing delivery. Officials discussed the MST pilot for youth, saying it is a successful evidence-based practice operating in three regions—Jefferson, Northern Bluegrass, and Central Kentucky—with positive outcomes and possible expansion. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> We<00:02:22.640><c> let</c><00:02:22.879><c> our</c><00:02:23.120><c> good</c><00:02:23.360><c>
• ><c> here</c><00:02:28.560><c> now</c><00:02:28.959><c> in</c><00:02:29.280><c> this</c><00:02:29.440
• :51.840><c> we</c><00:02:52.080><c> know</c><00:02:52.400><c> and</c><00:02:52.720><c> those</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:56.800><c> these</c><00:02:57.200><c> wishes</c><00:02:57.519><c> of</c> radiating outward
• </c> the the statute or the proposed statute the the statute or the proposed statute um<00:47:12.480>

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one is 40-7-02, salary administration procedures.
• The rules do not relate to any federal statute or regulation.
• The rule changes are not related to federal statute or regulation changes.
• The rule changes are not related to any federal statute or regulation.
• Proposed amendments are not related to federal statute or regulation.

Committee: Joint Administrative Rules Committee

Summary: The committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rule changes tied to House Bill 1620/1622, which concern North Dakota’s entry into the physician assistant licensure compact. The Board said it is waiting on compact rules, especially fee structures, before finalizing its own rules. The committee then took up extensive Office of Management and Budget personnel rule revisions, covering salary administration, recruitment, leave policies, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR practices and implement recent legislation, including new hire leave and enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions; the committee raised concerns about the subjectivity and fairness of the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but no action was taken against the rules. The North Dakota Lottery presented emergency and regular rule changes, including updates tied to the Millionaire for Life game and miscellaneous clarifications. The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology described rule updates that add speech-language pathology assistants to the rules, ease continuing education requirements for out-of-state applicants, expand temporary licensure, and clarify supervision standards. The State Electrical Board reviewed numerous code updates, including changes to electrical and fire alarm standards, receptacle labeling, countertop receptacles, and a major new conveyance/elevator inspection program added by the Legislature; the board said it is preparing to begin inspections by August 1. The Industrial Commission’s Geological Survey Division presented new rules implementing House Bill 1459 on critical minerals in coal-bearing formations, including permit, reporting, confidentiality, and royalty-related provisions. The committee asked about confidentiality of exploration data and drilling depth. The Public Employees Retirement System outlined rule changes implementing several bills affecting defined benefit, public safety, defined contribution, insurance, deferred compensation, and retiree health credit programs, and noted possible future proposals to add state EMS or create a LOSAP-style plan. The Department of Health and Human Services presented substance use disorder voucher rules implementing House Bill 1012, including allowing individuals to apply directly and setting reimbursement procedures; the rules were expected to have a $250,000 general fund impact already included in the budget. The longest discussion involved the Gaming Commission rules. Members questioned whether the commission had authority to raise poker tournament buy-ins from $300 to $1,500, viewing it as an expansion of gaming rather than a mere clarification. After debate, the committee voted to void that specific rule section for lack of statutory authority. The rest of the gaming rules covered higher raffle limits from House Bill 1192, the change from “bar” to “alcoholic beverage establishment,” veterans’ organization proceeds, credit ticket voucher kiosks, online raffles, and advertising restrictions; the presenter said several public comments led to revisions or withdrawals of proposed language. The meeting ended with discussion of upcoming Ethics Commission travel-reporting rules and scheduling the next committee meeting in September.

Transcript Highlights:

• All in favor<00:02:01.119><c> signify</c><00:02:01.520><c> by</c><00:02:01.680><c> saying</c><00:02:02.000
• </c><00:02:04.799><c> carries.
• Senator, the floor<00:02:07.119><c> is</c><00:02:07.280><c> yours.
• &gt;&gt; Thank<00:02:07.759><c> you,</c><00:02:07.920><c> Mr.
• </c><00:02:08.160><c> Chairman,</c><00:02:08.560><c> members</c><00:02:08.800><c> of</c><00:02:08.959

Committee: Senate Transportation