Transcript Highlights:

• The payment for the capital expenditures would be a total of 15 million 526 thousand dollars, of which
• like four and a half from uh payment like four and a half from uh payment from<00:49:17.840>
• When combined with self-pay patients, more than 80% of all patients lack a viable payment source.
• lack a viable payment source. lack a viable payment source.
• as an enhanced payment to us through Medicaid.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think probably in many cases the payments would have been stopped and it's irrelevant.
• I think probably in many cases<00:32:56.600> the<00:32:56.720> payments<00:32:57.160>
• Would that in that scenario fall under a extraordinary event and therefore payment? Ms.
• therefore payment? therefore payment? Ms.<01:02:44.240> Morse.
• I think it's a fair payment up to 80%.

Bills: HF2136, HF4195, HF4548, HF4432, HF4174, HF3024, HF4389, HF3773

Keywords: youth intervention, grants, community support, early intervention services, nonprofit, Minnesota human services, forecast adjustment, budget forecast, appropriations, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Health Care Access Fund, general fund, behavioral health, housing support, General Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, MFIP, DWP, child care assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• In our community and statewide, frankly, the vast majority of evictions are due to non-payment of rent
• , payments, payments, and<01:04:30.400> a<01:04:30.559> sharp<01:04:30.960> increase
• This will help to pause eviction actions on tenants who are in the process of their rent payment and
• So, that is non-payment of rent case.
• Evictions for non-payment of rent harm tenant households and destabilize rental housing properties.

Bills: HF3403, HF3410, HF3424

Keywords: HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, eviction, rent, redemption

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:52.960> between supposed to set equal payments between supposed to set equal payments
• We going to deny payments to them?
• Are we going to deny payments to them? Well, we can't because it's not our money.
• Are we going to deny payments to them? Well, we can't because it's not our money.
• Are we going to deny payments to them? Well, we can't because it's not our money.

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:19 Discussion of 25RS HB 785 00:30:25 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 785 00:32:15 Discussion of 25RS HB 61 00:36:42 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 61 00:38:07 Discussion of 25RS HB 788 00:51:01 Discussion of 25RS SB 14 01:11:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 685 01:44:57 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language. Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions. Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• years later even after the payment years later even after the Surplus<01:43:27.320> has<01:43
• it just simply deadline for payment it just simply addresses<01:44:03.960> the<01:44:04.199><
• That results in obviously lower payments and, at the end of the year, with hopefully a surplus, which
• <01:46:36.599> uh results in obviously lower payments uh results in obviously lower payments
• you notify the provider has to payment you notify the provider has to notify<01:49:36.599> the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the percentage that can be drawn; the actual payment is the federal participation.
• a payment to a provider<01:11:04.719> I<01:11:04.840> think<01:11:05.040> as<01
• <01:34:56.719> um ...like rates and directed payments, which are basically an additional payment
• on top of their regular payment.
• the mquip payment for nursing homes<02:15:52.719> um<02:15:53.280> there<02:15:53.440>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division III held an informational hearing on Medicaid, Medicare, Choices for Independence, and related financing, while postponing nursing facility financing and the county cap discussion to a later date. DHHS officials Ann Landry, Jonathan Ballard, and Medicaid Director Henry Litman provided an overview of Medicaid’s role, noting it is a federal-state partnership with state-specific eligibility and benefits, and emphasizing that Medicaid is a major funding and programmatic support for other DHHS initiatives. They also distinguished Medicaid from Medicare and explained that Medicaid funding is not the same as grant funding, though some providers may also receive federal grants through other channels. The presentation focused on New Hampshire’s relatively small Medicaid program and why it differs from national averages. Officials said about 184,000 residents are covered, roughly one in seven Granite Staters compared with one in five nationally, and attributed the difference largely to the state’s higher per-capita income and older population. They highlighted that about 65% of Medicaid-enrolled adults in New Hampshire are working, that only 22% of births are covered by Medicaid versus 42% nationally, and that the state’s uninsured rate is lower than the national rate. Members asked about covered services, income limits, federal matching rates, and the names of optional eligibility groups; staff explained that New Hampshire offers the optional groups discussed, with matching rates varying by category, including 90% for Granite Advantage and certain other groups, and 65% for children above the required level. A substantial portion of the hearing covered eligibility rules and recent policy changes. Officials reviewed the history of Medicaid, including HCBS waivers, the CFI program, Katie Beckett, the Olmstead decision, the ACA, and the end of continuous enrollment after the public health emergency. They also discussed the 2023 legislative expansion of postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months and child eligibility changes. In response to questions, DHHS said it is tracking utilization and costs for the postpartum expansion and reported that many maternal deaths occur after the prior 60-day coverage period, often involving substance use disorder or suicide; they said the longer coverage is intended to improve access to treatment and prevention. The committee also walked through household-income examples, clarified that Medicaid eligibility is based on household income and categorical rules, and confirmed that Granite Advantage ends at 138% of the federal poverty level unless another categorical basis applies. No votes were taken, and the hearing remained informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• Companies like ADP payroll, Airbnb payments are all examples of companies that have money transmitter
• Companies like ADP payroll, Airbnb payments are all examples of companies that have money transmitter
• When a payment method is overwhelmingly tied to fraud and offers victims very little chance of recovery
• For House Bill No. 435, House Bill 435 promotes payment parity in anesthesiology by prohibiting health
• Advancing payment parity through HB 435 will strengthen Delaware's health care workforce by helping to

Bills: HB373

Keywords: infused beverages, THC, alcohol control, regulation, non-intoxicating cannabinoids, marijuana, legalization, taxation

Summary: The Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee met in hybrid format and heard testimony on several bills. HB 373, as amended, would regulate hemp-derived THC-infused beverages by defining the products, limiting them to 10 mg of Delta-9 THC per container, restricting sales to package stores and licensed marijuana retail stores, requiring testing and labeling, and imposing a 50-cent per container tax; the sponsor said the bill is intended to create guardrails and protect youth, and a wholesaler representative testified in support. HB 398 would allow racinos to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. and remove local authority to require earlier closing times; the sponsor and Bally’s representative said it would help Delaware remain competitive and increase revenue, and no opposition was heard. HB 433 would let municipalities and counties extend last call for bars, restaurants, and clubs from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.; a witness from Connect Delaware supported it as a competitiveness and retention measure, emphasizing that it is permissive rather than mandatory. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 441, which would ban cryptocurrency kiosks/crypto ATMs in Delaware and require existing machines to be removed within 90 days. The sponsor and supporters, including AARP, the Delaware Department of Justice, and the League of Women Voters, argued the machines are heavily used in scams, especially against older adults, and that regulation has not been effective. CoinFlip opposed the bill, saying it is a regulated operator, that the fraud statistics are overstated or incomplete, and that Delaware should instead adopt a regulatory framework and amendment. HB 465 would update the criminal code to formally define virtual currency and incorporate it into theft, money laundering, racketeering, and search-and-seizure provisions; the sponsor said it would align Delaware law with modern crypto-related crimes, and no opposition was presented. The committee then heard HB 467, which would prevent landlords from requiring renters to buy insurance from a specific company while still allowing them to require coverage meeting lease terms; the sponsor described it as a consumer-choice bill and there was no public opposition. HB 435 would require payment parity for certified registered nurse anesthetists and physicians when the same services are provided; the sponsor, nurse anesthetists, the Delaware Health Care Association, the Department of Insurance, and ChristianaCare supported it as a workforce and access-to-care measure, with no opposition. Finally, HS 1 for HB 450, the Road DE Act, would overhaul permitting and traffic-impact review, emphasize peak-hour traffic, set density standards in growth areas, create a transportation impact fee, and direct some revenue to open space, farmland, and coastal restoration; realtors, builders, environmental groups, engineers, and GEAR supported it as a way to speed permitting, reduce sprawl, and improve infrastructure planning. The committee adjourned after public comment; no votes were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that same family, if they were searching with a mobile voucher, and let's say the payment standard
• can again revisit that fixed below market rent opportunity, and as long as that rent is below the payment
• And as long as that rent is below the payment standard of $2,124, then it's a great opportunity to actually
• Ensure that you match, again, that mobile voucher opportunity within the correct kind of payment standard
• Matching a voucher opportunity within the correct kind of payment standard and matching process to a

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met with a presentation from Housing Navigator Massachusetts. Staff described the nonprofit’s mission to improve access to affordable housing through a free, 24/7 search tool and public data dashboards. They explained how the site distinguishes between rent-based-on-income units and fixed below-market rent units, how mobile vouchers such as AHVP and Section 8 interact with those listings, and what types of housing are included or excluded from the database. They also reviewed accessibility filters, supportive housing resources, and related state programs such as EOHLC resources and RAFT. Committee members asked about the organization’s funding, the availability of voucher programs, and whether the site tracks demand for accessible units or wait lists over time. Housing Navigator said it is primarily supported through the state, works closely with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and does not collect personal application data because it is not part of the application process. Staff said accessible units appear to be in high demand, but they do not have direct data on how many people are waiting or how many applications result from site visits. They also said they are working to improve data sharing, more frequent updates, and future research tools. Members discussed ways to increase public awareness of Housing Navigator, including sharing a one-page fact sheet or infographic through disability organizations, local disability commissions, independent living centers, and the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The subcommittee also briefly discussed future goals, including inviting MassHealth to a January meeting, seeking regular updates on federal Medicare and Medicaid developments, reviewing the annual report’s recommendations, and possibly planning a future health equity event. The meeting ended with the introduction of new commission member Victoria Gill and a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• are a few that may still be at 1,500, but almost most of them are toward the 1,000, so it seemed to split
• are a few that may still be at 1,500, but almost most of them are toward the 1,000, so it seemed to split
• are a few that may still be at 1,500, but almost most of them are toward the 1,000, so it seemed to split
• are a few that may still be at 1,500, but almost most of them are toward the 1,000, so it seemed to split
• are a few that may still be at 1,500, but almost most of them are toward the 1,000, so it seemed to split

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the different funding sources of this program are between the student, parent, third party having a payment
• And when you’d say reference payments being made to the high school or the school districts beyond payments
• What are these kind of situations where the higher ed institution is making additional payments to the
• We're simply just saying that if a student has reached six payments and then they move, let's say, into
• a professional studies program, and they've earned that bachelor's, they can get the last two payments

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we are increasing on behalf of payments for teachers' retirement for the districts.
• <00:25:37.120> for<00:25:37.360> qualified<00:25:37.919> professional payments for
• qualified professional payments for qualified professional fighters<00:25:39.279> firefighters
• <00:25:41.600> for<00:25:42.080> each<00:25:42.400> qualified aid payments for
• each qualified aid payments for each qualified volunteer<00:25:44.240> fire<00:25:44.640>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:40 HB 500 Discussion 00:01:50 HB 500 Vote 00:38:40 HB 504 Discussion 00:41:45 HB 504 Vote 00:47:00, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue met to consider House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill, and House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget bill. The chair explained that the committee substitute for HB 500 was a starting point in the budget process and that a committee amendment was needed to correct a numbers discrepancy. The amendment to PHS1 was adopted, and the committee then adopted HB 500 as amended, with one no vote and several passes; the bill was reported favorably. The committee also voted to roll the committee amendment into PHS1 so it would be considered as a single unified version. The chair gave a broad overview of HB 500, describing funding for statewide costs, a 2% salary increase in each fiscal year for executive branch employees and elected officials, and broad percentage cuts of 4% in FY27 and 3% in FY28 with many exemptions. He highlighted funding changes for education, Medicaid, health insurance for state and school employees, public safety, corrections, health and family services, postsecondary education, fire programs, tourism and parks, and several capital projects. He also noted language changes or removals that were intended to clean up the bill rather than eliminate programs, and said some items were held steady or fully funded based on current estimates. Members asked about SEEK transportation funding, the budget reserve trust fund, and why Medicaid benefits were funded below the governor’s request. The chair said the reserve included general fund and Department of Insurance restricted funds as a safeguard, with some of that money available if Medicaid costs exceed expectations. He said Medicaid benefits were held flat at FY26 levels because eligibility and utilization have declined, but the committee added reporting requirements and oversight to monitor trends. A member expressed appreciation for the SEEK increase and KEPH stability, while another voted no on HB 500 because they were still reviewing the document and believed some items were missing. The chair then said the committee would move on to HB 504, but no action on that bill is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's time to update MA payments to at least the Medicare level. Thank you for your time today.
• It's time to update MA payments to at least the Medicare level. Thank you for your time today.
• It's time to update MA payments to at least the Medicare level. Thank you for your time today.
• It's time to update MA payments to at least the Medicare level. Thank you for your time today.
• He said about 9,000 to 10,000 codes use this payment methodology.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• tax returns are due by April 15th, it takes a while to process them, send out refunds, collect the payments
• , so I don't have anything definitive... ...send out refunds, collect the payments.
• We are in the ball... send out refunds, collect the payments.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Budget Committee approved the minutes from its March 5, 2026 meeting and then entered executive session, where it approved a recommended settlement. After returning to open session, the committee took up the Attorney General’s opioid settlement expenditure plan. Staff explained that Arizona will receive opioid settlement funds over many years and that the FY 2026 budget appropriated $10 million for distribution to five counties. The plan would allocate $2 million each to Coconino, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, and Yavapai counties. Members expressed support, noting the funds would continue programs they viewed as effective, and the committee gave the plan a favorable review. The committee also considered an Arizona Department of Administration request to transfer $7 million within the risk management revolving fund. Of that amount, $5 million would go to workers’ compensation losses and premiums to cover higher program costs, and $2 million would go to administrative expenses for higher-than-budgeted Attorney General contracted legal costs. Members described the transfer as a routine budget adjustment, and the committee approved it. Before adjournment, members asked staff about recent revenue trends, including April numbers and sports betting revenue. Staff said April data were still being analyzed and no definitive figures were available yet. On sports betting, staff said Arizona’s tax rate is in the range of other states but tends to be on the lower end. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• because they're trying to make a rent payment, a payroll payment, something else they're trying to do
• uh for your with a sales tax payment uh for your business,<01:03:12.720> he<01:03:12.960>
• <01:03:38.240> because on their sales tax payment because on their sales tax payment because
• , they're trying to make a a rent payment, they're trying to make a a rent payment, a<01:03:40.160
• c> a payroll payment, something else a payroll payment, something else they're<01:03:42.240> trying

Bills: HF4119, HF3959, HF3792, HF3913, HF3752

Keywords: property tax, renter credits, co-pay, housing affordability, tax relief, homestead, tax refund, Minnesota, tax increase, financial relief, homeowners, AmeriCorps, taxation, individual income tax, living allowances, stipends, national service, tax compliance, revenue, analytics

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'm here to introduce SB 602 relative to withholding state payments to the federal government in
• payment can cause real challenges for the municipal entities to pay.
• Having the opportunity, if needed, to spread out a payment is certainly something that we would speak
• if it wasn't paid on at that payments if it wasn't paid on at that time.<01:48:32.159> So<01:
• depending on the size of make a payment depending on the size of the<01:52:48.480> assessment

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Payments would be made at their current rate versus those higher end-of-career rates.
• The payments are not considered compensation that could be applied towards their end of year.
• would be made at their current payments would be made at their current rate<00:14:44.000> versus<
• Um the payments<00:14:49.120> are<00:14:49.360> not<00:14:49.600> considered<00:
• 14:50.160> compensation payments are not considered compensation payments are not considered compensation

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:11 Legislative Proposal: Representative Blanton: 01:12 • House Bill 220 Approval of Minutes: 10:07 Legislative Proposal: Senator Nunn: 10:24 • Sick Leave Flexibility for School District Employees Adjournment: 34:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Representative John Blanton’s bill on pension spiking and Kentucky Public Pension Authority administration. Blanton said the measure would make a prior court-related pension-spiking fix retroactive to July 1, 2022, so employees who retired between that date and the court ruling would be treated the same as those covered by the earlier legislation. KPPPA staff said they did not think the bill would go beyond the Court of Appeals ruling, but noted it could prompt requests from people who retired before July 1, 2022. Members asked about how many retirees might be affected, whether the language was narrow enough, and whether the bill could open the door to additional claims; Blanton estimated roughly 1,000 retirees would need review, with fewer actually impacted. No vote was taken on the bill in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senator Matt Nunn and Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker present a proposal allowing school districts to offer teachers and other employees a voluntary payout for unused sick days. Supporters said the idea could improve attendance, reduce substitute costs and classroom disruptions, help retain younger teachers, and potentially lower long-term retirement-related costs because the payout would not count toward pension compensation. They emphasized the program would be optional for districts and employees, would require teachers to keep at least 15 sick days in reserve, and would be district-funded rather than a state cost. Members raised questions about budget impact, tax treatment, pension effects, and whether the incentive would actually change behavior; the bill sponsor and witnesses said the payout would be taxed like other compensation and would not affect TRS or CERS benefits. One member requested reporting on how the program would be used, and the sponsor said he would be open to adding that. The sponsor also noted a later committee-substitute change would allow use of accumulated sick leave for observance of religious holidays not otherwise on the school calendar, with a personal statement from the employee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The OSI made a decision to eliminate lump sum payments in 2022. There were two concerns.
• There were about 38,000 in payments going out for these patients being actively treated.
• Do they have the authority to go To the CAP, and then they commit to payment of future medicals, and
• Several comments were made about lump sum payments and future medical expenses.
• That's why lump sum payments are better for patients: they get autonomy, control, and the ability to

Transcript Highlights:

• This payment is deferred to the 2027-28 fiscal year.
• To UC, or those payments would come at the expense of other programs.
• If the future payments are eliminated now, we'll still have the students.
• Into our budget, and we had the payments for that to pay it off in our budget.
• That debt is in our budget, in the state general fund payments.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So controls on costs in the H-2A program, support in pressing Mexico to make regular water payments for
• We've not had an inflation adjustment for the A&O payments that are made to the AIPs for nearly 10 years
• , soybeans, wheat, the main commodity crops, and so they're subject to the pro-rata reduction in payments
• And they have received a partial payment, and this includes crop growers in Minnesota.
• These reimbursement payments and signed contracts with farmers that have been frozen, this is wrong.

Keywords: agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• where children are being exploited online to specifically include social networking companies, mobile payment
• where children are being exploited online to specifically include social networking companies, mobile payment
• where children are being exploited online to specifically include social networking companies, mobile payment
• where children are being exploited online to specifically include social networking companies, mobile payment
• where children are being exploited online to specifically include social networking companies, mobile payment

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:07 SB 60: 00:00:53 Discussion in Opposition to SB 60: 00:04:41 SB 130: 00:25:36 SB 169: 00:25:44, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 60, a Religious Freedom Restoration Act measure sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings. Rawlings said the bill would strengthen protections for sincerely held religious exercise by requiring government burdens on religion to be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest, expanding remedies including attorney’s fees, and waiving sovereign immunity so individuals could sue the government. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill drew testimony both in support and opposition. Supporters, including Greg Baylor of Alliance Defending Freedom, argued the bill would protect a fundamental right and that similar laws have existed federally and in many states without the feared consequences. Opponents, including Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign, Sam Markusen of the University of Louisville, and Rabbi Ben Fred, warned the bill was overly broad, could undermine local anti-discrimination laws, and might invite lawsuits or allow religious claims to be used to justify discrimination. Senator Thomas questioned whether the bill could affect vaccine requirements and public accommodations; Baylor said public health or other compelling interests could still prevail in court and that the bill would not predetermine outcomes. The committee then voted on SB 60, with several members explaining their votes, and reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 169, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, which would expand the Attorney General’s and Kentucky State Police’s administrative subpoena authority in child exploitation investigations to include social networking companies, mobile payment services, and cloud storage services. Attorney General’s office representatives Will Schroer and Matt Heden said the change would modernize investigative tools to help identify online child predators and obtain limited account-holder information such as usernames, IP addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Senator Thomas asked about the bill’s use of the term “reasonable cause” instead of probable cause and about the scope of the information obtained; the witnesses said the term is already in statute and that the subpoenas would not authorize searches, only basic identifying information. A motion was made and seconded, and the committee began the roll call vote on SB 169 as the transcript ended.