Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:21.600> corrected<00:12:22.000> for<00:12:22.160> this<00:12:22.399><
• >> I<00:12:25.040> want<00:12:25.120> to<00:12:25.279> do<00:12:25.680>
• to<00:12:25.839> say<00:12:26.079> one<00:12:26.240> thing<00:12:26.480>
• I I<00:12:27.040> appreciate<00:12:27.519> having<00:12:27.760> a<00:12:28.000><
• 12:30.720> she's<00:12:30.959> a<00:12:31.120> tiger<00:12:31.440> at<00:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission met to approve the November 21, 2025 minutes, making several clerical corrections before adopting them as amended. The edits included adding the date, correcting a misspelled name, clarifying references to a scholarship fund representative’s title, removing an incorrect “DOE” reference, and fixing a few wording errors. The minutes were approved with one abstention from members who were absent. The bulk of the meeting focused on organizing the commission’s work under SB 57 and identifying which special education cost issues should be prioritized for research and reporting. Members discussed a long list of topics, including student referral rates, why students are classified as other health impaired, increases in referrals since school closures, interventions before referral, costs of non-medically necessary services in IEPs and 504 plans, differences between federal and state requirements, reporting of special education costs, out-of-district and residential placements, dispute resolution, Medicaid and insurance use, graduation rates, and adult learning participation. Several members emphasized the need to combine or narrow topics and to gather better data before the report due July 1, 2026. Representative Ames highlighted HB 742, which would eliminate prorated special education aid payments when state appropriations fall short, and explained that the Education Funding Committee recommended interim study. He argued that local districts are bearing too much of the cost and that the state and federal governments should provide more support. Other members raised concerns about rising special education identification rates, possible overidentification, school climate and mental health factors, bullying, staffing, speech therapy access, and residential placements. One member cautioned that DOE website numbers may be inflated or at least difficult to interpret because of how students are counted. Department of Education staff then explained how special education data and costs are monitored. They said student counts are tied to IEPs and SASIDs in the state system, districts are checked through both desk audits and on-site monitoring, and billed services are compared against IEP requirements. They also described IDEA funding, noting that most DOE special education staffing is federally funded, with a large share of federal money flowing through to local education agencies and the remainder supporting administration, monitoring, and training initiatives. Members discussed whether more staff and more robust oversight would improve accuracy and accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:01.760> we<01:12:01.840> need<01:12:02.000> to<01:12:02.159> keep<
• :12:12.520> to<01:12:12.679> end<01:12:12.880> up<01:12:13.080> with<01:12
• 01:12:17.440> I<01:12:17.520> do<01:12:17.719> want<01:12:17.840> to<01:12
• :12:23.520> we're<01:12:23.639> going<01:12:23.760> to<01:12:23.880> see<
• <01:12:28.600> jail<01:12:28.920> over<01:12:29.080> and<01:12:29.239> over

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:12:15.680> um<00:12:16.519> we've<00:12:16.720> passed<00:12:16.959> those
• uh<00:12:18.760> if<00:12:18.880> the<00:12:19.000> older<00:12:19.279>
• :24.920> be<00:12:25.079> happy<00:12:25.279> to<00:12:25.399> get<00:12:
• > so<00:12:48.639> that<00:12:48.720> you<00:12:48.839> have<00:12:49.000>
• > which<00:12:56.639> we<00:12:56.920> distribute<00:12:57.440> to<00:12:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Election Law Committee held an orientation and then opened a public hearing on House Bill 67-FN-A, which would make permanent the use of accessible voting machines in local elections and provide funding for additional systems. The chair outlined committee procedures, noting a heavy workload of roughly 70 to 80 bills, mostly Tuesday meetings, likely time limits on testimony, and a default of executive session unless a bill is specifically noticed. Members and staff were introduced, and the Secretary of State’s office described its election-related responsibilities, including voter registration, cybersecurity, ballot-counting equipment, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) program. Secretary of State David Scanlan and Deputy Secretary Aon Hennessy explained the current pilot program created by last year’s law, which requires accessible voting systems for local elections and allows the state to share machines with municipalities during the first half of 2025. They said the office has made hardware available, but towns have raised concerns about the speed of implementation and the cost of programming each election, especially for towns with multiple ballot questions. Scanlan said the state is also vetting longer-term options, including devices that could remain in polling places year-round, and suggested the committee consider delaying the bill’s effective date to January 1, 2026 to better align with implementation needs. Hennessy said the current state devices are older and complicated to reset for each election, and estimated programming costs could be about $600 for a small single-election ballot and much higher for towns with multiple elections. Supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of accessible voting for people with disabilities. Representative Robert Wy said the measure builds on 2024 law and would move the pilot into a permanent agreement, citing ADA concerns and prior testimony about discriminatory voting experiences. Fred Forier, a legally blind voter from Exeter, testified that accessible voting systems allow him to vote privately and independently and urged support for the bill. Committee members asked about the gap if the pilot ends before a permanent system is in place and about the cost range for programming. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee moved on after public testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:23.120> But<00:12:23.200> I<00:12:23.440> think<00:12:23.920> the<
• <00:12:36.240> Um<00:12:36.560> so<00:12:36.720> I'd<00:12:36.959> like
• Thank<00:12:44.160> you,<00:12:44.320> Senator<00:12:44.560> Omar<00:12:44.880><
• <00:12:49.120> Uh<00:12:49.360> thank<00:12:49.519> you<00:12:49.760> Mr.
• So, um<00:12:51.839> I<00:12:52.079> see<00:12:52.240> as<00:12:52.480> we're

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as as<00:12:07.800> much<00:12:07.959> as<00:12:08.079> it<00:12:09.079> I
• 00:12:12.959> think<00:12:13.079> a<00:12:13.240> crime<00:12:13.480> in
• <00:12:23.959> used<00:12:24.720> in<00:12:24.920> several<00:12:25.240> areas
• it<00:12:28.399> is<00:12:29.240> it<00:12:29.399> is<00:12:29.560> a
• c><00:12:31.279> a<00:12:31.480> legal<00:12:32.399> term<00:12:33.399> um

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every<00:12:30.280> month,<00:12:30.640> families<00:12:31.080> across<00:12:31.440
• :35.040> or<00:12:35.200> 30<00:12:35.520> days<00:12:36.240> or<00:12:36.440
• Today,<00:12:39.400> we're<00:12:39.560> facing<00:12:39.960> a<00:12:40.040>
• Rising<00:12:45.120> costs<00:12:45.440> of<00:12:45.560> food,<00:12:46.240>
• care, school<00:12:47.600> supplies,<00:12:48.280> and<00:12:48.440> gas<00:12:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :27.199> he<00:12:27.320> would<00:12:27.519> like<00:12:27.639> to<00:12
• > he<00:12:29.880> would<00:12:30.079> have<00:12:30.240> a<00:12:30.399>
• :12:42.959> know<00:12:43.199> folks<00:12:43.839> and<00:12:44.040> that's
• kind<00:12:44.519> of<00:12:44.720> generous<00:12:45.240> man<00:12:45.680>
• 12:48.279> tell<00:12:48.440> you<00:12:48.639> that<00:12:48.880> he<00:

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > will<00:12:17.839> is,<00:12:18.399> not<00:12:18.560> what<00:12:18.800
• <00:12:20.880> But<00:12:21.120> speaking<00:12:21.440> of<00:12:21.839>
• law that<00:12:38.880> has<00:12:39.120> been<00:12:39.360> the<00:12:39.600>
• :12:42.320> that<00:12:42.560> you<00:12:42.880> cannot<00:12:43.440> utilize
• even<00:12:55.040> a<00:12:55.360> federal<00:12:55.680> lawsuit<00:12:56.079><

Keywords: Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15 Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14 Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all

Summary: The committee met to approve the October 21 minutes and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and public resources. The sponsors said the bill is intended to strengthen existing law by adding civil and criminal penalties for taxpayer-funded advocacy on ballot questions, especially in light of controversies during the 2024 election over school officials and districts using public resources to oppose a constitutional amendment. They also described related concerns about school districts hiring third-party lobbyists and public relations firms, particularly in Fayette County, and said the proposal was meant to keep tax dollars focused on public services rather than political persuasion. Committee members raised several concerns about scope and drafting. Some asked whether the bill should specifically mention schools, school boards, and school employees, and the sponsors said they would add that language. Others questioned whether the measure would also affect local government lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, and the sponsors said they intended to focus narrowly on schools while exempting certain advocacy organizations and internal government lobbyists. Members also asked whether public employees could still speak as private individuals, and the sponsors said yes. Several members suggested splitting the lobbying and ballot-advocacy issues into separate bills, and the sponsors said they would consider that. Members also pressed for clarification on how the bill would apply in practice, including whether it would cover legal challenges to petition drives or only advocacy after a question is on the ballot. Counsel for the sponsors said the bill would not cover some petition-related litigation as drafted, though they believed it should. The sponsors and supporters argued the proposal was needed to give the existing prohibition real enforcement, while some members warned that the language could unintentionally limit legitimate public representation or be too broad if not carefully drafted. No final vote was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:16.239> So,<01:12:16.560> I<01:12:16.800> would<01:12:16.960> like
• <01:12:21.280> regarding<01:12:21.679> the<01:12:21.920> current<01:12:22.159>
• <01:12:24.239> What<01:12:24.480> is<01:12:24.640> the<01:12:24.800> JCC<
• <01:12:27.360> Are<01:12:27.520> there<01:12:27.760> complaints<01:12:28.080>
• /c><01:12:34.159> be<01:12:34.239> made<01:12:34.400> aware<01:12:34.719> of<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :31.440> and<00:12:32.240> um<00:12:32.399> as<00:12:32.639> it<00:12:32.880
• ><00:12:35.279> think<00:12:35.519> maybe<00:12:36.320> three<00:12:36.880> people
• , um the<00:12:38.560> impact<00:12:38.959> on<00:12:39.200> the<00:12:39.360>
• And um the<00:12:44.320> committee<00:12:44.880> uh<00:12:45.200> voted<00:12:45.839
• Loyal, Senator<00:12:56.720> Westman<00:12:57.120> for<00:12:57.279> the<00:12:

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :54.880> out<00:12:55.040> a<00:12:55.200> project<00:12:55.440> to<00:12
• <00:12:56.560> for<00:12:56.720> them<00:12:56.880> to<00:12:57.040> make
• move.<00:12:57.760> And<00:12:57.920> this<00:12:58.160> is<00:12:58.240> just
• <00:12:58.480> going<00:12:58.560> to<00:12:58.639> be<00:12:58.800> one<
• ><01:12:03.679> a<01:12:04.080> in<01:12:04.320> this<01:12:04.480> bill,

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:12:17.839> again<00:12:18.839> all<00:12:18.959> right<00:12:19.160> good
• we<00:12:20.480> are<00:12:21.480> winding<00:12:21.880> down<00:12:22.079>
• c><00:12:27.480> you<00:12:27.639> just<00:12:27.800> took<00:12:28.040> care
• > two<00:12:28.760> of<00:12:28.920> them<00:12:29.560> uh<00:12:29.720><
• c> we'll<00:12:29.839> start<00:12:30.040> at<00:12:30.160> the<00:12:30.320

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first considered an amendment to add a new “Lakes” license plate to HB 2, with proceeds directed to the cyanobacteria fund for lake cleanup. Representative McGuire said the bill had already passed on consent and asked that it be included in HB 2; members discussed that it had also gone to the Senate. The motion to adopt the amendment failed on a 7-8 vote. The committee then took up an amendment imposing a 5% administrative fee on certain dedicated funds, with several exemptions for funds that could not legally or appropriately be charged, such as those involving federal money or bequests. Supporters said it would make the treatment of dedicated funds more consistent and raise roughly $31 million over the biennium for the general fund, while opponents questioned the number of carve-outs and who currently pays the administrative costs. The amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. Next, the committee reconsidered and then adopted an amendment changing the distribution of business profits tax and business enterprise tax revenue, reducing the share going to the Education Trust Fund from 41% to 30% and increasing the General Fund share. Supporters argued the Senate had overfunded the Education Trust Fund and that the change would help balance the budget without changing education spending levels; opponents said they could not support taking money from the Education Trust Fund. The amendment passed 5-3. The committee also adopted, by the same 5-3 margin, an amendment incorporating HB 741 language on open enrollment and student attendance in public schools, with supporters calling it House policy and opponents noting it had been a close, partly partisan vote in the House. Finally, the committee considered a change to the University System of New Hampshire budget that would reduce general fund appropriations by $40 million per year, offset in part by $15 million in previously approved unique dollars for a net reduction of $25 million per year. Supporters said the cut was necessary to balance the budget and that other options had been exhausted; opponents called it harmful to the university system and argued the committee should instead look to other areas, including education freedom accounts, for savings. The discussion continued, but the transcript excerpt ends before a final vote on the UNH item.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:12:19.279> to<00:12:19.440> rely<00:12:19.760> on<00:12:20.399> unregulated
• <00:12:24.639> that<00:12:24.880> are<00:12:25.120> already<00:12:25.519> in<
• The<00:12:27.120> legislation<00:12:27.760> before<00:12:28.639> allows<00:12:29.120
• :12:42.880> of<00:12:43.040> yours,<00:12:43.760> banks<00:12:44.399> and
• 12:24.560> I<01:12:24.719> feel<01:12:24.880> that<01:12:25.040> way.

Bills: HF3604, HF2236, HF3709, HF3766, HF2400

Keywords: bulk fuel, nonoxygenated gasoline, environment, exemption criteria, transportation, HF2236, Minnesota commerce, obsolete language, statutory cleanup, retail installment contract, consumer credit, vehicle financing, auto loans, retail buyer, retail seller, delinquency charge, collection fee, attorney fees, assignment notice, payment receipt

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 26, after correcting the header date to Thursday, February 26. It then took up House File 36004, as amended by the author’s technical A1 amendment. Representative Van Binsbergen described the bill as a change to statute governing bulk delivery of nonoxygenated fuel, especially for boats and other watercraft, to allow direct delivery to vehicles rather than requiring transport of fuel in containers or removal of boats from the water. Members generally supported the concept, citing convenience for lake users, reduced travel and potential invasive species spread, and fewer spill risks, but the chair said the bill would be laid over pending additional clarification from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and other agencies. House File 2236 was then introduced as a vehicle bill for possible future omnibus use and laid over without testimony or opposition. The committee also heard House File 3709, which would allow Minnesota banks and credit unions to offer custodial accounts for digital assets such as cryptocurrency. The authors framed the bill as a consumer-protection and competitiveness measure that would let local institutions keep pace with customer demand and prevent Minnesotans from relying on out-of-state or offshore providers. Testimony from the Department of Commerce and credit union representatives supported the bill, saying it would level the playing field, keep digital assets under Minnesota oversight, and help local institutions remain relevant; one witness said significant liquidity had been leaving local communities for outside exchanges. Questions from members focused on whether the accounts would be NCUA-insured, how the bill related to unclaimed property, and whether the policy goal was consumer protection or simply preserving bank relevance. Several members expressed support but also cautioned about crypto volatility, scams, and the need to avoid turning credit unions into exchanges. The discussion ended without a final vote in the excerpt, with the bill still under committee consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:12.959> They<00:12:13.200> they<00:12:13.600> put<00:12:13.760> a<
• :12:14.880> they<00:12:15.120> keep<00:12:15.279> an<00:12:15.440> eye<00
• Um<00:12:16.639> I<00:12:16.880> do<00:12:17.040> recall<00:12:17.519> one
• ><00:12:17.760> time<00:12:17.920> I<00:12:18.160> was<00:12:18.320> walking<
• Rep's<00:12:19.200> Hall<00:12:19.440> a<00:12:19.680> couple<00:12:19.920>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then moved into a work session on its remaining bills. The main discussion centered on House Bill 477, which would establish a commission to study safety and security procedures at the New Hampshire State House. Members debated whether a new commission was needed, with several speakers arguing that security is already being reviewed through the bipartisan Joint Facilities Committee and existing security staff, including an outside consultant’s review. Others raised concerns that members do not always know how to report safety or behavioral issues and suggested better communication to the full membership about who to contact and what information can be shared. The House clerk then explained the structure and authority of the Joint Facilities Committee under RSA 17-E, noting that it is a bipartisan legislative committee made up only of elected officials, with publicly listed members, defined duties, and the ability to meet in nonpublic session on sensitive matters such as security. The clerk said members can bring concerns to the committee, its chair, or their caucus leadership, and that some safety briefings are already given to all members when appropriate. Several members said they preferred keeping security matters limited to a need-to-know basis and opposed creating a new commission that could force public discussion of sensitive procedures. The committee then voted on HB 477. Representative Sheen moved ITL, Representative Turkot seconded, and the motion passed 12-0, with Representative Wall voting no. The bill was sent to consent. After that, the committee began discussion of House Bill 314, which would prohibit the use of federal, state, or local funds for lobbying activities, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:12:08.479> we're<04:12:08.800> changing<04:12:09.199> it<04:12:09.359>
• <04:12:11.840> We<04:12:12.080> worked<04:12:12.319> out<04:12:12.479> an
• c> so<04:12:27.920> the<04:12:28.239> only<04:12:28.560> thing<04:12:28.720>
• <04:12:33.120> taxes<04:12:33.520> are<04:12:33.680> going<04:12:33.760>
• So in a particular<04:12:51.439> year<04:12:52.000> if<04:12:52.239> they<04:12:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So my<00:12:10.959> name<00:12:11.120> is<00:12:11.279> Tu<00:12:11.680> Young
• <00:12:12.399> I<00:12:12.639> am<00:12:12.800> a<00:12:13.040> retired
• I am a retired lieutenant<00:12:13.920> colonel<00:12:14.800> of<00:12:15.040> the
• c> 28<00:12:18.160> years<00:12:18.480> on<00:12:18.720> active<00:12:19.120
• of Laos.<00:12:47.519> He<00:12:47.839> was<00:12:48.000> shocked<00:12:48.560>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota lawmakers and advocates discussed House File 2444, a veterans and military affairs bill to formally recognize Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces in Laos during the secret war from 1961 to 1975. Speakers, including Rep. Ethan Cha and other veterans and family members, said the measure is long overdue and framed it as both a symbolic and practical step to restore dignity, honor, and veteran status to Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic minority veterans whose service had not been formally acknowledged. Testimony emphasized the historical role of the SGUs, the secrecy of the war, and the heavy losses suffered by the community. Speakers described the bill as a bipartisan effort with support from House and Senate members, and noted that a similar version had already passed the Senate unanimously. They also said the bill would help Minnesota set an example for other states and improve public understanding of the secret war and the contributions of Southeast Asian communities. Rep. Cha explained that the bill creates a new statutory definition for veterans of the secret war in Laos, establishes eligibility criteria for benefits and privileges, authorizes the commissioner of veterans affairs to verify veteran status, and creates a 12-member task force to advise that process. The bill would allow access to certain state veterans benefits and privileges, including veterans designation on IDs, grave markers, honor guard, state veterans cemeteries, and related preferences. In response to questions, speakers said the main challenge had been educating colleagues because the war was classified, and they estimated fewer than 1,000 SGU veterans are still alive. They also said the bill carries no major monetary benefit and is intended primarily to provide recognition and a framework for verification.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:01.800> Thank<00:12:02.000> you,<00:12:02.080> Madam<00:12:02.400>
• Question<00:12:04.040> for<00:12:04.200> the<00:12:04.360> committee<00:12:04.760
• Outside<00:12:07.040> this<00:12:07.800> State<00:12:08.200> House,<00:12:08.839
• I<01:12:02.000> have<01:12:02.280> one<01:12:02.400> of<01:12:02.520> our
• 12:09.240> of<01:12:09.320> the<01:12:09.400> Arts<01:12:09.640> and<01:12

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, quorum call, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then received Senate Bill 890 and several House committee reports. The first major measure taken up was House Bill 627, which establishes a Commission on Histories, Culture, and Civics in Education. Committee amendments clarified the commission’s purpose, membership, and charge to review curriculum materials and school calendars and make recommendations to the State Board of Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Additional amendments added a disability community expert and preamble language. The bill prompted extended debate about whether the commission would promote diversity in curriculum, how it would address religious and ethnic representation, and whether it would include Christian or Catholic perspectives; supporters said it was meant to reflect communities that had requested inclusion and to improve the completeness of Maryland history, while critics questioned the need for a new commission and raised concerns about identity politics and curriculum control. The bill was ordered printed for third reading after second-reader consideration. The House also considered House Bill 1582, the Education Program Accountability, Comprehensive Outcomes and Measures of Progress for Supporting Schools (COMPASS) Act. An amendment removed references to advanced professional certificates and national board certification from school quality indicators and required annual reporting on the relationship between composite scores and concentrations of low-income students. During discussion, members asked whether the bill was changing the scoring system and how much weight academics would carry; the response was that academic indicators would remain a majority of the score, but no single indicator could exceed 20% of the composite. The amendment and favorable report were adopted, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. The House then took up House Bill 1514 concerning Calvert County county officials and Board of Education salaries and benefits. Committee amendments were technical and removed a benefit provision related to a former commissioner; both the amendment and favorable report were adopted without opposition, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. Finally, the chamber moved to special order calendar item Senate Bill 283, the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. The House Appropriations Committee presented 198 amendments to the capital budget, describing them as balanced across regions and within debt affordability limits, and began moving the amendments in groups, starting with a technical amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:22.960> And<01:12:23.440> in<01:12:23.760> this<01:12:24.080> in
• <01:12:26.719> that<01:12:26.960> we<01:12:27.120> have<01:12:27.280> to<
• <01:12:27.600> to<01:12:27.760> the<01:12:28.080> 15%<01:12:28.800> level
• :12:36.880> uh<01:12:37.040> that<01:12:37.280> extra<01:12:37.600> I to
• 01:12:38.239> $350<01:12:38.800> million<01:12:39.360> to<01:12:39.520> set

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• default,<00:12:30.000> which<00:12:30.240> will<00:12:30.560> of<00:12:30.720
• > easier<00:12:41.360> for<00:12:41.600> litigants<00:12:42.160> to<00:12
• > a<00:12:45.760> need<00:12:45.920> for<00:12:46.079> that<00:12:46.320>
• It increases<00:12:48.560> the<00:12:48.800> cost<00:12:49.040> of<00:12:49.279>
• :12:53.120> defend<00:12:53.440> the<00:12:53.680> value<00:12:53.920> of

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:05.760> and<00:12:06.000> we<00:12:06.160> do<00:12:06.320> not
• the<00:12:08.480> horizon<00:12:08.959> as<00:12:09.200> a<00:12:09.360>
• :09.839> for<00:12:10.079> at<00:12:10.079> least<00:12:10.320> the<00:12
• /c><00:12:15.519> we'll<00:12:15.680> be<00:12:15.839> happy<00:12:16.079> to
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Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Northern Kentucky building industry representatives Brian Miller and Matt Mains on housing affordability and construction workforce issues. They argued that regulatory and code requirements add significant cost to new homes, citing an estimate of nearly $94,000 per home nationally and $15,000 to $20,000 per home in Boone County over the past decade. They recommended reforms to building code adoption, architectural design mandates, permit fees and delays, and setback/land dedication rules, saying these changes could reduce costs by $25,000 to $35,000 per home without affecting public safety. They also discussed workforce training efforts through the Enzwe Building Institute, dual-credit programs, apprenticeship incentives, and workforce grants, saying these efforts have helped hold wage growth below regional trends and improve housing affordability. Committee members asked about the breakdown of regulatory costs, the effect of energy codes, and ways to speed up permitting. The presenters said the costs were roughly split among federal, state, and local requirements, with local regulations adding about $25,000 to $35,000 and some energy-code changes adding about $19,000 per home. They said faster plan review, coordination with the Kentucky Division of Water, and addressing municipal staffing shortages could cut 30 to 45 days from approvals. Members also discussed the difficulty of building starter homes under about $350,000 and the need for more missing-middle housing, with the presenters saying such homes are hard to produce without sacrificing quality. The committee then took up Representative Kim Moer and Dr. Dale Bertram’s discussion of marriage and family therapist licensing and healthcare workforce data reporting. They explained that the bill would allow Kentucky to recognize out-of-state marriage and family therapists who meet licensure requirements, have no disciplinary history, and have passed the national exam, in order to reduce barriers and address provider shortages, especially in rural areas. They also described a separate workforce data reporting section that would require licensure boards to collect consistent information on where licensees practice and whether they are actively seeing patients, including through telehealth, so the state can better understand its healthcare workforce. Members supported the portability idea, noted that some qualified applicants are currently working in Indiana instead of Kentucky, and asked whether the data collection could be handled administratively; the sponsors said the bill would create consistency across boards. The committee also briefly discussed occupational board updates and the need for stronger communication between legislators and licensing boards, including architecture licensure issues and efforts to recruit more professionals.