Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:42.640> license Optometry exam for initial license Optometry exam for initial license
• > an<00:04:25.720> emergency The board initially filed an emergency The board initially
• At the time the regulation was initially At the time the regulation was initially filed,<00:05:08.360
• psychometrically validated for initial psychometrically validated for initial licensing<00:25:16.160
• initial licensing. initial licensing.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection. Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection. Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said it is all about what is good for the students, but in some cases it appears that does not always
• /c><02:09:06.159> some<02:09:06.320> cases<02:09:06.639> it<02:09:06.880> appears
• He said they have added the RAISE Act, which is adding a lot more money, and a number of other initiatives
• Fearful that the funding promised the restoration of the Capitol would not appear if the legislature
• You know the Pharisees, they had an outward appearance of righteousness.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I did want to look up and see the example cited, and it does appear that the individual with the
• Um, it appears that statute 6096666...
• And it does appear that there's a good thing that there are criminal charges in the example that was
• And it does appear that there's a good thing that there are criminal charges in the example that was
• initiated by law enforcement. initiated by law enforcement.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have no more cards and then one appears have no more cards and then one appears out<02:05:01.599
• They didn't initiate the accident here. That's the difference with this.
• They didn't initiate the accident here. That's the difference with this.
• They didn't initiate the accident here. That's the difference with this.
• Initially, I would just like to address some of the other initial points that were just raised in the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up HB 297 with a non-germane amendment proposed by the Insurance Department to create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Commissioner DJ Beton explained that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce rising insurance premiums and avoid surplus lines coverage by funding proactive home and property improvements such as roof fortification, exterior and foundation work, flood protection, and tree removal. He said the proposal was developed after leadership asked for more statutory detail and for the idea to be vetted through policy committees rather than handled only in the budget process. Beton said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. He described the program as modeled on similar efforts in other states, with means testing tied to the Department of Energy’s weatherization/home heating assistance criteria. He also said the department would administer the program using one existing staff position, with coordination through Treasury, and that unspent funds would roll over for several years before reverting to the general fund. Members asked about the unusual use of a non-germane amendment and how the bill would be handled procedurally, since the underlying bill and the new insurance proposal were unrelated. The chair explained that the amendment was being used as a vehicle to move the department’s proposal through the committee process and that the committee could later accept one part, both parts, or neither. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting shown; the discussion ended with questions about administration, staffing, and the relationship between the underlying bill and the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is an honor to appear before you, and on behalf of my organization, I want to thank you for your good
• The state's 30-by-30 initiative to conserve 30% of land and water is vitally important for the state.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here appearing on behalf of the St. Louis Police Retirement System.
• You've kind of got the initial arc of that, and then it dries up and they find a different way to increase

Summary: The committee on Crime and Public Safety met for public hearings on three bills. Senate Bill 1652, sponsored by Sen. Angela Mosley, would create a permanent office in the Missouri Department of Public Safety focused on missing and murdered African-American women and girls, including a Phoenix Alert system, data collection, cold-case review, and support for community organizations. The sponsor and several supporters, including family members and advocates, said Black women and girls are disproportionately missing, often misclassified as runaways, and do not receive equal attention from law enforcement. Some members questioned whether the office should be broader and include all missing persons, and the Department of Public Safety’s estimated six FTEs and funding through grants/private sources were discussed. No vote was taken on the bill at the hearing. Senate Bill 1572, by Sen. Mike Henderson, would change the St. Louis Police Retirement System board by staggering the mayor’s two appointments and limiting three elected board seats to active commissioned officers elected by active members, with travel time provided for board duties. The sponsor and witnesses said the change is intended to prevent the board from losing quorum when appointments are delayed or members are unavailable, which had created problems for major fiduciary decisions. The bill was described as technical and received no opposition in the hearing. House Bill 3533, by Rep. Knight, would raise casino admission fees and gaming taxes and adjust related revenue provisions, with funds directed to state purposes including natural resources, historic preservation, education, and the Gaming Commission. The sponsor framed it as a revenue measure, while the Missouri Gaming Association opposed it, arguing the higher fees and taxes would significantly burden casinos, reduce reinvestment, and could drive patrons to neighboring states or illegal gaming machines. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry also opposed the bill in principle, saying the committee should be cautious about targeting one industry for higher taxes and fees. No committee action or vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here appearing on behalf of the St. Louis Police Retirement System.
• You've kind of got the initial arc of that, and then it dries up, and they find a different way to increase

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee on Crime and Public Safety heard testimony on Senate Bill 1652, which would create a permanent office in the Missouri Department of Public Safety focused on missing and murdered African-American women and girls. Senator Angela Mosley said the office would review cold cases, improve data collection, support community organizations, and include a proposed Phoenix Alert for missing persons. Supporters, including family members and advocates, described long-standing disparities in how missing Black women and girls are treated, said cases are often mislabeled as runaways, and argued the state needs dedicated staff and resources. Some members raised questions about whether the office should serve all missing persons and about the bill’s estimated cost and staffing, but the bill was generally supported in testimony and no vote was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1572, sponsored by Senator Mike Henderson, which would change the membership structure of the St. Louis Police Retirement System board. The bill would stagger the mayor’s two appointments and require the three elected board members to be active commissioned officers elected by active members of the system, with travel time provided for board duties. Henderson said the change was prompted by a prior quorum problem caused by vacancies and illness. The St. Louis Police Retirement System and related city stakeholders supported the bill, describing it as a technical fix to avoid future quorum failures. The measure had already passed the Senate 31-0 and was reported to have passed the House pension committee unanimously. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3533, which would raise casino admission fees and gaming taxes and direct additional revenue to state funds, including natural resources, historic preservation, education, and the Gaming Commission. The sponsor framed it as a revenue measure, while the Missouri Gaming Association opposed it, arguing the bill would significantly increase costs on casinos, could reduce reinvestment, and might require voter approval for some sports betting-related changes. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce also opposed the bill in principle, saying it did not want to pick winners and losers through targeted tax increases. No action or vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after the HB 3533 testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• It makes it appear like we're going to pay for this whole thing with the cost savings.
• Senator, I think there's going to be a whole bunch of initiatives that we're going to be able to fund

Summary: The committee considered several appropriation and transfer requests, beginning with a $273,000 temporary appropriation for the Department of Labor and Licensing to cover administrative costs for its enterprise licensing platform, funded by license and application fees. It then reviewed two large Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests: $280 million for the Department of Transportation for the final quarter of the fiscal year, and $195 million for the State Broadband Office to support the Arkansas BEAD broadband grant program, including an extra help position and grants to internet service providers. The broadband item drew extensive questions about awardees, contract amendments, accountability, build-out timelines, backup plans if providers default, the definition of broadband serviceable locations, and the cost per location. The State Broadband Director said no providers had requested amendments, the program would use milestone-based disbursements and a four-year build-out period, and the first tranche would serve 51,566 homes and businesses with $126.1 million in grants. Both Section B and Section C items were approved. In Section D, the committee approved a $458,000 transfer within the Department of Correction from the female work release program to the Tucker Unit water treatment plant, a $25 million transfer within the Department of Education to cover declining enrollment, teacher incentive, school recognition, and Easter Seals funding, and a $229,000 transfer for the Department of Shared Administrative Services to support two project management office positions. The education transfer prompted questions about how declining enrollment funding is calculated, how many districts receive it, and how long districts can continue to receive it; agency staff said 152 districts were on the preliminary list and the formula is based on the prior two-year average ADM compared with the previous year. The committee also gave favorable advice on a proposed $4.7 million loan for the Office of State Technology to implement ServiceNow and related IT modernization tools; agency officials said the loan would be repaid through cost recovery rates over five years and would replace an existing loan that is ending, with expected savings from consolidating applications but no precise savings estimate yet. The committee then reviewed cash fund and federal grant requests, including $200,000 for wage and hour claimant payments, $15 million for unclaimed property claims, $8,000 for a heritage program grant, and $1.1 million for a College and Career Coaches grant to expand services in rural districts. It also reviewed pay plan and budget manual items without objection. The most extensive report discussion focused on the Medicaid trust fund, where DHS and DFA officials said the balance has been declining and that the state may need to add capital back into the fund. Senators and representatives asked about the current balance, the projected year-end level, the role of the $100 million set-aside, the impact of outstanding Medicaid rules from the prior session, and whether future federal funding could help reduce long-term Medicaid costs. Officials said they are still working through more than 10 outstanding rules with CMS and do not yet have a final price tag for those changes. The meeting ended after the reports were reviewed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• personally know landowners that have essentially saved their operation due to the conservation initiatives
• I do not appear here in favor of the bill or in opposition to the bill, just to answer any questions.

Bills: HB186, HB92, HJM1

Keywords: tax credit, land conservation, biodiversity, agricultural preservation, historic preservation, natural resources, open space, tax exemption, Social Security, income, retirement, financial relief, Taiwan, trade, technology, education, international relations, economic partnership, New Mexico, United States

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a contract lobbyist here in New Mexico, not appearing on behalf of any particular client today.
• Project office and they would really appreciate an opportunity to come and talk about that initiative

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• It does not appear the roll is currently open. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, it's broken?
• This bill also establishes initial and renewal fees for these plates.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State through networking events, targeted programming, workshops, resource sharing, and other initiatives
• Uh, unfortunately, it appears that, uh, we need a little bit of a refresher of what Doge is all about

Transcript Highlights:

• accomplished over the last five years, resulting in such positive tools as the Care Portal and Hope Initiative
• Megan Ladue, a proponent, wishes to appear in person. You are recognized. Hi, thank you.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and passed several bills. HB 293 would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Executive Office of the Governor, create a liaison and advisory council, and was supported by faith-based and nonprofit groups; some members questioned possible duplication with existing services and the source of any future funding, but the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 547 would create an exception to the 30-day notice requirement before hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers sell medical debt when the debt buyer agrees not to use interest, fees, or extraordinary collection actions and must return charity-care-eligible debt; it passed unanimously after brief support testimony. CS/HB 1553 would require reporting of uterine fibroid data to the Department of Health to create a de-identified public database and reauthorize funding for implementation; it also passed 24-0, with members noting the earlier database mandate had not been carried out. The committee then took up CS/HB 1195, “Gage’s Law,” which would require hospitals and hospital-based emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine drug screens for suspected overdose or poisoning cases. The bill was presented as a response to overdose deaths and the need to better detect fentanyl, and emotional testimony from a parent described a son’s death after a hospital did not test for fentanyl. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing stigma, the need for better treatment and data, and the potential to save lives; the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 47 on child care and early learning providers would streamline inspections, speed background screening, offer free online training/testing, update definitions, protect certain family child care homes from insurance issues, and create a license-exempt category for employer-provided child care; after questions about parent notice, database listing, background checks, and insurance, an amendment was adopted and the bill passed 24-0 as amended. Finally, CS/HB 647 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to sign death certificates in hospice settings, addressing delays that can leave families waiting to complete burial arrangements. Support testimony came from advocacy and hospice groups, and members cited the bill’s importance for families and religious burial timelines. The bill passed 23-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the playoffs, the Jaguars bulldozed their way through to their second state tournament appearance
• continued to grow and we welcome thousands of newcomers to our state, Texas realtors often provide that initial

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss managing risk in the SBA 7A Loan
• I will say we're in conversations with Boston Impact Initiatives, which is a venture capital sort of

Keywords: SBA, 7A loan program, underwriting standards, loan defaults, Community Advantage Program, small business funding, testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions regarding the SBA's 7A loan program and its implementation challenges. Members raised significant concerns about recent changes to the underwriting standards, which have been criticized for leading to an increase in loan defaults. Ranking members expressed a desire for a return to stronger guidelines to protect taxpayers and ensure the program remains a viable source for small businesses struggling to secure funding. Testimonies from community lenders highlighted their efforts to support underserved communities and stressed the importance of the Community Advantage Program.

Transcript Highlights:

• GWPC has initiated a Class VI training program, including Developing a classics curriculum in conjunction
• Capito, Ranking Member Whitehouse, and members of this committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear

Transcript Highlights:

• What appears to be an opportunity gradually becomes manipulation, isolation, dependency, and exploitation
• Page 1, Senate Bill 1838, Singleton-McKnight, Coda Fies, Bringing Veterans Home Initiative.
• Page 1, Senate Bill 1838, Singleton-McKnight, Coda Fies, Bringing Veterans Home Initiative.
• The committee amendments would reflect that the Bringing Veterans Home Initiative was launched in the
• I want to thank the bill's sponsors, Assembly Maniama, Senators Crine, and Lagana for this initiative

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One last thing is, I know we were talking about you wanting to initiate a working group within these
• Senate president, the speaker, all united in the initiatives that we have laid out in our SPEED Task
• And these are initiatives that we can all agree on. And we really... We can all agree on.
• District boundary amendments can also be initiated by state or county agencies.
• Committee members track when those national codes appear.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for appearing at the bill presentation I had on the foster parent tax credit.
• We try to prioritize placing with relatives initially if it's safe and appropriate, and if not, we have
• It's called a quality assurance initiative where we loop back and review every single case, and we have
• So initially, we have a lot of different programs.
• The initial quote was that amount. We have made an assessment of what are half to half.

Bills: SB48, SB64, SB100

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• Because they've been advised by their attorneys that anything that appears to be an admission of liability
• On page 6 is our licensing procedure for an initial application. The application takes some time.
• These compacts were initiated to help military families, but in New Mexico, we already have expedited
• These compacts were initiated to help military families. Mr. Chair, Representative?
• And am I clear that's an initiative?