Transcript Highlights:

• Dees<00:12:31.680> so<00:12:31.880> they'll<00:12:32.079> offset<00:12:32.519
• :33.120> in<00:12:33.240> the<00:12:33.399> budget<00:12:33.839> so<00:12
• :34.519> at<00:12:34.639> the<00:12:34.720> end<00:12:34.959> it's<00:12:
• :36.199> okay<00:12:36.480> so<00:12:36.880> Net<00:12:37.279> Zero<00:12
• ><01:12:01.520> that<01:12:02.080> okay<01:12:02.199> so<01:12:02.320> we

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met to continue work on House Bill 2, with the chair saying the goal was to finish the bill as given by the governor, though additional amendments were expected. Members first discussed the bail section and agreed to hold it for later because a separate House bail bill was expected on Thursday and could have significant county cost impacts. They also generally accepted the proposed reorganization of positions between Fish and Game, DNCR, and the Department of Environmental Services, but noted the need to review effective dates and funding details, including a possible double appropriation of $275,000 for a scientist position already funded in HB 1. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on environmental review and native plant-related sections moving functions from DNCR to DES. Members discussed changing the rulemaking timeline from 180 days to 90 days, and clarifying that “begin” means the public hearing stage. They also reviewed how fee revenue would shift between agencies in HB 1 so the budget impact would be net zero. The committee indicated it would prepare amendments reflecting these changes and revisit them at a later vote. The longest discussion concerned the boathouse provisions. Members debated whether the new definitions and construction standards were appropriate in a budget bill, with one member arguing they should be in a separate bill, while others said the provisions were urgent because of a lawsuit and the lack of clear guardrails. Concerns included the February 20, 2025 effective date, which some thought might be retroactive, the detailed limits on what may be stored in a boathouse, and a fee increase that some felt could discourage homeowners from seeking permits. The committee also questioned whether the fee structure should be tiered for smaller projects and whether permit-by-notification projects should be exempted. No final votes were taken on these sections during the discussion; instead, members agreed to seek legal and policy answers and to return with amendments and public hearing input before voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.400> and<01:12:00.920> they<01:12:01.040> will<01:12:01.160> be<01:12
• And<01:12:02.520> based<01:12:02.760> on<01:12:02.880> that,<01:12:03.120> I<
• > the<01:12:25.520> motion,<01:12:26.080> so<01:12:26.320> an<01:12:26.480
• That's<01:12:30.920> about<01:12:31.160> as<01:12:31.240> clear<01:12:31.440>
• We're going<01:12:32.200> to<01:12:32.280> be<01:12:32.400> careful<01:12:32.720

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:34.720> Let's<00:12:34.880> do<00:12:35.040> it<00:12:35.200> twice
• 00:12:41.040> the<00:12:41.200> Health<00:12:41.440> Finance<00:12:41.760> and
• We're going<00:12:48.160> to<00:12:48.240> do<00:12:48.399> a<00:12:48.560> shift
• go<00:12:50.000> to<00:12:50.160> the<00:12:50.320> testifier<00:12:51.040>
• table and Vice<00:12:51.920> Chair<00:12:52.800> Feist<00:12:53.360> will<00:12

Bills: HF3405, HF3413, HF3769, HF3768, HF3771, HF3465

Keywords: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, and then took up several Department of Corrections-related bills. House File 3768, as amended by the A1 amendment, would extend the DOC’s graduated licensing and enforcement tools to juvenile detention facilities and state-licensed halfway houses, allowing corrective action plans and conditional licenses instead of only revocation. Commissioner Paul Schnell and Dakota County Juvenile Services Center Deputy Director Matt Bower testified in support, saying the bill would improve consistency, stability, and accountability without changing jail licensing. Members asked about costs and sheriff input; the commissioner said the bill is cost-neutral and that sheriffs were informed but did not provide input. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill to the general register. The committee then heard House File 3769, another DOC technical update bill, which would clarify tuberculosis screening procedures when incarcerated people refuse testing, allow mental health units at more than one facility and short-term stabilization at Oak Park Heights when clinically appropriate, and clarify the department’s substance use disorder treatment programs. Schnell said the changes were technical but important for effective operations. Members again asked about county costs and sheriff support, and the commissioner said the bill affects only DOC facilities and is cost-neutral. The committee approved the motion to re-refer the bill to the Health Finance and Policy Committee. The final major item was House File 3405, the chair’s bill, as amended by the A3 amendment. The amendment broadened the definition of federal agents, made the effective date retroactive, and removed a sexual assault investigation section to eliminate the fiscal note. The bill would require the BCA’s use-of-force unit to investigate deaths caused by federal agents in Minnesota, not just Minnesota peace officers. Chair Mohler argued the bill closes a loophole and ensures state-level, independent investigations; Dr. B.B. Newman testified in support, saying it preserves Minnesota’s investigative authority and public confidence. Deputy Superintendent Scott Mueller said the BCA already investigates deadly-force cases and has handled some federal-related cases, but he did not think the bill was necessary and recommended a no vote. Members debated whether the bill was needed given existing practice, with supporters saying the statute should clearly require state investigation and opponents questioning whether it would change anything. The committee adopted the amendment and continued discussion of the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:02.480> And<00:12:02.640> I<00:12:02.800> mean,<00:12:02.880> I
• to<00:12:05.040> me,<00:12:05.279> I<00:12:05.440> I<00:12:05.600> I<
• I mean,<00:12:18.079> you<00:12:18.160> know,<00:12:18.320> I<00:12:18.480> I
• <00:12:24.800> to<00:12:24.959> make<00:12:25.120> this<00:12:25.360> too
• Um,<00:12:29.040> I've<00:12:29.279> got<00:12:29.440> one<00:12:29.680> more

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the August 20 meeting, and then heard testimony from Representative Steven Doan on House Bill 439, a school nutrition bill aimed at restricting certain ultra-processed foods in schools. Doan said the bill was inspired by his own health journey and his work in agriculture, and he described the measure as targeting specific chemical additives in foods served during the school day, not concession sales or after-hours activities. He said the bill would phase in later to give schools time to adjust and noted that the list of restricted additives was drawn from efforts in other states and advocacy groups. Members asked about the chemical abstract numbers, fiscal impact, summer meal programs, fundraisers, and whether the bill would affect parent-provided items; Doan said he had not done a fiscal note and explained that the bill was intended to apply only during instructional time on school property. Committee members generally reacted favorably, with some raising practical concerns about cost and implementation. One member asked about high fructose corn syrup, which Doan said was not included because it is too pervasive in the food system. Another member noted that schools already limit some homemade items and asked about the line between school-provided and parent-provided food. Doan also said the list was based in part on Turning Point USA materials and similar laws in other states, and he referenced federal efforts to define ultra-processed foods. The committee then heard from Kentucky Department of Education officials Matt Ross, Lauren Moore, and Katie Embry on school meals and nutrition programs. They outlined Kentucky’s school lunch, breakfast, summer meals, and other USDA child nutrition programs, including participation and reimbursement figures, and explained how community eligibility provision schools, meal patterns, offer-versus-serve, smart snacks, and local wellness policies work. They said USDA and FDA are currently seeking public input on a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods, that there are no current USDA requirements specifically on ultra-processed foods, and that schools already operate under federal and state rules governing competitive foods, including a state time restriction on smart snacks. They also discussed local purchasing, noting its benefits but also the procurement and staffing challenges schools face. No votes or final actions on the bill were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Honestly,<02:12:06.639> I<02:12:06.880> don't<02:12:06.960> care<02:12:07.199>
• <02:12:08.880> Um,<02:12:09.440> the<02:12:09.679> issue<02:12:10.000> is
• > what<02:12:14.239> can<02:12:14.400> we<02:12:14.639> do<02:12:15.199><
• do for people who<02:12:16.000> are<02:12:16.239> living<02:12:16.400> in<02:12:
• :12:23.840> and<02:12:24.000> I<02:12:24.159> can<02:12:24.239> tell<02:12

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:03.480> the<00:12:03.720> press<00:12:04.279> right<00:12:04.480>
• > doesn't<00:12:06.040> demand<00:12:06.560> that<00:12:06.680> you<00:12
• c><00:12:09.800> or<00:12:09.959> be<00:12:10.240> provided<00:12:10.680> a
• ><00:12:22.160> that<00:12:22.320> was<00:12:22.639> what<00:12:22.760> a
• was<00:12:24.199> um<00:12:24.519> the<00:12:24.720> computer<00:12:25.560>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard CACR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Keith Ammon to recognize a fundamental right to use computation resources. Ammon argued that computing is now essential to daily life, speech, education, and economic opportunity, and said the amendment was intended to push back against government or corporate restrictions, citing a 2023 federal executive order on AI registration and reporting as an example of the kind of precedent he wanted to oppose. He said the proposal should be simple and clear because it would go to voters, and he compared the right to compute to other constitutional rights that do not require the government to provide the underlying tools. Committee members raised concerns about the breadth of the language, including whether it could affect encryption, authentication, network security, energy use, and other regulatory issues. Representative McFarland questioned whether the amendment could interfere with security measures, while others asked whether it would prevent ordinary network management such as throttling or require the state to provide internet access or hardware. Ammon responded that the right would not entitle someone to other people’s resources and said encryption and similar issues would sort themselves out. Several members also raised concerns about child safety, public safety, and whether existing laws could still regulate misuse of computing; Ammon said reasonable limits would still apply, similar to other constitutional rights. Sarah Scott of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the amendment would protect innovation, individual autonomy, and economic competitiveness by preventing overregulation. After questions concluded, the chair closed the hearing on CACR 6. The committee then opened House Bill 615, sponsored by Representative Dan Maguire, which would substantially rewrite the state’s drug-forfeiture law. Maguire said the bill is intended to improve fairness and efficiency in cases where property such as cars or cash is seized in connection with drug offenses, noting that the criminal case and the civil forfeiture case are currently handled separately, with the property case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. He explained that the bill addresses courtroom procedure for these forfeiture actions and is meant to make the process more specific and orderly.

Transcript Highlights:

• > as<00:12:31.520> well<00:12:31.720> as<00:12:31.880> piloting<00:12:32.800
• 12 dyslexia. 12 dyslexia.
• If<01:12:12.480> we're<01:12:12.720> going<01:12:13.080> to<01:12:13.520> go<
• 12:50.320> funding<01:12:51.000> for<01:12:51.360> all<01:12:52.080> amongst<
• the schools<01:12:53.520> when<01:12:53.680> we<01:12:53.840> put<01:12:54.080>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't<03:12:09.359> I<03:12:09.760> actually<03:12:10.000> don't<03:12:10.080>
• and<03:12:23.520> how<03:12:23.760> many<03:12:24.000> have<03:12:24.240
• >> That's<03:12:28.319> a<03:12:28.479> good<03:12:28.640> question<03:12:
• <03:12:30.800> I<03:12:31.040> don't<03:12:31.120> know<03:12:31.279> how
• <03:12:34.240> Let<03:12:34.399> me<03:12:34.560> get<03:12:34.720> the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1334, which would remove the Education Freedom Account scholarship organization’s authority to approve “any other educational expense” under the EFA statute. The prime sponsor, Representative Porchelli, said the bill would narrow the law to the specifically listed qualifying expenses, avoid broad interpretation, and shift any questions to the Department of Education or the legislative oversight committee. In response to questions, she said she did not think the open-ended category had been needed and that the statute already clearly lists allowable expenses. A representative of the Children’s Scholarship Fund testified in opposition, saying the category is used rarely but is important for unusual cases, especially students with special needs, and that removing it could create unintended consequences. After testimony, the chair closed the hearing on HB 1334. The committee then heard HB 1513, which would move several EFA reporting and oversight requirements from administrative rules and the contract with the Children’s Scholarship Fund into statute. Representative Porchelli said the bill would consolidate existing requirements on timely responses to oversight requests, publication of expense reports by category and provider, and transmission of eligibility and enrollment data to the Department of Education. She described the bill as mostly a clarification and transparency measure rather than a substantive policy change. Members asked about the meaning of “timely access,” the 45-day deadline, whether the contract already covered these duties, and whether the scholarship organization had ever failed to comply. The Children’s Scholarship Fund said it had generally met the 45-day deadline, had not knowingly refused information requests, and that the quarterly reporting requirement could add cost; the sponsor said the DOE had provided guidance and was neutral. The hearing on HB 1513 was then closed. Finally, the committee heard HB 1256, which would repeal the state librarian’s authority to award scholarships for graduate library school attendance at American Library Association-accredited schools. Representative Drago said the law was unnecessary because the state does not currently have a state librarian, scholarships are not typically granted by statute, and he objected to the ALA accreditation requirement and what he described as the association’s political advocacy. In questions, he clarified that the bill targets the accreditation requirement rather than a specific school and said he did not think the state should direct taxpayer-funded scholarships toward ALA-accredited programs. A member raised First Amendment concerns, but the sponsor said the issue was not speech itself, only the use of taxpayer dollars and state law to support that direction. The transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on HB 1256.

Transcript Highlights:

• > us,<00:12:20.959> even<00:12:21.600> for<00:12:21.839> our<00:12:22.079
• little<00:12:27.440> shy<00:12:27.839> of<00:12:28.079> a<00:12:28.320><
• Increasing<00:12:35.120> this<00:12:35.360> supplement<00:12:35.760> would<00:12
• And<00:12:43.360> I'm<00:12:43.519> telling<00:12:43.680> you,<00:12:43.839>
• that close their jail<00:12:51.040> and<00:12:51.279> join<00:12:51.519> a<00:12

Keywords: Reupload to restore attendance roll call Roll Call 00:00:00 Approval of Minutes from September Meeting 00:00:24 Presentation of the Kentucky Association of Counties Legislative Platform for the Upcoming 2026 Session 00:01:48 Discussion of Legislation Concerning Firefighter Death Benefits 00:35:43 Discussion of DNA Collection in Jails for Felony Arrests 00:45:52 Discussion of Federal Immigration Law Enforcement 00:54:18 Adjournment 01:15:39, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its sixth meeting, established a quorum, and approved the minutes from the October 21 meeting. The main agenda item was a presentation from Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) leaders and county officials on jail funding and jail-system reform. Speakers said county jail costs have reached crisis levels, citing large and rising general-fund subsidies in counties such as Hardin, McCracken, and Warren, and noting that county general-fund contributions to jail funds have increased by 76% since 2019. KACo outlined a three-part legislative approach for the upcoming session: incentivizing regional jails, clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees, and redefining the model for housing state inmates in county jails. On regional jails, they proposed one-time state construction funding, statutory changes to allow former county jails to serve as 96-hour holdover facilities, broader participation of jailers on regional jail authority boards, an increased supplement for closed county jails, and a one-time payment for counties that close local jails and join regional facilities. Union County Judge Adam Onan described his county’s savings from contracting with Webster County and said regionalization can reduce costs where feasible. Harlan County Judge Executive Dan Mosley focused on pre-trial felony detainees, saying counties bear the full cost of housing people awaiting trial for long periods, sometimes years, and that pre-trial time is later credited toward state sentences. He argued the state benefits from that credit and referenced prior bills that would have reimbursed counties for time-served credit. Shelley Hampton then proposed replacing the current per diem model for state inmates with contracts requiring the Department of Corrections to pay actual housing costs and to support programming such as substance abuse treatment, cognitive behavioral programming, re-entry services, workforce training, and academics. No votes were taken on the jail proposals, and the meeting ended with the presentation and discussion of the county recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• > pest<00:12:21.000> on<00:12:21.120> it<00:12:21.399> okay<00:12:21.760>
• > time<00:12:25.760> it<00:12:25.920> Imports<00:12:26.560> you<00:12:26.800
• :12:31.000> way<00:12:31.240> I<00:12:31.399> see<00:12:31.760> this<00:12
• we<00:12:35.160> don't<00:12:35.320> have<00:12:35.440> un<00:12:35.560>
• > to<00:12:39.560> you<00:12:39.680> can<00:12:39.800> list<00:12:40.040>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation. The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:02.000> But<00:12:02.160> the<00:12:02.720> district's<00:12:03.200><
• /c><00:12:18.160> at<00:12:18.480> how<00:12:18.639> can<00:12:18.800> we
• <00:12:20.079> Do<00:12:20.320> we<00:12:20.480> really<00:12:20.639> need
• What we could<00:12:24.160> do<00:12:24.399> is<00:12:24.639> we<00:12:24.959>
• 00:12:28.639> through<00:12:29.200> eight<00:12:29.440> building<00:12:30.720>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I<01:12:01.920> didn't<01:12:02.080> want<01:12:02.239> to<01:12:02.640> meet
• > because<01:12:04.480> of<01:12:05.360> uh<01:12:05.440> the<01:12:05.760
• Then<01:12:08.480> we'll<01:12:08.800> be<01:12:08.960> meeting<01:12:09.199>
• Our<01:12:28.400> sixth<01:12:28.719> meeting<01:12:29.040> will<01:12:29.280>
• 7th<01:12:39.840> meeting<01:12:40.159> would<01:12:40.400> be<01:12:40.640>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met to review its mission and to discuss recent work on a letter sent to the governor and legislative leaders regarding COVID vaccine safety and related scientific references. Members said the letter, which included 31 cited sources, had been delivered to the governor’s office, the Speaker’s office, and the Senate President’s office, and a press release had been issued. Several members defended the letter’s sourcing and urged the public to read the materials and evaluate the evidence themselves, while also acknowledging questions about the trustworthiness of some cited articles. A major portion of the meeting focused on a research assistant’s effort to use AI tools to help reconstruct and verify the committee’s 2024 COVID report with citations. She reported mixed results from Copilot and Gemini, noting that the tools often produced broad or incomplete outputs and that she would need to break the report into smaller sections and ask for more specific source types. Members advised using more precise prompts and emphasized that any AI output would still need human verification. The committee said it hoped to produce a revised, fully footnoted 2024 report by early September. The chair then outlined the committee’s fall agenda, saying it would examine long COVID treatment, the patient bill of rights as it relates to COVID vaccinations and death reporting, standards of care and professional judgment by New Hampshire health care providers, and oversight of federal COVID-related funding such as CARES Act education relief dollars. He also referenced a recent fraud case involving misuse of COVID funds and suggested the committee may ask the DOJ for information. The committee will not meet in July or August and plans to resume in September and October, with a final report targeted for the end of October. The chair also introduced a recent DNI/Tulsi Gabbard press release about U.S.-funded biolabs overseas, which members discussed as a possible transparency issue relevant to future pandemic policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:12.719> um<01:12:13.120> ruling<01:12:13.520> one<01:12:13.840> way
• <01:12:17.679> uh<01:12:17.920> many<01:12:18.159> of<01:12:18.320> them<
• :21.440> got<01:12:21.600> to<01:12:21.760> find<01:12:22.000> the<01:12:
• :45.600> power<01:12:45.760> to<01:12:46.000> any<01:12:46.159> one<01:12
• And I know<01:12:57.040> it's<01:12:57.280> busy<01:12:57.520> time<01:12:57.679

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the rule of law with U.S. Representative Ed Case. Chair Carl Rhodes opened by explaining the purpose of the briefing, noting it was being livestreamed and that public testimony would not be taken in the usual way. He described the rule of law as central to democracy and introduced Case, who was invited to discuss the concept and its relevance to recent federal actions affecting Hawaii. Case framed the rule of law as a durable system grounded in the Constitution, federal laws, separation of powers, and checks and balances, with each branch of government and the public itself playing a role. He emphasized that Congress makes the laws, the president executes them, and the courts decide whether the Constitution and laws are being followed. He also stressed that elected officials swear to uphold this structure and that the rule of law is distinct from ordinary policy disagreements. Case then argued that the Trump administration has undermined the rule of law through actions such as dismantling or weakening agencies created and funded by law, withholding appropriated funds, removing inspectors general and other independent officials, ignoring or challenging court orders, weakening the independence of agencies like the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve, and intimidating dissenting voices, the press, and other opponents. He said these actions have harmed Hawaii and reflect a coordinated effort to concentrate power in the executive branch. He noted that Congress has not been serving as an effective check, while federal courts have been the main remaining check through more than 46 lawsuits, and he identified voters as the ultimate check and balance, briefly correcting the timing of the next midterm election to 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• text<00:12:24.639> articles<00:12:24.959> from<00:12:25.200> newspapers<00:12:25.760
• Journal<00:12:27.680> and<00:12:27.839> the<00:12:28.000> New<00:12:28.160>
• Last month,<00:12:30.240> the<00:12:30.399> boys<00:12:30.800> class<00:12:31.040
• national news<00:12:33.760> because<00:12:34.000> it<00:12:34.160> drew<00:12:34.399
• Motans love<00:12:43.279> hockey<00:12:43.680> and<00:12:43.920> they<00:12:44.079

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :43.959> packages<00:12:44.360> still<00:12:44.639> must<00:12:44.839> go
• :48.480> it's<00:12:48.639> N9<00:12:48.920> lers<00:12:49.240> of<00:12:
• :50.360> N9<00:12:50.600> lers<00:12:50.880> of<00:12:51.079> wine<00:12:
• :12:54.160> all<00:12:54.399> this<00:12:54.560> has<00:12:54.680> to<00:
• :12:58.560> retail<00:12:58.880> to<00:12:59.199> restaurant<00:12:59.560> bill

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on March 27, 2025, with a quorum present and first took up House Bill 255, relating to physical therapy. The bill sponsor and representatives of the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy and APTA Kentucky said the measure is mainly a cleanup and modernization bill that updates outdated statutory language, changes PTAs from “certified” to “licensed,” gives the board authority to purchase liability insurance, moves fee and fine caps into regulation without changing current fees, renames temporary permits as provisional licenses, and creates a pathway to more easily recognize some internationally trained physical therapists already practicing in other states. Senators asked whether the bill changed training, scope of practice, Medicaid, or supervised practice standards; witnesses said it did not, and that supervised practice requirements remain in place with out-of-state practice accepted only when equivalent or more stringent. The committee approved HB 255 with favorable expression. The committee then considered House Bill 618, an alcoholic beverages measure with a Senate committee substitute. The bill was described as having three parts: allowing restaurants to buy limited quantities of alcohol from retail outlets to meet customer demand while keeping the three-tier system intact and requiring quarterly reporting; creating a temporary auctioneer license to auction previously retail-sold alcohol in original packaging, such as estate or bourbon collections; and giving quota bar license holders the same opportunity restaurants already have to sell barrel picks by the bottle. Testimony supported the bill as a way to help restaurants, auctioneers, and bars, while a senator raised a question about sales tax on auction sales and another noted that nonprofit or church-related alcohol auctions already require permits under existing law. One senator suggested future guardrails to encourage local purchasing, but no amendment was adopted. The committee passed HB 618 with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• know<00:12:37.240> have<00:12:37.639> assets<00:12:38.160> or<00:12:38.279>
• <00:12:43.839> I<00:12:43.959> think<00:12:44.199> that's<00:12:44.480> kind<
• a<00:12:46.320> an<00:12:46.519> unnecessary<00:12:47.279> burden<00:12:47.720>
• :12:49.399> I'll<00:12:49.519> be<00:12:49.639> voting<00:12:49.880> with
• c><00:12:52.320> noted<00:12:52.839> any<00:12:53.040> other<00:12:53.480> comments

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held decision-making and hearing sessions on February 25, 2025, on several measures. In decision-making, the committee passed with amendments SP 588 SD1, SP 1245 SD1 (pharmacists), SB 1287 (transparency), and SP 1298 SD1 (recycling), generally adopting agency-requested or technical amendments and in several cases pushing the effective date far into the future to keep the bills moving. The committee deferred SP 1149 SD1 and SP 281 SD1 for one day, and indefinitely deferred SP 1286 SD1 on motor vehicles after noting no supportive or opposing testimony and that the Office of Consumer Protection wanted to work further with the introducer. In the later hearing on consumer-protection-related measures, the committee heard testimony on SB 419 (insurance), SB 942 (rental applications), and SB 1142 (insurance proceeds). SB 419 would require auto insurance to cover replacement of a damaged child passenger restraint system; the Attorney General’s office suggested language to avoid contract impairment, and the measure was advanced with amendments. SB 942 would bar landlords from rejecting applicants solely for lack of a recent paycheck if they can show sufficient liquid assets or unearned income; testimony was largely supportive, with Realtors asking for clarifying amendments to protect their fiduciary duties, while a witness opposed those changes as an unnecessary burden on retirees and elders. SB 1142 would impose requirements on mortgage services for disbursing insurance proceeds after damage to residential property; DCCA and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement supported it, and the committee advanced it with technical amendments and a defective effective date. Across the actions, the committee repeatedly voted to pass measures with amendments, with the chair voting aye and, on SB 942, the vice chair voting with reservations over the Realtors’ amendments. No measures were rejected in the portions provided, and the committee adjourned after adopting the recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we<00:12:00.800> were<00:12:00.959> able<00:12:01.200> to<00:12:01.440>
• <00:12:04.880> stand<00:12:05.279> up<00:12:05.680> within<00:12:06.160> two<
• <00:12:07.760> a<00:12:08.160> threeweek<00:12:09.440> program<00:12:10.399>
• by community<00:12:18.240> driven<00:12:18.720> and<00:12:19.120> executed<00:12
• And<00:12:26.399> so<00:12:26.639> communities<00:12:27.200> are<00:12:27.440>

Bills: HB2437, HB1815, HB1614, HB1613, HB1612, HB2411, HB2597, HB2583, HB2474, HB1863, HB2590, HB1813, HB1838, HB2138, HB1967, HB1576, HB2139, HB1605, HB2113, HB812, HB1831, HB1707, HB2561, HB1805, HB2469, HB2472, HB2387, HB1658, HB1661, HB1664, HB1859, HB2276, HB2335, HB1656, HB2116, HB2272, HB2273, HB2340, HB2158, HB2339, HB2489, HB2159, HB2171, HB2338, HB2005, HB1952, HB1872, HB1676, HB2384, HB2614, HB20, HB1776, HB1565, HB2310, HB1975, HB1801, HB1668, HB2114, HB1972, HB1546, HB1518, HB1131, HB2208, HB2156, HB2268, HB2622, HB2581, HB2498, HB2443, HB1577, HB2033, HB2031, HB2023, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2315, HB2343, HB2501, HB2505, HB816, HB1562, HB1591, HB1853, HB1854, HB1871, HB1965, HB1966, HB1537, HB1541, HB276, HB2606, HB2270, HB1920, HB1756, HB1727, HB1718, HB1715, HB1713, HB1711

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund, one percent for art, public art, art in public places, relocatable works of art, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, DAGS

Transcript Highlights:

• And<01:12:17.440> I've<01:12:17.600> worked<01:12:18.120> as<01:12:18.280> you
• > a<01:12:46.440> lot<01:12:46.640> of<01:12:46.720> bills,<01:12:47.160>
• 01:12:50.720> of<01:12:50.840> bills<01:12:51.200> that<01:12:51.400> I've
• <01:12:54.400> Warren<01:12:54.720> Limmer<01:12:54.960> is<01:12:55.080>
• :58.000> or<01:12:58.200> the<01:12:58.280> next<01:12:58.640> time<01:12

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> are<00:12:25.040> if<00:12:25.160> there<00:12:25.240> are<00:12:25.399><
• > in<00:12:26.120> the<00:12:26.399> firm<00:12:27.399> and<00:12:27.600>
• :12:28.800> are<00:12:28.959> we<00:12:29.279> still<00:12:29.440> looking
• at a<00:12:29.920> firm<00:12:30.320> that<00:12:30.839> has<00:12:31.800> now
• the other three<00:12:35.079> names<00:12:35.519> are<00:12:35.760> still<00:12

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on March 4, 2025, with a quorum present and several members absent or marked not voting during roll calls. The committee first heard Senate Bill 133, sponsored by Senator David Yates, which makes a small wording change to clarify sanctioning bodies for boxing and wrestling exhibitions. Yates said the bill is intended to close a legal gap affecting amateur boxing and wrestling clubs, especially those not affiliated with schools, and to ensure charitable and exhibition events remain properly sanctioned and safe for youth participants. The bill received a favorable recommendation after a roll-call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 190, sponsored by Senator Mike Nemes, on charitable gaming. Nemes explained that the bill would allow certain groups to run three bingo sessions per week instead of two and increase volunteer participation limits from four to six times per week; he emphasized that the measure does not involve horses or casinos. The committee approved the bill favorably after a brief question from Senator Berg about why volunteer limits exist. Finally, the committee took up House Bills 261 and 262, both related to certified public accountants. HB 261 would allow retired CPAs to provide certain uncompensated public or nonprofit services, provided they complete a retirement-based continuing education waiver; members asked for clarification that the authority applies after retirement, not while active. HB 262 would let a CPA firm keep its name when the last remaining owner is left after another owner’s death or retirement, rather than requiring a name change; Senator Meredith asked about protections if an estate objects or if the prior name is associated with misconduct, and the board representative said remedies remain available and there is no time limit on enforcement. Both bills passed with favorable expression, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Okay.<01:12:30.960> Now,<01:12:31.520> having<01:12:31.840> said<01:12:
• > to<01:12:33.679> I<01:12:34.000> don't<01:12:34.080> want<01:12:34.239>
• Now, but<01:12:41.440> you<01:12:41.679> turn<01:12:42.000> right<01:12:42.320><
• My concerns<01:12:46.800> is<01:12:47.040> this,<01:12:47.280> and<01:12:47.520>
• 12:48.480> the<01:12:48.719> proper<01:12:48.960> time,<01:12:49.280> but

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber received several House messages referring local bills to the Committee on Local Legislation, including measures affecting Lawrence, Clayurn, Limestone, Shelby, and Alabaster. The Senate also recognized guests in the gallery, including local leaders, law enforcement officials, and a Jackson County Junior Leadership group. During personal privilege remarks, Senator Figures offered a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., highlighting his civil rights legacy, political influence, and impact on Black voter participation and representation; the Senate observed a moment of silence. Senator Smitherman also thanked her for the remarks. The Senate then adopted Senate Joint Resolution 47, mourning the death and celebrating the life of John J. Guthrie Jr., and Senate Joint Resolution 48, commending Tommy Jax for emergency actions to help a sick child. The Senate considered numerous confirmations from the Committee on Confirmations, all receiving favorable reports and being confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls, including Walter Bracie and Eric Bone to the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, Morgan Garner and Susie Beal to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Joe Brown, Brian Williams, James Spears, Charles Hedrickk, and Kathy Pierce to the Alabama Board of Polygraph Examiners. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including local legislation and county/municipal government measures. On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar and passed or adopted several bills: SB 239 on child custody jurisdiction enforcement, SB 190 on a sales tax exemption for an ocular eye service company, SB 252 on Governor’s Mansion Authority employees and leave benefits, SB 170 on health savings account regulatory coordination, SB 210 on the chiropractic board, SB 242 on commercial driver’s licenses, and SB 70 on crimes and offenses. SB 247 on insurance was carried over at the sponsor’s request for further work, and SB 83 on guardianships and conservatorships was taken up with discussion of a committee amendment to clarify removal of proceedings from probate to circuit court and notice requirements; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.