Transcript Highlights:

• Um director, thank<00:02:41.680><c> you</c><00:02:41.760><c> for</c><00:02:41.920><c> your</c><00:02:
• Good<00:02:43.040><c> luck</c><00:02:43.280><c> this</c><00:02:43.519><c> afternoon.
• </c><00:02:46.879><c> Your</c><00:02:47.120><c> thoughts</c><00:02:47.280><c> and</c><00:02:47.440><c
• </c><00:02:49.120><c> I</c><00:02:49.280><c> I've</c><00:02:49.599><c> got</c><00:02:49.680><c> it</c
• </c><00:02:50.640><c> Um</c><00:02:51.760><c> in</c><00:02:52.080><c> the</c><00:02:52.239><c> wake</

Summary: The committee first approved the July 9 minutes without objection and heard from Jay Hartz and Jonathan Harris of the Legislative Research Commission. Members asked about Capitol and legislator security in light of recent targeted shootings in other states. Hartz said LRC had removed members’ home addresses from its website, was reviewing other state-government records for similar information, and was working with the Speaker, Senate President, Kentucky State Police, and outside security experts on broader safety measures. He also said LRC is exploring commercial products to help block personal contact information from public view, but declined to name vendors publicly. Harris added that driver’s license scans at the Capitol are handled by Kentucky State Police, while LRC has a process for flagging high-volume or concerning contacts for police review. The LRC also reported that redistricting work has already begun, with census coordination underway, evaluation of redistricting software including Mapitude and open-source tools, and plans to make the same tools available to the public in the LRC library. The committee then heard from Kentucky Wired Operations Company CEO Robert Morphonius, COO Tom Snyder, and counsel Patrick Hughes about the Kentucky Wired network. They explained the corporate structure: Kentucky Wired Operations Company is a private for-profit special purpose entity that designs, builds, operates, and maintains the network; Kentucky Wired Infrastructure Company is a nonprofit instrumentality used for financing; and Open Fiber Kentucky handles commercialization of excess capacity under a wholesale agreement. They said Kentucky Wired Operations is in the operations and maintenance phase, with those obligations continuing until 2045, and that technical changes to the network generally require KCNA approval through formal change-order processes. They also said the company conducted a market test in June 2023 under Schedule 19 of its contract, considered proposals including Open Fiber and the incumbent service provider, and retained the existing provider. Members asked about KCNA’s role, procurement, network customers, and revenue. The witnesses said Quac operates outside normal state procurement because its process is governed by contract, while KCNA acts as the Commonwealth’s oversight authority and filter for changes. They identified current network users as including AOC, KCTCS, postsecondary education, and other Commonwealth agencies, with all requests routed through KCNA; they also said a separate change process for Exceliccom is in litigation. On funding, they said the operation is paid through monthly appropriations, with roughly a million dollars a month for the service provider and a couple hundred thousand for Quac’s oversight, not including debt service, which is bundled into the availability payment. The discussion ended as members began asking about responsibility for damage-related costs such as squirrel-related outages.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00:25.199><c> is</c><02:00:25.639><c> we</c><02:00:25.760><c> just</c><02:00:25.880><c> need</c><02:
• 02:01:08.239><c> of</c><02:01:08.360><c> a</c><02:01:08.520><c> surplus</c><02:01:08.960><c> is</c><02
• uh increases so I think<02:02:00.840><c> when</c><02:02:00.960><c> you</c><02:02:01.159><c> look</c>
• <02:02:01.400><c> at</c><02:02:01.880><c> uh</c><02:02:02.079><c> that</c><02:02:02.199><c> slide</c>
• <02:05:08.520><c> um</c><02:05:08.920><c> need</c><02:05:09.840><c> in</c><02:05:10.719><c> um</c><02

Summary: The Committee on Finance held its first informational briefing for 2025, beginning with member introductions and then hearing an economic outlook presentation from Dr. Eugene Tian of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Dr. Tian said Hawaii’s economy was in relatively good shape in several areas, especially construction, which he described as at a historical high, with construction employment above 40,000 monthly and building permit values and contracting tax base both up sharply. He also noted real estate sales had rebounded in 2024, the labor market had stabilized with unemployment around 2.9%, and initial unemployment claims were below 2019 levels. At the same time, he highlighted challenges including inflation running above the national rate, a shrinking labor force, lower employment compared with 2023, and continued weakness in visitor spending and arrivals. He said future growth would likely come from health care, professional services, construction, tourism recovery, and diversified sectors such as renewable energy, aquaculture, creative industries, and technology. Dr. Tian also discussed Hawaii’s economic structure and recovery, saying the state remains more concentrated in a few industries than the U.S. overall, with government and hospitality making up larger shares of the economy. He said non-tourism sectors had recovered, but tourism-related jobs and output were still below pre-pandemic levels, with Maui and the visitor industry still affected by the wildfire and COVID-19 impacts. He projected tourism and non-agricultural wage and salary jobs would not fully recover until 2027, and said population trends remain a concern because of aging, the likelihood of deaths outpacing births in coming years, and reliance on in-migration. After his presentation, the chair said questions would be taken later and the committee took a short break. After the break, Dr. Carano of the Hawaii Executive Director’s office presented a second outlook, saying Hawaii’s economy in 2025 looked better than 2024 overall, though he emphasized substantial uncertainty tied to the incoming federal administration. He said possible changes to tariffs, tax policy, immigration, and federal spending could raise inflation and keep interest rates higher than previously expected, which would affect housing, consumer debt, the dollar, and Hawaii’s visitor industry. He noted that U.S. visitors account for roughly three-quarters of visitor spending in the state, making federal policy especially important. He also said deregulation could be a long-term positive but would not likely have much effect in 2025 or 2026. As an additional risk, he pointed to bird flu and its effect on livestock, poultry, and egg prices. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• your understanding<00:02:01.119><c> I</c><00:02:01.280><c> remind</c><00:02:01.600><c> you</c><00:02
• ><c> uh</c><00:02:07.239><c> abundance</c><00:02:08.239><c> of</c><00:02:09.080><c> caution</c><00:02
• ><c> we</c><00:02:11.080><c> don't</c><00:02:11.200><c> run</c><00:02:11.400><c> out</c><00:02:11.520
• 11.879><c> if</c><00:02:11.959><c> you</c><00:02:12.080><c> want</c><00:02:12.160><c> to</c><00:02:12.239
• :56.560><c> of</c><00:02:56.720><c> the</c><00:02:57.280><c> AG</c><00:02:58.280><c> L</c><00:02:58.640

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs opened its first meeting of the 33rd Legislature with housekeeping announcements, including live streaming, a two-minute testimony limit, and notice that the committee would reconvene later if technical problems forced an early adjournment. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that written testimony was already on file and that public testimony would be taken measure by measure. On SB 109, which concerns the relationship between Hawaiian and English versions of state laws, the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that broadly allowing the Hawaiian text to supersede English could create ambiguity, and recommended narrowing the bill to laws originally drafted in Hawaiian that were never later amended in English. The Judiciary supported the bill, saying it reinforces Hawaiian as an official language, while OHA and several individuals also supported it. Testimony in support emphasized the importance of honoring Hawaiian language and preventing it from being treated as secondary. The committee then heard SB 268 on burial councils and SB 269 on the OHA budget. SB 268 drew strong support from OHA-related witnesses and many members of the public, who said burial council quorum problems and delays have hindered protection of iwi kupuna; one Moka representative opposed the bill, arguing the island had not been adequately consulted and that the real issue was the state process rather than council size. SB 269 received support from OHA and public testifiers who said OHA should be strengthened and better funded to serve Native Hawaiian needs. The committee also heard SB 624 relating to Prince Jonah Kūhiō, with DHHL and OHA supporting the measure to display portraits of Prince Kūhiō in public buildings; testifiers said the bill would promote cultural pride, education, and recognition of his legacy. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:26.600><c> on</c><00:02:26.720><c> behalf</c><00:02:27.080><c> of</c><00:02:27.120><c> the
• Chapter<00:02:28.280><c> of</c><00:02:28.400><c> National</c><00:02:28.959><c> Waste</c><00:02:29.320
• </c><00:02:43.959><c> This</c><00:02:44.240><c> is,</c><00:02:44.560><c> as</c><00:02:44.720><c> the<
• House</c><00:02:48.200><c> Bill</c><00:02:48.480><c> 135</c><00:02:49.760><c> that</c><00:02:50.000><
• the enactment<00:02:56.840><c> of</c><00:02:57.520><c> the</c><00:02:57.720><c> KRS</c><00:02:58.400

Committee: House Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:02:31.599><c> y</c><02:02:31.880><c> way</c><02:02:32.079><c> chime</c><02:02:32.400><c> in</c><02
• ><c> State</c><02:12:47.920><c> statutes</c><02:12:48.559><c> as</c><02:12:48.760><c> well</c><02:12:
• that say that the existing statutes that say that the Department<02:34:06.800><c> of</c><02:34:06.880
• </c><02:34:13.160><c> in</c><02:34:13.399><c> on</c><02:34:13.880><c> their</c><02:34:14.319><c> statute
• </c><02:34:14.840><c> which</c> that pulls in on their statute which that pulls in on their statute which

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs heard testimony on House Bill 606, as amended, a bill aimed at preventing physicians from denying medically necessary sterilizing or fertility-affecting treatment based on a patient’s age, number of children, marital status, or a doctor’s speculation about future reproductive intentions. Representative Ellen Reed, the sponsor, described the bill as a response to her own long experience with PCOS, heavy bleeding, and repeated refusals by doctors to perform a hysterectomy despite her clear wishes. She said the amendment narrows the bill to medically necessary care, adds definitions for “medical condition” and “appropriate reproductive care,” and removes earlier provisions about voluntary sterilization referrals. She also said the bill does not target religious objections, and that doctors could still refuse for medical, payment, or existing religious reasons not addressed by the bill. Committee members asked about religious freedom, informed consent versus waivers, and the scope of the new definitions. Reed responded that religion was not added to the list of prohibited reasons for denial, and that the amendment is intended to protect doctors when patients sign informed consent or waivers. She explained that “appropriate reproductive care” includes procedures such as hysterectomy, oophorectomy, orchiectomy, salpingectomy, and endometrial ablation, and that the bill now focuses on medically necessary treatment rather than elective sterilization. She said the change was intended to make the proposal narrower and more tailored after earlier concerns. Several witnesses supported the bill with personal accounts of being denied hysterectomies or other procedures despite serious symptoms. Representative Lauren Selig described a decade-long effort to obtain a hysterectomy after years of cycle problems and migraines, saying doctors dismissed her concerns and treated her symptoms as normal. Jade Flad also testified in support, saying she had long been told to simply endure her cycle problems and noted that her husband was offered a vasectomy without similar barriers. The sponsor said online support was strong and that there was little or no written opposition testimony. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have statutes to control what we do.
• The legislature passes the statutes; we administer the exemptions.
• Levy touched on earlier that is in statute that we need to adhere to.
• You know, these are homes on Minnesota Key that were built in the 1950s and 1960s.
• You know, these are homes on Minnesota Key that are built in the 50s and 60s.

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Summary: The Committee on Finance and Tax met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from the Property Appraisers Association of Florida on ad valorem valuation, exemptions, and the property tax process. Lauren Levy reviewed the legal and historical framework of Florida property taxation, including Save Our Homes, the 10% cap on non-homestead assessments, portability, tangible personal property exemptions, TRIM notices, and the distinction between taxable value and millage rates. He emphasized that property appraisers are independent constitutional officers who assess just value, administer exemptions, and are overseen by the Department of Revenue, with values and exemptions generally determined as of January 1 and subject to challenge through the Value Adjustment Board or circuit court. Mike Twitty described the mass appraisal process in Pinellas County, explaining how property appraisers value large numbers of parcels using the same core approaches as fee appraisals but with statistical testing, field reviews, aerial imagery, and technology. He discussed the importance of budget, staffing, and the January 1 valuation date, and noted that recent hurricanes caused significant damage, increased petitions, and required new procedures to help property owners with value reductions and FEMA-related issues. Paul Polk focused on Department of Revenue oversight, explaining sales ratio studies, uniformity measures such as COD and PRD, time adjustments, sales qualification reviews, and in-depth studies that can lead to corrective action if assessment standards are not met. He also noted that the Department reviews property appraiser budgets to preserve independence from county pressure. Senators asked about the supersized homestead concept, DOR review and rejection standards, value trends, and the impact of storms and new construction on taxable value. Twitty and Polk said value growth has been driven by a mix of new construction, market appreciation, cap resets, and storm-related adjustments, while noting that some counties saw market value decline even as taxable value rose. They also said some property tax relief proposals would be easier to implement than others depending on how local tax bills are structured, especially where law enforcement millage is separately identified. No votes were taken on legislation, and the committee adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14.440><c> is</c><00:02:14.760><c> in</c><00:02:14.880><c> your</c><00:02:15.120><c> email,</c><00:02
• a privacy notice but<00:02:38.800><c> we</c><00:02:38.959><c> took</c><00:02:39.240><c> a</c><00:02:
• 39.360><c> hard</c><00:02:39.720><c> line</c><00:02:40.520><c> on</c><00:02:40.920><c> not</c><00:02:
• ><c> said</c><00:02:51.360><c> we</c><00:02:51.680><c> want</c><00:02:51.920><c> a</c><00:02:52.000><
• ><c> on</c><00:02:53.080><c> this</c><00:02:53.320><c> bill</c><00:02:53.720><c> for</c><00:02:53.880

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going<04:02:32.239><c> to</c><04:02:32.720><c> leave</c><04:02:32.960><c> the</c><04:02:33.120
• ><05:02:10.240><c> and</c><05:02:10.560><c> therefore</c><05:02:11.600><c> it's</c><05:02:12.000><c>
• </c><05:02:44.480><c> We</c><05:02:44.718><c> make</c><05:02:44.798><c> the</c><05:02:44.958><c> laws
• I get it.<05:02:46.240><c> The</c><05:02:46.400><c> senate</c><05:02:47.120><c> just</c><05:02:47.280
• But<05:02:51.440><c> here</c><05:02:51.680><c> we're</c><05:02:51.920><c> trying</c><05:02:52.080><c>

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:51.680><c> back</c><01:02:51.839><c> exactly</c><01:02:52.160><c> where</c><01:02:52.400><
• </c><01:02:52.960><c> Somebody</c><01:02:53.280><c> come</c><01:02:53.440><c> back</c><01:02:53.599><
• Somebody come back next year and<01:02:54.640><c> come</c><01:02:54.799><c> up</c><01:02:54.960><c> with
• </c><01:02:55.200><c> better</c><01:02:55.440><c> language.
• </c><01:02:59.359><c> Well,</c><01:02:59.599><c> we</c><01:02:59.760><c> had</c><01:02:59.920><c> that

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is the<00:02:01.920><c> deferred</c><00:02:02.480><c> list</c><00:02:02.840><c> from</c><00:02:03.040
• </c><00:02:20.440><c> So,</c><00:02:21.000><c> I</c><00:02:21.080><c> know</c><00:02:21.240><c> we</c
• If you'll just step<00:02:25.320><c> up</c><00:02:25.440><c> to</c><00:02:25.560><c> the</c><00:02:25.640
• And<00:02:29.480><c> as</c><00:02:29.640><c> I</c><00:02:29.720><c> always</c><00:02:30.080><c> say,<
• . statutes. statutes.

Summary: The committee first approved the September 19 meeting minutes and then took up a deferred University of Kentucky personal services contract amendment for guardianship services. UK officials explained that the contract covers court-appointed guardians for patients who cannot make medical decisions and are not eligible for state guardianship, with the work funded by UK Medical Center agency dollars rather than the general fund. Members questioned the large increase in the not-to-exceed amount, the number of cases, the hourly billing structure, and whether there are safeguards to prevent unnecessary costs or reimbursement issues if a patient later has resources. UK said the increase reflects shifting work from a prior firm, anticipated new cases, a move from a monthly fee to hourly billing, and the need for a second firm because one prior attorney died and another firm has had difficulty appearing in court promptly. The committee ultimately approved the contract, while Senator Thomas said he would vote aye but urged future review of attorney fee limits and broader guardianship statutes, which he described as outdated and inconsistent. The committee then deferred three Office of Energy Policy memorandum of agreement items to the November 2025 meeting without objection. After that, it approved the remaining agenda items, including the contract lists and deferred items not separately selected for review. The final major item was a University of Kentucky personal services contract related to fundraising and philanthropic outreach. UK representatives said the contract supports marketing and donor engagement efforts to grow the university’s endowment pipeline and philanthropic support. The transcript cuts off before the committee finished its questions or took final action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• :48.560><c> we</c><00:02:48.800><c> are</c><00:02:48.879><c> going</c><00:02:48.959><c> to</c><00:02:
• </c><00:02:51.440><c> If</c><00:02:51.760><c> a</c><00:02:52.000><c> person</c><00:02:52.239><c> in</
• 02:38:10.960><c> the</c><02:38:11.200><c> chair</c><02:38:11.439><c> and</c><02:38:11.600><c> I</c><02
• c><02:53:54.720><c> is</c><02:53:54.960><c> I</c><02:53:55.120><c> know</c><02:53:55.279><c> we</c><02
• Um<02:56:30.560><c> so</c><02:56:30.960><c> I</c><02:56:31.359><c> I</c><02:56:31.840><c> think</c><02

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:03.200><c> Um</c><01:02:03.680><c> because</c><01:02:04.160><c> I</c><01:02:04.400><c> we<
• Um but also<01:02:09.520><c> um</c><01:02:10.000><c> what</c><01:02:10.319><c> I've</c><01:02:10.559>
• Um, and<01:02:44.160><c> guess</c><01:02:44.400><c> who</c><01:02:44.640><c> paid</c><01:02:44.960><c
• </c><01:02:49.920><c> Um,</c><01:02:50.160><c> so</c><01:02:50.400><c> could</c><01:02:50.559><c> you
• So the student<01:02:56.240><c> outcomes</c><01:02:56.720><c> that</c><01:02:56.960><c> are</c><01:02

Summary: The committee heard updates from the chancellors of the state university system and the community college system on ongoing restructuring, collaboration, and enrollment trends. The university system said its office move to the NHTI campus is ahead of schedule and should save students about $250,000 a year while creating revenue for the community college system. Both systems described continued work on transfer pathways, direct-admit outreach, shared advising, and broader efforts to shrink footprints, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency in response to declining enrollment and demographic pressure. A major topic was a possible federal change to Pell Grant eligibility that would require students to enroll in at least 7.5 credits. The chancellors said most community college students are part-time because of work and family responsibilities, and that the change could affect roughly 2,000 current Pell recipients and make it harder for students to afford or sustain enrollment. Members also discussed how the state’s governor’s scholarship statute largely benefits full-time students, suggesting possible future statutory changes. The chancellors explained how credits typically work, noting most courses are three or four credits and that students would likely need to add an entire course to meet the proposed threshold. The committee also discussed the broader higher education landscape, including declining high school cohorts, competition among New England institutions, and the need to right-size capacity. One member raised concerns about the health of regional campuses such as Plymouth and Keene; the chancellors said incoming enrollment is down at UNH and Plymouth and holding at Keene, attributing the trend to demographics rather than one campus drawing students away from another. They emphasized the importance of community colleges, adult learners, and short-term workforce programs as part of the state’s future education mix. Finally, the committee touched on the value of the university system’s research enterprise. The chancellor said about $250 million a year flows into the university system in federal research grants, with about $9.5 million currently under stop-work orders from federal agencies. She said the immediate concern is not DEI-related but federal cuts and possible caps on indirect cost recovery. Members noted that the R1 research designation supports business partnerships, student opportunities, and economic development projects such as West Edge in Durham.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:32.760><c> competing</c><02:02:33.199><c> bids</c><02:02:33.480><c> being</c><02:02:33.679><c> submitted
• </c><02:02:37.000><c> that</c><02:02:37.199><c> put</c><02:02:37.360><c> that</c> Pu we would require
• :02:40.840><c> let</c><02:02:40.920><c> me</c><02:02:41.079><c> just</c><02:02:41.199><c> read</c><02
• let me just read this language it'll<02:02:42.480><c> be</c><02:02:43.040><c> easier</c><02:02:43.360
• be easier than trying to paraphrase<02:02:45.159><c> so</c><02:02:45.320><c> we'll</c><02:02:45.560>

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:23.599><c> The</c><01:02:23.920><c> oil</c><01:02:24.240><c> pollution</c> consolidated in
• The oil pollution control<01:02:25.040><c> fund</c><01:02:25.520><c> OPC</c><01:02:26.160><c> fund</c
• ><01:02:26.799><c> to</c><01:02:27.119><c> support</c><01:02:27.440><c> the</c> control fund OPC fund
• </c><01:02:54.559><c> fuel</c><01:02:54.960><c> oil</c><01:02:55.680><c> was</c><01:02:56.000><c> established
• in 2009.<01:02:58.400><c> And</c><01:02:58.559><c> the</c><01:02:58.799><c> current</c> 2009.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• nearly</c><01:02:10.319><c> $70</c><01:02:10.799><c> million</c><01:02:12.079><c> in</c><01:02:12.319
• However, um<01:02:19.119><c> as</c><01:02:19.280><c> a</c><01:02:19.440><c> result</c><01:02:19.599><
• </c><01:02:23.280><c> priced</c><01:02:23.680><c> the</c><01:02:23.920><c> 2023</c><01:02:25.359><c>
• So,<01:02:36.720><c> and</c><01:02:36.960><c> at</c><01:02:37.119><c> the</c><01:02:37.680><c> at</c>
• <01:02:38.000><c> the</c><01:02:38.160><c> time</c><01:02:38.400><c> claims</c><01:02:38.799><c> and<

Summary: The Public Pension Oversight Board received updates from the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority and the Teachers Retirement System. Chris Biddle reported that deferred compensation assets had grown to about $4.787 billion with roughly 88,000 participants, crediting auto-enrollment, targeted marketing around pay raises, and retiree-focused services. He said the board’s self-directed brokerage account, authorized by last year’s legislation, is being designed around a $40,000 account-balance threshold with up to 25% transferable into the brokerage window, tentatively for July 1 of the coming year. He also described the free financial planning program, which has been used by about 3,300 to 3,500 participants with an 87% return rate, and noted that the plan is currently in a fee holiday; members asked about the fee structure and whether the CFP service is provided through Nationwide, which Biddle confirmed. Board members praised the deferred compensation program’s growth and asked for the legislation referenced by Biddle. He said the plan’s annual fees are capped, with a $1 monthly fee plus other charges up to a $225 cap, for a maximum of $237 per year absent a managed account. He also said the program is seeking unified payroll access to expand participation, especially among teachers, and that prior lineup changes saved about $6 million annually in participant fees. Bo Barnes of TRS then addressed retired teachers’ health insurance, first clarifying a prior question about declining federal contributions to the retirement annuity trust. He explained that federally funded school positions generated contributions that rose from $72 million in 2019 to $109 million in 2022, then fell to $85 million this year, with a projection of $80 million over the next three years; if those dollars do not come from federal sources, they would have to be replaced through the SEEK formula. Barnes then reviewed TRS health coverage, explaining that the statutory contract guarantees access to group coverage but not fixed premium levels, and that TRS administers two retiree plans: KEHP for retirees under 65 or otherwise not Medicare-eligible, and MEHP for retirees 65 and older or Medicare-eligible. Barnes said TRS completed RFPs for the 2026 plan year, retaining Express Scripts for prescription drugs and switching the Medicare Advantage medical provider from UnitedHealthcare to Humana, while keeping plan design, provider access, out-of-pocket costs, and benefits materially unchanged. He noted a modest hearing-aid improvement of $500 per ear beginning in 2026. He also reported that the TRS Board approved the maximum state contribution for KEHP at $1,044.96, up from $930.76, an 18% increase that he said would require about $15 million to $16 million more annually, while the MEHP premium would drop from $210 to $200 per month because of the new contract. Using the 2024 valuation, he said the KEHP increase would slightly reduce the health trust funded ratio from 80.4% to 80.1% and raise unfunded liability from $4.036 billion to $4.051 billion. Barnes closed by reviewing the 2010 shared-responsibility reforms that shifted retiree health costs away from a pay-as-you-go model, including phased employee and district contributions and Commonwealth stabilization funding. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:22:33.439><c> need</c><02:22:33.600><c> to</c><02:22:33.840><c> be</c><02:22:34.000><c> able</c><02
• c><02:26:59.280><c> to</c><02:26:59.520><c> match</c><02:27:00.240><c> current</c><02:27:00.560><c> statute
• ,</c> to update to match current statute, to update to match current statute, current<02:27:01.439><c
• <02:46:13.040><c> that</c><02:46:13.279><c> to</c><02:46:13.359><c> be</c><02:46:13.439><c> a</c><02:
• <02:46:40.160><c> How</c><02:46:40.319><c> do</c><02:46:40.399><c> how</c><02:46:40.640><c> do</c><02

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:

• :26.200><c> support</c><00:02:27.200><c> uh</c><00:02:27.319><c> Mike</c><00:02:27.680><c> new</c><00
• afternoon chair Vice chair Mike<00:02:35.920><c> G</c><00:02:36.160><c> with</c><00:02:36.280><c> alare
• </c><00:02:37.280><c> uh</c><00:02:37.440><c> just</c><00:02:37.640><c> standing</c><00:02:38.200><c>
• ><c> support</c><00:02:39.040><c> with</c><00:02:39.159><c> our</c><00:02:39.440><c> in</c><00:02:39.680
• :40.440><c> submitted</c><00:02:40.959><c> thank</c><00:02:41.120><c> you</c><00:02:41.920><c> okay</

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met on March 11 and began with House Bill 442, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi system for nursing programs. University of Hawaiʻi representatives testified in strong support, and several additional supporters submitted testimony. Members asked about a similar Senate measure, and the witness confirmed the university supported that bill as well. No opposition or vote was recorded on HB 442 during the excerpt. The committee then heard House Bill 1169, a housekeeping measure concerning the University of Hawaiʻi Conference Center revolving fund. Testimony explained that the bill would consolidate existing Conference Center statutes into one centralized fund statute and allow campuses to use the fund more broadly. Members raised no questions, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. House Bill 185, which would establish a plant-based building materials working group, drew the most discussion. The Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted baseline research before a larger working group was formed. Supporters argued the measure could help develop a homegrown industry using bamboo, hemp, and other plant materials, create green jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several members questioned whether a formal working group was necessary and whether the work could be done without new legislation. The University of Hawaiʻi later estimated the bill’s requested work would cost about $150,000 over two years to analyze crop options and report findings. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 1320, which requires the University of Hawaiʻi to collect, analyze, and publicly report graduate outcome data and develop a Graduate Outcomes Dashboard. University officials said they already use some data sources but lack a dedicated data-visualization specialist and need additional capacity to consolidate and present the information. Members questioned the need for new positions and funding, arguing the university should use existing resources and that students already have many ways to explore careers. Supporters responded that the dashboard would help students and the state better understand postgraduate outcomes, workforce needs, and program value. No final action or vote was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Statute 103D.
• James Johnson, Roseau, Minnesota, local landowner. Thank you.
• My name's Craig Gustafson from Roseau, Minnesota, a landowner.
• I'm representing the Minnesota Landowners Coalition.
• I'm I'm representing the Minnesota landowners coalition.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And that would be<01:02:01.200><c> the</c><01:02:01.440><c> same</c><01:02:01.680><c> case</c><01:02:
• Um this bill takes it<01:02:41.440><c> down</c><01:02:41.520><c> a</c><01:02:41.760><c> more</c><01:02
• </c><01:02:44.920><c> Um</c><01:02:45.920><c> at</c><01:02:46.240><c> the</c><01:02:46.400><c> end</c
• c><01:02:53.760><c> enough</c><01:02:54.079><c> money</c><01:02:54.319><c> in</c><01:02:54.480><c> it
• </c><01:02:56.880><c> It</c><01:02:57.119><c> may</c><01:02:57.440><c> not</c><01:02:57.680><c> have<

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thank</c><00:02:07.200><c> you</c><00:02:07.320><c> all</c><00:02:07.479><c> for</c><00:02:07.600
• :08.119><c> with</c><00:02:08.280><c> us</c><00:02:08.520><c> today</c><00:02:09.520><c> and</c><00:02
• ><c> going</c><00:02:32.280><c> to</c><00:02:32.360><c> be</c><00:02:32.440><c> able</c><00:02:32.599
• :32.920><c> with</c><00:02:33.080><c> us</c><00:02:33.640><c> uh</c><00:02:33.879><c> until</c><00:02
• <00:02:55.280><c> begin</c><00:02:56.040><c> uh</c><00:02:56.560><c> uh</c><00:02:56.840><c> oh</c><00

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 186, which would streamline food-service rules for churches and nonprofits providing meals to homeless shelters and people displaced by natural disasters. Representative Duvall said the bill is meant to remove unnecessary kitchen and plumbing requirements so organizations can safely serve simple meals in emergencies. Members discussed food safety, whether the bill applies only in declared disaster situations or also to homeless shelters, and whether training should be offered; Duvall clarified that the disaster and homelessness provisions are separate and that food must still be safe and wholesome. After discussion, the committee took a roll call vote and House Bill 186 passed with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 370, a Department of Agriculture reorganization measure sponsored by Representative Payne. Payne and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said the bill would move the Division of Farm Safety and Rural Health and create an Office of Economic Development to better support programs such as Food Is Medicine, rural health, farmer mental health, and farm safety. Members asked about the removal of references to shows and fairs, whether the bill would affect livestock shows and county fairs, and whether any new funding was included; Payne said the department would still support shows and fairs, the change was about efficiency and focus, and no new funding was specified because budget decisions come later. Discussion on House Bill 370 also highlighted the department’s broader economic role, including agricultural economic development and outreach tied to the new USDA secretary’s visit to Kentucky. The committee then voted and the bill passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee began House Bill 304 on soybean assessment language. Representative Bivens and soybean association representatives explained it as cleanup language related to the soybean checkoff and a contingency if the federal checkoff changes. Members asked whether a referendum had already occurred and whether producers supported the measure; the witnesses said the referendum had already taken place and that soybean producers and the association supported it, while one member noted the state may increasingly need to adjust to federal changes.