Transcript Highlights:

• </c> require permits for common activities require permits for common activities that<00:20:30.280><c
• </c><00:24:30.040><c> on</c> And you need enough economic activity on And you need enough economic activity
• That's not going to tourism at all.
• </c><00:52:05.560><c> Um</c> activities are going to be there. Um activities are going to be there.
• </c> sports tourism background. sports tourism background.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses. For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained. The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But my question is, by authorizing active and retired ...object, which was the American flag.
• Florida is a value of ours to be welcoming as a state that relies on tourism, right?
• economy and directly impact our tourism businesses here in Tallahassee and around the state.
• economy and directly impact our tourism businesses here in Tallahassee and around the state.
• Visit Pensacola is opposed to the inclusion of tourism development tax in Senate Bill 1664.

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The committee took up several claims bills and tax-related measures. It reported favorably SB 20, providing $400,000 in relief to J.N., a minor injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk, and SB 14, providing $1.7 million to the estate of Pineal Januier after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. It also approved SB 674, which would let property appraisers, like tax collectors, budget for hiring and retention bonuses with Department of Revenue approval. In each claims bill, the sponsor described the underlying incident, the settlement amount, and the remaining payment sought under sovereign immunity limits; there was no opposition on the claims bills. The bonus bill drew support from property appraisers who said it would help them compete for specialized staff without requiring new appropriations. The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, which would create a new homestead-like property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead property for more than six months as residential rental housing. Supporters said it was intended to encourage more affordable rental housing by extending a $50,000 exemption and Save Our Homes-style assessment cap to qualifying properties. County and city representatives, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, reduced public safety funding, and tax shifts to other property owners and businesses. Several senators also raised concerns about density, parking, and whether landlords would actually pass savings on to renters. Despite the opposition, both the constitutional amendment and the implementing bill were reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS SB 268, as amended to include congressional members, creating a public-records exemption related to certain residential information for elected officials. The First Amendment Foundation opposed it, arguing the bill lacked a sufficient public purpose and could hinder transparency, while senators supporting it cited real threats and harassment against themselves and their families. SB 100, which bans government display of flags representing political viewpoints and allows active or retired military members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag, also passed after extensive debate. Opponents argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride and other identity-related flags; supporters said government buildings should not display political messages and that the bill protects neutrality. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 1664, which would require voter reapproval every eight years for local discretionary taxes such as tourist development taxes and local option taxes, with exceptions for pledged bond revenues. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the restaurant/lodging industry opposed it, saying it would create uncertainty, threaten tourism and infrastructure funding, and complicate long-term planning; Senator Sharief and others said the measure would disrupt existing surtax-backed projects and revenue streams.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> ensure that there's a Nexus to tourism ensure that there's a Nexus to tourism since<00:04:14.079
• Thank you.” to prioritize tourism at the expense of to prioritize tourism at the expense of at<00:17:
• And what happened was tourism continued to boom, right?
• And what happened was tourism continued to boom, right?
• </c><01:13:48.639><c> sen</c> Economic Development and Tourism sen Economic Development and Tourism sen

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and on Water and Land heard testimony on HB 504, a measure relating to environmental stewardship and funding for natural resource protection and restoration. Supporters included multiple state agencies and advocacy groups, such as DLNR, HTA, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resources Legacy Fund, the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Coalition, and others, who said the bill would create dedicated funding for environmental, climate, and cultural resource needs and help address wildfire, flood, coastal storm, and tourism-related impacts. Several witnesses emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s environmental funding gap is large and that visitor contributions should be directed to stewardship and restoration. Some supporters also urged that the measure be applied equitably across all visitor accommodations and related uses, including cruise ship cabins and state rooms, while a few suggested amendments to broaden coverage or create a working group for implementation. Opposition and concerns focused largely on the bill’s tax structure and legal/administrative issues. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Tax Foundation questioned the reimbursable general obligation bond special fund in part two, suggesting it be converted to a regular special fund or deleted. The Attorney General’s office said part two may violate the single-subject rule in the state constitution and recommended deleting it. The Department of Taxation said the proposed points-and-miles language would be difficult to audit and enforce, and Expedia and others said the proposed tax treatment of loyalty points and certain payment forms would be operationally difficult. Industry witnesses also warned the bill could raise costs in a high-tax destination and asked for more marketing support if the tax is increased. The committee also heard concerns that a new tax on cruise ship cabins could raise federal preemption issues. The chair noted the testimony count as 23 in support, 179 in opposition, and one with comments. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the hearing ended with questions from senators and agency responses about possible amendments, enforcement, and constitutional concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, my questions are related specifically to tourism.
• This marked the first major investment in statewide tourism development in the state's history.
• Thank you. development and tourism sectors from across the state.
• Companies also reported Into higher-value activities.
• And so that's a really key opportunity for us that we're actively working to address right now.

Summary: The Budget Section’s Commerce and Legal Services division met to review the Department of Commerce base budget and current program activities for the 2027-29 biennium. Legislative Council staff first walked through a new “blue sheet” summary explaining what is included in Commerce’s base budget, with emphasis on salaries, operating costs, and especially grant authority funded largely by federal dollars. Members asked about how grant funding is coordinated across agencies, and staff noted that some programs, such as LIHEAP and UAS-related work, involve interagency collaboration and federal budget authority that may not match exact cash received. Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilke then presented on grant administration, the department’s transparency page, and several grant programs, including Destination Development and Automate ND. Members questioned how many entities apply for grants, what criteria are used, whether return on investment is tracked, and how long grant awards take to reach recipients. A lengthy exchange followed over whether Commerce must follow state procurement law or instead administer grants using its own “best practices” process; the commissioner said the department’s approach was based on legal guidance and competitive grantmaking, while some legislators argued the process should more closely reflect legislative intent. The department also highlighted the North Dakota Development Fund, child care loans, and workforce initiatives. Commerce described Development Fund investments, including examples of successful projects and a child care loan program that has supported 43 active businesses serving 3,754 children. Staff also outlined a new non-primary-sector lending framework and said a workforce and housing sub-cabinet are working on more coordinated statewide strategies. Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howell presented a broad workforce-system assessment, a new shared vision, and task forces focused on simplifying entry, improving warm handoffs, and building a public dashboard of shared metrics; members discussed higher education alignment, career pathways, and the need for better handoffs from schools to employers. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans to continue these budget discussions in June, including the Attorney General budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tourism come to order, Clerk Caldero.
• Brett Staller, president, Port Aransas Tourism Bureau and Chamber of Commerce and self.
• than $1.2 billion and that's $1.2 billion of economic activity in our area.
• And it's not just about tourism.
• Harry Nunn, the Culture, Recreation, Tourism Committee stands adjourned, subject to call chair.

Bills: HCR6

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: Meals on Wheels, senior services, nutrition, community support, volunteerism

Transcript Highlights:

• Aloha, and welcome to the Joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
• Next is the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
• </c><00:10:10.000><c> same</c> economic development tourism same economic development tourism same request
• </c> others with the Nexus to the tourism others with the Nexus to the tourism industry<00:50:27.480>
• They talk about tourism isn't bouncing back the way it should after COVID.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered three measures on the 1 p.m. agenda. SB 817, relating to out-of-state offices, drew support from DBEDT and several community groups, with questions focused on the requested funding, staffing level, whether the office would expand broadly, and whether the Philippines was being singled out. SB 1578, relating to international affairs, received support from DBEDT and the Attorney General, with the chair noting the bill was intended to help DBEDT analyze Hawaii’s international partnerships and plan next steps. SB 1639, establishing Hawaii Beach Day, had limited testimony and was moved along without substantive debate. SB 582, relating to DBEDT, was also heard with support from state agencies and a few individuals, and was described as a vehicle for organizational and funding changes affecting the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, including moving some positions and programming to general funds and narrowing the works-of-art special fund's uses. The committees then took up recommendations. All three measures were advanced with amendments: SB 817 was amended to include technical changes and a defective effective date of July 1, 2025; SB 1578 was amended to address the Attorney General’s concerns, make the commission subject to Senate confirmation, and add technical changes and a defective date; and SB 582 was amended to incorporate provisions from SB 1577, clarify SFCA authority over performing arts, shift SFCA positions and programming to general funds, restrict the works-of-art special fund, and add a defective date. Each committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendations, with no reservations or no votes noted in the Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee and only Senator Dela Cruz voting no on SB 817 there; in the Economic Development and Tourism committee, SB 817 passed with Senator Kim in reservation and Senator Awa voting no, while SB 1578 and SB 582 passed with Senator Awa voting no. The later 10:00 a.m. agenda hearing focused on SB 1589, relating to the stadium development special fund, and SB 1629, relating to taxation. On SB 1589, the Attorney General asked for clarification of section 3, particularly the proviso about remaining monies lapsing to the general fund if the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District is terminated before completion; the interim stadium manager explained the bill would allow spending of $49.5 million already in the special fund for consultant, construction management, quality assurance, and contingency costs. On SB 1629, testimony was sharply divided: supporters, including film industry and business representatives, said the measure would support local film production, restore prior GET treatment, and help attract studio development; opponents argued the bill was vague, overly favorable to a specific project, and lacked oversight and accountability. The hearing ended with extensive questioning about whether the bill was effectively tailored to a particular studio project and how it related to other film tax credit measures, but no final committee action on SB 1589 or SB 1629 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tourism is incredibly important to New Hampshire, and the BEA is incredibly important to tourism.
• Tourism is incredibly important to New Hampshire, and the BEA is incredibly important to tourism.
• Tourism is incredibly accomplish.
• involving the tourism.
• involving the tourism.

Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:15.199><c> research,</c> Chun, uh, director of tourism research, Chun, uh, director of tourism
• </c> again um at a faster rate than tourism again um at a faster rate than tourism and<00:34:54.240><
• </c> tourism was so different at that point. tourism was so different at that point.
• Tourism is flattening.
• </c> cover the pandemic activities. cover the pandemic activities.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill builds on a bill that we passed last year, which created a tourism self-assessment advisory
• efforts to help expand our really needed and important tourism industry in the state.
• efforts to help expand are really needed and important tourism industry in the state.
• that actively participate in human trafficking responsible for that.
• I just want to start by saying that there are active discussions going on about this legislation.

Summary: The Senate took up a proposed consent calendar package and advanced it to the consent calendar by voice vote, with remarks noting the measures had broad agreement, no con testimony, and support from chairs and ranking members. Members also briefly noted that many of the items in the package were minority-party bills. The chamber then advanced a long series of bills from the white sheet to the floor or second reading calendar, generally without opposition. Topics included HIV antiviral drug coverage without prior authorization (SB 6183), limits on carrier refund requests to providers (SB 6071), extending limits on replacing jobs with fully automated equipment (SB 5995), medically tailored meals under Apple Health (SB 5966), earned wage access services (SB 5328), financial aid outreach for high school seniors (SB 5841), campaign finance reporting timing (SB 5840), a tourism promotion program (SB 6061), wage enforcement flexibility for Labor and Industries (SB 6058), workforce development changes (SB 5931), collective bargaining for language access providers (SB 5944), compensation petitions for wrongfully convicted persons (SB 5520), court safety background checks for judges and staff (SB 6011), liability protections for donated baby items (SB 6087), clean energy procurement for consumer-owned utilities (SB 6076), non-opioid pain treatment coverage (SB 5916), technical land-use changes involving aquifer recharge areas (SB 6016), human trafficking remedies and business liability (SB 5936), collegiate sports wagering limits in tribal casinos (SB 6137), pathways to medical licensure for overseas graduates (SB 5185), AI and surveillance limits in K-12 discipline and safety decisions (SB 5956), fetal death definition changes (SB 6025), permanent direct-appeal procedures for environmental and land-use cases (SB 6009), allowing unattended vehicles to idle briefly to protect pets (SB 5833), dementia education materials from the Department of Health (SB 6161), asbestos training rules (SB 6188), negligent driving changes tied to excessive speeding (SB 5890), abortion medication reimbursement changes in corrections settings (SB 5917), a Growth Management Act exemption repeal for one county (SB 5820), initiative and referendum process protections related to money in signature campaigns (SB 5973), a federal wildfire response memorial (SJM 8015), juice grapes under agricultural marketing rules (SB 5816), workers’ compensation rate transparency (SB 6136), and a real estate marketing transparency bill (SB 6091). Most motions passed by voice vote with little debate, though a few drew brief support or opposition. Senator Braun opposed the bill extending the prohibition on replacing jobs with fully automated equipment, and Senator Short opposed the bill on initiative and referendum financing and the bill removing a county-specific Growth Management Act exemption. The meeting ended after no further business was raised and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have And today is Tourism Day at the Louisiana Capitol.
• Tourism is funded exclusively by a dedication of three one-hundredths of a cent of sales tax, and the
• promote tourism in the state, creating an enormous economic impact in Louisiana.
• Members of the travel and tourism community are here today to celebrate tourism in Louisiana.
• Before we welcome you guys, I want to recognize Chris Landry, who's Executive Director of Tourism for

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• activity, the diverse tourism activity that we see throughout the state, would be devastating to some
• And the reason that small towns and urban areas have these types of tourism activities, they are known
• Tourism is like what?
• And the reason that small towns, urban areas have these type of tourism activities, they are known by
• Tourism is like what?

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests including law enforcement officers and several student visitors. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to the special order calendar, with members also approving the journal and establishing a quorum. Later in the day, the House paused for several introductions and farewell remarks, including extended closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities. The House passed several bills, often after brief explanations and amendments. CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for failures to report child abuse was clarified to apply prospectively and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to include House language and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) passed 112-0 after an amendment merging House and Senate provisions, and CS/SB 1246 on the linking industry to nursing education fund passed 112-0 after amendments expanding eligible contributions and program support. Additional bills approved included CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care standards, CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts for aviation safety, CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, and CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, which would allow school coaches to use limited personal funds to support student-athletes with items such as food, transportation, and rehabilitation services, with parental consent added by amendment. Most of these measures passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with SB 422 passing 108-2. The House also heard debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, a bill restricting counties and municipalities from taking official actions related to DEI and limiting the use of public funds for DEI-related activities and contracts. Members questioned how the bill would affect local government practices, observances, and staff functions, and the sponsor explained several exceptions and enforcement provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, Economic Development missed their slot, so we're going to jump to tourism. Tourism.
• You should have a packet in front of you that has key hearing issues for tourism.
• The HFC adopted the LFC recommendation for tourism.
• You'll see this slide and the Tourism Development Division Program Impact.
• We see events as strong drivers of tourism, so we support events through a grant program called the Tourism

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, uh, we need something else other than tourism, even though everybody is talking about tourism.
• Uh, we need something else other than tourism, even though everybody is talking about tourism.
• </c> denied or there is any illegal activity denied or there is any illegal activity then<03:08:13.160
• </c><03:39:25.640><c> and</c> proponent of responsible tourism and proponent of responsible tourism and
• </c> sustainable and regenerative tourism sustainable and regenerative tourism ultimately<03:46:15.040

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Economic growth from tourism? No. Growth of gambling tourism, not local prosperity.
• </c><00:07:55.199><c> and</c> the onslaught of criminal activity and the onslaught of criminal activity
• Economic growth from tourism. this bill? Economic growth from tourism.
• Growth of gambling, tourism, not No.
• </c> activity itself that is so addicting. activity itself that is so addicting.

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs briefly met and adjourned after noting that GM 574, a nomination on its agenda, had been withdrawn, leaving the committee with no business to consider. A separate joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Hawaiian Affairs then took up HCR 192, a resolution to convene a tourism and gaming working group. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Nation of Hawaii, and CARES, said the measure would allow Hawaiians to have a seat at the table, learn from Native nations with gaming experience, and make informed decisions about whether and how gaming should be approached. Some supporters emphasized that the working group was about research and self-determination, not immediate legalization, and suggested the state should focus on broader economic development options as well. Opponents, including the Honolulu prosecuting attorney and several community members and faith leaders, warned that gambling would increase addiction, crime, family breakdown, debt, and exploitation of low-income and vulnerable residents. They argued that online sports betting and other forms of gaming would be especially harmful, with some citing examples from other states and concerns about problem gambling, domestic violence, and illegal activity. Committee members questioned witnesses about the purpose of the working group and whether it could provide enough data to make an informed decision, while supporters and opponents alike acknowledged the need for Hawaiians to be involved in any future discussion. No vote or final action on HCR 192 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:02.559><c> and</c> changes because the federal activity and changes because the federal activity
• </c> asked for $15 million match of tourism asked for $15 million match of tourism money<00:37:27.920
• Cheyenne's figured Wyoming is tourism.
• tourism projects.
• tourism projects.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the bill eliminates the outdated requirement for the Economic Development and Tourism Office
• The Economic Development and Tourism Office now offers a website that provides accessible information
• changes, one in Section 4 and one in Section 9, to ensure that the Texas Economic Development and Tourism
• The committee substitute in Section 9 ensures that the Texas Economic Development and Tourism staff can
• a resource witness here, Terry Zerbeck, from the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism

Bills: HB1240 , HB2768 , HB2788 , HB3146 , HB4850 , HB5032 , HCR90

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Keywords: border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, HB 2768, Texas information technology apprenticeship, state IT credential, information resources workforce, junior college, technical institute, apprenticeship program, workforce development, state agency hiring, job classification, career ladder, bachelor's degree substitution, associate degree, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, state auditor classification officer

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee met without a quorum, so no votes or formal actions were taken. The chair laid out several bills and resolutions for explanation and public testimony, with each item left pending subject to the call of the chair. Early items included House Bill 1240, a cleanup measure to create a single uniform definition of the Texas-Mexico border region across state law, and House Bill 2768, which would establish an IT apprenticeship credential through junior colleges and technical institutions to help fill state government technology jobs. The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 90, which would encourage establishing a Texas trade and investment office in Jerusalem. Testimony on the resolution was sharply divided: one witness opposed it on foreign policy and values grounds, while a Texas Association of Business representative strongly supported it, citing Israel’s innovation and trade potential. Another major item was House Bill 4187, a committee substitute for legislation affecting the Texas Historical Commission; the sponsor described changes expanding use of trust fund money for historic sites, allowing more affiliated nonprofits, clarifying retail operations, and creating a framework for training and consistent interpretation at historic sites. A Texas Historical Commission witness explained that the bill would shift responsibility for maintaining many state-owned historical markers and monuments, including markers on private land, to the commission. Additional measures included House Bill 2788, which would shield Texas Workforce Commission fraud-prevention methods from public information requests; House Bill 5032, directing state agencies to plan for public display of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Texas Constitution, and the Victory or Death letter at the Capitol Complex; House Bill 3146, which would eliminate outdated memoranda-of-understanding requirements for certain State Office of Administrative Hearings arrangements; and House Bill 4815, a cleanup bill modernizing economic development statutes, revising the Made in Texas standard to 51% Texas-origin content, repealing the Governor’s Broadband Development Council, and making other conforming changes. The committee ended by recessing, with members indicating they would likely vote on pending business later when a quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tourism come to order. Clerk Croll, Chairman Metcalf here.
• No, no, um, we did have staff that were activated.
• camp must have at least two special activities could be riflery, archery, horseback riding, water activities
• A high demand activities, water, water activities and things like that.
• and what activates it?

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• The Special Committee on Tourism will now go into executive session.
• Representative, please, this is tourism. We have fun in tourism.
• Representative, please, this is tourism. We have fun in tourism.
• It has been in the tourism magazine as well.
• This has been an interesting tourism today. I knew it would be.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where House Concurrent Resolution 36, honoring Josephine Baker Day, was moved do pass. Vice Chair Allen spoke in support, urging bipartisanship and respectful conduct, and the resolution was approved 10-0. The committee then moved into public hearings. House Bill 3420, sponsored by Representative Sassman, would designate Bland as the “Silver City of the Rock Island Trail” to highlight the town’s namesake, Richard Parks Bland, and encourage tourism and economic development. Witnesses supported the bill, emphasizing Bland’s railroad history, its connection to silver coinage, and the potential for trail-related tourism. No opposition was offered. The committee then heard House Bill 3408, which would designate Bland and Bell as Rock Island Trail communities, and House Bill 3407, which would name Bell the “Cowbell Capital of Missouri.” Supporters described both measures as ways to promote the Rock Island Trail, bring visitors to small towns, and boost local businesses, schools, and recreation. Testimony also highlighted Bell’s large cowbell attraction and the communities’ local food and events. No witnesses testified in opposition to either bill, and the hearing concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> huge surge in venture capital activity. huge surge in venture capital activity.
• </c> you mentioned have very high tourism you mentioned have very high tourism dollars<01:03:22.000><
• So education and tourism. tourism. tourism.
• ><c> in</c><01:08:35.359><c> is</c> Because what tourism brings in is Because what tourism brings in
• on tourism.

Committee: Joint Economic Development & Workforce Investment

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:00:28 Strengthening Kentucky's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: 00:02:45 Entrepreneur Led Economic Development: Kentucky’s Path Forward: 00:31:45, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• activity, the diverse tourism activity that we see throughout the state, would be devastating to some
• activity, the diverse tourism activity that we see throughout the state would be devastating to some
• Representative Chambliss continued: “Tourism activity that we see throughout the state would be devastating
• And the reason that small towns and urban areas have these types of tourism activities, they are known
• Tourism is like what?

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and several recognitions, including law enforcement guests, a Spina Bifida Week presentation, and a salute to the 2025 IPSC Handgun World Shoot team. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to floor consideration of Senate bills. Members passed several bills unanimously or near-unanimously after brief debate and, in some cases, floor amendments. CS/SB 590 clarified that changes to the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters of child abuse apply prospectively and passed 111-0. SB 418 required law enforcement autism-interaction training and allowed the blue-envelope program to be offered in electronic or physical form; it passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 addressed NICA’s actuarial soundness and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 expanded the Linking Industry to Nursing Education fund to broader health science programs and passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 set baseline standards for memory care providers and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1030 revised recovery residence rules, including MAT-related provisions, and passed 168-0. CS/CS/SB 178 changed FHSAA rules so school coaches may use limited personal funds for student welfare with parent consent and passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 422 barred use of ADS-B data for airport billing and passed 108-2. CS/CS/SB 598 modernized funeral, cemetery, and consumer services licensing and passed 111-0. The House also considered CS/CS/SB 1134, a controversial bill restricting county and municipal DEI-related official actions and contracting. Sponsor Rep. Black described broad prohibitions with numerous exceptions, while members asked about effects on observances, special events, parade participation, and local economic-vitality offices. Rep. Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing vague prongs, arguing the language was ambiguous and could chill local government action; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended. The chamber then moved into farewell remarks, including an extended address from Rep. Eskamani reflecting on her service, family, staff, constituents, and policy priorities, followed by remarks from the Speaker praising her energy and preparation. Rep. Overdorf also delivered farewell remarks highlighting his work on environmental policy, human trafficking, development regulation, property rights, and property taxes, with the Speaker commending his contributions.