Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, to me, a child's needs trump a parent's needs.
• We do need a report.
• We do need a report.
• We do need a report.
• We do need a report.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 285, which would add language to the parental rights and responsibilities statute directing judges to consider known mental health or medical conditions that could affect parenting. Representative Ball, the bill’s sponsor, said the intent was not to require disclosure of private records, but to give judges a reminder to ask whether anything in a parent’s condition could interfere with parenting and to help ensure children’s safety and best interests, especially in high-conflict or pro se family court cases. He said the proposal was meant as a guardrail and not as a way to reduce parenting time or take children from parents. Committee members questioned whether the existing best-interest factors already cover parenting ability, whether the new language could invite stigma or weaponization in custody disputes, and whether judges already have authority to ask these questions. Ball responded that judges often do not ask, that family court can be difficult for unrepresented parties, and that the language would simply make the issue explicit. He also said he would be open to amendments, including language that more directly instructs judges to ask the question. One member raised concerns about whether the bill should say judges “shall” ask rather than “may,” and Ball said he was willing to work with the committee on wording. Sarah Horn, a NAMI New Hampshire board member and parent, testified in opposition. She described her own history with OCD, ADD, PTSD, hospitalization, and recovery, and said mental illness had not harmed her ability to parent; she warned the bill could increase stigma and discourage people from seeking treatment. In response, Ball said her testimony was part of why he had considered an amendment to include physical health as well, so the bill would not single out mental health. The hearing ended without a vote in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what we need to do.
• So I know I don't need, I don't need a, that's my opinion.
• I needed that, and I really did. I needed that right now. I owe you two cookies on Monday, okay?
• I needed that, and I really did. I needed that right now. Needed that. I really did.
• New Mexico doesn't need more gun laws. We need to strengthen the penalties.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Will you need additional headcount?
• sense that the North country did need sense that the North country did need some<01:39:52.760>
• All those things need to occur, and then there's other things that we need to take a look at.
• :03.520> are we the towns need to understand that are we the towns need to understand that are
• that we need to take a look at.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:38.279> to public is the one we really need to public is the one we really need to
• Thank you so much. we need to consider that children are we need to consider that children are not<01
• <01:45:00.679> for manner there is a clear need for manner there is a clear need for continued
• The state doesn't need to micromanage this function.
• would be uh so if you really needed would be uh so if you really needed somebody<06:29:39.080>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, leaves of absence, guest introductions, and memorial remarks honoring former Representative Carolyn Gargas of Hollis, who was remembered for her long House service, work on child and family issues, and community involvement. The House then adopted a consent calendar and approved a motion to withdraw House Bill 431, which would have created a commission to review draft rules on minimum standards for public school approval and state academic standards; the motion failed after a roll call vote, so the bill remained in play. The House next took up House Bill 109-FN, relative to false reports to law enforcement. The majority supported the bill as a way to add penalties for knowingly false reports about law enforcement officers, arguing officers deserve protection from false accusations and that the knowingly standard is a high bar. The minority opposed it as duplicative of existing law and warned it could chill legitimate complaints against police. After debate and a division vote, the majority committee report of ought to pass was adopted, 198-173. The House also considered House Bill 218-FN, which would provide victims of crime a free police report. The committee amendment changed the bill so victims would receive a written confirmation that a crime occurred rather than the initial police report, to avoid conflicts with right-to-know law and active-investigation confidentiality. Supporters said the change was a small but important clarification agreed to by law enforcement and domestic violence advocates, while opponents argued the original language was already workable and that the floor amendment was unnecessary. A division vote was requested on the amendment, and the transcript ends during that debate before the final outcome on HB 218 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• questions if you need anything. questions if you need anything.
• really need some additional support. really need some additional support.
• > really<01:48:06.000> need need guardrails and really need need guardrails and really
• The expectations need to remain. Um is. The expectations need to remain.
• we need to learn from our history. we need to learn from our history.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 0:00:00 Approval of Minutes – 0:03:50 Robotics Education – 0:04:18 Canopy KY – 0:14:15 Comprehensive Support and Improvement – 0:23:20 Postsecondary Credit Alignment – 0:53:15 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in K-12 Settings – 1:21:25 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 2:05:15 Adjournment 2:05:41, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with a roll call, confirmed a quorum, approved the minutes by voice vote, and recognized a guest of Senator Hickden, retired judge Dan Kelly. The chair then moved through a tight agenda and limited public presentations and questions. The first presentation was on robotics education in Kentucky, led by Representative Chris Lewis, Kentucky FIRST Robotics executive director Kelly Gowen, and students from Whitfield Academy. They argued that robotics should be expanded in high schools as a workforce pipeline for engineering, manufacturing, and advanced technology jobs. The presentation emphasized hands-on learning, industry certifications, teacher development, and a proposed framework to fund robotics education programs statewide. Committee members were not allowed to ask questions because of time constraints. The second presentation was from Canopy Kentucky, led by Adam Watson and founder Scott Collins. They described Canopy’s business and entrepreneurship education programs for fifth graders and high school students, including the NextGen Good Biz initiative and an eight-classroom high school unit. Canopy requested a one-time $750,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2026, matched by private funds, to expand into more schools and rural areas, train educators, and report outcomes. Members asked a brief question about how the programs fit into school schedules and the difference between the elementary and high school offerings. The final presentation, from KDE’s Kelly Foster and Todd Allen, reviewed the state’s school improvement classifications. Foster explained CSI, TSI, and ATSI status, the federal and state legal framework, and how House Bill 298 returned CSI identification to an annual cycle. She reported that Kentucky identified 50 CSI schools on the most recent release, with 53 CSI schools statewide, along with 39 TSI schools and 102 ATSI schools. She also outlined KDE’s support process, including education recovery staff, diagnostic reviews, turnaround plans, and required professional learning for CSI schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• It focuses on its core functions and how best to serve Missourians without over-promising and without
• These increases will need to be offset by reducing local taxes, like property tax, a high priority for
• But this reform would add accountability where it is needed the most.
• They're pushed to improve and respond to the needs of the students they serve.
• They're pushed to improve and respond to the needs of the students they serve.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:57.519> these more and more men who need these more and more men who need these services
• opportunities for these men who need opportunities for these men who need employment<00:15:49.720
• <00:25:14.559> is order to say that the need is order to say that the need is $400,000<00:
• I think it's a much needed influx of capital to help our higher education meet the needs of future jobs
• <01:03:16.839> and capacity helps us to meet the need and capacity helps us to meet the need

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There definitely needs to be committee hearings. Definitely need to have stakeholder involvement.
• We need to be able to ask union.
• This needs to pass. It needed to pass this year.
• This needs to pass. It needed to pass this year.
• on truthfully based on s personal needs. on truthfully based on s personal needs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:06.840> for fact that a quorum is not needed for fact that a quorum is not needed for
• $322,000 it's likely that we would need $322,000 it's likely that we would need to<01:24:40.880>
• residents need.
• exemptions it provides much needed exemptions it provides much needed consistency<02:21:19.160><
• Loophole that needs to be covered. Good point. Loophole that needs to be covered. Thank you, sir.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But anyway, I'm still going to vote ITL because I think we need to start with standards.
• But anyway, I'm still going to vote ITL because I think we need to start with standards. Thank you.
• <01:58:28.080> or<01:58:28.319> once not they still meet this need or once not they
• I know a resolution functions differently than a bill, but has that been done in the past?
• I know a resolution functions differently than a bill, but has that been done in the past?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:12:22.320> provided these programs it needs to be provided these programs it needs to be
• <00:45:02.119> to also as a from the state level need to also as a from the state level need
• How much money would you need? You don't need to give me an answer, but maybe you think about that.
• <01:17:18.239> to or wherever else where we may need to or wherever else where we may need
• <01:40:26.320> to nowhere close to the amount needed to nowhere close to the amount needed

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of Wellness and Nutrition presented an overview of the school meal and child nutrition programs it administers, including the National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), After School Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Special Milk Program. Staff explained which programs are federally funded through USDA, which have state matching funds, and how reimbursement rates are set for different programs and fiscal years. They also walked the committee through a packet showing reimbursement tables, state and federal funding totals, and eligibility data. Members focused much of their questioning on how state and federal reimbursements work for lunch and breakfast, why lunch is shown as a state match while breakfast has meal-based breakdowns, and how the department allocates funds in the budget. The department explained that lunch uses a set state match tied to federal requirements, while breakfast reimbursement is based on meals served. They also reviewed FY 22-24 funding trends, noting higher federal spending during COVID-era waivers and lower amounts as those waivers ended. A committee member asked for the data in Excel and the department agreed to provide it. The discussion also covered summer meal programs and the distinction between the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT. Staff explained that SFSP provides meals at approved open or closed sites, while Summer EBT is a separate DHHS-run benefit program that provides funds to families; the two programs coordinate through data sharing but are not the same. Members also discussed CEP, with staff explaining that New Hampshire currently has three schools participating, that the qualifying threshold was reduced from 40% to 25% identified students, and that districts must cover the non-federal share with non-federal funds. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a reason for them to need to talk to their Senator.
• It was a reason for them to need to talk to their Senator.
• We currently have one available license, but there are needs across the system.
• One major chain store, Total Wine, doesn't need more advantages.
• It seems silly that they need to move it from store to store.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this obviously needs to be a bill on its own, and therefore it is a hostile amendment to this... .
• And disciplining attorneys is an incredibly important function of the state bar.
• I was interested in this bill because, looking at it, this is a piece of legislation that was needed
• GPLET allows areas that need a little bit more support to get a development for it to happen.
• And so GPLIT allows areas that need a little bit more support to get a development for it to happen.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• needed to tweak the language. needed to tweak the language.
• need any more people? I mean, it says need any more people?
• determine, you know, what ... that raises what is needed which is that raises what is needed which is
• Is that something that we need to make explicit? I thought that we did not need to.
• something that we need to make explicit? something that we need to make explicit?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , includes students with special needs, includes students with special needs, students<00:21:02.559
• We need to do something about that.
• We need to do something about that.
• The sheriff's office doesn't need more The sheriff's office doesn't need more resources<01:41:06.639>
• just address the underlying basic needs just address the underlying basic needs of<01:47:21.760>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nobody has all the information to make all the decisions needed.
• needs of Elections needs most pressing needs of Elections needs because<00:48:36.280> local<00
• cities with their direct election needs cities with their direct election needs by<00:49:01.559>
• Fortunately, we are not alone in recognizing the need for reform.
• I'm not convinced we need it. I'm open to it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:44:31.839> to just use the tech the chat function to just use the tech the chat function
• I do support them, but they need to enforce.
• The bill further protects our keiki, and we definitely need it.
• <01:26:02.520> this We are failing them we need this We are failing them we need this legislation
• and puts victims at risk we need and puts victims at risk we need legislation<02:04:07.440> that

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committees heard HB 756 HD1, a measure on flavored tobacco products. Supporters included the Attorney General, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, youth advocates, public health groups, and Kaiser Permanente. They argued flavored tobacco and menthol are used to attract and addict young people, cited rising youth and young adult vaping rates, and pointed to public health harms and evidence from other states that flavor restrictions reduced e-cigarette sales. The Attorney General requested oral amendments to correct a statutory reference, repeal a county preemption provision so counties could enact stricter flavor bans, and restore appropriations, positions, and the original effective date. Opponents, including retail and wholesale businesses, argued the bill would hurt small businesses and state tax revenue, push sales to the black market, and remove a harm-reduction option for adult smokers; they urged stronger enforcement instead of a ban. After testimony, the committees took up amendments and recommendations. The chair proposed correcting the statutory citation to HRS 26-38, adopting a Department of Health amendment on disposal of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids as hazardous waste, and noting the appropriations, FTE, and effective date in the committee report. Members then voted to pass HB 756 HD1 with amendments in both committees, with the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee recording one member as supporting with reservations. The transcript then moved to HB 806, relating to fireworks, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying undercover enforcement is costly and additional funding is needed. A community testifier also supported stronger enforcement, citing illegal aerial fireworks, noise, and impacts on pets and kupuna. No final vote on HB 806 was shown in the excerpt. The Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee also heard HB 438, which would create a Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program to provide legal representation in immigration court for income-qualified individuals. Support came from civil rights, legal aid, ACLU, and law school clinic representatives, who said counsel is needed to ensure due process and fair access to justice, especially because immigration proceedings can lead to deportation and family separation. Opposition testifiers argued taxpayer-funded counsel for people in immigration proceedings is inappropriate, unlawful, or unfair to citizens and legal residents. One law school representative suggested a technical amendment to broaden language about training and education. The excerpt ends before a final vote on HB 438 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• particular keeping our graduates here in the state of Florida, primarily addressing the workforce needs
• continue to strive to bring that return on investment to the state, to address the state's workforce needs
• graduate and graduate in a timely manner, but also to provide the skills to Southwest Florida that we need
• The workforce needs are also something that is extremely important to Southwest Florida and all of Florida
• play an even more vital role in the region by working closely with employers, anticipating workforce needs

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education opened by noting it would not present its budget that day, explaining the budget rollout would be delayed until the following week to align with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a roll call confirmed a quorum, the chair explained that because of the large number of gubernatorial appointments, the committee would hear only a subset individually and consider reappointments in a block unless members requested otherwise. The committee then heard testimony from appointees and reappointees to several university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to their alma mater, support for leadership, student success, entrepreneurship, scholarships, and maintaining FAMU’s status as a leading HBCU. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh highlighted FAU’s growth, R1 research designation, quantum computing, servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and expanded research opportunities. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins focused on UCF’s preeminence, workforce needs, nursing and engineering, and keeping graduates in Florida. Florida Gulf Coast University nominees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointee Joseph Fogg discussed workforce development, affordability, student success, water and environmental programs, business and entrepreneurship, nursing outcomes, and FGCU’s regional role. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly cited USF’s AAU status, research growth, and focus on student success, health care, cybersecurity, and AI. Committee members generally praised each nominee’s background and the universities’ achievements. At the end of the hearing, the committee approved all nominees in a single block vote for confirmation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• of these down, how much money could have been deleted here or maybe moved to something that really needed
• Representative Hill, if you've got anything else you need to do, you can scadaddle.
• Representative Hill, if you've got anything else you need to do, you can scadaddle.
• Representative Hill, if you've got anything else you need to do, you can scadaddle.
• to to do, you can anything else you need to to do, you can scadaddle.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session on HB 25, the capital improvements appropriations bill. Representative Jack moved ought to pass and also offered Amendment 1455H. Discussion focused largely on several capital items and, in particular, a disputed freight rail public-private partnership. Representative Kazinski opposed the rail subsidy, arguing it favored connected private interests and reflected excessive spending, while Representatives Clutier and others defended the rail funding as a public-private partnership that supports rail maintenance, reduces truck traffic, protects roads and bridges, improves safety, and benefits the environment. Representative Jack explained that the amendment was intended to appropriate enough money to cover bids rather than a fixed purchase price. The committee then voted on Amendment 1455H, which passed 17-1. After that, the committee voted on HB 25A, the bill as amended, and it also passed 17-1. Representative Kazinski indicated he would vote no and was asked whether he wanted to write a minority report; he agreed to do so. The chair noted the bill could not go on the consent calendar and would need further discussion. After completing the bill, the chair announced the committee had one Senate bill expected later, with a due date of May 29, and said the committee would take next Tuesday off and schedule the Senate bill when convenient. Members also discussed an upcoming community college system lunch at the Lakes Region campus, thanked staff for their work on the bill, and noted the committee had brought HB 25 in about $10.5 million under the governor’s request.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hang on, I need my readers. Hang on, I need my readers. >> 549565. >> 549565.
• need to try to better understand. need to try to better understand.
• We need to relocate them.
• We know we need to do better.
• They're solving customer service needs. They're solving customer service needs.

Keywords: This meeting was recovered from a back up copy and uploaded after the original meeting took place., 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on the FY 2025 road fund. Officials reported road fund revenues came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, but were down about $11 million from FY 2024, largely because a motor fuels tax rate reduction took effect at the start of FY 2025. Motor vehicle usage tax receipts were stronger than expected, and the cabinet said the road fund ended the year with a $61.6 million surplus, which the budget bill directs to state highway construction. Members also discussed how the motor fuels decline affects formula distributions to cities, counties, and rural/secondary roads, with officials saying about $122.8 million had been planned for revenue sharing but was not distributed because receipts were lower than forecast. Members asked about broader revenue trends, including fuel efficiency, electric vehicles, and the removal of a hybrid fee. Cabinet officials said improved fuel efficiency and CAFE standards reduce gasoline consumption and therefore fuel tax receipts, while EVs and plug-in hybrids are subject to a user fee. They also said toll revenues from the Louisville bridges are covering bills and commitments, though they did not have detailed figures at hand. On project delivery, officials said delays are often caused by right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and the large volume of projects in the highway plan, and that much of the work happens behind the scenes before construction begins. The committee also reviewed the cabinet’s cash management approach, which was adopted after 2000 to avoid setting aside full project costs all at once and to keep the road fund cash balance above a required minimum. Officials said the balance typically rises in winter and falls in summer as project bills come due, and that the current balance was about $166 million. They also reported that project awards for the year were nearing $998 million and expected to exceed last year’s total. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes.