Transcript Highlights:

• And that would be funded over time by an increase in KERS non-hazardous employer rates of 0.07%. help
• This would require an increase over time for KERS non-hazardous employer rates of 0.01% to pay for the
• <00:20:58.240> that >> and that's the contribution rates that >> and that's the
• And additionally, the actuary determined contribution rate increases by 3% of pay for SPS due to the
• And additionally, the actuary determined contribution rate increases by 3% of pay for SPS due to the

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Rep. Ashley Tacket Laferty on a bill to expand minimum hazardous-duty retirement and health benefits for certain public safety workers injured in the line of duty. She used a video and examples from Floyd County to describe officers and an emergency management director who were catastrophically injured but did not qualify for existing hazardous-duty coverage because their employers had enrolled them in non-hazardous retirement plans. The bill would provide a minimum benefit of 25% of pay, plus 10% for dependent children and limited health coverage, for eligible workers who cannot return to hazardous work. Laferty said the proposal would apply retroactively through a five-year window, estimated to affect a limited number of workers statewide, and would be funded by small increases in employer contribution rates. Committee members questioned how many former employees might qualify, how the bill interacts with the pension system, and who would pay the added cost. Discussion also noted that local governments choose whether to place employees in hazardous or non-hazardous coverage, largely based on cost. The sheriff’s association was present online in support, and no vote was taken. The committee then heard Rep. Daniel Gber present a revised bill allowing teachers and school district employees to use accumulated sick leave to observe religious holidays not already on the school calendar, if they provide a personal statement and sufficient advance notice. He said the measure is intended to address the rigid school calendar and the difficulty teachers face in observing non-school holidays without losing service credit toward retirement. He noted that the earlier version of the bill had allowed make-up work time, but the current draft is shorter and focused on sick leave use. He also referenced a supporting letter from a constituent who could not attend because of weather. The bill was presented for discussion only, with no committee action reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Similarly, the bill my colleague referenced, AB 564, would keep the cannabis excise tax rate at 15%,
• If you then also were to pass the bill keeping the tax rate at 15%, That combination of actions would
• If you were to allow the tax rate to increase to 19% on July 1st, that likely would more than offset
• I think this is a sense. ...tax rate at 15% through trailer bill legislation.
• By the way, that's an average contact rate of 5.8 emails or phone calls a day.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard an informational presentation on the May Revision’s proposed reorganization of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into separate housing-focused and consumer/business-focused entities. Administration officials said the split would improve oversight, streamline decision-making, and create a dedicated California Housing and Homelessness Agency with a new housing development and finance committee. The Department of Finance said funding was needed in 2025-26 to begin implementation, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal without prejudice because the Little Hoover Commission review was still pending and the plan would require ongoing General Fund costs. Members raised concerns about the timing, the lack of alignment with the budget process, and whether the reorganization would improve accountability for homelessness spending; several public witnesses supported the concept but stressed it could not substitute for new housing and homelessness dollars. The committee then took up the Department of Veterans Affairs. CalVet requested funding for phase three of its electronic health care record project and a trailer bill to preserve authority for federal background checks, but the May Revision withdrew requests for deferred maintenance and additional administrative support. The LAO noted deferred maintenance can prevent larger future costs, and the chair criticized the withdrawal of less than $1 million for veterans’ homes as short-sighted given existing repair needs. No vote was taken. Next, the Department of Housing and Community Development presented its budget. HCD said the May Revision provides no new affordable housing or homelessness funding, but does retain existing rounds of funding and proposes a $31.7 million reversion from undersubscribed housing programs. Members from both parties expressed concern about zeroing out ongoing housing and homelessness investments, especially for LIHTC, the Multifamily Housing Program, and HAP. HCD also defended its homelessness accountability and compliance work, saying the unit includes about 30 program staff and six attorneys, with three additional attorneys requested mainly to handle public records and litigation workload. Public commenters largely opposed the lack of new funding and urged continued support for housing and homelessness programs, while some supported the reorganization and accountability efforts. Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz proposals. The administration requested authority to increase funding for a federal trade program match if needed, plus reappropriations for administrative funds tied to the Containerized Ports Interoperability Grant Program, zero-emission vehicle operations, and the Women’s Business Center Enhancement Program. It also proposed withdrawing the Cal Competes grant request and reverting remaining funds from the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund. The LAO said Cal Competes is generally effective but could be cut as a budget solution, while warning that the performing arts fund was close to awards and should be considered carefully. Members objected to pulling back committed funds for performing arts organizations and questioned why the state would withdraw support after applications had already been submitted.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, the company obtained an external credit facility alone to mitigate this impact at market rates
• We do not affect the credit rating of the state, and we do not obligate the state in any way, shape,
• We do not affect the credit rating<00:37:43.200> of<00:37:43.359> the<00:37:43.599>
• of the state and we do not rating of the state and we do not obligate<00:37:45.119> the<00:37
• higher retention rates from the texts. higher retention rates from the texts.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have cut our murder rate more than half, and as I've indicated to this body already, Lexington, of
• the top 100 cities, now has the second-lowest murder rate per capita.
• the top 100 cities, now has the second-lowest murder rate per capita.
• the top 100 cities, now has the second-lowest murder rate per capita.
• the top 100 cities, now has the second-lowest murder rate per capita.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:06 SB 75: 00:01:05 Discussion in Opposition to SB 75: 00:11:00 SCR 89: 00:26:30 HB 38: 00:34:51 HB 201: 00:50:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Senator Reed, which would lower Kentucky’s concealed carry age from 21 to 18. The bill’s supporters, including Taylor McKe of the NRA, argued that 18- to 20-year-olds are legal adults who should have equal Second Amendment rights, noting they can vote, serve in the military, and otherwise be treated as adults. Supporters also cited court decisions and historical arguments, while opponents, including Kathy Hobart and Chuck Eddie, warned that the bill would increase gun violence and put more guns in the hands of young people without adequate training. Senator Carol said he opposed the bill because the brain is not fully mature until about age 25 and called the measure irresponsible; Senator Denine said he would pass the bill but wanted training requirements added; Senator Thomas also opposed it on public safety grounds; and Senator Wheeler supported it as a parity and self-defense measure for law-abiding young adults. After debate, the committee voted on SB 75 and reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The roll call reflected a mix of support and opposition, with several members explaining their votes. Supporters emphasized self-defense, constitutional rights, and consistency with adult responsibilities, while opponents focused on youth violence, public safety, and the lack of a training requirement. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon, which would direct the establishment of a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force. Higdon described it as a typical interim work group and said it would include five House and five Senate members. Discussion broadened to expungement and restoration issues, including marijuana-related convictions and other records that members said should be reviewed in light of changing laws. Chair Storm noted he had filed a separate expungement task force resolution and suggested the measures could be coordinated. The resolution was moved, seconded, and the roll was called, with Senator Thomas later explaining support for treating older marijuana convictions more equitably in light of current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• rate of 4.42%. rate of 4.42%.
• We were, you know, around 4.5% on average. >> And is your interest rate tied to the rating of the Commonwealth
• Um, I think when districts struggle, it does make it hard to rate bonds, but overall we have a good rating
• <01:30:54.760> of Often states cap or limit the rate of Often states cap or limit the rate
• probable 4% cut in some provider rates. probable 4% cut in some provider rates.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Budget Process 00:02:28 Allotment Process 00:10:30 School Facilities Construction Commission 00:29:10 Role of KDE in School Facilities Funding 00:47:00 Kentucky School Boards Association 01:13:25 Elementary and Secondary School Construction 01:20:40 Perkins V Funding 01:35:32, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're not paying the rates. result. Um and and what is the energy result.
• <01:12:03.840> payers, benefit to local rate payers, benefit to local rate payers, particularly
• , changes to alternative compliance rates, changes to alternative compliance rates, um,<01:41:14.520
• Um, it seeks to lower ACP<01:41:22.360> rates ACP rates ACP rates and<01:41:23.840> change<
• high rate of childhood asthma?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:33:24.240> of it won't affect the assumed rate of it won't affect the assumed rate of
• We modeled between 3% and 5% of a distribution rate because some of our consultants recommended that
• Appendix E shows a variety of the scenarios, including the 5% distribution rate scenario.
• Senator Driskill, otherwise I can make sure to get that to you. including the a 5% distribution rate
• including the a 5% distribution rate scenario.<01:35:45.880> So<01:35:46.000> that's<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we were at a 34% turnover rate just four years ago, and now we have decreased it to 14%.
• a 34% turnover rate just four years<00:40:45.599> ago<00:40:46.000> and<00:40:46.240><
• to 14% we'd like to keep it at that rate to 14% we'd like to keep it at that rate and<00:40:50.920
• EMS personnel have a 39% higher suicide rate than the national average.
• EMS personnel have a 39% higher suicide rate than the national average.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The auditor did note that it is hard to give an exact rate of misclassification in Minnesota.
• The auditor did note that it is hard to give an exact rate of misclassification in Minnesota, but in
• apprentices is 94%, compared to the non-apprentice pass rate at 76%.
• within recruitment and retention rates, especially in our, uh, intermediate districts.
• Um, retention, recruitment and retention rates, especially in our, uh, intermediate districts.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're talking about cap rates, vacancy rates, the equalization ratios for towns and cities, which are
• <00:48:47.839> vacancy<00:48:48.319> rates talking about cap rates vacancy rates talking
• about cap rates vacancy rates the<00:48:49.079> equalization<00:48:49.760> ratios<00:48
• It's very difficult to build below-market-rate housing.
• to build below market rate difficult to build below market rate housing<00:58:28.520> the<00:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• immunity protection for outpatient infants with debilitating health conditions, thus decreasing mortality rates
• The Milk Bank is a dedicated Rates, along with shortening hospital stays.
• And if In fact, Pennsylvania's unemployment rate is lower than the national unemployment rate.
• structurally, and in terms of employment, we're in a good position with respect to our unemployment rate
• We're beating the national economy in terms of the unemployment rate, which is a very good barometer.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received committee reports from Banking and Insurance and Judiciary. Several leaves of absence were granted, and the chamber took up calendar and procedural motions, including re-referrals and tabling actions on multiple bills. House Bill 1102 and Senate Bill 911 were re-referred to Appropriations, House Bill 96 and Senate Bill 599 were briefly laid on the table and then returned to the calendar, and House Bill 2400 and Senate Bill 746 were also sent to Appropriations. The Senate later agreed to consider a discharge-related motion on minimum wage, but the motion to make it a special order of business failed by a vote of 23-27. On final passage, Senate Bill 1182 passed 50-0 after Senator Boscola described it as a modernization of the Board of Vehicles Act to address software-based vehicle features, warranty reimbursement, data protections, loaner vehicles, and related dealer/manufacturer issues; she noted amendments had been adopted to address stakeholder concerns. Senate Bill 1334 also passed, 29-21, after the Senate rejected Amendment A44049, which would have exempted certain cardiology technicians from licensing requirements if credentialed and supervised; supporters argued the exemption reflected existing practice and credentialing, while opponents said the bill was needed for patient safety and consistent oversight. Senate Bill 1372 passed 50-0, and House Bill 2426 was re-referred to Appropriations. The latter part of the session focused heavily on minimum wage and budget timing. Senators Tartaglione, Hughes, and Costa argued Pennsylvania had gone 20 years without raising the minimum wage and urged action on a House-passed minimum wage measure, while Senator Pittman said Republicans were willing to “meet in the middle” but opposed the House proposal as written. Members also discussed the state budget, the rainy day fund, and whether the Senate should remain in session; after debate, Senator Pittman’s motion to recess to the call of the President pro tempore was adopted 27-23, and the Senate stood in recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• caffeine and experiencing adverse health effects, such as dehydration, anxiety, and decreased heart rate
• before, in developing brains, anxiety and mood changes, cardiovascular effects including elevated heart rate
• gives authority to the school districts in New Castle County to adjust and reset their school tax rates
• We are very supportive of HB 461 so that our school tax rates can be applied to tax bases that are more
• When districts can't fill these positions, they are forced to contract services at premium rates.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with enough members present to conduct business and approved the June 17 minutes. It first heard HB 459 with House Amendment 1, which would prohibit the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or school events. The sponsor and Department of Education explained that the bill targets beverages containing caffeine and marketed as energy drinks, not ordinary soft drinks or coffee/tea products. Public testimony from the Medical Society supported the bill on health grounds, while the beverage industry said its companies already voluntarily limit school offerings and that the bill does not reflect current practice. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then heard HB 461, a follow-up to prior legislation on New Castle County property reassessment and school tax rates. Senator Cruz said the bill would let New Castle County school districts adjust and reset tax rates to reflect reassessment changes without increasing projected operating revenue, and that it includes a sunset. DSEA supported the measure, saying fair property values are important to public education funding. The committee also heard HB 452, which would require additional background checks and training for DIAA sports officials and strengthen DIAA enforcement procedures. Members questioned how checks would be handled, who would see the results, and who would provide training; the DIAA compliance coordinator said the checks would be maintained through the state process and that associations would verify eligibility. The bill’s sponsor and DIAA said the goal was to align officials with existing child-safety standards. Next, the committee considered HS1 for HB 425, which raises the salary supplement from 6% to 12% for nationally certified school counselors, nurses, and school social workers, and allows DOE to identify additional qualifying positions by regulation. Supporters, including school social workers, nurses, and DSEA, argued the change would improve retention and recognize advanced credentials. Senator Hansen raised concerns that school psychologists were not included; sponsors said a broader study and possible future legislation or budget language would address other nationally certified school-based professionals. The committee then heard HS1 for HB 358 on student elopement notifications, inspired by Ace’s Law, but administrators and the chair raised concerns that the bill may be too prescriptive and difficult to implement in practice, especially when schools may not immediately know a student has left campus. Finally, the committee discussed HB 379 on the comprehensive school discipline improvement program; DOE said the substitute was intended to consolidate prevention and intervention supports and avoid competition for funding, while DASA asked that the bill be paused or tabled. The meeting ended before action on the remaining bill, and HB 443 was deferred to a future executive meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• National Library of Science and Medicine has shown that queer-inclusive curriculums lower violence rates
• Comprehensive sex education is proven to delay sexual initiation, reduce STI and pregnancy rates, and
• , better behavior, fewer mental health issues, increased self-regulation, and increased graduation rates
• , better behavior, fewer mental health issues, increased self-regulation, and increased graduation rates
• Students who participate in the arts score higher on the SAT, have lower dropout rates, and are more

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with the largest portions focused on the Healthy Youth Act (S.340/H.656), comprehensive and inclusive curriculum bills (H.655/S.371 and related measures), climate literacy education (H.560/S.391), computer science coursework (H.534/S.362), arts education funding and STEM-to-STEAM proposals (H.561 and H.4297), and a homeschooling reporting bill (H.518). Supporters of the Healthy Youth Act argued it would preserve local control while requiring medically accurate, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sex education and regular updates to state health frameworks; opponents raised parental rights, age-appropriateness, and opt-out concerns, with some calling for fetal development content. Supporters of inclusive curriculum bills said they would improve representation, belonging, and civic understanding, while opponents argued they could undermine parental authority or promote ideological content. Climate, computer science, and arts advocates emphasized workforce readiness, student engagement, and the need for state support and funding to expand access and teacher training. Testimony on the climate literacy bill described increasing climate impacts in Massachusetts and argued that interdisciplinary instruction would prepare students for science, policy, and green careers; witnesses said the bill was not a mandate but a support and funding measure. Computer science supporters said access remains uneven, especially for girls, students of color, and students with disabilities, and urged stronger statewide requirements and AI-related standards. Arts advocates backed both the STEM-to-STEAM bill and the Lowell Mason arts funding proposal, citing research on student achievement, attendance, creativity, and the economic importance of the arts sector. The homeschool bill was supported by a homeschool advocacy group as a modernization of reporting requirements. The committee closed testimony on numerous bills where no one remained signed up or testimony had concluded, including several education, curriculum, and commission proposals. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. At the end of the session, the committee closed out the remaining testimony and adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're one of 13 states that are AAA bond rated.
• In fact, many states are in a situation that's worse because our error rates are some of the lowest,
• ><00:04:48.400> are<00:04:48.480> some<00:04:48.680> of because our our error rates
• are some of because our our error rates are some of the<00:04:48.880> lowest,<00:04:49.320>
• One of the reasons Minnesota has had such stable budgets and been triple-A bond rated is our revenue

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• $11,647,000, that is the amount that it would cost the state to bring these fees up to the Medicaid rate
• can be maintained in rural Oklahoma and not lose them as the trend has been going on at an alarming rate
• enough in rural areas where they can, for some of their stores, ask for a different reimbursement rate
• We said if we just go with Medicaid rate, surely we can. Last year. This is the bottom.
• We said, if we just go with Medicaid rate, surely we can get that done this year without a veto.

Bills: SB206, SB640, SB667, SB1344, SB1380, SB1423, SB1425, SB1436, SB1484, SB1500, SB1502, SB1503, SB1557, SB1562, SB1572, SB1644, SB1645, SB1794, SB1796, SB1806, SB1849, SB1984, SB2007, SB2074

Keywords: SB206, emergency medical services, EMS, ambulance, 911 response, emergency response, essential services, federal funding, grant funding, public health, health care facility, municipality, county, ambulance service district, tribal entity, public entity, contract ambulance service, Oklahoma, 63 O.S. 2021 Section 1-2502, emergency clause

Transcript Highlights:

• It has nothing to do with improving or expanding instructional time or improving literacy rates.
• fund at the same point in time to reopen Swojak, which in its 30-year history never had a Staffing rate
• , It is my understanding that the current level they have settled at is twice the current taxation rate
• I think any time that we can reduce cancer rates in the state of Oklahoma is a net positive.
• For us to be setting aside an incentive at a lesser rate for non-burn cigarette products versus burn

Bills: HB1242, HB1250, HB1590, HB1752, HB1979, HB1983, HB2952, HB2961, HB2967, HB2973, HB2988, HB3031, HB3047, HB3052, HB3066, HB3086, HB3175, HB3177, HB3178, HB3240, HB3404, HB3429, HB3548, HB3638, HB3671, HB3704, HB3759, HB3831, HB3904, HB3920, HB3944, HB3969, HB3973, HB3975, HB3976, HB3978, HB3983, HB3984, HB4092, HB4118

Keywords: HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, Oklahoma Tax Commission, agriculture, producer sales, private treaty, special livestock sale, tax relief, farm products, rural economy, local law enforcement, Public Safety Technology Revolving Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• they otherwise might not if they're forced to pay someone that's totally inexperienced such a high rate
• that they're just not going to create if the government or the state is forcing them to pay a certain rate
• And that was by practicing it with a company at a reduced rate.
• And that was by practicing it with a company at a reduced rate.
• And that was by practicing it with a company at a reduced rate.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 455, a local bill for the City of Lake Wales that would allow open containers in a downtown arts district. The sponsor said the city had invested heavily in the area and wanted to support business growth. An amendment clarified that the allowance was intended for cups, not bottles taken from restaurants, and the bill was then adopted favorably without opposition. Members then heard HB 1049 on building permit requirements, which would remove permits for certain work under $7,500 and for battery or backup power systems, while also preempting local governments from adding extra permitting rules. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying modular homes on RV lots, and another addressing contractor “splitting” of projects to avoid the threshold and requiring five years of record retention. County and local-government groups raised concerns about inspections and permitting, while several business and advocacy groups supported the bill. It passed favorably. HB 1175, dealing with safety design standards for office surgery suites, was presented as a measure directing the Florida Building Commission and State Fire Marshal to establish new standards to improve safety and efficiency. There was no amendment or public testimony, and it passed favorably. The committee then spent extensive time on HB 221, which would let workers waive the state minimum wage for certain work-based learning, internship, or pre-apprenticeship positions for up to nine months, later narrowed by amendment to 252 days, or 126 days for minors with parental consent, and defining the program as structured learning. Supporters framed it as a way to expand apprenticeships and help small businesses offer training opportunities; opponents argued it would create free or subminimum labor, invite abuse and coercion, and raise constitutional concerns. Despite strong opposition testimony from labor, civil rights, and policy groups, the bill passed favorably after debate. The committee also heard HB 4035, a Palm Beach County local bill requiring applicants for a certificate of competency to pass the licensing exam before applying to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The sponsor said it would streamline and modernize the process, and members discussed it briefly in support. The transcript ends before the final action on that bill is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the federal data, Magdalena had a poverty rate of about 96%. That's not...
• Magdalena's poverty rate came out at around 40-some-odd percent.
• question, New Mexico specific, a large part of the declining enrollment is due to declining birth rates
• Overall, it's declining birth rates across New Mexico. That's really surprising to me.
• You mentioned the birth rates, but in some of our school districts, we are seeing drops in enrollment

Transcript Highlights:

• Slide 6 This represents non-appearance rates at our implied consent DWI hearings.
• paralegal team, our schedulers, they've been working really hard to help achieve the best appearance rate
• developed in play so we can keep whittling down that number to make it even better non-appearance rates
• a quick overview of the five-year history of general appropriations and then their agency vacancy rate
• what the recommendation has been for 99 percent of state agencies which is recovering the GSD due rates

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 286, Gallagher, electricity rate prescription: holding committee.
• AB 61, Pacheco, legislation and utility rates: do pass out on an A roll call.
• AB 532, Ransom, Water Rate Assistance Program: do pass as amended to strike Sections 1 and 3; out with
• AB 1117, Schultz, dynamic electricity rates: do pass with Republicans not voting.
• AB 99, TAW, Electrical Utility Rates: holding committee.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its May 23, 2025 suspense hearing and opened by emphasizing the difficult budget environment, rising costs for constituents, and the need to make tough choices. The chair said many bills would be held, amended to reduce costs, or made two-year bills because the state could not afford broad program expansions this year. The committee also noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later that day. The committee then acted on a large suspense file, taking up hundreds of Assembly bills across topics including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, climate, water, transportation, elections, and technology. Many bills were held in committee, while many others were approved with cost-saving, clarifying, or author’s amendments. Examples included measures on CalABLE, Covered California enrollment, wildfire and insurance issues, reproductive health, school and college programs, prison and juvenile justice matters, AI and data privacy, and local government and utility regulation. Several bills were converted to two-year bills to continue discussion. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly voted on bills by A roll call or B roll call, often with Republicans not voting on amended measures. Some bills were advanced with notable amendments, such as narrowing scope, removing appropriations, delaying implementation, or striking costly provisions. The committee also approved a number of committee bills and omnibus measures, including emergency management, judiciary, insurance, and water-related bills. At the end of the hearing, the chair stated that the committee had moved 435 bills to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass as amended, and adjourned the meeting.