Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's a loose end that needs to be closed, and it needs to be specified that it needs to be
• I think they need the training. I think they need the support.
• We need y'all's help. We need y'all's help in dire ways. Rule of Capture.
• They're going to need water. They're going to need it fast.
• They're going to need water. They're going to need it fast.

Summary: The committee held a hearing on high-capacity groundwater wells proposed in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties, with members framing the issue as one of local water supply, fairness, and the need to modernize groundwater law while protecting private property rights. Opening remarks focused on the scale of the proposed Redtown Ranch and Pine Bliss projects, the potential export of tens of thousands of acre-feet of groundwater annually, and concerns that the applications lacked sufficient technical detail and could harm nearby landowners, cities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Members also noted the broader context of the recent flooding tragedy in central Texas and the Legislature’s intent to address water-related loss of life in the upcoming special session. Witnesses from the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts and the Texas Water Development Board explained the current groundwater management framework. They described groundwater conservation districts as the state’s preferred management method, the role of groundwater management areas and desired future conditions, and how the Water Development Board uses those conditions to calculate modeled available groundwater. They emphasized that districts rely on local data, monitoring wells, and planning processes, but that information is often more limited in areas without a district, where the rule of capture applies. Members pressed witnesses on recharge rates, export permits, subsidence, the effect of pumping on nearby wells, the age and real-time availability of model data, and whether the proposed project would exceed modeled available groundwater in some counties. TCEQ explained its limited oversight role over groundwater conservation districts, including inquiries, compliance actions, and, in extreme cases, dissolution authority. Water Development Board staff also outlined funding programs, saying the New Water Supply for Texas Fund is limited to projects such as brackish desalination, reuse, ASR, and other new-supply projects, and does not fund fresh groundwater exports alone. They said the project at issue had not applied for board funding. A water lawyer then testified on the rule of capture, ownership in place, and district regulation, arguing that districts must use permitting and other tools to manage production within modeled available groundwater and that the Legislature could consider additional authority over groundwater exports under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• needs of businesses as they grow.
• uh and different supply chain needs uh and different needs<00:19:13.880> of<00:19:14.039>
• 10 years to needing 20 years.
• vested from needing 10 years to needing vested from needing 10 years to needing 20<01:11:30.239>
• We may need that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns. Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• But you need an answer it. I was trying to get in again. You answered. Yes. We're good to move on.
• They need to go to Vegas. This decoupling of gaming from love.
• We can so we can install these when we need an electrician.
• So my my point is, >> we are living in an environment where we need to create safety for everybody. >
• And so at the end of the day, they are critical to the functioning of our economy.

Transcript Highlights:

• IN MOST COMMUNITIES THIS OPPORTUNITY BUT IF ALL YOU NEED -- WE EMBRACE THIS OPPORTUNITY AND WE PLACED
• THE MUSEUM IF ALL YOU NEED -- WE EMBRACE THIS OPPORTUNITY AND WE PLACED THE MUSEUM IN WEST AUGUSTINE
• YOU NEED TO KNOW WHERE THE HISTORY LIES AND WE HAVE ENRICHED HISTORY.
• WE NEED AS MANY TOOLS AS POSSIBLE.
• THEY ARE SAYING THEY CANNOT CONTINUE TO FUNCTION AND COMPLETE PROJECTS MAY HAVE ON THE TABLE BECAUSE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we need to break that door, break the lock open, that it absolves the sheriff's office of any damage
• Just want to share that for the for the good of public because people need to pay attention to things
• And then the intake staffer who was a lawyer reviews the facts and determines does this need further
• review doesn't need further investigation.
• You need to change this.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do need a bill. We absolutely need a bill.
• We absolutely need a bill. When I bill. We absolutely need a bill.
• And that's why we need timelines, we need criteria, we need an organized way of doing this.
• And that's why we need timelines, we need criteria, we need an organized way of doing this.
• in need of compassionate release. in need of compassionate release.

Bills: HB1531

Keywords: emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation. The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• it's at the point where we need a date. it's at the point where we need a date.
• So not all of our libraries need security guards, but the ones that do need it really do need security
• :56.400> need ones that do need it really do need ones that do need it really do need security
• What's allotted is need need to do it.
• need them to. need them to.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do uh need to approve the minutes. I need a motion to approve the December 9th minutes.
• Public Schools and said, "Our son needs Public Schools and said, "Our son needs help
• hear them, you need to ask who benefits. hear them, you need to ask who benefits.
• Adults need to do something now. Because remember, children do not need tech.
• Technology companies need need tech.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• primary or sole function. Um, but it's primary or sole function.
• He had significant needs.
• He needed significant orthodontic work. He had significant needs.
• He had significant needs. residential. He had significant needs.
• . needs. needs.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened with routine announcements, including new and absent members, a tribute to former chair Rep. Jess Edwards, and an explanation that Division 3 is advisory and will make recommendations to full Finance. Chair Mooney also distributed a self-created index to the budget binder and reviewed the committee’s options under House Rule 45. Members discussed scheduling a future visit to the Veterans Home in Tilton, with several October dates unavailable, and the chair said she would circulate possible dates. The committee also reviewed the second-year budget context and sources of funding, including surplus monies, existing and new revenue streams, grants, reappropriations, and the rainy day fund. The committee then took up several retained bills and repeatedly heard that their substance had already been addressed in the budget. House Bill 519, funding the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was moved ITL and passed 10-0. House Bill 547, county reimbursement funds, was also moved ITL and passed 10-0 after members noted the reimbursement had been included in HB 2. House Bill 570, repealing the prescription drug affordability board, was moved ITL and passed 10-0, with minority members saying they still believed the board had value but acknowledging the repeal had already occurred in HB 2. House Bill 704, concerning caregiver respite and senior volunteer programs, received the most discussion. Mr. Ripple explained that most items were already funded or suspended in the budget, leaving only the senior volunteer grant program unfunded. Chair Mooney offered amendment 2963H to fund the RSVP program at $180,000 for one year, contingent on surplus funds, and DHHS witnesses explained that RSVP is a federally funded AmeriCorps program that would be added to existing state licensing structures. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 10-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 751, which would require licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and create an ombudsman-related complaint process. DHHS witnesses said the bill had been narrowed substantially from an earlier certification model with multiple positions and IT costs to a licensing model using existing department infrastructure, reducing the fiscal note to $211,000 for one position. They also said the ombudsman section was no longer needed because licensed facilities would fall under existing oversight. Members questioned how many facilities exist and whether licensing fees would cover costs; DHHS said it did not know the full provider landscape and that licensing revenue across the board does not cover the department’s costs. Rep. Daniels then proposed amendment 2964H to form a study committee because of the remaining questions and lack of a clear revenue stream, and the committee was still discussing that amendment when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• to store this information that are need to store this information that are already<00:18:55.680>
• But that's why we will be needed again next year.
• But, that's why we uh will<00:22:59.800> be<00:22:59.920> needed<00:23:00.200> again
• <00:23:01.240> And<00:23:01.320> so, will be needed again next year.
• And so, will be needed again next year.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sounds like can function as intended.
• clean up is I realize that there needs clean up is I realize that there needs to<00:55:52.720>
• So if we want to be strong economically, that means we need workers, and if we need workers, we need
• <02:18:15.200> workers<02:18:15.760> we need workers and if we need workers we need
• need child care to be provided for them. need child care to be provided for them.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe there's some announcements that are needing to be made. Absolutely. Mr.
• I don't need the sponsor to yield.
• Senator Duke, uh, uh, please, we need you at your seat.
• If you need a moment, I'll yield to Senator Worth. You ready, Senator Steinborn? Uh, Mr. Mr.
• President, I do need a moment. I apologize. Senator Worth, uh, thank you, Mr. President.

Transcript Highlights:

• :08:46.720> therapeutic addresses the need for therapeutic addresses the need for therapeutic
• needed to<00:48:13.720> grow.
• to function?
• The time is long past due for this humanitarian measure to be done. need to function?
• HP53 would allow their need to function?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These workers need earned sick and safe time. All workers need earned sick and safe time.
• ><00:23:53.279> to committee what we need to do we need to committee what we need to do we need
• motans need to be able to take care need motans need to be able to take care of<00:58:33.440> themselves
• and not need to do.
• that we need to talk about.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes a landlord needs to get paid and needs to sell a property.
• paid and landlord needs needs to get paid and needs<00:05:07.440> to<00:05:07.680> sell
• And we need to start younger, I guess. So, how many would we need? And also, they need to be close.
• And we need to start younger, I guess. So, how many would we need? And also, they need to be close.
• So, how big do we how many do we need?" also, they need to be close.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:05 25 RS HB 534 - AN ACT relating to actions for forcible entry and detainer: 00:01:45 25 RS SB 111 - AN ACT relating to juvenile justice: 00:23:46 Children's Advocacy Centers of Kentucky: 01:13:26 Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment in State and County Correctional Facilities: 01:25:28, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the September 18 minutes and then heard testimony on House Bill 534, which would automatically seal dismissed eviction filings and protect youth from public disclosure in forcible detainer cases. Rep. Susan Tyler Whitten and George Ecklan of the Coalition for the Homeless said the bill is aimed at reducing housing barriers for Kentuckians, especially those with dismissed cases, while preserving landlords’ rights to pursue rent, collections, damages, and other legal remedies. They said the proposal was developed with input from landlords, clerks, judges, AOC, and service providers, and noted that similar laws exist in other states. Several members, including Sen. Neimes, Rep. Deetsz, Rep. Cole Carney, and Sen. Thomas, expressed support while emphasizing that the bill is narrowly tailored to dismissed cases and should not affect legitimate landlord claims; Sen. Wheeler raised concerns about cases involving settlements or delays and whether future landlords should know about them. The sponsors responded that the bill only covers dismissed actions, that dismissals require a judge’s order, and that the goal is to remove barriers created by records that remain publicly visible even when a case is resolved. The committee then took up Senate Bill 111 on juvenile justice. Commissioner Randy White, Kentucky Hospital Association President Nancy Galvanny, and Dr. Clark Lester of the University of Kentucky said the bill would require a secure state-run facility for youth with high-acuity mental health needs in detention and, until that is built, create a process with incentives for private hospitals to provide inpatient treatment with safeguards and increased compensation. They argued that detention is not an appropriate setting for severely mentally ill, violent youth and that private psychiatric hospitals often refuse these referrals or discharge them early. Dr. Lester cited recent referral data showing high denial rates for juvenile justice youth in private hospitals in August and September, often due to aggression, and described a case in which repeated placement attempts failed because of violent and self-harming behavior. The presenters said the bill is intended to fill a service gap and improve safety and outcomes for youth, staff, and hospitals, but no vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And while it's easy to assume that students simply need to show up or that someone just needs to pick
• <00:25:55.640> to social workers uh so we just need to social workers uh so we just need to
• would want and so I I just think we need would want and so I I just think we need to<00:37:42.640
• <00:47:26.920> need don't know what that is but we need need don't know what that is but we
• We need to be careful.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• family need. family need.
• Those are needs.
• Those are needs.
• Those are needs.
• Those are needs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and when they need it.
• , and when they need it.
• , and when they need it.
• , and when they need it.
• , and when they need it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we need to address that one for sure. So we need to address that one for sure.
• ><00:27:21.840> talk puzzle that we need to we need to talk puzzle that we need to we need to
• Do I need more staff?
• Do I need more staff? I always schools. Do I need more staff?
• practices that that met students needs? practices that that met students needs?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission met to review and amend the minutes from its previous meeting, correcting the date, several spelling and wording errors, and clarifying references to a scholarship fund and a member’s title. The minutes were then approved as amended, with some members abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting. The chair then turned to the commission’s work plan under SB 57, emphasizing the need to prioritize the statutory topics and identify which issues require additional research, documentation, and possible spreadsheets. Members discussed a broad range of special education cost drivers and policy questions, including student referral rates, why students are classified as other health impaired, whether referrals increased after COVID school closures, intervention processes before referral, the cost of services required under IEPs and 504 plans, differences between federal law, state law, and DOE rules, reporting of special education costs, out-of-district and residential placements, district sharing of resources, dispute resolution, graduation rates, and adult learning outcomes. Several members raised concerns that school environments, mental health, bullying, and possible overidentification may be contributing to rising special education numbers and costs, while others cautioned that some reported district percentages may be inflated or unclear because of how the data are counted. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 742, which would eliminate prorated special education aid when state appropriations are insufficient and require the governor to draw a warrant to cover shortfalls. Representative Ames explained that the bill had been recommended for interim study because the commission is already examining special education costing, and he highlighted the gap between FY24 special education costs of about $977.1 million and state aid of $33.9 million for catastrophic aid, $67.4 million for differentiated aid, and $50.8 million in federal IDEA funds, leaving local districts to cover about $825.1 million. He argued the commission should ultimately make clear that both the federal government and the state should contribute more. The Department of Education, through Melissa White, answered questions about data and oversight. She said special education counts come from IEPs entered into the state system using SASIDs, that DOE monitors districts through both desk audits and on-site visits, and that billing is checked against the services listed in each student’s IEP. She also said DOE’s special education work is largely federally funded, with roughly $56.7 million received through IDEA this year and about $49.1 million flowing through to LEAs, while the department retains a small amount for administration and statewide support activities. Members also discussed how adequacy calculations use special education counts from the state system and how those figures are reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, before we each get started with the orders of the day, you need to make a motion, please.
• House Bill 504: An act making appropriations for the operations, maintenance, support, and functioning
• measures providing funding and establishing conditions for the operations, maintenance, support, and functioning
• restricted funds for the operation of the Office of Medical Cannabis and direct them that if they need

Keywords: 958, all