Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:45.920><c> Uh</c><00:02:46.000><c> we</c><00:02:46.120><c> kind</c><00:02:46.280><c> of</c
• Kind of a<00:02:47.600><c> good</c><00:02:47.800><c> time</c><00:02:48.000><c> for</c><00:02:48.120><
• </c><00:02:48.440><c> We</c><00:02:48.560><c> did</c><00:02:48.760><c> one</c><00:02:49.120><c> uh</c
• We did one uh about<00:02:49.440><c> 3</c><00:02:49.640><c> years</c><00:02:49.840><c> ago</c><00:02:
• :02:50.840><c> a</c><00:02:50.880><c> good</c><00:02:51.040><c> time</c><00:02:51.240><c> to</c><00:02

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining it would work through a long list of interim topics one at a time and asked members to complete a selection form at the end. The first topic, long-term care, drew testimony from AARP Wyoming and the Wyoming Long-Term Care Association. AARP emphasized Wyoming’s aging population, the state’s roughly $200 million annual Medicaid spending on long-term care, and the need to examine whether more support for home-based care could reduce nursing home use and costs. The association agreed with supporting people at home as long as possible, but asked that any study also consider increased support for nursing homes and assisted living when home care is no longer feasible. Committee discussion also touched on adult day care and PACE-like services, with Mr. Laycock noting prior Department of Health discussion and limited adult day availability due to reimbursement concerns. The committee then heard proposals for neonatal intensive care unit family leave, expanded midwifery scope, and a modification to workers’ compensation law. The NICU leave idea, presented by the Wyoming Women’s Foundation, would explore leave options for families with premature infants in intensive care, potentially paid or unpaid, while considering business size and the burden on families who may need out-of-state care. The midwifery topic was framed as a way to address rural maternity and women’s health gaps by allowing midwives to practice to the full extent of their training. On workers’ compensation, the Wyoming Association of Municipalities sought to classify dispatch personnel as first responders so they could receive mental health coverage under workers’ compensation; the Department of Workforce Services explained that current law covers dispatchers under workers’ compensation generally, but the first responder mental health provision added in 2018 applies to law enforcement and firefighters and does not currently include dispatchers. Other topics included problematic gaming and program funding, breast cancer diagnostic and supplemental exams, prescription drug coverage for advanced metastatic cancer, SNAP education, behavioral health workforce clinical training site shortages, CPR in schools, and broader midwifery oversight. The behavioral health workforce proposal, brought by a WICHE commissioner, focused on increasing psychology internship slots in Wyoming, noting that the state currently has only three and that expanding placements could improve recruitment and retention. The CPR in schools topic drew strong support from the American Heart Association, which argued that CPR training in high school could improve bystander response in a rural state with long EMS response times; committee members asked about cost and curriculum fit, and the witnesses said hands-only CPR could be taught by school staff rather than requiring expensive certification. The midwifery discussion later broadened into concerns about oversight and standards after a representative described a constituent’s pregnancy loss and said complaints involving midwifery practice and staffing delays in investigations warranted a deeper review. No votes were taken during the portion provided, and most topics were simply introduced, discussed, and left open for further testimony or later committee selection.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:40.960><c> this</c><02:02:41.199><c> at</c><02:02:41.440><c> all.
• &gt;&gt; Oh,<02:02:43.599><c> except</c><02:02:43.840><c> for</c><02:02:44.400><c> two</c><02:02:44.719
• &gt;&gt; Yeah,<02:02:50.000><c> five</c><02:02:50.239><c> and</c><02:02:50.480><c> one</c><02:02:50.880
• &gt;&gt; Aren't<02:02:52.639><c> you</c><02:02:52.719><c> supposed</c><02:02:52.880><c> to</c><02:02:
• &gt;&gt; Well,<02:02:54.800><c> you</c><02:02:54.960><c> start</c><02:02:55.119><c> with</c><02:02:55.280

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:23.200><c> I</c><00:02:23.280><c> can</c><00:02:23.440><c> just</c><00:02:23.920><c> verbally<
• </c><00:02:25.200><c> suggestion</c><00:02:25.680><c> is,</c><00:02:26.160><c> it's</c><00:02:26.400>
• And<00:02:35.599><c> then</c><00:02:35.840><c> on</c><00:02:36.080><c> line</c><00:02:36.480><c> 11,<
• We find that<00:02:40.879><c> it's</c><00:02:41.280><c> uh</c><00:02:41.440><c> not</c><00:02:41.760>
• :02:43.120><c> context</c><00:02:43.440><c> of</c><00:02:43.599><c> what</c><00:02:43.760><c> the</c>

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2122, which would tie public service flexible spending account contribution and carryover limits to the annual IRS cafeteria plan caps. DEER supported the bill and said it would help the state keep pace with federal limits, though it suggested deleting the words “inflation/adjusted” and “for that calendar year” as unnecessary. HGA and UPW strongly supported the measure, saying state limits lag the IRS amounts and that higher caps would help employees offset rising health care costs. In response to questions, DEER said the plan has a fund balance of about $1.6 million but noted some risk if employees leave before contributing enough to cover reimbursements. The unions agreed to DEER’s suggested wording change so long as the bill still clearly required future increases to track the IRS limits. The committee then took up SB 2116, which would create a confidential process in the Attorney General’s office for anonymous complaints against public employees, with complaints forwarded to the appropriate agency and annual reporting required. DLIR and the Attorney General opposed the bill. The AG’s office said anonymous complaints cannot truly be guaranteed to remain anonymous, that existing laws already provide confidential complaint processes in specific areas, and that the AG would effectively be only a repository without meaningful authority over how complaints are handled. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would begin a conversation about protecting complainants while discouraging frivolous complaints. In questions, senators raised concerns about how anonymous complaints would be investigated and whether the AG could serve as an appeal body; the AG said the proposal would likely require broader changes to existing complaint laws. The committee also heard SB 218, which would amend the amount a disbursing officer may deduct from an employee’s wages to repay indebtedness to the state. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would create a more lenient repayment process for employees who were overpaid and should not have to repay large amounts in a single pay period. UPW said the bill would eliminate a provision allowing recovery of debts of $1,000 or less in one pay period, which it described as problematic for members. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii was listed in opposition, and additional comments were submitted by the state controller and the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. Finally, the committee heard SB 2114, which would repeal the prohibition on certain exempt employees grieving suspensions or discharges and allow bargaining-unit members to grieve disciplinary actions. DHRD and the City and County of Honolulu opposed the bill, arguing exempt employees are at-will employees who serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and already have other legal remedies for discrimination or harassment; they also said the issue is a negotiable matter under collective bargaining agreements. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying exempt positions have increased in number and that just-cause protections would improve recruitment and retention. Senators questioned how unions would represent exempt employees and whether the bill would change the at-will nature of those positions; no vote or final action was taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I<02:02:38.319><c> just</c><02:02:38.479><c> I'm</c><02:02:38.720><c> confused</c><02:02:39.120>
• <c> of</c><02:02:41.439><c> the</c><02:02:41.520><c> parents</c><02:02:41.840><c> ever</c><02:02:42.000
• So, So, So, um,<02:02:50.000><c> are</c><02:02:50.160><c> we</c><02:02:50.319><c> sure</c><02:02:50.720
• </c><02:02:52.880><c> on</c><02:02:53.120><c> whether</c><02:02:53.520><c> because</c><02:02:53.760><
• never</c><02:02:56.960><c> have</c><02:02:57.120><c> been</c><02:02:57.200><c> and</c><02:02:57.439>

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:02:31.920><c> those</c><00:02:32.239><c> that</c><00:02:32.440><c> are</c><00:02:32.720><c> here
• :02:40.760><c> mean</c><00:02:41.000><c> they're</c><00:02:41.400><c> all</c><00:02:41.840><c> great<
• ><c> just</c><00:02:46.080><c> because</c><00:02:46.519><c> we</c><00:02:46.720><c> have</c><00:02:46.920
• ><c> the</c><00:02:47.680><c> people's</c><00:02:48.239><c> work</c><00:02:48.599><c> and</c><00:02:49.000
• > um</c><00:02:55.280><c> as</c><00:02:55.519><c> well</c><00:02:56.440><c> uh</c><00:02:56.599><c> to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve. For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers. For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts. For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I<00:02:03.520><c> pledge</c><00:02:03.840><c> algiance</c><00:02:04.719><c> to</c><00:02:04.960
• ><c> of</c><00:02:07.280><c> America</c><00:02:08.239><c> and</c><00:02:08.560><c> to</c><00:02:08.720
• ><c> for</c><00:02:09.840><c> which</c><00:02:10.000><c> it</c><00:02:10.239><c> stands.
• &gt;&gt; Clerk<00:02:18.560><c> will</c><00:02:18.720><c> stand</c><00:02:18.879><c> on</c><00:02:18.959
• Members<00:02:21.040><c> indicate</c><00:02:21.440><c> your</c><00:02:21.680><c> presence.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:09 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:59 Report of Committees 07:10 Orders of the Day 08:11 HJR 25 08:26 HB 66 11:58 HB 305 16:20 HB 432 22:44 HB 313 27:29 HB 44 30:26 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 34:30 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 42:07 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 43:38 ConC/Rules Report 47:26 Floor Amendments 48:25 Adjournment 48:54, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:07.040><c> discussion</c><00:02:07.520><c> of</c><00:02:07.759><c> the</c><00:02:07.920><c
• <00:02:10.640><c> may</c><00:02:10.879><c> be</c><00:02:11.039><c> imposed</c><00:02:11.599><c> depending
• </c><00:02:16.480><c> Uh</c><00:02:16.800><c> the</c><00:02:17.040><c> chairman</c><00:02:17.520><c>
• /c><00:02:19.440><c> enforce</c><00:02:20.000><c> any</c><00:02:20.239><c> of</c><00:02:20.400><c> the
• </c><00:02:22.560><c> So</c><00:02:22.800><c> we</c><00:02:23.040><c> will</c><00:02:23.280><c> proceed

Bills: HB0003 , HB0004

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, medical assistance, birthing centers, Medicaid, Wyoming, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's<00:02:02.560><c> begin</c><00:02:02.799><c> by</c><00:02:03.040><c> looking</c><00:02:03.280><c
• This one<00:02:25.040><c> for</c><00:02:25.200><c> the</c><00:02:25.360><c> use</c><00:02:25.520><c>
• ><c> must</c><00:02:52.319><c> group</c> Although statute does grant the commission the authority to
• . statute. statute.
• . statute. statute.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03 Summary of Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:01:00 Staff Update on Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel 00:16:00 Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel Representatives Available for Questions-00:39:34 Kentucky State Police & Finance Cabinet Status Update on Kentucky Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System-00:52:35 Adjournment-01:46:24, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from December 19 and June 12, then received a staff report on the Kentucky Fire Commission’s minimum training standards and administrative spending. Staff explained that the commission’s current minimum training hours are 115 for volunteer firefighters and 300 for paid firefighters, down from 150 and 400 before January 1, 2023, after the commission removed elective classes not directly tied to NFPA standards. The report found the commission’s certification testing aligns fully with NFPA standards, but recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours. On finances, staff said the commission complied with the first statutory cap on administrative reimbursements to KCTCS, but could not verify compliance with a second, more specific cap because the finance system does not break out program-level costs and the statute is vague. Staff recommended the commission work with KCTCS to fix that issue and suggested the General Assembly may wish to clarify the statute. After questions about reimbursement levels and investment income, the committee voted to accept the report. The committee then heard an update on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel. Staff reported that the panel has implemented two of three prior recommendations: it revised its agency notification letter to clearly state the 90-day response deadline and added response prompts and checkboxes to improve completeness. The third recommendation, to adopt formal written procedures, remains in progress; staff said the panel plans to develop those procedures alongside its new case management system. The panel is meeting its statutory membership and meeting requirements, but agency responses to its recommendations have been inconsistent: 48% were timely and appropriate in 2022, 36% in 2023, and 82% in 2024, though only three of nine timely 2024 responses were fully complete. Staff also described the new case management system project, funded with $200,000 in one-time money, and recommended the panel consult budget staff about use of those funds beyond fiscal year 2025. They reissued the recommendation that the panel develop written procedures for case review, findings, recommendations, and annual reports. Committee members raised concerns about the lack of penalties for noncompliance, the volume and length of panel meetings, and technology barriers to reviewing cases, and one member said the panel’s findings should inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:04.000><c> they</c><00:02:04.240><c> do</c><00:02:04.479><c> put</c><00:02:04.719><c> that</
• </c><00:02:06.159><c> or</c><00:02:06.399><c> they</c><00:02:06.640><c> do</c><00:02:06.799><c> cover
• do</c><00:02:08.800><c> get</c><00:02:08.959><c> notified</c><00:02:09.840><c> um</c><00:02:09.920><c
• Hawaii<00:02:26.640><c> Professional</c><00:02:27.120><c> Assembly</c><00:02:28.000><c> in</c><00:02
• And<00:02:29.280><c> Mike</c><00:02:29.599><c> Gulich,</c><00:02:30.400><c> senior</c><00:02:30.800><

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.

Transcript Highlights:

• the state has<02:02:10.400><c> a</c><02:02:10.639><c> role</c><02:02:11.040><c> to</c><02:02:11.679>
• And<02:02:14.159><c> as</c><02:02:14.400><c> I</c><02:02:14.719><c> think</c><02:02:14.960><c> back</
• </c><02:02:22.880><c> bat</c><02:02:23.280><c> where</c><02:02:23.599><c> we</c><02:02:23.760><c> did
• One,<02:02:26.480><c> we</c><02:02:26.719><c> appropriated</c><02:02:27.440><c> a</c><02:02:27.840><c
• 28.880><c> of</c><02:02:29.119><c> funds</c><02:02:30.400><c> to</c><02:02:30.719><c> build</c><02:02

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:02.920><c> this</c><02:02:03.079><c> bill</c><02:02:03.320><c> based</c><02:02:03.560><c>
• on the Lang<02:02:04.159><c> uh</c><02:02:04.280><c> the</c><02:02:04.360><c> changes</c><02:02:05.199
• > well</c><02:02:47.719><c> as</c><02:02:48.159><c> um</c><02:02:48.639><c> indecent</c><02:02:49.599
• ><c> to</c><02:22:56.760><c> amend</c><02:22:57.760><c> the</c><02:22:58.000><c> statute</c><02:22:58.840
• ><c> on</c><02:22:59.000><c> the</c> proposal to amend the statute on the proposal to amend the statute

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:

• We<00:02:08.720><c> know</c><00:02:08.800><c> that</c><00:02:09.039><c> one</c><00:02:09.200><c> of</
• :02:13.440><c> many</c><00:02:13.680><c> beds</c><00:02:14.080><c> are</c><00:02:14.239><c> being</c>
• Patients waiting<00:02:18.160><c> to</c><00:02:18.400><c> go</c><00:02:18.640><c> to</c><00:02:18.959
• :21.959><c> uh</c><00:02:22.959><c> le</c><00:02:23.280><c> less</c><00:02:23.680><c> care</c><00:02:
• care.<00:02:27.520><c> For</c><00:02:27.680><c> example,</c><00:02:28.959><c> uh</c><00:02:29.120><c

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; All<00:02:03.200><c> in</c><00:02:03.439><c> favor</c><00:02:03.680><c> say</c><00:02:03.920
• So today in this<00:02:09.440><c> meeting</c><00:02:10.160><c> uh</c><00:02:10.399><c> we're</c><00:02
• With<00:02:37.599><c> that,</c><00:02:38.239><c> we</c><00:02:38.480><c> also</c><00:02:39.200><c> uh
• And uh we also<00:02:54.560><c> uh</c><00:02:55.040><c> to</c><00:02:55.360><c> expand</c><00:02:55.760
• laboratory,<00:02:57.200><c> we</c><00:02:57.519><c> authorized</c><00:02:58.080><c> bond</c><00:02:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Human Services met to review budget items carved out in the prior session budget, including long-term care surveyor contracts, funding for local health departments, and expansion of the central laboratory. The committee approved the June 4 minutes and then heard an update from the Office of Inspector General’s Division of Health Care on long-term care certification surveys and complaint investigations. Officials said the $1 million annual appropriation for contracted survey work, along with salary increases and other resources, helped the state reduce its backlog. They reported that Kentucky completed 101 long-term care certification surveys in fiscal year 2024, up from 28 in fiscal year 2023, and had completed 186 surveys by July 7, 2025, with a goal of 40 to 50 more before the end of fiscal year 2025. Outstanding complaints fell from 1,565 at the end of fiscal year 2024 to 695 by July 7, 2025, and outstanding priority-one or immediate-jeopardy complaints were reduced to zero. Members asked about the definition of priority-one cases, survey timing, the number of facilities still overdue, vacancy rates, federal funding reliance, and the use of contract surveyors. Officials said priority-one cases involve serious harm or high risk of harm, that surveys are required within a 12- to 15.7-month window, and that the agency now has 40 contract surveyors and an outside team option. Several members praised the progress but warned that delays in surveys can endanger residents and urged continued funding and monitoring. The committee then began hearing from Mike Tuggle of the Department of Public Health on the Public Health Transformation Initiative, with Tuggle noting the legislation’s importance to public health financing. The transcript cuts off as he began his remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:06.160><c> I</c><01:02:06.400><c> think</c><01:02:06.480><c> that's</c><01:02:06.640><c> a
• I think that's a good<01:02:06.960><c> a</c><01:02:07.200><c> good</c><01:02:07.359><c> point.
• </c><01:02:07.599><c> We'll</c><01:02:07.839><c> think</c><01:02:08.000><c> about</c><01:02:08.160><c
• &gt;&gt; Thank<01:02:09.280><c> you</c><01:02:09.440><c> so</c><01:02:09.599><c> much.
• </c><01:02:10.559><c> Thank</c><01:02:10.720><c> you.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• row</c><01:02:45.680><c> and</c><01:02:45.920><c> they</c><01:02:46.079><c> came</c><01:02:46.240><c
• </c><01:02:56.240><c> Thank</c><01:02:56.400><c> you</c><01:02:56.559><c> for</c><01:02:56.720><c> the
• </c><04:02:00.479><c> now</c><04:02:00.800><c> to</c><04:02:02.160><c> the</c><04:02:02.399><c> next<
• </c><04:02:45.120><c> So,</c><04:02:45.279><c> we</c><04:02:45.439><c> have</c><04:02:45.439><c> a</c
• Would you like to<04:02:50.560><c> speak</c><04:02:50.720><c> to</c><04:02:50.880><c> your</c><04:02:

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to say that<02:02:02.119><c> and</c><02:02:03.000><c> if</c><02:02:03.159><c> the</c><02:02:03.560><c
• > if</c><02:02:03.679><c> the</c><02:02:03.800><c> military</c><02:02:04.159><c> is</c><02:02:04.239>
• ><02:02:29.960><c> Aloha</c><02:02:30.400><c> M</c><02:02:30.599><c> kako</c><02:02:31.280><c> DAV</c
• ><c> I</c><02:02:34.159><c> just</c><02:02:34.280><c> want</c><02:02:34.400><c> to</c><02:02:34.599><
• :03.319><c> the</c><02:35:03.640><c> statute</c><02:35:04.600><c> that</c><02:35:04.720><c> is</c><02

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt. The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><02:00:37.920><c> for</c><02:00:39.040><c> uh</c><02:00:39.280><c> Senate</c><02:00:39.599><c> Bill<
• c> agreement</c><02:01:27.599><c> for</c><02:01:27.920><c> many</c><02:01:28.239><c> years</c><02:01:
• :04:14.800><c> and</c><02:04:15.119><c> can</c><02:04:15.360><c> cause</c><02:04:15.599><c> a</c><02:
• /c><02:04:17.119><c> heard</c><02:04:17.360><c> many</c><02:04:17.599><c> times</c><02:04:17.920><c>
• </c><02:04:23.360><c> I</c><02:04:23.840><c> urge</c><02:04:23.920><c> you</c><02:04:24.080><c> to</c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow state-chartered credit unions to compensate board members if the membership approves it. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, intended to help credit unions recruit and retain qualified directors and align New Hampshire with other states that already allow such compensation. Credit union representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank supported the bill, saying board service has become more complex because of cybersecurity, asset-liability management, and other regulatory demands, and that compensation could be modest and take forms such as meeting fees or educational reimbursement. In response to committee questions, they said compensation would be set by the membership, disclosed in advance, and subject to bylaws and internal policies; they also noted that board members must be credit union members and that voting procedures vary by institution, with some using mailed ballots rather than proxy voting. Members raised questions about why credit union boards were historically excluded, what kinds of compensation were contemplated, whether there would be a cap, and how voting and confidentiality would work. Testimony explained that the historical rationale was the nonprofit, volunteer mission of credit unions, but witnesses argued that the modern environment and competition for talent justify a change. They also said the bill would not mandate compensation and would not create a salary structure comparable to banks, but would allow members to approve modest compensation or reimbursements. After no further testimony, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25. The committee then opened a public hearing on Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Senator Howard Pearl, concerning the definition of deposits in land sales and escrowed accounts. Pearl said the bill would clarify that buyer funds for upgrades and luxury items in new-home construction are not treated as refundable deposits that must be held in escrow, arguing that the current Attorney General interpretation raises builder costs, increases home prices, and can limit buyer choices. He said the proposal would allow those upgrade funds to be paid directly to builders for construction, with signed disclosures making clear that the buyer requested the items and bears the risk if financing falls through. The hearing on Senate Bill 26 had just begun when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:26.240><c> in</c><01:02:26.440><c> Liquor's</c><01:02:26.880><c> budget</c><01:02:27.200><c> so</
• couldn't<01:02:28.079><c> cut</c><01:02:28.359><c> them</c><01:02:28.680><c> and</c><01:02:28.799><c
• ><c> we</c><01:02:41.400><c> can't</c><01:02:41.599><c> take</c><01:02:41.880><c> them</c><01:02:42.039
• c><01:02:46.359><c> and</c><01:02:46.480><c> then</c><01:02:46.599><c> there</c><01:02:46.720><c> are
• </c><01:02:58.680><c> I</c><01:02:58.799><c> guess</c><01:02:58.920><c> I'm</c><01:02:59.039><c> trying

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed House Bill 1, focusing on the legislative branch budget, especially the Senate and House lines. Members discussed that the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 adjusted authorized amount was higher than 2024 actual spending, largely due to personnel, benefits, and travel, and one member proposed a $500,000 annual cut. Staff explained that any reduction would need to be allocated across specific line items such as personnel, benefits, and travel, and noted that the Senate budget is entirely General Funds. After discussion of how the adjusted authorized figures were calculated and why the branch no longer staffs some joint committees as it once did, the committee moved on without taking a vote on that section. The committee then heard a detailed presentation from the New Hampshire Retirement System. NHRS officials described their statutory administrative budget, which is funded through the retirement trust rather than the General Fund, and said the FY 2026-2027 increase is driven by IT modernization, cybersecurity, a new strategic plan, and additional staff positions. They also reviewed the system’s funding progress, clean audit opinions, investment performance, and changes to asset allocation, while noting that several recent pension-related laws required major database changes. Members questioned the large increase in salaries and benefits, the need for new employees versus contractors, the purpose of training costs, and the source of the Group Two benefit funding. NHRS said the governor’s budget includes General Funds for Group Two benefit changes, with $5 million in FY 2026 and $27.9 million in FY 2027, and that the figures reflect the governor’s recommendation and related HB 2 provisions. Committee members also asked about employer and employee contribution rates for Group Two police and fire members, which NHRS said were not included in the budget document but were about 31.2% for police and 30.35% for fire, with employee shares around 11.55% and 11.8%. The committee did not make a decision on the NHRS budget during this exchange and indicated it would review the details further before returning to it later. The committee then heard from the Community Development Finance Authority on the State Treasury Department budget line for the required state match to administer the federal Community Development Block Grant program. CDFA explained that its $280,000 annual request for FY 2026 and FY 2027, totaling $560,000, supports administration, technical assistance, contracting, and monitoring of roughly $19 million in annual federal CDBG funds. Members asked about the leverage of the state match, oversight of projects, staffing, and grant prioritization. CDFA said it has 18 employees, uses public hearings and a scoring system to prioritize awards, and conducts both desk and on-site monitoring, with annual audits to ensure compliance. No vote was taken on the CDFA item in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:02:13.280><c> benefits</c><02:02:13.840><c> to</c><02:02:14.239><c> patients</c><02:02:15.280
• </c><02:02:17.199><c> And</c><02:02:17.440><c> now</c><02:02:17.760><c> we</c><02:02:18.080><c> have<
• required by<02:10:11.040><c> the</c><02:10:11.199><c> statute,</c><02:10:11.679><c> is</c><02:10:11.840
• ><c> that</c><02:10:12.000><c> the</c><02:10:12.239><c> school</c> by the statute, is that the school
• by the statute, is that the school district<02:10:12.960><c> must</c><02:10:13.280><c> approve</c><02

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um last month we<00:02:06.240><c> started</c><00:02:07.600><c> um</c><00:02:07.680><c> with</c><00:02
• oneyear celebration<00:02:09.679><c> of</c><00:02:09.920><c> the</c><00:02:10.160><c> 25th</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:15.760><c> Um</c><00:02:16.080><c> so</c><00:02:16.319><c> we</c><00:02:16.640><c> had</c>
• :19.920><c> board</c><00:02:20.319><c> and</c><00:02:20.480><c> the</c><00:02:20.640><c> a</c><00:02:
• So we kind<00:02:29.760><c> of</c><00:02:29.840><c> wanted</c><00:02:30.080><c> to</c><00:02:30.720><

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:04 Approval of Minutes 00:36 KOAP Report 00:51, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 12 minutes, and then received a presentation from Brandon Reid and Bill McCloskkey of the Agricultural Development Board on the June report and the 25th anniversary of the Agricultural Development Fund. They described a joint anniversary meeting held at the Kentucky Historical Society, thanked staff, and noted that the board presented members with a token of appreciation. They also reported a clean annual audit, with the audit report to be shared more fully at a later meeting. The presenters reviewed June activity and funding decisions, saying the development board approved about $3.3 million and the finance board about $5 million in loans. They highlighted program activity such as advisory council meetings, site visits, project reports, and county comprehensive plans. Specific projects discussed included the Food Chain project, which sought support for equipment and improvements to expand Kentucky product marketing; Miller Rockbridge Farms LLC, which sought county support for a barn for an education program; and Thompson Family Farm LLC, which sought funding for a livestock buying station. The board approved reduced or county-only funding in some cases, including $45,643 for the Food Chain project and county money for the farm projects. Members asked about the meaning and purpose of the county comprehensive plans and how counties use them to guide funding decisions. The presenters explained that House Bill 611 created a structure in which each county council develops a comprehensive plan, updated on a five-year cycle, to prioritize local agricultural investments and evaluate applications. They said county councils work with extension agents and the Agricultural Development Office, and that staff attend meetings, provide training, and help new agents and council members understand the program. Members emphasized that the planning process helps ensure funds are targeted to local needs and supports diversification of agriculture beyond tobacco.