Video & Transcript Research : 'Tax Code Chapter 351'
Page 276 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texans who are being taxed out of their homes, Texans who are having their tax dollars weaponized against
- Asked us to take up a bill that I've been championing for 2 years that would make property tax increases
- I am speaking on behalf of Texans who are being taxed out of their homes and who expect us to pay more
- HR number 215 by Guilhan commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Texas state chapter of the National
- dozens of NIFA insurance and financial advisor members, with more than 1300 members and 10 local chapters
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/05/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- . tax. tax.
- to a reduction in the capital gains tax to a reduction in the capital gains tax that<00:21:25.480
- They just can't come up with the money to pay the property tax, everything else.
- You know, that you incentivize them through the tax code to sell to a first-time home buyer at a more
- And if they save on the tax side, it would be easier for them to do it, okay?
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:14:10.719>
um, <01:14:10.960>we <01:14:11.199>don't incidents per zip code - , um, we don't incidents per zip code, um, we don't report<01:14:11.760>
that <01:14:12.080> - I'd like to do that, but then Senator Sullivan said that they have a different chapter and I'm not sure
- <01:45:57.840>
and that they have a different chapter and that they have a different chapter - it is OS could under whatever chapter it is OS could help<01:47:23.679>
you <01:47:23.760>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - Part 2 - 03/24/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And uh should see in our tax statements.
- property taxes. property taxes.
- And you know, property tax increases.
- start having some of these property tax start having some of these property tax things<02:32:14.640
- from the counties onto property tax from the counties onto property tax payers. payers. payers.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Dec 9th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- and Sport Fish Restoration, which is considered a user-pay, user-benefit program through an excise tax
- So a little bit of a winding background to where we are at today: this is in our administrative code,
- Chapter 62-640.
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard a series of presentations focused on coral reef restoration, artificial reefs, biosolids management, and a proposed biosolids processing facility. Mote Marine Laboratory described the severe decline of Florida’s coral reefs, its restoration methods using microfragmentation, genetic banking, selective breeding, nurseries, and outplanting, and asked for a long-term state commitment to help restore reef areas. The Keys Marine Laboratory and Florida Institute of Oceanography highlighted their role as a hub for coral rescue, holding, propagation, and research, including emergency response during the 2023 bleaching event. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed the scale of reef loss, the state’s coral rescue and propagation efforts, and the economic and habitat value of artificial reefs, while noting permitting delays and material-selection concerns for reef projects.
The committee then received a DEP update on the Osborne Reef tire cleanup. DEP explained that the original tire reef was a failure, that nearly 500,000 tires had been removed by 2024, and that the current effort is funded at $5 million for the fiscal year, with cleanup now shifting from large tire clusters to more difficult individual tires and coral relocation. Members asked about the future of the site after cleanup; DEP said that phase two decisions, such as whether to restore or monitor the area, have not yet been made. DEP also presented on biosolids rules, explaining that the 2021 rule tightened nutrient management, groundwater, and surface water protections, reduced the number of active land-application sites, and contributed to a shift away from Class B land application toward Class AA, landfill, or out-of-state disposal. Senators raised concerns about PFAS, nutrient loading, and the loss of disposal options, and a public speaker warned of a statewide septage disposal crisis.
Finally, Sedron Technologies presented its VARCOR system and a planned Indiantown facility that would process dewatered biosolids into clean water, ammonia, and a dry Class AA product or fuel, with the company saying the process can destroy PFAS and help relieve regional disposal pressure. Senators expressed support for the technology as a potential solution to Florida’s biosolids challenges. No formal votes were taken on the presentations themselves, and the only action at the end of the meeting was adjournment after Senator Polsky moved to do so.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- KNOW IF WE DO THAT AND THEY DON'T BACK TO PRISON THEY ARE CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIETY INSTEAD OF BEING A TAX
- END WITH PROGRAMS LIKE THE FLORIDA NETWORK THAT CONTRACTS LOCALLY OR OUR DEFENSE PROGRAMS WHICH IS CHAPTER
- NOT AWARE THAT CHILDREN ARE TREATED FAR DIFFERENTLY BY JUDICIAL CIRCUITS, COUNTIES, CITIES AND ZIP CODES
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Residents don't feel the property tax Residents don't feel the property tax relief<01:29:34.320>
- We all want property tax relief.
- We want property tax relief.
- that their taxes were being cut.
- <02:01:30.000>
It government and doesn't overt tax. It government and doesn't overt tax.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- um fire marshall determinations of code. um fire marshall determinations of code.
- <04:16:08.560>
review appealed to the building code review appealed to the building code review - appealed to either the building code appealed to either the building code review<04:16:15.279>
- <04:18:40.159>
local need to raise more property taxes local need to raise more property taxes- <04:19:44.560>
or building code or the state fire code or building code or the state fire - <04:18:40.159>
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-25 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- in other taxes such as the business rent tax, that is now part of the tax package.
- In the corporate income tax space, the bill adopts the current Internal Revenue Code for corporate income
- tax.
- They can't touch sales tax, but they can sure tax property tax.
- They can... ...They can't touch sales tax, but they can sure tax property tax.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and the Speaker announced schedule changes for the following week, including canceling the floor session on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
The main floor action centered on CS/HB 7033, the House tax package. Sponsor Rep. Duggan described broad tax changes, including reducing the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%, exempting certain bullion sales, repealing the aviation fuel tax, delaying the natural gas fuel tax, changing corporate income tax treatment for charitable trusts, reducing the pari-mutuel tax on card rooms, and major changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use. The bill would redirect most TDT revenue toward property tax relief, dissolve tourist development councils, and include related property tax and local tax administration changes. Several amendments were debated: a Driscoll amendment to preserve local TDT flexibility failed; Duggan’s amendment giving local governments 25% discretion over TDT revenues was adopted; Eskamani’s combined-reporting amendment failed; and a Duggan amendment requiring audit certification of compliance with the TDT/property tax relief provisions was adopted. After debate, CS/HB 7033 passed 78-29.
The House then took up CS/CS/HB 1221 on local option taxes, which was presented as a companion-style measure to give local governments more flexibility while redirecting TDT revenues toward property tax relief. Supporters argued the bill would provide immediate relief to property owners and restore accountability in local tax use, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism funding, infrastructure, and local services. An amendment allowing local governments to retain 25% of TDT revenues for general purposes was adopted, and the bill passed 62-45 after floor debate.
The final item shown was the reading of CS/CS/HJR 1257, a proposed constitutional amendment related to property tax exemptions and assessment limits, but the transcript cuts off before debate or action on that measure.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The permit provides a modest, practical way to generate new non-tax revenue without raising property
- taxes or meals and rooms taxes.
- Um, but again, like I said earlier, this license type was brought about because under the criminal code
- Um, but again, like I said earlier, this license type was brought about because under the criminal code
- code and zoning<01:35:44.239>
changes.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:08:18.720>
in Action Hawaii chapter in Action Hawaii chapter in support.<00:08:22.000> - Deborah Nyman, chapter lead, testify for Brady Hawaii in support.
- 13:48.560>
for <00:13:48.720>Brady Nyman chapter lead testify for Brady Nyman chapter lead - Tom Yamama Chica, Tax Foundation, offering comment on Zoom.
- Tom Yamama Chica from Tax Foundation. Our primary concern is with the special fund.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs met on March 19, 2025, and heard testimony on several firearms-related bills. HB 125 would require firearm sellers or transferors to provide buyers notice about secure storage laws, expand secure-storage requirements, and clarify criminally negligent storage. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Education supported the bill. The Office of the Public Defender raised constitutional concerns under District of Columbia v. Heller and suggested narrowing the bill so a firearm need not be made inoperable when the lawful owner is home. Supporters, including Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, veterans, and other advocates, said secure storage would reduce accidental shootings, youth access, theft, suicides, and school shootings. Opponents argued the bill was redundant, could criminalize victims of theft, and imposed strict liability. The committee noted 24 individuals in support and 103 in opposition.
The committee also heard HB 137, which would impose a mandatory prison term for violent felons who violate firearm or ammunition possession prohibitions. DLE, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, and the Hawaii County Prosecutor supported the measure, arguing it targets repeat offenders and strengthens public safety. The Office of the Public Defender opposed mandatory sentencing, saying judges already have discretion to impose lengthy sentences and that mandatory terms can be inappropriate in some cases. The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for use of a ghost gun in a felony. DLE and the Honolulu Prosecutor supported it, while the Public Defender and several opponents said parts of the bill were redundant or could create definitional problems; the committee recorded five supporters and 70 opponents.
HB 995 would amend deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting by the Attorney General and county police chiefs. The Attorney General’s office and HPD supported the bill, with the Attorney General asking for more time for police departments to submit complete data and for the April 1 deadline to be removed. The committee also heard HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended consolidating the new office’s duties with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission to avoid duplication and possibly repealing the existing commission statute. DLE supported HB 664, while the Tax Foundation objected to the special fund. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.
SC
South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Jun 25th, 2026
South Carolina House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Hemp licenses would cost the same as alcohol licenses, and the hemp products would be taxed the same
- If you could give us a list and tell us how much tax money we're going to lose and what the economic
- So this is an opportunity for us to look at the tax revenue that we're bringing in here.
- Johnson relating to the capital projects sales tax. Referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
- Johnson relating to the capital projects sales tax. Referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HWN-EIG, HWN, HWN-HOU, HOU DEFER Public Hearings 02-04-2025
Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- McMillan, on behalf of Tom Yamachika for the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, we have submitted some comments
- um our customers pay for property taxes um our customers pay for the<00:06:55.800>
operation < - Let me just say that, like on the real property tax, there was a seven-year exemption.
- Then the taxing is not on the land; it's on the improvements after the seven-year exemption expires.
- Moving on, Tom Yamachika for Tax Foundation on Zoom. Not available on Zoom.
Summary:
The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes.
During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision.
The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Josh Will, and I’m an advocate speaking on behalf of the Sierra Club Massachusetts chapter
- On July 4th, the President signed the federal reconciliation bill into law and ended the federal tax
- On July 4th, the President signed the federal reconciliation bill into law and ended the federal tax
- credits and also for where they think they can build solar projects in a post... ...tax credits and
- It came to our attention that Governor Healey seeks to override Chapter 503 of the Acts of 1982.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on offshore wind, battery storage, solar, nuclear study proposals, and a bill to redefine clean energy. Several Barnstable-area legislators and witnesses raised concerns about offshore wind transmission infrastructure near neighborhoods, beaches, and drinking water supplies, and supported bills to create a special commission and increase local input and oversight. In contrast, environmental, consumer, labor, and clean energy groups strongly backed offshore wind expansion bills, arguing that offshore wind lowers long-term costs, improves winter reliability, reduces fossil fuel dependence, supports jobs and local supply chains, and should include wildlife protections, labor standards, and community benefits. Some witnesses and committee members noted that parts of the offshore wind legislation overlap with the Governor’s energy affordability bill, and asked for clarification on which provisions were new versus duplicative.
The committee also heard testimony on battery storage and solar legislation. Two student witnesses and several industry representatives supported a bill to study grid battery storage, saying storage can reduce outages, lower peak prices, and improve grid resilience during extreme weather. Witnesses from solar and storage companies supported a broader clean energy transition bill that would expand storage procurement, create a retail-style storage program for distributed batteries, set a 10-gigawatt solar target by 2035, and streamline siting and interconnection. Committee members pressed witnesses on whether these provisions were already included in the Governor’s affordability bill and asked for a section-by-section breakdown of what was new. One witness also urged allowing developers to bond interconnection payments to reduce financing costs.
Another major topic was a bill defining clean energy, especially whether existing pumped-storage hydropower should qualify for subsidies or be excluded. Supporters of the bill argued that existing pumped storage should not receive additional ratepayer subsidies because it is already built, can have environmental impacts on rivers and ecosystems, and could cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Opponents said pumped storage is an important reliability resource and should remain eligible. The committee also heard testimony on nuclear-energy study bills: some witnesses supported creating a commission to examine nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free option, while others opposed nuclear study bills and argued that nuclear is costly, unsafe, and inconsistent with the state’s clean energy goals. No votes were taken during the hearing.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- and Administrative Code.
- Expenditures were coded to the promotion fund as a matter of routine practice.
- Fund coding is now verified against the limit before payment approval, not discovered afterward.
- , the Restatement of Contracts, the Model Penal Code, the model codes that states should follow, they
- The Restatement of Contracts, the Model Penal Code, the model codes that states should follow.
Summary:
The committee opened with a moment of silence for a deceased member, then approved the April minutes and heard a presentation from HHS on the Diversion Task Force and related youth services grants. Chelsea Florey described the $750,000 one-time appropriation from HB 1012, the five awarded grants, and how programs in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot are using the funds for youth diversion, including school-based groups, physical activity, and services for problematic sexual behavior. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, family engagement, service silos, and whether diversion eligibility rules are too rigid; Florey said the task force is focused on better coordination, broader education about available services, and possible changes to diversion criteria, with the Children’s Cabinet likely to drive broader recommendations.
The committee then received a North Dakota Lottery biennium report from Director Thomas Lawler, who reviewed the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, player programs, and revenue distribution. He reported about $67 million in ticket sales for the 2023-2025 biennium, about $16.2 million transferred overall, including roughly $13.6 million to the general fund, plus transfers to drug task force and compulsive gambling funds. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether it is set by statute.
Next, the Department of Corrections presented on criminal justice data sharing and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that jails, courts, DOCR, HHS, and other entities use separate systems with limited interoperability, making real-time communication largely manual. He outlined possible hub or point-to-point IT solutions, but noted cost, vendor, identifier, and data-definition challenges. Robin Schmolenberger followed with an update on a Medicaid data exchange project between DOCR and HHS to suspend and reactivate inmate Medicaid coverage automatically and improve care coordination, with full bi-directional exchange expected in fall 2026. The committee also heard from county representatives on 24-7 sobriety program fees and an AG opinion allowing local sheriffs to use cheaper testing options when courts waive fees.
Finally, the North Dakota Racing Commission reviewed a troubling audit. Bruce Johnson acknowledged serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, missing grant documentation, a reversed decision on breeders fund eligibility, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has begun corrective actions, including monthly tracking of the promotion fund cap, stricter grant documentation, written procurement procedures, and clearer eligibility rules in condition books. Members pressed him on how the overspending occurred, whether the commission board would impose consequences, and whether statutory clarification is needed on the promotion fund limit and related spending rules.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (02/17/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- is a very an entirely different chapter is a very an entirely different chapter of<00:33:42.320>
- and the fire code has a uh has fire code and the fire code has a uh has a<02:10:12.239>
set <02 - And It's a code that USGS used.
- <02:44:47.279>
And >> it's a code coding that USGS used. - And >> it's a code coding that USGS used.
Summary:
The subcommittee held an open work session on HB 1766-FN, a bill addressing cruelty to livestock, and focused on proposed language changes from the Department of Agriculture. Assistant State Veterinarian Nathan Harvey, speaking for the commissioner, explained concerns about the term “imminent danger,” arguing that the bill should allow seizure based on probable cause when an animal is starving or has a life-threatening condition, rather than tying action too closely to whether the owner is arrested. The department also proposed language on “extreme suffering” that would require euthanasia if the cost of treatment would exceed the allowable reimbursement amount under AGR rules, though members immediately raised concerns about using a dollar limit to require euthanasia. The department further suggested clarifying who may participate in investigations by allowing the state veterinarian or a designate, and noted that the current draft could be read too narrowly.
Members discussed the $5,000 emergency care cap in the rules, with Josh Marshall confirming it is an aggregate emergency veterinary care limit. Several legislators said they were uncomfortable changing the bill from “may” to “shall” euthanize, arguing that treatment costs vary widely by species and condition and that a fixed monetary threshold could be too rigid. Representative Bixby also raised a separate concern that the bill’s language may be broader than intended and could apply to all animals rather than livestock only. The department agreed the bill should be limited to livestock and suggested using existing statutory definitions or adding a new section to make that clear.
The discussion also turned to humane societies and other organizations that might investigate complaints or board seized animals. A representative from a humane organization said the groups with expertise in care often also have expertise useful to investigations, and that removing them entirely could be impractical because only a few facilities in the state can provide boarding. Members and witnesses explored alternative language that would allow for-profit and nonprofit organizations to participate in either the investigation or the care of livestock, but not both, to avoid conflicts of interest while preserving needed expertise. No votes were taken; the work session ended with agreement to consult the Office of Legislative Services and the department to refine the bill before the next meeting.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-07 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Taxes in Vermont and all the licensed fees and all of that stuff.
- I worked with the local NRA chapter on that bill.
- <01:23:36.960>
I three adds definitions to the chapter. - I three adds definitions to the chapter.
- <01:30:35.199>
And meet the duties of this chapter. And meet the duties of this chapter.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- As stated in 1 Corinthians, chapter 1, verse 10, As stated in 1 Corinthians, chapter 1, verse 10, where
- HB 2694, tax credit. HB 2694, just confidentiality. HB 2696, commerce for 30 gas prices.
- HB 2792, new property tax. HB 2802, ballot measure. HB 2804, rule affordable.
- Constitution amendment; U.S. senators; HCR 2016, voting centers precinct voting; HCR 2017, property tax
- HCR 2033, schools English language; HCR 2035, school district; HCR 2037, state; HCR 2039, property tax
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 30 (2-19-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- One is KRS Chapter 202C, and the other is KRS Chapter 202A.
- One is KRS Chapter 202C, and the other is KRS Chapter 202A.
- The other statute chapter that we're changing is KRS 202A.
- As the gentleman from Jefferson has... chapter that we're changing is KRS 202A. chapter that we're changing
- <00:47:21.120>
has imperfect chapter, this country has imperfect chapter, this country has
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 05:49
Calendar/2nd Readings 06:27
Report of Committees 08:12
Orders of the Day/HB 485 09:40
HB 43 23:13
HB 139 25:09
HB 414 31:49
HB 297 36:16
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 41:08
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 51:25
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:41
ConC/Rules Report 56:40
Floor Amendments 57:54
Adjournment 58:17, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation, quorum call, and routine motions to excuse absent members, suspend rules for co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and approve the journal. The Senate clerk then announced Senate Bills 47, 85, and 159 had passed the Senate and requested House concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports on a number of bills, including measures on on-farm animal health, type 1 diabetes, employment, addictive online platforms, real property appraisers, educators, crimes and punishments, artificial intelligence, stalking, insurance, school food/funds, protective orders, public adjusters, and insurance regulation. Several committees reported bills favorably, including HB 534 on elections, HB 510 on organ donation safety, HB 220 on pension spiking, HB 467 on real property, HB 516 on retirement benefits for probationary employment, HB 589 on retired emergency personnel, and HB 168 on boating under the influence, which was sent to the Rules Committee after its second reading.
The House then passed HB 485, a major mental health/civil commitment bill, after adopting House Committee Substitute 1 and two floor amendments. Supporters said the bill modernizes Kentucky’s 202A and 202C mental health commitment processes by adding intermediate treatment options, guardrails for outpatient/community-based care, clearer definitions, longer review intervals in some cases, and data/reporting requirements; they emphasized collaboration with mental health advocates, courts, and stakeholders. The bill passed unanimously, 95-0. HB 43, allowing a 180-day grace period for deputy coroners to complete required training, also passed unanimously, 96-0. HB 139, an elections “continuous improvement” bill, passed 92-1 after adoption of a committee substitute and a floor amendment that bars disclosure/reporting of votes cast for candidates who withdraw, die, or are disqualified and requires notices at precincts; the sponsor described the bill as the product of ongoing consultation with election officials and clerks. HB 414, on booking procedures in local jails, passed 73-18 after supporters explained it would allow DNA collection upon felony arrest, with destruction provisions if the person is not convicted or the charge is reduced or dismissed. HB 297, concerning Kentucky State Fair Board peace officers, passed unanimously, 96-0, to explicitly make those officers eligible for law enforcement fund benefits and related certification/training provisions.
After the bills were completed, the House moved into motions, petitions, communications, and announcements. House Resolution 69 was brought from committee to the floor, and members were invited to a Kentucky State Police breakfast and a Louisville night event at the Foundry. The chamber also adopted Citation 32 honoring Dr. Hannah Huffman, who was recognized for her optometry career and leadership in the Kentucky Optometric Association, and Citation 31 honoring Valerie Greenhill, the new president of the Southern Regional Education Board. The House then adjourned.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- They offer community-specific guidance in times of natural disaster and for food, shelter, utilities, tax
- , times of natural disaster and for food, shelter,<00:24:57.039>
utilities, <00:24:57.600>tax - <00:24:57.919>
prep, <00:24:58.799>domestic shelter, utilities, tax prep, domestic - With chapters across all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico, AFSP is the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated
- c> The state's attorney or attorney general may institute an appropriate action for violations of Chapter
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional performance, then introduced several bills. H.896 would create a New England Oregon bank specialty license plate and was referred to Transportation. H.897 would prohibit social media use by children and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. H.898, a committee bill on transitions from copper-based to fiber-based telecommunications networks and consumer protections, was read and placed on the notice calendar. H.899 would finance multi-unit housing through the Vermont Economic Development Authority and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber also referred H.635, eliminating Department of Corrections supervisory fees, to Ways and Means because it affects state revenue.
The House adopted JRS 40, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment for February 13, 2026, to reconvene no later than February 17, 2026. It also concurred in HCR 181 congratulating the 2025 Spirit of the ADA award winners and HCR 189 designating February 11, 2026, as Disability Advocacy Day at the State House. HCR 181 recognized a long list of employers for inclusive hiring and accommodations, while HCR 189 highlighted disability rights history, the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, and ongoing barriers faced by Vermonters with disabilities.
The House then took up HCR 192, recognizing February 11, 2026, as National 211 Day in Vermont and celebrating Vermont 211’s statewide referral and crisis-support role. The resolution noted more than 61,000 contacts and over 22,000 referrals in 2025, along with its emergency and after-hours support functions. Members also made announcements recognizing Recovery Day, the Spirit of the ADA award recipients, Disability Advocacy Day, National 211 Day, and other guests and events in the chamber.
On the action calendar, the House considered the conference committee report on S.23, concerning the use of synthetic media in elections. The committee reported a strike-all compromise on definitions, disclosure requirements, exemptions, and penalties. The report defined deceptive synthetic media, required a disclosure for certain synthetic media distributed within 90 days of an election, provided exemptions for some broadcasters and parody, and set civil penalties for violations. The House was asked to adopt the conference report.