Transcript Highlights:

• :04.399><c> came</c><00:02:04.560><c> over</c><00:02:04.799><c> to</c><00:02:05.040><c> you</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:05.840><c> Uh,</c><00:02:06.079><c> KDE</c><00:02:06.640><c> had</c><00:02:06.799><c> not<
• Uh, KDE had not reached<00:02:07.200><c> out</c><00:02:07.280><c> to</c><00:02:07.439><c> me</c><00:02
• Uh<00:02:09.280><c> but</c><00:02:09.520><c> we</c><00:02:09.679><c> went</c><00:02:09.840><c> to</c>
• c><00:02:14.319><c> what</c><00:02:14.400><c> the</c><00:02:14.640><c> sub</c><00:02:14.959><c> does<

Keywords: This meeting will take place upon Recess of the Senate Chambers. There is not an exact time for this meeting therefore a placeholder time for the live stream has been set for 12:30PM est., 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met with a quorum and took up several education bills near the end of session. House Bill 342, which would require a financial literacy course for Kentucky high school students, was presented by Rep. Michael Meredith and student advocate Patrick Reovi. Meredith explained that a committee substitute addressed Kentucky Department of Education concerns by making the course a required elective anywhere in high school rather than limiting it to junior or senior year, and by retaining flexibility on credit options. Reovi testified in support, arguing that many students lack basic financial knowledge and should graduate prepared to handle budgeting, credit, debt, and student loans. The substitute was adopted, and HB 342 passed the committee 10-0. The committee then heard House Bill 480, a teacher workload and bureaucracy reduction measure. Rep. Shane Baker described the bill as the product of a working group with educators and administrators and said it was intended to reduce redundant requirements and let teachers focus more on students. He said the bill would lengthen the evaluation cycle from every three years to every five, streamline professional development requirements, update continuous school improvement plan filing rules, and limit new reporting mandates. A committee substitute removed the CSIP provisions after discussion with KDE, and members noted concerns about implementation and federal funding implications for mentor training language. The substitute was adopted and HB 480 passed unanimously. House Bill 190, relating to advanced education opportunities, was presented by Rep. Robert Duvall. He said the bill would require districts to adopt policies on advanced coursework and accelerated learning for grades 4 through 12, with local flexibility. He also explained that the House committee substitute changed several provisions from mandatory to permissive, including automatic enrollment for students scoring distinguished and parent opt-out language. The bill passed unanimously. House Bill 430, on school bus safety training, was presented by Reps. Mike Clines and Emily Callaway, who said it would reduce regulations, improve bus safety, and fix regulatory issues arising from prior legislation allowing nine-passenger vans for school transportation. A committee substitute was adopted, the bill passed unanimously, and a title amendment was also adopted. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 208 on technology and public schools. Rep. Josh Bray, Rep. James Tipton, and Nick Spencer of the Family Foundation of Kentucky supported a policy requiring districts to prohibit student cell phone use during instructional time, with exceptions for disabilities, teacher-directed educational use, or incentives. They argued the bill would improve academic performance, reduce bullying and mental health problems, and limit social media access during school. The transcript cuts off during testimony on HB 208, before any committee action on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which<01:02:10.559><c> which</c><01:02:10.880><c> line</c><01:02:11.119><c> did</c><01:02:11.280><c>
• We<01:02:20.960><c> exceeded</c><01:02:21.440><c> through</c><01:02:21.520><c> all</c><01:02:21.680><
• Oh,<01:02:25.440><c> we're</c><01:02:25.599><c> on</c><01:02:25.920><c> 17</c><01:02:26.319><c> now.
• </c> So,<01:02:38.480><c> the</c><01:02:38.720><c> first</c><01:02:38.880><c> item</c><01:02:39.119><
• . statute. statute.

Keywords: 10am HB 1 & HB 2, 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference for HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed the side-by-side budget comparison and began working through agreed and disputed items. Members first confirmed that grayed-out items were already settled and discussed a process for making later technical and intent changes, especially to true up abolished positions after additional decisions were made. They then moved through several budget sections, including judicial branch reductions, retirement systems, the Department of Justice, the Human Rights Commission, liquor enforcement, corrections, and the Department of Information Technology. Several items were agreed to or treated as settled package items, including the judicial branch position, the Department of Justice reduction, the Human Rights Commission item being held until related HB 2 language is finalized, the Housing Appeals Board being moved into the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, and the Office of Child Advocate. The committee also agreed to update the House bill language as needed based on HB 2 decisions, and to keep certain IT support rows in place unless related boards and commissions are eliminated. The effective date remained July 1, 2025, with no change. The main unresolved discussion centered on the retirement systems budget, where the Senate defended a large increase for deferred IT security and investment-function improvements, while the House argued the increase was too large and favored a back-of-the-budget cut. The Senate said the funds would support strategic IT and investment changes and would remain in the trust if cut, while the House emphasized the size of the increase and suggested a compromise. The committee ultimately retained the Senate position on retirement systems for the moment and said it would return to the issue later. On corrections and liquor enforcement, the committee described a negotiated back-of-the-budget cut structure, including a $10 million cut for corrections with some restoration of POS offices and administrative aides, and a liquor enforcement cut that was treated as part of a broader package. The Department of Safety item related to commercial enforcement and motor vehicle inspections was held for later discussion. The meeting ended with several items agreed, several held for coordination with HB 2, and some major budget questions still open.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing<00:02:10.160><c> none,</c><00:02:10.479><c> thank</c><00:02:10.560><c> you</c><00:02:10.720><c
• So on SB 2972 passing<02:02:46.960><c> with</c><02:02:47.199><c> amendments,</c><02:02:48.159><c> chair
• with amendments, chair votes I, vice<02:02:49.599><c> chair</c><02:02:50.000><c> with</c><02:02:50.239
• &gt;&gt; Chair<02:02:56.800><c> you</c><02:02:56.880><c> have</c><02:02:57.040><c> four</c><02:02:57.280
• </c><02:02:59.199><c> Uh</c><02:02:59.315><c> [clears throat]</c><02:02:59.520><c> only</c><02:02:59.760

Bills: SB2606 , SB3253 , SB237 , SB3252 , SB1178 , SB2322 , SB2019 , SB3043 , SB3014 , SB2972 , SB1190 , SB2488

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: wildlife sanctuary, environmental conservation, Hawaii, nonprofit corporation, freshwater preservation, community stewardship, biodiversity, ecological heritage, conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt. On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken. The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken. The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:01.359><c> Do</c><01:02:01.599><c> we</c><01:02:01.760><c> keep</c><01:02:01.920><c> them<
• 01:02:32.559><c> answer</c><01:02:32.960><c> to</c><01:02:33.280><c> that</c><01:02:33.520><c> problem
• So<01:02:36.480><c> this</c><01:02:36.720><c> brings</c><01:02:36.960><c> us</c><01:02:37.200><c> back
• </c><01:02:44.480><c> I</c><01:02:44.720><c> ask</c><01:02:44.960><c> you</c><01:02:45.119><c> to</c>
• This<01:02:56.160><c> will</c><01:02:56.240><c> be</c><01:02:56.319><c> a</c><01:02:56.480><c> roll</

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; We<00:02:49.599><c> have</c><00:02:49.680><c> a</c><00:02:49.840><c> quorum.
• &gt;&gt; Okay,<00:02:50.640><c> we</c><00:02:50.879><c> have</c><00:02:50.959><c> a</c><00:02:51.120>
• Ready to get started.<00:02:52.319><c> Clerk,</c><00:02:52.640><c> would</c><00:02:52.879><c> you</c>
• <00:02:52.959><c> call</c><00:02:53.120><c> the</c><00:02:53.280><c> first</c> started.
• &gt;&gt; HB<00:02:56.400><c> 329</c><00:02:57.200><c> by</c><00:02:57.440><c> Representative</c><00:02

Bills: HB329 , SB5 , HB329 , SB5 , HB43 , HB75 , HB396 , HB43 , HB75 , HB396

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, archives, history, board of trustees, vacancies, government control, computer science, education reform, digital literacy, high school graduation, teacher training, education, public schools, constitution amendment, national anthem, weekly broadcast

Transcript Highlights:

• :41.159><c> morning</c><00:02:41.720><c> and</c><00:02:42.000><c> uh</c><00:02:42.120><c> thank</c><00
• :02:42.280><c> you</c><00:02:42.360><c> for</c><00:02:42.519><c> the</c> good morning and uh thank you
• </c><00:02:43.360><c> here</c><00:02:43.519><c> today</c><00:02:43.879><c> my</c><00:02:44.000><c> name
• name is Lisa<00:02:44.680><c> Dennis</c><00:02:45.159><c> and</c><00:02:45.319><c> I</c><00:02:45.440
• <00:02:50.560><c> executive</c><00:02:51.120><c> adviser</c><00:02:51.519><c> with</c><00:02:51.680><

Keywords: Meeting Concurrently w/ (H) Families & Children, 958, all

Summary: The committee met to hear the 2025 Social Services Block Grant preliminary plan from the Department for Community Based Services. Commissioner Lisa Dennis and Executive Adviser Mary Carpenter described DCBS’s mission and explained that the federal block grant, about $21 million annually, supports Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Home Safety Services, Juvenile Services, Residential Treatment Services, and staff training. They said most of the funding goes to staff and training, and that the department uses surveys, focus groups, program monitoring, funding availability, and historical data to set annual goals. They also noted that Kentucky uses the grant to fund direct services and that eligibility is generally limited to Kentucky residents or runaway juveniles based on need and available resources. Much of the discussion focused on child welfare data and the distinction between poverty and neglect. DCBS officials said Adult Protective Services investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, and that self-neglect cases have trended down in recent years, which they attributed in part to access to federal resources. For Child Protective Services, they reviewed intake and investigation numbers, noting that many calls screen out before meeting statutory criteria, while about 48,000 cases were assessed or investigated and about 8,000 were substantiated. Members raised concerns about how poverty can be mistaken for neglect, especially in rural areas, and DCBS said it has been working with the legislature, staff, and community partners to better define the difference and connect families to community supports when cases do not meet abuse or neglect criteria. Members also asked about the risk to federal funding and the impact on juvenile services. DCBS said it had not received notice that the $21 million block grant would be cut, but it is monitoring federal developments closely and would need to return to the General Assembly for a budget request if funding were lost. The department said about 30% of the federal share goes to juvenile services. Questions also covered the transition in staff training from Eastern Kentucky University to a broader statewide model, and the agency said it is expanding training opportunities and modernizing delivery. Officials discussed the MST pilot for youth, saying it is a successful evidence-based practice operating in three regions—Jefferson, Northern Bluegrass, and Central Kentucky—with positive outcomes and possible expansion. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Rounddy<00:02:01.840><c> is</c><00:02:02.000><c> a</c><00:02:02.159><c> national</c><00:02:02.560
• 02:15:30.079><c> that</c><02:15:30.320><c> to</c><02:15:30.560><c> you</c><02:15:31.280><c> be</c><02
• 02:31:49.040><c> page</c><02:31:49.760><c> 95</c><02:31:50.479><c> of</c><02:31:50.800><c> the</c><02
• ><02:49:36.080><c> W</c><02:49:36.080><c> W</c><02:49:36.080><c> W</c><02:49:36.080><c> W</c><02:49:36.080
• ><02:49:36.160><c> W</c><02:49:36.160><c> W</c><02:49:36.160><c> W</c><02:49:36.160><c> W</c><02:49:36.160

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:52.240><c> out</c><01:02:52.400><c> of</c><01:02:52.559><c> the</c><01:02:52.799><c> box</c><01:02
• </c><02:23:10.800><c> So</c><02:23:11.920><c> I</c><02:23:12.160><c> I</c><02:23:13.120><c> I'm</c><02
• So<02:29:26.960><c> I</c><02:29:27.120><c> I</c><02:29:27.120><c> I</c><02:29:27.680><c> think</c><02
• <02:39:05.040><c> I</c><02:39:05.359><c> I</c><02:39:05.520><c> I</c><02:39:06.240><c> know</c><02:39
• 02:59:25.680><c> sent</c><02:59:25.920><c> out</c><02:59:26.160><c> to</c><02:59:26.399><c> us</c><02

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:02:07.040><c> I</c><00:02:07.200><c> would</c><00:02:07.360><c> encourage</c><00:02:07.680><c>
• </c><00:02:08.640><c> message</c><00:02:08.959><c> if</c><00:02:09.119><c> we</c><00:02:09.280><c> can
• &gt;&gt; The<00:02:33.599><c> board</c><00:02:33.760><c> has</c><00:02:34.239><c> uh</c><00:02:34.480
• </c><00:02:37.840><c> This</c><00:02:38.000><c> is</c><00:02:38.239><c> basically</c><00:02:39.040><c
• ><01:02:07.200><c> need</c><01:02:07.359><c> to</c><01:02:07.760><c> move</c><01:02:07.920><c> on.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled several referred administrative regulations, including a package from the Board of Respiratory Care described as a substantive housekeeping update to its regulations and incorporated materials. There were no questions from members, and the committee also heard from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, which was present in case questions arose but did not require action. Members then took up an amendment to the state health plan for facilities and services, specifically 900 KAR 5:02. Wesley Duke explained that a previously proposed criteria related to mega-voltage requirements, originally suggested by the Kentucky Hospital Association, was now being removed because the association no longer considered it necessary. The committee moved to accept the agency amendment, with a motion and second, and approved it without opposition. The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 23, a “food is medicine” resolution sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer. Supporters from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Hospital Association described the initiative as a voluntary, statewide effort already adopted by 52 hospitals, aimed at improving patient health while supporting Kentucky farmers and local food systems. Members discussed access to healthy food, grocery-store availability, school nutrition, and the need to reduce barriers to local procurement; the resolution was adopted unanimously after a roll call vote, with one senator briefly explaining a late vote due to weather. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 12, which would allow mid-level practitioners to serve as the leader of a Level IV trauma center under physician direction. The sponsor and witnesses from Appalachian Regional Healthcare argued the change would help address rural trauma-care shortages, align with national standards, and improve access without changing scope of practice or other trauma-center requirements. Several members raised questions and comments about rural access, liability, costs, and the broader health impacts, but no vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> We<00:02:22.640><c> let</c><00:02:22.879><c> our</c><00:02:23.120><c> good</c><00:02:23.360><c>
• ><c> here</c><00:02:28.560><c> now</c><00:02:28.959><c> in</c><00:02:29.280><c> this</c><00:02:29.440
• :51.840><c> we</c><00:02:52.080><c> know</c><00:02:52.400><c> and</c><00:02:52.720><c> those</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:56.800><c> these</c><00:02:57.200><c> wishes</c><00:02:57.519><c> of</c> radiating outward
• </c> the the statute or the proposed statute the the statute or the proposed statute um<00:47:12.480>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• questions M okay thank<00:02:00.960><c> you</c><00:02:01.719><c> following</c><00:02:02.719><c> Jordana
• following Jordana is Ryan Yani<00:02:06.719><c> from</c><00:02:07.000><c> Department</c><00:02:07.320
• <00:02:09.520><c> uh</c><00:02:09.759><c> let's</c><00:02:10.039><c> see</c><00:02:10.679><c> Lena</c
• </c><00:02:18.000><c> early</c><00:02:18.280><c> learning</c><00:02:19.000><c> office</c><00:02:20.000
• :59.319><c> you</c><00:02:59.640><c> thank</c><00:02:59.840><c> thank</c><00:02:59.959><c> you</c><00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing covered Senate Bill 426, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the City and County of Honolulu, the Department of Human Services, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaiʻi College of Education, the Attorney General’s office, the Early Childhood Action Strategy, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, the University of Hawaiʻi’s early childhood educator project, and a Zoom testifier who described the importance of investing in high-quality early childhood education. Committee discussion focused on the program’s estimated cost, with figures of about $14.5 million in 2025-26 and $15 million in 2026-27, and on whether the program would require ongoing base-budget funding. The committee recommended technical, non-substantive amendments, including a statewide-concern amendment and a deferred effective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1622, which would appropriate funds to establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaiʻi to support statewide artificial intelligence initiatives. University representatives described the proposal as the product of campus-wide input and outlined five pillars: governance and policy, outreach and engagement, research and development, workforce development, and AI tools for key sectors such as health care, creative industries, manufacturing, data science, astronomy, and climate change. Members questioned staffing distribution, tuition, enrollment timing, housing, campus placement, and whether positions would be permanent or temporary; the university said it planned about 10 positions across campuses, would start with internal resources, and would house the effort under the Vice President for Research and Innovation initially. The committees recommended an SD1 with the appropriation amounts blanked out, a July 31, 2050 effective date, and committee-report language on housing and West Oʻahu, and the higher education and labor/technology committees adopted the amended recommendation. Finally, the Higher Education Committee took up Senate Bill 1488, a housekeeping measure to consolidate existing University of Hawaiʻi conference center statutes into a single revolving fund structure, and Senate Bill 636, which would fund retention and internship coordinator positions and broader enrollment management efforts at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. SB 1488 drew university support and no opposition. SB 636 prompted substantial questioning about Hilo’s declining enrollment, current retention rate of 72.8 percent, and the scope of the request, which includes not only two named positions but also about $432,000 for enrollment management initiatives such as data analysis, IT support, and other student services. Hilo said it is targeting 3 to 5 percent annual enrollment growth and that the positions would support recruitment, retention, internships, and data-driven enrollment strategy. The committee pressed for a clearer broader plan, but the discussion in the transcript ended before a final vote on SB 636 was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• :03.359><c> Tru</c><01:02:03.680><c> it</c><01:02:04.079><c> uh</c><01:02:04.200><c> Banta</c><01:02:
• model<01:02:12.799><c> so</c><01:02:13.039><c> in</c><01:02:13.520><c> 2010</c><01:02:14.520><c> uh<
• ><c> together</c><01:02:32.559><c> and</c><01:02:32.680><c> all</c><01:02:32.920><c> agreed</c><01:02
• :38.359><c> in</c><01:02:38.839><c> and</c><01:02:38.960><c> not</c><01:02:39.119><c> only</c><01:02:
• ><c> to</c><01:02:43.880><c> share</c><01:02:44.240><c> the</c><01:02:44.760><c> cost</c><01:02:45.760

Keywords: Meeting start 00:06:05 Roll Call 00:06:33 HB 152 Discussion 00:07:55 HB 152 PHS 2 Vote 00:10:12 HB 545 Discussion HB 545 PHS 1 Vote 00:13:47 HB 606 Discussion 00:15:15 HB 606 Vote 00:16:32 HJR 30 Discussion HJR Vote 00:19:07 HJR 32 Discussion 00:20:25 HJR 32 PHS 1 Vote 00:23:11 HJR 34 Discussion 00:25:04 HJR 34 PHS 1 Vote 00:28:50 HJR 46 Discussion 00:30:09 HJR 46 Vote 00:34:15 HJR 53 Discussion 00:35:40 HJR 53 Vote 00:38:55 HJR 54 Discussion 00:40:15 HJR 54 Vote 00:40:50 HB 546 Discussion 00:42:15 HB 546 PHS 1 Vote 00:46:15 HB 605 Discussion 00:47:38 HB 605 PHS 1 Vote 00:52:10 HB 694 Discussion 00:53:46 HB 694 Vote 01:07:47 HB 695 Discussion Only 01:10:20, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue met on February 25 and considered a series of bills and joint resolutions, mostly involving appropriations, capital projects, and local infrastructure funding. The committee first adopted PHS 2 and passed House Bill 152, which creates a Medicaid supplemental payment program for public ground ambulance providers; the sponsor said the substitute ensures no state general fund dollars will be used and that local agencies must identify a funding source for any required match. HB 152 was reported favorably on a 20-0 vote. The committee also passed House Bill 545, the annual claims bill, after members confirmed all executive-branch claims were included; it was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 606, requiring reporting for general obligation bonds, also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then took up several joint resolutions tied to capital and infrastructure spending. House Joint Resolution 30, concerning water projects, was described as implementing ranked projects under the Waters program administered by KIA and was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. House Joint Resolution 32, concerning school facilities construction, was amended by PHS 1 and advanced after discussion referencing the Auditor’s report and questions about a Johnson County Schools expenditure; it also passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 34, relating to contingent appropriations for KCTCS, was amended by PHS 1 and advanced after testimony outlining three projects in Somerset, Jefferson Community and Technical College, and Glasgow; it passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 46, for local road projects, was described as funding the highest-scoring local road requests from a larger pool of applications and passed 21-0. The committee also advanced House Joint Resolution 53, authorizing release of funds for KSU’s Health Sciences Center project, after KSU officials said the building is needed for nursing and allied health programs and promised a business plan report by November 1, 2025; it passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 54, authorizing funds related to the State Fair Board, also passed unanimously. Later, the committee considered House Bill 546, which revises the local roads and streets program by adding a DOT-developed scoring system, monthly reporting, a match requirement, and a $500,000 project cap; members asked about the cap and were told larger projects should be handled through other mechanisms. HB 546 was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. Finally, House Bill 605, a technical corrections and update bill for the local economic relief grant program, was amended by PHS 1 and discussed as expanding eligibility, including to the Delta Regional Authority and certain local-affiliated applicants; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 605.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> get</c><02:00:05.400><c> them</c><02:00:06.079><c> a</c><02:00:06.159><c> lot</c><02:00:06.280><c>
• of people don't<02:00:06.719><c> want</c><02:00:06.840><c> to</c><02:00:06.960><c> approve</c><02:00
• we're</c><02:00:08.560><c> having</c><02:00:08.760><c> to</c><02:00:08.960><c> pay</c><02:00:09.119><
• c><02:00:38.159><c> if</c><02:00:38.239><c> you</c><02:00:38.400><c> didn't</c><02:00:38.639><c> want
• 02:04:40.719><c> no</c><02:04:41.000><c> not</c><02:04:41.159><c> at</c><02:04:41.280><c> the</c><02:

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All in favor<00:02:01.119><c> signify</c><00:02:01.520><c> by</c><00:02:01.680><c> saying</c><00:02:02.000
• </c><00:02:04.799><c> carries.
• Senator, the floor<00:02:07.119><c> is</c><00:02:07.280><c> yours.
• &gt;&gt; Thank<00:02:07.759><c> you,</c><00:02:07.920><c> Mr.
• </c><00:02:08.160><c> Chairman,</c><00:02:08.560><c> members</c><00:02:08.800><c> of</c><00:02:08.959

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one is 40-7-02, salary administration procedures.
• The rules do not relate to any federal statute or regulation.
• The rule changes are not related to federal statute or regulation changes.
• The rule changes are not related to any federal statute or regulation.
• Proposed amendments are not related to federal statute or regulation.

Committee: Joint Administrative Rules Committee

Summary: The committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rule changes tied to House Bill 1620/1622, which concern North Dakota’s entry into the physician assistant licensure compact. The Board said it is waiting on compact rules, especially fee structures, before finalizing its own rules. The committee then took up extensive Office of Management and Budget personnel rule revisions, covering salary administration, recruitment, leave policies, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR practices and implement recent legislation, including new hire leave and enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions; the committee raised concerns about the subjectivity and fairness of the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but no action was taken against the rules. The North Dakota Lottery presented emergency and regular rule changes, including updates tied to the Millionaire for Life game and miscellaneous clarifications. The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology described rule updates that add speech-language pathology assistants to the rules, ease continuing education requirements for out-of-state applicants, expand temporary licensure, and clarify supervision standards. The State Electrical Board reviewed numerous code updates, including changes to electrical and fire alarm standards, receptacle labeling, countertop receptacles, and a major new conveyance/elevator inspection program added by the Legislature; the board said it is preparing to begin inspections by August 1. The Industrial Commission’s Geological Survey Division presented new rules implementing House Bill 1459 on critical minerals in coal-bearing formations, including permit, reporting, confidentiality, and royalty-related provisions. The committee asked about confidentiality of exploration data and drilling depth. The Public Employees Retirement System outlined rule changes implementing several bills affecting defined benefit, public safety, defined contribution, insurance, deferred compensation, and retiree health credit programs, and noted possible future proposals to add state EMS or create a LOSAP-style plan. The Department of Health and Human Services presented substance use disorder voucher rules implementing House Bill 1012, including allowing individuals to apply directly and setting reimbursement procedures; the rules were expected to have a $250,000 general fund impact already included in the budget. The longest discussion involved the Gaming Commission rules. Members questioned whether the commission had authority to raise poker tournament buy-ins from $300 to $1,500, viewing it as an expansion of gaming rather than a mere clarification. After debate, the committee voted to void that specific rule section for lack of statutory authority. The rest of the gaming rules covered higher raffle limits from House Bill 1192, the change from “bar” to “alcoholic beverage establishment,” veterans’ organization proceeds, credit ticket voucher kiosks, online raffles, and advertising restrictions; the presenter said several public comments led to revisions or withdrawals of proposed language. The meeting ended with discussion of upcoming Ethics Commission travel-reporting rules and scheduling the next committee meeting in September.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:10.119><c> Mr</c><02:02:10.400><c> chair</c><02:02:10.679><c> can</c><02:02:10.840><c> I</c><02:02
• :11.239><c> try</c><02:02:11.520><c> again</c><02:02:11.840><c> to</c><02:02:12.079><c> ask</c><02:02
• :02:22.320><c> us</c><02:02:22.920><c> we</c><02:02:23.040><c> don't</c><02:02:24.000><c> thank</c><02
• </c><02:02:26.119><c> governor</c><02:02:26.440><c> will</c><02:02:26.639><c> be</c><02:02:26.800><c>
• ><c> been</c><02:02:38.040><c> doing</c><02:02:38.440><c> it</c><02:02:39.440><c> and</c><02:02:40.199

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on House Bill 619, which would appropriate $1 million to the Solid Waste Management Fund for matching grants to municipalities and businesses for waste diversion projects, with 50% of the money prioritized for food waste diversion. Representative Karen Ebel, the sponsor, said the fund would help New Hampshire meet its solid waste diversion goals, preserve landfill capacity, and support composting, recycling, and related local business activity. She cited New London’s composting program as an example, saying 172 families participated and 32 tons of food waste were diverted in 2024, reducing tipping and trucking costs. Committee members asked about possible alternative funding sources, including a surcharge on landfill tipping fees. Ebel said many other states use such surcharges to fund recycling and solid waste programs, while New Hampshire relies on general funds. She also said the current fund balance was about $900,000 because some money had been used for staffing, and that the grant program was still in rulemaking. Questions also focused on how household composting works and whether municipalities could generate revenue from compost; Ebel said participation is optional, most programs use buckets and transfer stations, and the main benefit is cost savings from reduced disposal rather than compost sales. Testimony in support came from the New Hampshire Municipal Association and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Both said municipalities are interested in food waste diversion and composting, that these programs can reduce long-term disposal costs and property tax pressure, and that there is growing demand for technical assistance and grant support. The Northeast Resource Recovery Association said food waste makes up about 24% of municipal and business waste, that fewer than two dozen communities and fewer than two dozen businesses currently offer such services, and that a City of Lebanon pilot program saw about 30% savings by composting on site. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but is working on rulemaking for the grant program and expects strong interest from municipalities, private composters, farmers, and anaerobic digester operators. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 03.040><c> I</c><00:02:03.280><c> lived</c><00:02:03.520><c> in</c><00:02:03.759><c> South</c><00:02:
• ><00:02:08.720><c> written</c><00:02:08.959><c> out</c><00:02:09.280><c> some</c><00:02:09.520><c> tornadoes
• as well<00:02:10.640><c> and</c><00:02:10.879><c> it's</c><00:02:11.039><c> an</c><00:02:11.200><c>
• The last tornado<00:02:13.280><c> I</c><00:02:13.520><c> went</c><00:02:13.840><c> that</c><00:02:14.000
• ><c> went</c><00:02:14.160><c> over</c><00:02:14.400><c> my</c><00:02:14.720><c> house.

Bills: SB42 , SB166 , SB42 , SB166

Committee: House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections

Keywords: abandoned roads, land ownership, government regulations, property rights, transportation, Ten Commandments, public education, displays, funding, Alabama law, municipal elections, runoff elections, majority voting, electoral procedures, local governance, campaign finance, record retention, political action committees, Fair Campaign Practices Act, 1136

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, those are child abuse statutes. statutes. statutes.
• </c><01:02:12.799><c> um,</c><01:02:14.160><c> I</c><01:02:14.480><c> think</c><01:02:14.640><c> that
• 16.319><c> from</c><01:02:16.480><c> our</c><01:02:16.720><c> constituents,</c><01:02:18.000><c> um,<
• <c> the</c><01:02:37.839><c> process</c><01:02:38.240><c> is</c><01:02:39.520><c> um</c><01:02:39.760
• Um I<01:02:50.640><c> just</c><01:02:51.359><c> in</c><01:02:51.680><c> my</c><01:02:51.920><c> experience

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee on Family Court reviewed several previously distributed reports, including a comparison of family court structures in other states and a report on improving New Hampshire family court pre-trial and mediation practices. The main new topic was a report on the intersection of domestic violence and family courts in New Hampshire, with members discussing how domestic violence cases in superior or district court can overlap with custody matters in family court and how courts may not be aware of related proceedings in other venues. Members discussed RSA 490-D:2 and related statutes, noting that family courts have original jurisdiction over certain abuse, neglect, and domestic violence matters, with concurrent jurisdiction in some protective-order cases. The discussion focused on practical problems such as confidentiality in domestic violence cases, limited access to case information by nonparties, and the need for courts to better communicate about companion cases. Suggestions included a shared or unified database, expanded lethality assessments for law enforcement, and a requirement that criminal courts report domestic violence convictions or protective-order violations to family court so judges are aware of the full case context. The subcommittee also discussed ways to help self-represented litigants, including better education at first appearance, clearer guidance about raising protective orders or criminal charges at hearings, daily docket review by clerks, and a possible “lawyer for the day” program modeled on Massachusetts. One member raised the idea of a family safety docket, while another noted that New Hampshire already has a complex case docket for high-conflict matters and that cases generally stay with one judge when possible. No votes were taken, and the chair said the subcommittee would continue reviewing materials and could return to work next year, with possible bill amendments to follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see<01:02:34.799><c> that</c><01:02:35.119><c> time</c><01:02:35.359><c> and</c><01:02:35.680><c>
• </c><01:02:41.200><c> So,</c><01:02:41.359><c> an</c><01:02:41.599><c> average</c><01:02:41.760><c> of
• So, an average of one<01:02:42.160><c> and</c><01:02:42.240><c> a</c><01:02:42.400><c> half</c><01:02
• </c><01:02:51.040><c> And</c><01:02:51.520><c> the</c><01:02:52.400><c> amendment</c><01:02:53.280><c
• 01:02:54.960><c> allow</c><01:02:55.440><c> 1</c><01:02:55.599><c> and</c><01:02:55.760><c> a</c><01:

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<02:02:28.320><c> like</c><02:02:28.480><c> I</c><02:02:28.719><c> said,</c><02:02:29.119><c> if</
• c><02:02:29.280><c> you</c><02:02:29.440><c> have</c><02:02:29.599><c> a</c><02:02:29.840><c> written
• :02:32.159><c> give</c><02:02:32.400><c> it</c><02:02:32.480><c> to</c><02:02:32.639><c> our</c><02:02
• 02:02:35.199><c> you</c><02:02:35.440><c> can</c><02:02:35.599><c> give</c><02:02:35.840><c> a</c><02
• So, with that, I<02:02:40.320><c> am</c><02:02:40.480><c> going</c><02:02:40.639><c> to</c><02:02:40.880

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all