Transcript Highlights:

• HHFDC, including awarding 299,224,78 in rental housing revolving fund loans in their 2025 funding round
• 00:11:36.320> their<00:11:36.480> 2025<00:11:37.040> funding<00:11:37.360> round
• <00:11:37.760> and<00:11:37.920> the<00:11:38.079> need in their 2025 funding round
• and the need in their 2025 funding round and the need for<00:11:38.480> transparency<00:11:39.040

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing heard and then took action on a series of housing-related bills concerning HHFDC, HPHA, inclusionary zoning, nonprofit housing trusts, housing project exemptions, the rental housing revolving fund, and a new for-sale housing program. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and HPHA, with additional support from groups such as Hawaii YIMBY, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Holo Collaborative, the Kobayashi Group, and others. On SB 2424, the Kobayashi Group argued the bill would help open housing to a broader pool of local households, including buyers slightly above income limits who still cannot afford market-rate housing. On SB 2342, the chair asked HHFDC for final figures on rental housing revolving fund appropriations since 2016 and was told the amount was about $1.1 billion, including conveyance tax revenue. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 2189 with amendments, noting concerns about transparency and accountability in HHFDC’s loan-award process; SB 2190 with amendments; SB 2234 with amendments; SB 2177 with amendments; SB 2194 unamended; SB 2342 with amendments; SB 2060 with amendments; and SB 2070 with amendments. The committee deferred SB 2195 and SB 2196 after testimony comments, and deferred SB 2063 because the chair said SB 2060 would be used instead as the vehicle for mixed-income subaccount changes. SB 2424 was discussed in hearing but then deferred in decision-making pending legal advice on issues including owner-occupancy, county income restrictions, buyback rules, and county council approval. The committee also heard testimony on SB 2062 and its proposed SD1, but deferred that measure because the relevant changes had already been incorporated into SB 2060 SD1.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're doing just to add is we're rounding out the plate, so to speak, and adding or possibly adding
• Let's give them a round of applause.
• Some contracts are year-round, some are standard for nine and a half, so it just depends on how the charter
• Some contracts are year-round, some are standard for nine and a half, so it just depends on how the charter

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• STUDENTS ACROSS 14 DIFFERENT FACILITIES AND ALSO THIS IS THE TOP TEN COMMUNITY HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA ROUNDING
• THE LOAN APPLICATION PORTAL IS CURRENTLY OPEN AND WILL CLOSE FOR THE FIRST ROUND OF APPLICATIONS ON NOVEMBER
• THIS YEAR THE DEPARTMENT OPENED A ONE MONTH WINDOW FOR FAMILIES TO SUBMIT THE INITIAL ROUND ABOUT YOUR
• WE RECEIVED 7,000 VOUCHER APPLICATIONS INITIAL ROUND ABOUT YOUR APPLICATIONS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1968, he said, "A short time ago, we rounded up 300 fresh recruits. 30% were 14 years old or less.
• 00:09:09.040> we 1968, he said, "A short time ago, we 1968, he said, "A short time ago, we rounded
• <00:09:11.680> 30%<00:09:12.240> were rounded up 300 fresh recruits. 30% were rounded

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota lawmakers and advocates discussed House File 2444, a veterans and military affairs bill to formally recognize Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces in Laos during the secret war from 1961 to 1975. Speakers, including Rep. Ethan Cha and other veterans and family members, said the measure is long overdue and framed it as both a symbolic and practical step to restore dignity, honor, and veteran status to Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic minority veterans whose service had not been formally acknowledged. Testimony emphasized the historical role of the SGUs, the secrecy of the war, and the heavy losses suffered by the community. Speakers described the bill as a bipartisan effort with support from House and Senate members, and noted that a similar version had already passed the Senate unanimously. They also said the bill would help Minnesota set an example for other states and improve public understanding of the secret war and the contributions of Southeast Asian communities. Rep. Cha explained that the bill creates a new statutory definition for veterans of the secret war in Laos, establishes eligibility criteria for benefits and privileges, authorizes the commissioner of veterans affairs to verify veteran status, and creates a 12-member task force to advise that process. The bill would allow access to certain state veterans benefits and privileges, including veterans designation on IDs, grave markers, honor guard, state veterans cemeteries, and related preferences. In response to questions, speakers said the main challenge had been educating colleagues because the war was classified, and they estimated fewer than 1,000 SGU veterans are still alive. They also said the bill carries no major monetary benefit and is intended primarily to provide recognition and a framework for verification.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we allow supplemental feeding year-round.
• So we allow supplemental feeding year-round.
• we were getting reports from ranchers up in that area that elk were coming down and unrolling their round
• bales. ...ranchers up in that area that elk were coming down and unrolling their round bales.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then received a gubernatorial message listing numerous bills signed by the governor. The chamber also handled conference committee business, including appointing conferees for House Bills 1003 and 1169 after refusing to concur with Senate amendments, and adopting a conference committee report on House Bill 1053, which repealed a Century Code section related to the length of the state highway system. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 2137, which would allow supplemental feed for hunting and include an expiration date. The House divided the proposed amendments into two parts. Division A, dealing with baiting limits and setbacks near livestock facilities, drew extensive debate over private property rights, enforceability, livestock protection, and hunting access, and failed 14-76. Division B, requiring chronic wasting disease surveillance and a report to Legislative Management, also drew debate over whether the reporting requirement was necessary or too late to be useful; it failed 44-46. With both divisions defeated, the House then passed the underlying bill 56-34. The House also laid over Senate Bills 2340, 2326, and 2289. Later, it defeated Senate Bill 2325, which would have created a process for non-federal easements on wetland areas, by a vote of 4-84. It passed Senate Bill 2210, directing a legislative management study on watershed-based water management, 85-3; Senate Bill 2387, establishing rights for sexual violence survivors, 89-0; and Senate Bill 269, allowing state agencies to satisfy legal notice requirements by posting on their websites if newspaper publication is missed, 72-17. The House then excused absent members and adjourned until Monday, April 14, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• you to work with OHE and think about who already is doing this work, how we don't need a whole new round
• need<00:15:56.759> a<00:15:56.959> whole<00:15:57.720> new<00:15:57.959> round
• can we we don't need a whole new round can we we don't need a whole new round of<00:15:58.440>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Nothing got a bigger round of applause than by saying we expect to be out of Robin Hood with this.
• He got a round of applause; they loved him, and I think he even promised a big raise in the basic allotment
• You know, you've seen Rich's comment that he gets the biggest round of applause as a school district
• All right, on to the next round. The chair calls Jerry. All right, Woodward.

Bills: SB4, SJR2, SB 4, SJR 2

Keywords: property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, constitutional amendment, SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• These people that put this show on, it's not just corndogs and concerts; we do year-round events, but
• It's important to understand that year-round we also do other significant cultural events.
• You know, with the wide range of things that we do year-round, the different events, people think that
• These vets, in a short period of time, did not work year-round, but they put in a lot of hours, sometimes

Transcript Highlights:

• And this annual event is part of a year-round initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of these youths
• And this annual event is part<00:04:02.880> of<00:04:03.000> a<00:04:03.040> year-round
• <00:04:03.480> initiative<00:04:04.560> aimed<00:04:04.920> at part of a year-round
• initiative aimed at part of a year-round initiative aimed at enhancing<00:04:05.680> the<00:04
• Military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and extremely resilient.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with ceremonial readings and announcements, including a pledge of allegiance and a House Concurrent Resolution recognizing April 2026 as the Month of the Military Child in Vermont. Members also welcomed guests in the gallery, including military families, Vermont Library Association leaders Daisy Benson and Amy Williams, a legislative intern, delegates from North Macedonia under the Open World Program, and Norwich University students. Several caucus and event announcements followed, including a reception for an art exhibition, caucus meetings, and a legislative cabaret notice. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 89, relating to expanding survivor benefits. Committee members explained that the bill would extend the existing emergency personnel survivor death benefit to additional categories of workers, including law enforcement officers, certain corrections employees, family services workers, and certain state-operated mental health employees, with a prospective effective date of July 1, 2026. The House General and Housing Committee reported the bill favorably 10-0-1, and the Appropriations Committee reported 11-0-0, noting there was no new money in the bill and that the fund currently had enough for one claim. The House voted to propose the bill to the Senate as amended and ordered it to third reading. The House also considered House Bill 626 on sexual extortion, voyeurism, and nonconsensual disclosure of sexually explicit images. The Senate amendment added enhanced penalties for voyeurism involving victims under 18, with higher penalties for repeat offenses. After hearing from the Defender General, prosecutors, sheriffs, and the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, the House Judiciary Committee recommended concurrence 10-0-1. The House agreed to concur in the Senate proposal of amendment, and third reading was ordered. At the end of the session, the House adjourned on a voice vote until Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've talked round and round in the task force about the number and what it should be and how it should
• We've talked round and round in the in the task force about the number and what it should be and how
• methods that are out there certainly can cost the consumer and can also cost more in the insurance round

Bills: HF4881, HF4867, HF4422, HF4223

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, regulation, financial institutions, prescription drug affordability, consumer protection, restitution account, financial compensation, attorney general, distributions, property insurance, homeowners insurance, fire and allied lines, hail insurance, appraisal clause, loss adjustment, alternative dispute resolution, insurance claims, claim valuation, actual cash value

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just trying to round up as much information as possible.
• I'm just trying to round up as much information as possible.
• /c><00:30:47.840> just<00:30:48.080> trying<00:30:48.320> to<00:30:48.480> round
• I'm just trying to round up the floor.
• I'm just trying to round up as<00:30:49.200> much<00:30:49.440> information<00:30:49.919

Bills: SF0069, SF0084, SF0050, SF0109, HB0069, HB0098

Keywords: wastewater, stormwater, infrastructure, environmental quality, public data, data collection, funding, study, water conservation, Colorado River, drought, irrigation, water rights, voluntary program, interstate agreements, groundwater, water resource management, state engineer, aquifer study, corrective controls

Transcript Highlights:

• So we hosted, then after the first round, they liked it so much they continued the second round.
• So we hosted then after the first round, they liked it so much they continue the second round.
• So I want to start a little bit talking about this is round two, kind of Trump 2.0 with these tariffs

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s economic ties with Asia, the effects of federal tariffs, and ways the state can strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and subnational diplomacy. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of AAPI communities, sister-city relationships, and coordinated state outreach. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s trade missions, APEC hosting, and ongoing climate and trade partnerships, while Japan’s deputy consul general underscored Japan’s role as a major investor and trading partner and encouraged continued engagement. The first panel, featuring leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center Los Angeles, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California, focused on trade, tourism, and investment trends. Witnesses said tariffs and federal uncertainty are disrupting logistics, manufacturing, business travel, higher education, and tourism, with particular concern about port activity, international student declines, and reduced visitation from Asia. They urged California to remain “open for business,” invest in promotion and infrastructure, and use trade missions, MOUs, and sister-city ties to maintain relationships and attract investment. The second panel, with economist Kyle Handley and trade expert Glenn Fukushima, focused on the mechanics and consequences of tariffs. Both said tariffs function as taxes on importers and consumers, raise costs for businesses, and create uncertainty that delays investment, hiring, and supply-chain decisions. They warned that California is especially exposed because of its ports, cross-border trade, and reliance on global supply chains, and said new federal vessel fees and shifting trade routes could divert commerce away from California. They argued that the long-term damage includes lost growth and reduced U.S. credibility, and recommended that California “tariff-proof” its economy through faster ports, better infrastructure, export assistance, and reduced permitting barriers. In the final panel, representatives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center emphasized future opportunities and the needs of small businesses. They said California should deepen ties with Asia through conventions, tourism, and sector-specific partnerships in life sciences, clean tech, semiconductors, hospitality, and small business trade. The witnesses stressed that small and minority-owned businesses need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and state support, and that California’s economic strength depends on coordinated efforts across regions and industries.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and that's the next round, but, uh, so yes, there likely could be.
• Uh, and that's the next round, but, uh, so yes, there likely could be.
• Uh, and that's the next round, but, uh, so yes, there likely could be.
• Uh, and that's the next round, but, uh, so yes, there likely could be.
• Uh, and that's the next round, but, uh, so yes, there likely could be.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 FN, which expands prosthetic device insurance coverage from children to individuals over 19, with limits on activity-specific devices and one device every five years. Members noted an indeterminate fiscal impact beginning in fiscal year 2028, but speakers said the bill addressed a gap in current coverage and had already been supported unanimously in policy. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass. Next, Senate Bill 534 FN, dealing with compliance with foreign influence and funding restrictions for political expenditures and contributions, was discussed and then approved. Supporters said it clarifies that the restrictions apply to local elections and constitutional amendment questions as well as state and federal elections, and that enforcement costs would be minimal absent violations. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 538, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. Members discussed a proposed amendment to align the bill with related conference committee language in HB 221 and to address projects already in the pipeline, but the amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. The underlying bill was then recommended ought to pass on a 9-0 vote. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 541 FNA, which reallocates existing capital funds for regional drinking water infrastructure in southern New Hampshire, including PFAS-related work and the southern regional waterline project; after discussion of funding sources and project impacts, it was approved 9-0. Finally, the committee began work on Senate Bill 557 FN, which would prohibit liquor commission licensees from selling or allowing certain kratom products. Representative Sweeney offered an amendment intended to narrow the bill to target semi-synthetic and synthetic kratom products while preserving lawful natural products, and members discussed enforcement scope and fiscal impact. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on the amendment or bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Big round of applause for Riley Hope Guerrero.
• Let's give a round of applause to Senator Wirth for being A-OK. Okay, ready to go.
• Let's give a round of applause to Senator Wirth for being A-OK.
• Nice round of applause. Of course, great inspiration. Thank you all very much.
• A round of applause for Mr. Goodwin, please. Thank you, Senator Campos. Senator Hadamio: Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, the discussions we had going round and round on this is what is equitable. >> Thank you.
• ><00:35:29.280> is<00:35:29.520> what<00:35:29.680> is round and round on this is
• what is round and round on this is what is equitable.<00:35:30.560> Hey,<00:35:30.800> I
• alternative round um transportation alternative<03:33:17.200> program<03:33:17.600> round.
• In [snorts] alternative program round.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We went round and round and round, and I finally got a hold of an actual person and said, if you can
• no no we couldn't do it it it um<01:26:55.679> we<01:26:55.880> went<01:26:56.199> round
• <01:26:56.639> and<01:26:56.880> round<01:26:57.239> and<01:26:57.480> round
• <01:26:58.000> and um we went round and round and round and um we went round and round and
• round and I<01:26:58.280> said<01:26:59.239> I<01:26:59.480> finally<01:27:00.080

Keywords: 1183, house

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we had one round of that and so the Department of Juvenile Justice closed facilities and money was
• Uh, we had one round of that and so the Department of Juvenile Justice closed facilities and money was
• Uh, we had one round of that and so the Department of Juvenile Justice closed facilities and money was
• Uh, we had one round of that and so the Department of Juvenile Justice closed facilities and money was
• Uh we had one round<00:47:28.720> of<00:47:28.880> that<00:47:29.119> and<00:47:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 50, sponsored by Chair Storm and President Stivers, a broad probate and trust measure. Stivers and attorney Barry explained that the bill updates Kentucky probate and intestacy procedures to better fit electronic filing and modern family structures, adjusts inheritance tax classifications to reflect longer lifespans and more complex family relationships, and adopts newer trust tools used in other states, including electronic wills and directed trusts. They also described a domestic asset protection trust provision, saying it is intended to level the playing field with other states and is not meant to help people evade existing creditors; they noted one non-uniform section may have fiscal impact and could warrant referral to Appropriations and Revenue. Members asked about the asset protection trust language, especially whether it could shield assets after a lawsuit is pending or threatened. Barry said the bill would not allow transfers to defeat existing or threatened claims and that the protection only applies where there are no such claims at the time of transfer. Senators also discussed whether the trust could be used for spendthrift-style family planning, with Barry noting trusts can already be drafted for that purpose and that the bill is not aimed at that issue. Senator Thomas requested more detail on the inheritance tax changes, and Stivers explained that the bill would move more beneficiaries into the no-tax category because estates now often pass to older children, grandchildren, and step-relatives, creating unexpected tax liability. He and others said the changes were meant to reflect modern family patterns and longer life expectancy, and Thomas said he was not opposed to the tax changes but wanted the public to understand them. Tim Shank of the Kentucky Bankers Association testified that the bankers were not opposing the bill overall but had concerns about the domestic asset protection trust section, particularly its treatment of existing mortgages and creditor claims. He said the bill’s notice and claim-extinguishment provisions could create unintended consequences for mortgage holders, and he urged changes to protect existing debt. In response, Senator Thomas questioned whether a lender that takes no action for the bill’s six-month-to-two-year claim period should lose its claim, but Shank replied that federal mortgage rules and payment status could complicate that assumption. The discussion ended with acknowledgment that the mortgage issue was likely unintended and would need further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• move on<00:32:14.000> to<00:32:14.159> the<00:32:14.320> next<00:32:14.480> round
• /c><00:32:15.440> projects<00:32:15.840> that<00:32:16.000> we on to the next round
• of projects that we on to the next round of projects that we see<00:32:16.399> coming<00:32:16.559
• "Um, so it would be adding an additional state funds—uh, 7.9 million, 7.7 million, 7.5 million—rounded
• 42:55.200> million 7.9 million 7.7 million 7.5 million 7.9 million 7.7 million 7.5 million rounded

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriation for those selected institutions, multiplied that by 4.5% to determine those amounts, rounded
• 39.760> determine<00:32:40.240> those<00:32:40.480> amounts<00:32:41.039> rounded
• <00:32:41.360> it uh to determine those amounts rounded it uh to determine those amounts rounded
• c><00:40:38.960> of<00:40:39.119> the<00:40:39.359> performance from the next round
• of the performance from the next round of the performance funding<00:40:40.320> model.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its fifth and final Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education meeting, but did not initially have a quorum and approved the minutes later when enough members were present. The Council on Postsecondary Education, represented by President Aaron Thompson and Vice President Bill Payne, opened with condolences for the UPS crash victims and then presented higher education budget recommendations for the 2026-2028 biennium. Thompson emphasized the return on investment from state support for higher education, citing gains in retention, enrollment, persistence, graduation, reduced time to degree, lower student debt, and expanded dual credit participation, while noting that affordability and access remain priorities. Payne outlined CPE’s operating funds request, including $43.3 million in the first year and $86.6 million in the second year for inflation adjustments, plus $30 million and $45 million for performance funding. He said the inflation request would apply across the board to institutions to offset rising costs, and that the KSU land grant match would not need additional funding because the state has already met the matching requirement. He also explained that state support for educating students has not kept pace with inflation over time, creating pressure on institutional budgets and tuition, though tuition increases have been held to historic lows in recent years. A major portion of the discussion focused on the performance funding model and how it affects smaller institutions. CPE proposed two approaches to address institutions that have received little or no performance funding, especially Kentucky State University and Morehead State University. The first approach would create a $20 million minimum distribution pool, providing $1.95 million to each university and $4.4 million to KCTCS, with the goal of giving smaller and rural institutions a base level of support. The second approach would provide direct appropriations totaling a little over $5.6 million to Kentucky State, Morehead State, and five community colleges that have not been receiving performance funding. Members, especially Representative Tipton and Senator West, questioned how the model had treated small schools over time, and CPE officials explained that the original small school adjustment was not large enough to prevent KSU and Morehead from effectively being left out of the distribution. No votes were taken.