Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:10.120><c> The</c><00:49:10.480><c> biggest</c><00:49:10.840><c> issue</c><00:49:11.040><c
• :49:11.720><c> the</c><00:49:11.840><c> AG's</c><00:49:12.160><c> office</c><00:49:12.480><c> would</
• </c><00:49:20.400><c> that</c><00:49:20.560><c> we</c><00:49:20.640><c> have</c><00:49:20.800><c> a</
• > in</c><00:49:21.360><c> place</c><00:49:21.720><c> where</c><00:49:21.880><c> we</c><00:49:22.280><
• people</c><00:49:31.880><c> that</c><00:49:32.040><c> maybe</c><00:49:32.400><c> are</c><00:49:32.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :36.559><c> people</c><00:49:36.800><c> think</c><00:49:36.960><c> I'm</c><00:49:37.200><c> going</c>
• :49:46.800><c> figure</c><00:49:47.040><c> a</c><00:49:47.200><c> way</c><00:49:47.359><c> to</c><00:
• </c><00:49:49.599><c> in</c><00:49:49.839><c> a</c><00:49:50.000><c> scabbard</c><00:49:50.559><c> that's
• But that's neither<00:49:54.880><c> here</c><00:49:55.040><c> nor</c><00:49:55.280><c> there.
• They just say no.<00:49:57.119><c> we</c><00:49:57.440><c> just</c><00:49:57.520><c> don't</c><00:49:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so,<00:49:03.680><c> there's</c><00:49:03.920><c> that</c><00:49:04.160><c> opportunity</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:15.359><c> with</c><00:49:15.520><c> respect</c><00:49:15.920><c> to</c><00:49:16.079><c>
• ><c> wage</c><00:49:16.880><c> threshold</c><00:49:17.440><c> and</c><00:49:17.599><c> the</c><00:49:
• 75%</c><00:49:31.760><c> of</c><00:49:32.000><c> their</c><00:49:32.240><c> last</c><00:49:32.559><c>
• 00:49:37.280><c> with</c><00:49:37.520><c> le</c><00:49:37.839><c> they</c><00:49:38.000><c> retire</

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:09 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:42 Approval of Minutes: 00:03:23 Overview of Actuarial Audit Process: 00:03:47 Overview of Reemployment After Retirement Provisions: 00:25:26 Teachers’ Retirement System: 00:25:26 Kentucky Public Pensions Authority: 00:50:32 Adjournment: 01:02:55, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with quorum, approval of the prior minutes, and an announcement that the June meeting had been canceled and replaced by this combined May/June meeting; the next official PPOB meeting was announced for July 21 at 2:30. Staff then gave an overview of the Public Pension Oversight Board’s required actuarial audit process, explaining that House Bill 238 requires a review every five years of the retirement systems’ actuarial assumptions and methods, funded by the systems themselves. The presentation distinguished this audit from a financial or forensic audit, described the three possible audit levels (full replication, limited/spot review, or basic review), and noted that the last audit in 2021 was a level one performed by Milleman Consulting at a cost of about $190,000. Members discussed timing for the next audit cycle, with a request to LRC likely needed in July or August to target the June 30, 2026 valuation, and several members expressed interest in another level one review. Questions also addressed whether prior audits found major issues; staff said the 2021 review was generally clean but recommended more consistency in reporting and assumptions across systems. The committee then welcomed new staff and interns, including Odet Guanzi of KPPPA and Team Kentucky intern Amamira Bowman. Bo Barnes of the Teachers Retirement System presented an overview of the statutory framework for reemployment after retirement under KRS 161.605. He explained that the law is intended to let retirees return to help with staffing needs, do so in an actuarially sound way through required contributions, and keep TRS compliant with federal tax rules for a qualified plan under section 401(a). Barnes described the required breaks in service and earnings limits for retirees returning part-time or full-time, including the three-month or 12-month break depending on the employer, the 6,900-day limit, and the daily wage threshold based on years of service. He also noted a lightly used critical shortage program that allows school districts to hire retirees without a wage cap, while still observing the break-in-service rules. Members asked questions about who decides the scope and level of the actuarial audit, how the audit would treat leave balances and other benefit-related items, and whether the prior level one audit identified substantial problems. Staff said the committee would request the audit, but LRC would handle contracting, and that the audit scope could include items like sick leave and annual leave costs if requested. On the reemployment topic, Barnes emphasized that the rules are designed to avoid pre-arranged retire-and-return arrangements that could jeopardize TRS’s tax-qualified status. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and the meeting concluded with the presentations and discussion of these pension oversight issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• :49:01.319><c> can</c><00:49:01.480><c> go</c><00:49:01.640><c> in</c><00:49:01.760><c> front</c> or
• ><00:49:02.799><c> uh</c><00:49:03.799><c> whole</c><00:49:04.040><c> senate</c><00:49:04.359><c> for
• </c><00:49:04.559><c> crossover</c> after<00:49:09.880><c> I</c><00:49:10.520><c> I</c><00:49:10.640>
• <c> think</c><00:49:10.839><c> I</c><00:49:11.160><c> exec</c><00:49:11.880><c> out</c><00:49:12.880>
• </c><00:49:37.559><c> to</c><00:49:37.720><c> come</c><00:49:38.040><c> out</c><00:49:38.200><c> of</

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:49:02.079><c> I'll</c><00:49:02.319><c> just</c><00:49:02.480><c> read</c><00:49:02.559><c> it<
• </c><00:49:07.200><c> Um</c><00:49:08.079><c> I</c><00:49:08.160><c> want</c><00:49:08.319><c> to</c>
• <00:49:16.480><c> and</c><00:49:16.640><c> properly</c><00:49:17.040><c> consider</c><00:49:17.440><c
• um suggesting that<00:49:23.599><c> it</c><00:49:23.839><c> should</c><00:49:24.000><c> say</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:40.559><c> two</c><00:49:41.359><c> or</c><00:49:41.680><c> item</c><00:49:42.000><c> two,

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Economic Development Technology Committee met on April 17, 2025, to hear STR 121, a resolution to form a working group to explore legalized gaming in Hawaii. Supporters, including DBED, labor representatives, and some industry interests, argued the measure would allow the state to gather more information, consider economic growth, job creation, investment, and tax revenue, and include a range of viewpoints before any final policy decision. Several supporters emphasized that a working group would help ensure informed decision-making and community input. Opponents argued that legalized gambling would disproportionately harm low-income residents and Native Hawaiians, increase addiction and related social harms, and bring crime, corruption, and human trafficking. Some cited examples from other states, illegal game rooms in Hawaii, and concerns that gambling revenue would be limited while social costs would be high. Others said the conversation should be led by local communities rather than industry stakeholders, and one testifier requested community representation on any working group for a potential stadium-area project. The committee also heard from witnesses who framed the measure as a way to address money leaving the state and to create a regulated alternative to illegal gambling. No vote or final action on STR 121 was taken during the hearing, and the chair noted the committee would need to adjourn in time for floor session if the hearing ran long.

Transcript Highlights:

• > people</c><00:49:06.280><c> who</c><00:49:06.599><c> St</c><00:49:06.880><c> is</c><00:49:07.000><c
• :08.319><c> and</c><00:49:08.520><c> how</c><00:49:08.720><c> much</c><00:49:08.920><c> he</c><00:49:
• </c><00:49:16.000><c> other</c><00:49:16.240><c> people</c><00:49:16.440><c> saying</c><00:49:16.720>
• not</c><00:49:20.240><c> a</c><00:49:20.400><c> special</c><00:49:20.760><c> fying</c><00:49:21.000>
• ><c> far</c><00:49:28.119><c> we</c><00:49:28.280><c> came</c><00:49:28.520><c> or</c><00:49:28.680><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs opened its first meeting of the 33rd Legislature with housekeeping announcements, including live streaming, a two-minute testimony limit, and notice that the committee would reconvene later if technical problems forced an early adjournment. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that written testimony was already on file and that public testimony would be taken measure by measure. On SB 109, which concerns the relationship between Hawaiian and English versions of state laws, the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that broadly allowing the Hawaiian text to supersede English could create ambiguity, and recommended narrowing the bill to laws originally drafted in Hawaiian that were never later amended in English. The Judiciary supported the bill, saying it reinforces Hawaiian as an official language, while OHA and several individuals also supported it. Testimony in support emphasized the importance of honoring Hawaiian language and preventing it from being treated as secondary. The committee then heard SB 268 on burial councils and SB 269 on the OHA budget. SB 268 drew strong support from OHA-related witnesses and many members of the public, who said burial council quorum problems and delays have hindered protection of iwi kupuna; one Moka representative opposed the bill, arguing the island had not been adequately consulted and that the real issue was the state process rather than council size. SB 269 received support from OHA and public testifiers who said OHA should be strengthened and better funded to serve Native Hawaiian needs. The committee also heard SB 624 relating to Prince Jonah Kūhiō, with DHHL and OHA supporting the measure to display portraits of Prince Kūhiō in public buildings; testifiers said the bill would promote cultural pride, education, and recognition of his legacy. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was to<00:49:00.760><c> follow</c><00:49:01.080><c> up</c><00:49:01.280><c> on</c><00:49:01.440><c>
• comments<00:49:02.640><c> where</c><00:49:02.760><c> she</c><00:49:02.920><c> was</c><00:49:03.120><
• <00:49:13.080><c> all</c><00:49:13.240><c> of</c><00:49:13.320><c> the</c><00:49:13.400><c> different
• <c> at</c><00:49:19.200><c> those</c><00:49:19.800><c> to</c><00:49:19.920><c> your</c><00:49:20.120>
• ><c> think</c><00:49:25.800><c> it</c><00:49:25.880><c> was</c><00:49:26.000><c> the</c><00:49:26.080

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board met on January 12, 2026, to approve the December 10, 2025 minutes and continue finalizing its findings and recommendations. Members reviewed findings on administrative inefficiencies, Medicaid and workforce participation under HR 1, Medicaid budget growth, rural health transformation fund development, and provider tax/state-directed payment changes. The board approved a motion to change “pilot” to “partnership” in the workforce-related recommendation, and also adopted a technical amendment clarifying overlapping HCBS services by removing reference to adult daycare waiver services and revising the language to focus on reducing duplication, simplifying provider contracting, and standardizing processes across programs. A separate technical correction was noted to change “DMS” to “DPH” in the rural health transformation finding, to be handled in the final edits. Several findings drew discussion but no final substantive vote during the meeting. On the rural health transformation fund, Dr. Berg said Kentucky had done well in federal funding and noted limits on what could be shared publicly, while Commissioner Lee said a public website had been created and recommended the department reference be changed to the Department for Public Health. Finding five prompted extended discussion about provider taxes, state-directed payment reductions under HR 1, and whether the board should address the relationship between actuarial studies, MCO payments, and actual provider reimbursement more directly. Senator Meredith and others argued for a broader, more transparent baseline review of rates across provider groups, while Commissioner Lee said CMS will require certain fee schedule comparisons to Medicare beginning July 1, 2026, and that quarterly expenditure reports already go to LRC. The board did not finish resolving finding five during the meeting and agreed to return to it after staff prepared more explicit language. Members also discussed the possibility of an all-payers claims database as a better way to understand what is being paid across payers and services. No final vote on the full findings package was taken in the portion of the meeting provided, but the board did adopt the noted amendments and continued working through the remaining language.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:02.480><c> just</c><00:49:02.720><c> right</c><00:49:02.880><c> now</c><00:49:03.040><c> we're
• ><c> that</c><00:49:08.599><c> prompts</c><00:49:08.880><c> a</c><00:49:09.040><c> question</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:13.920><c> your</c><00:49:14.119><c> Builders</c><00:49:14.640><c> the</c><00:49:14.880><c
• build<00:49:17.799><c> to</c><00:49:18.160><c> higher</c><00:49:18.760><c> than</c><00:49:19.119><c>
• but<00:49:35.920><c> but</c><00:49:36.040><c> your</c><00:49:36.200><c> Builders</c><00:49:36.599><c

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:49:11.280><c> I</c><00:49:11.440><c> don't</c><00:49:11.520><c> know</c><00:49:11.520><c> if</c>
• Uh<00:49:14.559><c> the</c><00:49:14.720><c> fiscal</c><00:49:15.040><c> note</c><00:49:15.280><c> for
• So second all<00:49:34.880><c> right</c><00:49:35.200><c> Senator</c><00:49:35.599><c> Ples</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:38.720><c> Senator</c><00:49:39.040><c> Inis</c><00:49:39.520><c> is</c><00:49:39.760><c>
• :49:38.080><c> each</c><01:49:38.320><c> year</c><01:49:38.560><c> or</c><01:49:38.880><c> 2</c><01:49

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:02.800><c> where</c><00:49:03.040><c> they</c><00:49:03.280><c> were</c><00:49:03.839><c>
• Hawaii,<00:49:06.160><c> however,</c><00:49:06.800><c> shown</c><00:49:07.040><c> in</c><00:49:07.359
• </c> Math<00:49:34.079><c> was</c><00:49:34.319><c> more</c><00:49:34.640><c> significantly</c><00:49
• An eighth grade<00:49:38.480><c> math</c><00:49:38.880><c> shows</c><00:49:39.200><c> just</c><00:49:
• :49:57.920><c> can</c><01:49:58.159><c> do</c><01:49:58.239><c> is</c><01:49:58.400><c> get</c><01:49

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• does<00:49:01.720><c> just</c><00:49:02.000><c> because</c><00:49:02.280><c> of</c><00:49:02.599><c>
• <00:49:11.839><c> and</c><00:49:12.359><c> thank</c><00:49:12.480><c> you</c><00:49:12.599><c> for</c
• c><00:49:17.680><c> as</c><00:49:17.799><c> a</c><00:49:17.920><c> father</c><00:49:18.200><c> of</c>
• :49:20.160><c> know</c><00:49:20.359><c> ages</c><00:49:21.160><c> you</c><00:49:21.280><c> know</c><
• <00:49:30.319><c> being</c><00:49:30.559><c> said</c><00:49:30.839><c> one</c><00:49:31.040><c> thing

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:05 Roll Call: 00:00:14 SB 26: 00:01:50 SB 64: 00:18:29 SB 73: 00:22:54, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Chair Storm, would protect parents and prospective parents with disabilities by barring disability alone from being the sole basis for denying an adoption petition or terminating parental rights. Testimony from Judge Marcus Vanover and Crystal Adams described the bill as a product of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health and its work groups, cited Kentucky and national cases and federal ADA guidance, and said the bill would require consideration of supportive services, clearer documentation, retention of records, and conforming language changes. Senator Carroll asked how the bill would apply to a hypothetical adult child with special needs; witnesses said the bill is aimed at adoption and termination proceedings where the Cabinet is already involved, not proactive service requests. The committee approved SB 26 by a unanimous 7-0 vote and sent it to the floor with favorable expression. The committee next considered Senate Bill 64, also sponsored by Chair Storm, which would expand the definition of key infrastructure assets to include telecommunications services such as telephone lines and broadband and make damaging, tampering with, or rendering those services inoperable a Class D felony. Representatives from Charter/Spectrum and AT&T testified that copper theft and vandalism have increasingly damaged fiber and other facilities, citing more than 20 incidents in Kentucky in 2024 affecting over 30,000 customers and diverting resources from broadband expansion. The committee adopted a committee substitute and then passed SB 64 by a 7-0 vote with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 73, sponsored by Senator Julie Adams, which would create a felony offense for sexual extortion, allow victims or their representatives to bring civil actions, include the offense in Kentucky’s sex-crime definitions, and require school-based notification and education efforts along with resource information for students. Senator Adams and witness Lady T. Thompson described sextortion as a fast-growing online crime targeting minors, often through social media, gaming, and messaging apps, and argued that stronger penalties and prevention efforts are needed. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SB 73.

Transcript Highlights:

• back to<00:49:02.319><c> that</c><00:49:02.680><c> shortly</c><00:49:03.680><c> um</c><00:49:04.000><
• </c><00:49:07.640><c> uh</c><00:49:08.040><c> I'm</c><00:49:08.160><c> under</c><00:49:08.400><c> no<
• no Grand Illusion<00:49:09.359><c> that</c><00:49:09.520><c> the</c><00:49:09.640><c> math</c><00:49
• 00:49:12.119><c> it</c><00:49:12.280><c> is</c><00:49:13.000><c> uh</c><00:49:13.160><c> I</c><00:49:
• <00:49:17.559><c> caucus</c><00:49:17.880><c> for</c><00:49:18.079><c> actually</c><00:49:18.240><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:49:09.760><c> 326</c><00:49:10.720><c> H2</c><00:49:11.720><c> speak</c><00:49:12.040><c> to</c
• </c><00:49:13.640><c> of</c><00:49:13.799><c> the</c><00:49:14.000><c> value</c><00:49:14.319><c> and
• c><00:49:40.960><c> the</c><00:49:41.119><c> safety</c><00:49:41.440><c> of</c><00:49:41.599><c> the<
• ><c> as</c><00:49:43.920><c> chair</c><00:49:44.200><c> of</c><00:49:44.319><c> the</c><00:49:44.480>
• ><c> the</c><00:49:47.839><c> state</c><00:49:48.359><c> in</c><00:49:48.559><c> upholding</c><00:49:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 144 and House Bill 145, both related to professional licensing for dietitians and dental hygienists. HB 144 was described as a technical fix to align statute with existing Board of Dental Examiners rules allowing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, with supporters saying the bill would add needed training and examination requirements to statute. A dentist and dental society representative testified that the practice is already being done safely within scope, and committee members discussed whether nitrous oxide is still used and whether the bill was mainly to keep the paperwork and law consistent. The committee moved HB 144 forward on a 12-0 vote and placed it on consent. HB 145 would join New Hampshire to a dietitian licensure compact and add a criminal history check for initial licensure to match compact language. The sponsor and board witnesses said the compact would improve portability, support telehealth, help military families and spouses, and maintain public safety by ensuring qualified practitioners and information-sharing among member states. Committee members asked about withdrawal from the compact, the difference between single-state and compact licensure, and why a background check was included; the witness said the compact is not yet active, with four states enacted and seven needed, and that the background check is required by the compact language. Additional testimony from a private-practice dietitian supported the bill, citing continuity of care, rural access, and workforce mobility, while some members raised concerns about telehealth across state lines and the practical effect of the background check.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:01.799><c> Georgia</c><00:49:02.640><c> or</c><00:49:02.960><c> Texas</c><00:49:03.480><c>
• if you sort<00:49:04.000><c> of</c><00:49:04.160><c> like</c><00:49:04.280><c> got</c><00:49:04.440>
• <00:49:11.079><c> argument</c><00:49:11.720><c> but</c><00:49:11.960><c> and</c><00:49:12.160><c> and
• :13.760><c> in</c><00:49:14.000><c> the</c><00:49:14.880><c> you</c><00:49:15.000><c> know</c><00:49:
• 00:49:16.960><c> know</c><00:49:17.440><c> um</c><00:49:18.160><c> division</c><00:49:18.520><c> of</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> uh</c><00:49:29.760><c> I</c><00:49:29.800><c> think</c><00:49:30.080><c> Pedro</c><00:49:30.440
• ><00:49:35.960><c> for</c><00:49:36.600><c> banning</c><00:49:37.080><c> flavored</c><00:49:37.520><c
• So,<00:49:39.160><c> we</c><00:49:39.320><c> support</c><00:49:39.720><c> the</c><00:49:39.880><c> idea
• </c><00:49:49.640><c> Please</c><00:49:49.880><c> pass</c><00:49:50.120><c> this</c><00:49:50.280><c>
• 01:49:01.040><c> the</c><01:49:01.120><c> last</c><01:49:01.400><c> bill</c><01:49:01.560><c> on</c>

Bills: HB2614, HB1660, HB1704, HB1563, HB1573, HB1777, HB1749

Keywords: cosmetics, returns, refunds, consumer protection, high-pressure sales, transparency, accountability, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors, building permits, permit denial, permit suspension, permit revocation, wage theft, wages, benefits, hours

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2614, which would require merchants selling cosmetics to accept returns of newer unopened goods within specified time frames and expand signage requirements for return and refund policies. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection strongly supported the bill, citing updated figures of 180 cosmetic complaints from 2020 to 2025, 54 still under investigation, 148 referred to class action litigation, and more than $1.3 million in consumer losses. Members questioned whether the bill was needed given the pending lawsuit and whether bad actors would comply, while the office responded that clearer signage would improve consumer awareness and could reduce complaints without limiting other remedies. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 1660 HD1, which would allow counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny, revoke, or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations. DLIR, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, arguing the measure would help deter cheating contractors, protect law-abiding employers, and keep bad actors from undercutting wages and taxes. One member raised concerns about possible delays to affordable housing projects and whether owners should be held responsible for contractors’ misconduct; supporters replied that compliance is a minimum standard, that county action would be discretionary rather than automatic, and that the bill would not bar counties from working with affordable housing developers. No action was reported. Finally, the committee took up HB 1704, adopting the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the measure, saying it would help fill major staffing gaps, especially for forensic evaluations and services in rural and neighbor-island communities. The Board of Psychology raised concerns about the compact’s scope, the need for a study focused specifically on psychologists, background-check requirements, possible loss of regulatory authority and revenue, and the need to update older statutory provisions. Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the immunity language in the compact, and Shawn Scanlon opposed the bill, arguing it could weaken cultural responsiveness and local control and suggesting the state instead improve temporary licensing and other in-state pathways. The committee also questioned the Department of Corrections about its vacancies and whether telehealth could be filled by local providers; no vote was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :49:04.880><c> and</c><00:49:05.720><c> find</c><00:49:06.000><c> out</c><00:49:06.160><c> exactly</c
• square<00:49:07.000><c> footage</c><00:49:07.360><c> that</c><00:49:07.520><c> they</c><00:49:07.640>
• to replace.<00:49:09.000><c> And</c><00:49:09.120><c> it</c><00:49:09.240><c> made</c><00:49:09.560>
• </c><00:49:15.280><c> Chairman,</c><00:49:16.040><c> I</c><00:49:16.160><c> would</c><00:49:16.320><c
• </c><00:49:17.560><c> Um</c><00:49:17.800><c> I</c><00:49:17.880><c> will</c><00:49:18.080><c> say</c

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.520><c> or</c><00:49:00.680><c> is</c><00:49:00.839><c> that</c><00:49:01.000><c> just</c><00:49:
• /c><00:49:02.400><c> over</c><00:49:02.640><c> the</c><00:49:02.799><c> weekend</c><00:49:03.400><c>
• ><c> to</c><00:49:16.760><c> just</c><00:49:16.880><c> let</c><00:49:17.040><c> me</c><00:49:17.599><
• 49:18.960><c> so</c><00:49:19.640><c> we'll</c><00:49:19.880><c> recess</c><00:49:20.880><c> yes</c><
• 00:49:35.599><c> a</c><00:49:35.680><c> lot</c><00:49:35.839><c> of</c><00:49:35.960><c> us</c><00:49

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division II work session considered several amendments to HB 2. The first two items were rejected: a proposal to add a new “Lakes” license plate with proceeds to the cyanobacteria fund failed 7-8, and Amendment 1040, which would have imposed a 5% administrative fee on certain dedicated funds to raise general fund revenue, failed 4-5. Representative Maguire explained the fee would apply only to new revenue going forward and would not change existing fund balances; he also described exemptions for federal funds, bequests, and other special cases. Representative Murray questioned the consistency of the approach and who currently pays administrative costs, while Maguire said the charges are often handled case-by-case by agencies or the treasurer. The committee then revisited revenue distribution changes in HB 2. Members first reconsidered and reversed prior acceptance of sections affecting the Education Trust Fund, then adopted Amendment 1381H, which changes the distribution of business profits tax and business enterprise tax revenue, along with related sections, to shift more money to the General Fund. Supporters argued the change was needed to address revenue shortfalls and to align with historical distributions; opponents said it reduced support for education. The reconsideration motion passed 7-3, and the amendment itself passed 5-3. The committee also adopted Amendment 1413H, incorporating the language of HB 741 on open enrollment and student attendance in public schools. Supporters said it was House policy and had sufficient policy and fiscal impact to belong in HB 2; opponents noted the underlying bill had been controversial and passed the House by a relatively close margin. Finally, the committee considered a USNH budget reduction proposal that would cut the University System of New Hampshire by $25 million per year net. Supporters said the cut was necessary to balance the budget and that K-12 obligations had to take priority, while opponents argued the cut would harm workforce development, the state economy, and student retention. The transcript cuts off during extended debate, and no final vote on the USNH item is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you can see<00:49:12.319><c> um</c><00:49:12.400><c> in</c><00:49:12.720><c> that</c><00:49:12.960
• :49:14.880><c> table</c><00:49:16.000><c> um</c><00:49:16.079><c> there</c><00:49:16.319><c> were</c>
• 00:49:21.200><c> school</c><00:49:22.440><c> um</c><00:49:23.440><c> and</c><00:49:23.760><c> we</c>
• c> at</c><00:49:24.319><c> that</c><00:49:24.559><c> number</c><00:49:25.359><c> um</c><00:49:25.599>
• :49:33.119><c> stay</c><00:49:33.280><c> in</c><00:49:33.520><c> school</c><00:49:33.839><c> till</c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled roll call and approved the prior meeting minutes. Members discussed attendance and substitutions, then moved to the DHS commissioner’s update, which focused on New Hampshire’s Medicaid 1115 waiver and the new community re-entry initiative for people leaving correctional facilities. The presenter explained that the waiver lets the state cover certain services not normally covered under Medicaid, including substance use disorder treatment, serious mental illness services, adult dental benefits, and the new community re-entry component. She also noted that a separate youth re-entry component is federally required, with youth defined up to age 21 and foster-care-related coverage extending to age 26. The update described how the adult re-entry program works for incarcerated individuals with behavioral health needs, providing up to 45 days of pre-release services, care coordination with managed care organizations and DOC staff, telemedicine assessments, discharge prescriptions, insurance cards, and connections to community mental health, primary care, and substance use providers. For youth, the program includes more intensive case management, 30 days of pre-release services, and 30 days of post-release care coordination, with a stronger emphasis on screening, diagnosis, and holistic assessment. The presenter said New Hampshire received the adult waiver in July 2024, has implemented the program in state correctional facilities, and is beginning work at the youth center. Members and the presenter discussed why the program is structured as a waiver rather than a standard Medicaid benefit, with the explanation that CMS is allowing this as a newer policy area and that states generally pursue waivers for certain services. The chair and others emphasized the need for real cost and outcome data, and the presenter said an independent evaluator and evaluation plan are required under the 1115 waiver. Early results cited included 30 adults enrolled so far, 10 released, five youth enrolled with one released, and anecdotal early successes such as housing, employment, and better continuity of medication and treatment. The committee did not take any additional votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:49:01.359><c> evening</c><00:49:01.680><c> go</c><00:49:01.920><c> to</c><00:49:02.000><c> the
• 00:49:05.119><c> I</c><00:49:05.359><c> think</c><00:49:05.440><c> it'll</c><00:49:05.760><c> set</c>
• ><00:49:07.440><c> transition</c><00:49:07.839><c> to</c><00:49:08.079><c> a</c><00:49:08.240><c> new
• </c><00:49:08.880><c> how</c><00:49:09.040><c> we</c><00:49:09.200><c> fund</c><00:49:10.079><c> the<
• 00:49:11.520><c> So</c><00:49:12.160><c> longwinded,</c><00:49:12.720><c> but</c><00:49:12.880><c> I<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:49:00.560><c> this</c><00:49:01.240><c> this</c><00:49:01.520><c> train</c><00:49:01.920><c> is
• /c><00:49:13.040><c> that</c><00:49:13.760><c> that</c><00:49:14.359><c> this</c><00:49:14.560><c> is
• I<00:49:25.200><c> don't</c><00:49:25.520><c> like</c><00:49:26.400><c> the</c><00:49:26.520><c> path
• But I<00:49:28.920><c> know</c><00:49:29.120><c> one</c><00:49:29.280><c> thing,</c><00:49:29.600><c>
• </c><00:49:32.480><c> I</c><00:49:32.600><c> I</c><00:49:32.680><c> wish</c><00:49:32.960><c> for</c>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 02:38 SB 178 Discussion 03:36 SB 178 Roll Call Vote 43:10 SCR 66 Discussion 47:55 SCR 66 Roll Call Vote 53:48, 958, all